Captain Emerald Shaunassey

Oh Rummy, I bae extremely jealous o' ya lass! Enjoy if for all o' us who wish and dream but cannae make it .... yet. Travel safe and enjoy all ya can! Will be looking for your full length report once ya get back. Cap'n Emerald.

After 19 pages o' pics, seems only fair that I be postin' some o' m' own, intimidating as it may be! The first tis m' avatar, only bigger: The second tis m' with the ship's flag: Last one tis one o' m' favorites (ya may have to click on the link ta be seeing the picture): http://www.theladiesofthesaltykiss.com/Eme...Advance2005.JPG Cheers Cap'n Emerald

Oi! Diamond, 'bout time I see ya on here! Well now, if'n we be talking SODM then, aye, I be a member o' that one as well but shhh! dinnae be tellin' anyone! See ya this weekend, Mate! Cap'n Emerald

No apologies needed as far as I be concerned, Lady. I took no offense at anything ya said. I was just adding my two pence to assist in any way possible. It will take all of us, performers, enthusiasts and hard core reenactor to make a go of this festival and others of it's ilk. And if those involved (in any capacity) can spark the flame in those who attend - all the better for folks like yourself and myself to fan those flames of interest and delight in ALL things piratical to a higher level. we each, in our own way and style, have a job to do to keep the dreams and ideals alive in those less fortunate, non-pirate souls. With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Greetings, Mark yar calendars for Jan 14, 2006 and Jan 28th & 29th, 2006. On the 14th, join some of the performers and cast members of the 2nd Annual Scarlet's Mid-Winter Festival for a "Faire Day" at Java Dave's in Edmond, Ok (9 South Broadway, Edmond, OK, 73034). Then come out to the Festival on Jan 28th & 29th at the OKC Fairgrounds, OKC, Ok. For more information go to: http://scarletfest.com/ Here's to seein ya there! Cap'n Emerald

At present, there be no critter perching on my shoulder. Don't really care for monkeys a'tall and parrots are pretty but an expensive animal to care for. M'cats are lap cats only and don't care much for being toted around on the shoulder. Ah well, one less thing I have to lug around a faire with me all day long. Cap'n Emerald

The "appeal to the general audience" is where performance troupes such as mine and the gentlemen of the "Scurvvy Dawgs" come in at. We are not as "scary/intimidating" to the general populace as a full on, hard core re-enactor would be. We tend to be the "bridge" between the hollywood ideals and the real thing. It is our job to entertain, educate and inspire inquisitiveness in the patrons - all in an effort to encourage real research into the true history. Here's to seeing ya there, Lady! With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Dinnae fash, Hurricane - no harm, no foul. Em

Mad Jack, I prefer the sounds of a solid wood alto recorder, though the plastic ones are not bad - the notes are more melodic with wood - at least in my humble opinion. Sopranos are good though, tis hard on my ears anymore with the high notes. Any reputable music store should be able to assist you in order/obtaining recorders. With the bodhran, if the music stores in your area do not carry them in stock, they may be able to order them for you - though, in some stores, you may have to do some educating about the bodhran (some clerks know it as an irish hand drum, some don't have a clue). Some of the mail order celtic companies carry bodhrans and the instructional videos - shop around and find one that is right for you and your needs. Just bear in mind, humid weather does affect the tone and quality of the real skin heads. Good luck in your shopping! Cheers Cap'n Emerald

Indeed, well I do know that fall is the hurricane season. Was my poor choice in wording though that did throw ya, Hurricane. I did cast my vote for May 2007 and should not have used the word "fall" before my actual choice of time/month. Sorry for the confusion! With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

My troupe's favorite spot is "Blackbeard's" on Corpus Christi beach. The interior looks rather like a patchwork of several ships and a few houses, very rough looking but homey none-the-less. Pub situated between two sections of resturant where one can enjoy live music on some Saturday nights while you dine on the fresh catch of the day. And if the weather is nice, feel free to perch on one of the outside barstools to enjoy the sea breeze on your face while you dine (or watch one of the local lubbers put themselves in the stocks!) If you are ever in the area, stop in and check 'em out, you won't be disappointed. Cap'n Emerald

