First Kentucky Rifle Regiment
Photo Supplied by Mr. Chris Robins
Discussion with Chris Robins
Mr. Chris Robins, History/Geography
Teacher at our local
West High School
in Cobourg, Ontario
Staying Engaged ...
Many reenactment events can take
place throughout several locations. For example, Wasaga Under Siege takes
on the shores of Georgian
Bay while the
encampment is located on Nancy Island, a short walking
distance away from each other. Some events this year will take place on the “Tall Ships” while other “land battles” may occur. Some event
organizers are poised with the challenge of “how to keep the audience
(spectators) engaged!” Chris Robins
had several suggestions here. One way is to have a “good MC”. The MC can narioate
the activities being portrayed to the audience. If they are good, they will
talk with the audience also, asking questions, “engaging” everyone. They
should be able to tell the crowd and onlookers not only what the reenactors are
doing … but why. The sound system should be adequate to accommodate the wind,
external noises around the environment. Chris
said a great way to “keep engaged” is to have “Drill
Competitions”. Demonstrations can take place, then, invite the audience
to participate. Either by encouraging the youth and adults to practice drill
lines and maneuvers, or the reenactors themselves can have competitions. The
audience could vote for the Best Close
Order Drill, the Best Skirmish Drill,
the