This would be a wonderful thing to see and be part of. However, my vote would have to fall for May 2007 for me and my crew to participate - this is simply due to the fact that I graduate in early 2007 and what better way to celebrate two long and grueling years in RN school than to party in Port Royal? Just my two bits worth - keep us all advised of progress Hurricane. With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Indeed, Lady Barbossa, m' crew and I are hopin' to be there as well. Just awaitin' official word. Would be grand if the midwestern pyrates (and some of our coast brethern) could be joining us to make this event a rousing success. Cap'n Emerald

In another life, I played: Trombone, E flat Sax (self taught) Piano 5 recorders Fife began the Coronet then lost interest A lot of percussion instruments (to many to list) Now: Bodhran (self taught) At least the bodhran is easy to tote around and looks appropriate with the garb. Cheers Cap'n Emerald

Hmm... let me recollect. Not talked to any on the phone - only met in person Capt'n MacNamara (such a cutie, see you again at Norman luv) Cap'n Rum Lady (don't know if she still posts here or not, haven't seen her since Four Winds) Thomas B. (haven't seen him on the pub in a long while) Merrydeath and I believe it was Scupper I met also at KCRF but don't be holding me to it. Nice folk all around, will have to find my way to some of the "hot spots" for the rest of you lot. Here's to all of ya ... Happy Holidays With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Though I chose entertainer, I also consider myself to be an educator and a re-enactor. I too, like many of my comrades, attempt to educate the general populace (mundanes) about the real history of the time through the use of historical tidbits, stories of documentable persons as well as my attire and accessories. Though I do currently have the kit to do complete historically accurate re-enacting, I do what I can with what I can find and use, always researching for the truest source of information to guide my decisions on fabric, color scheme, patterns, etc. My motto has always been that of my mentor, "An actor's job is three fold: It is to Entertain the Patron, Educate the Patron without them being aware of it and To make the Patron feel good about themself." Words that still guide me to this day, nearly a decade after beginning in the ren faire world. Just my two bits Cap'n Emerald

I am the creator, manager, producer, webmistress and Captain of "The Salty Kiss." My crew is known as "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss" or "TLotSK." While we are ren faire based, we have done historical demonstrations at local public schools, movie promotions, a summer reading program and finale feast as well as faire (tv and live) promotions. We are an all female crew who's characters portray Crown Privateers. On stage, we perform both staged and improvisational comdey shows. We also have a "bad habit" of taking over the nearest lane at a faire for a game of bocci or "pyrate lunch" (in the middle of the lane) or for a short "pyrate nap" (love to hear the kids and adults holler when one of the "dead" pirates jump! ). Each of the crew bears a "gem name" and our costuming reflects that gem name (following the ren faire performers "10 foot rule of recognition"). "The Kiss" started out four years ago during a stint I pulled on the noble court at a local ren faire. It wasn't until the next year that things started flowing, with a few of my fellow rennie ladies asking to join the "crew" - and by sheer scheduling misunderstanding with a major faire that the stage show side of "The Kiss" came about. Three years later, we are still performing at ren faires and other venues. Currently, I am researching the logistics of beginning my own Pirate Festival when my stint at the local University is completed. Until that day, "The Kiss" will continue as it always has - writing our own comdey shows and routines, and creating our props from things a pirate would have on board as cargo. For more information on "The Kiss" and to see our gallery, visit www.theladiesofthesaltykiss.com and follow the links. With Respects, Capt'n Emerald

Now William, might I humbly suggest that if you find the faires in your locale to be lacking, that you get involved and make 'em better? :) Faires are only as good as the enthusiasm of the participants. And each faire, no matter their size or tickets sales, has something to teach a person and a lil' something makes each one special. I for one love the heart that is evident in each of the Tx faires I have had the honor of working at. Perhaps you will come out and support this newest faire - yes it is small and yes, this is it's first year. But even TRF was a small first year faire at one time. Hail in return, Tempest! I look forward to crossing path's with you and your mates. Indeed, we too have been given approval thus far to perform Halloween weekend at TRF; am hoping to have that confirmed within the next week for scheduling purposes. Perhaps The Kiss shall encounter you at both places. Until the week's end, fair winds to ya! With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Let me start off by saying "Thank you" to all who have offered insights and theories to the world of Piracy; both historical and fantasy. As one who is a long time Rennie and who owns their own production troup - I do things ALOT differently. First, we are set during the Late Tudor - Early Cavalier periods due to the faires/festivals we perform at. Second, we portray an all (blantant) female privateer crew (yes, I have tweaked the historical accuracy for the sake of marketing angles that get us hired around the county). Third, we are all trained lane actresses that perform a comedy stage show (we work the lanes in between show times). Fourth, our costuming is a close to period for the time lines we run as money and sewing abilities can afford; keeping always in mind the "sensibility" factor of no twisted/sprained ankles at the day's end, we opt out on period shoes (would just have to have way to many pairs to cover all the periods and I'm *not* lugging around that much stuff!) and got for what the public recognize as "pirate boots." Fifth, I opted to not go with GAoP and for something older that a) hadn't been done/done alot of and that allows us to dovetail into ren faires/fests. For our costuming, I do the research on design and fabrics - all naturals with colors that could be found during the periods (but that also allows us to be seen and recognized from 10 feet away and also fits our character's Gem names). I allow my girls free range with their ideas on costuming within the guidelines and attempt to always have a documentable source for them to compare their ideas to. Some of the girls prefer to wear skirts that look like they have been cut down from traditional women's dress. Others, like myself, prefer to mix male and female clothing together; I wear men's knee pants, a woman's chemise and bodice, a man's hat (a converted felt colonial tri-corn into a proto cavalier hat). I opt for a pair of knee high boots not only for the "flash" effect but also to support weak ankles (bloody family genetics!). I further twist my character in that she an Irish Catholic and third generation merchantman. I carry what is probably considered a more "hollywood" cutlass with matching boot dagger and an eating dagger on my 3" belt (along with my took and spoon, two pouches, tankard and bowl). Again, my belt probably isn't completely period but, it is handmade, supports the back and the junk I haul around for 10+ hours each faire day and looks good with the bodice. Granted, alot of what we do and the character backstories (that are a must for the troup) are based off of conjecture of documentable resources but let's face it - in Oklahoma - there just aren't to many authentic reenactors, museums or events for 16th century privateers. Pirates of the Arkansas River during the antebellum era would be closer to period for the locale but just as difficult to find! Our flashy side does include jewlery "taken from prizes," more blades than you can shake a stick at and non-firing firearms spanning several centuries (this kids love this aspect of us). We play period dice games and card games (with our trusty period cards) in the lanes and invite the patrons to join us and win "booty" from us (be it beads, coins .. whatever). We do comedy because not everyone in the troupe can sing (that's where it would turn into a tragedy rather quickly!) and because there are a TON of talented singing pirate groups out there already. And we have fun portraying a group of barely legal pirates who believe they can break out into the newly attractive avenue of theatre. We try to keep our props down to what seafarer's would have in their possession but, it doesn't always work that way for the sake of the "funny." We have done a variety of events outside of faires - movie promos for both PoTC and Master & Commander, a photo shoot on "The Nina" last fall (that was TOTALLY awesome!), school educational programs and trick-or-treating the elderly in the nursing home where I work mundanely. The children's shows we have written are a 15 minute story of the life of a documentable female pirate and/or privateer; ranging from myths spanning back to 600 B.C. to confirmed, historical pirates like the Lady Killigrew and Grace O'Malley. The way I was trained for ren faires was a tri-approach; 1) Entertain the patrons, 2) Educate the patrons without them knowing they've gotten an education and 3) Make the patrons feel good about themselves. That is what I strive for with my troup on a daily basis. We are known for singling out the people that today's society deem "outside the norms and accepted guides of beauty/handsomeness" and we make a hulla-ballo over how great they are. The single biggest thrill of my acting career has been seeing the look of joy steal over a child afflicted with Down's Syndrome as you dub them "The Dread Pirate Sinbad the Sneaky." That look tells me we are doing our jobs correctly. We would love to be able to afford (both time and money-wise) to make the complete switch over to historical reenactments but, it just isn't possible at this time for several reasons. I do however, admire (and am evious of) those who are currently pursuing that avenue but somehow, after reading some of the posts about the truly historical side of Piracy - I don't think I'd fit in very well with my fellows. I like making people smile and feel good about themselves to much to be serious enough to give a 5 minute discussion of what life was truly like aboard ship. I will leave that to the pro's and if lucky enough to work with any of them, gladly be the "color" and "clown" pirate. :) As it has been eluded it but not yet truly mentioned - it takes both kinds of actors to make the world of Piracy go 'round. I'm proud to say I portray a type of pirate (legalized and taxed tho' we be). My hat's off to all of you - authentic reenactor, fellow professional clown, Hollywood Sparrow and Barbosa ... aspiring pirate. The world be a better place for all of you. Enough of the rambling ... mundane college nursing work calls to me .. again. Fair Winds and Smooth Sailin' to you all ... where e'r your course may lie. With respects, Cap'n Emerald P.S. Please excuse the ramble. And as a disclaimer - this is not a "dis" or "slam" of anyone or anything.

Aye, tis true what Blackbeard does say. Make plans to come out and join m'self and the rest of The Ladies of the Salty Kiss, The Bilge Pumps and Scottish Mayhem as we kick off this wond'rful first year faire! Havin' seen Blackbeard's treasures a'fore, ya want tae buy as many as ya can! Here's tae seein' ya all in a fortnight! Capt'n Emerald

Hail One an' All, Aye, I ken it has been quite some time since last I showed m' face 'round these parts. Been ... busy ... aye tis m' story an' I be stickin' to it. At any rate - m' crew, "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss" and I shall bae invadin' Scarby 28 - 30 May. We will bae relaxin' some an' playin' our shows some (High Tower Square). Sae, look for us, stop an' say "Allo". Until then, fair winds Cap'n Emerald Shaunassey

Greetings, Keltic Dragon Productions: "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss", a renaissance faire based performance troupe located in NE Oklahoma, is holding open auditions on Saturday, December 18th, 2004. Events and contracts are opening up and I am needing to hire three more actresses for full time positions with the troupe. Interested ladies should: Be 18 years of age or older Be available for full time performance with troupe Have flexible scheduling for weekend rehearsals and performances (this means being available on weekends (may include some Fridays and Mondays) for events) Have reliable transportation Have valid Driver's License and auto insurance Have sufficent income to cover travel expenses, costuming and prop purchases Have personal health insurance coverage Be willing to drive/carpool to events as needed Have an outgoing personality Have desire to learn this style and type of acting and desire to travel Be Responsible, Dedicated and Professional Be willing to camp out either with modern or period camp gear Possess a vivid imagination Have a sense of Humor and quick wit Have an interest in History and bringing history to life Be familiar with Improvisational comedy or be willing to learn Be able and available to travel 8-9 months of the year, around the country to work various events Be a team player Have a valid, working e-mail that you have access to at all times Have a clean criminal record and be free from the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. No experience is necessary, chosen candidates will receive training (if needed). Candidates face a 5-10 minute audition of acting skills (no singing or dancing, please) followed by up to a 10 minute personal interview by group owner (Captain Emerald). Allow 30 minutes for entire audition process. Please, serious inquiries ONLY. If you are interested and can meet all of the requirements, please send an e-mail with a subject line of "TLotSK Auditions" immediately to schedule an appointment. Additional information (including driving directions) will be e-mailed back to responders. Audition results will be e-mailed within two weeks of audition date unless some unforseen emergency arises. Thank you for you time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you. With Respects, Captain Emerald Creator, Owner & Manager of KDP: "TLotSK"

Greetin's One an' All - Just ta let ya'll know that "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss" will be invadin' Ingleside, Tx (again) this coming weekend; December 11 & 12 to perform for the Ingleside Renaissance Faire. This is the second year for the crew tae join ranks with this event. Come on out and enjoy the faire and the shows; look for us on the King's and Queen's Stages (Three shows on Saturday and Four shows on Sunday). This is the southern most faire that the crew performs at and it is well worth the 12 hour drive to get there! Have a grand eve With Respects, Cap'n Emerald

Firethorn, Figure out just how many "gigs" you and your group want to do - figure up the travel time, expenses, etc and be able to present a ball park estimate of time, commitment and out-of-pocket expenses each person will be responsible for. For example, if your group is landlocked like mine is - will you be able to attend a tall ships gathering or even a gathering like PiP? If you are the one starting this venture - you need to sit down and figure up basic expected rules of conduct, costuming, etc. I failed to do this when I first started my group, making the fatal mistake of thinking we were all a group of adults and would allow common sense to dictate. How wrong I was in the end! Just because you deal with adults doesn't mean the group will never have problems. As Hawkyns said - figure out what you want to do and what you want your group to be. Once you have figured that out, being by posting advertisments for applications and auditions; I strongly urge anyone who is going to do any kind of improv acting to hold auditions so that you get a feel for the prospective person and they for you. Will you list this group as a Non-Profit or will you (or someone else) be footing the bill for gear, kit and props? What kind of tax submission information will you need? Will you be using a CPA to keep reciepts and such straight or do the book keeping yourself? I agree with Hurricane (again speaking from personal, hard won experience) - do not allow it to become a democracy. Someone is the boss and that person's word is the law. Opinions and input are always great but, let them know from the get-go that if they do not work the good of the entire group - they probably won't be implemented. And as Hurricane stated, if the prospective people do not seem committed to the course, fire 'em! They will only bring the entire group down and cause a rift. Things of this nature demand 100% commitment or else they do not work. It is just that simple. If you have songs or lines that must be memorized and rehearsed, you need people who are willing to be there for those rehearsals - not people that just show up in garb at the performance and expect to be at their best. Most importantly, remember that the rewards far out weigh the issues and work that goes into a group effort such as this. I commend you in your endeavors and if I can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact me, I will do all I can to assist you. Best of luck and good fortunes find ya With Respects, Captain Emerald Shaunassey Creator, Owner and Manger of "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss"

Firethorn, Figure out just how many "gigs" you and your group want to do - figure up the travel time, expenses, etc and be able to present a ball park estimate of time, commitment and out-of-pocket expenses each person will be responsible for. For example, if your group is landlocked like mine is - will you be able to attend a tall ships gathering or even a gathering like PiP? If you are the one starting this venture - you need to sit down and figure up basic expected rules of conduct, costuming, etc. I failed to do this when I first started my group, making the fatal mistake of thinking we were all a group of adults and would allow common sense to dictate. How wrong I was in the end! Just because you deal with adults doesn't mean the group will never have problems. As Hawkyns said - figure out what you want to do and what you want your group to be. Once you have figured that out, being by posting advertisments for applications and auditions; I strongly urge anyone who is going to do any kind of improv acting to hold auditions so that you get a feel for the prospective person and they for you. Will you list this group as a Non-Profit or will you (or someone else) be footing the bill for gear, kit and props? What kind of tax submission information will you need? Will you be using a CPA to keep reciepts and such straight or do the book keeping yourself? I agree with Hurricane (again speaking from personal, hard won experience) - do not allow it to become a democracy. Someone is the boss and that person's word is the law. Opinions and input are always great but, let them know from the get-go that if they do not work the good of the entire group - they probably won't be implemented. And as Hurricane stated, if the prospective people do not seem committed to the course, fire 'em! They will only bring the entire group down and cause a rift. Things of this nature demand 100% commitment or else they do not work. It is just that simple. If you have songs or lines that must be memorized and rehearsed, you need people who are willing to be there for those rehearsals - not people that just show up in garb at the performance and expect to be at their best. I commend you in your endeavors and if I can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact me, I will do all I can to assist you. Best of luck and good fortunes find ya With Respects, Captain Emerald Shaunassey Creator, Owner and Manger of "The Ladies of the Salty Kiss"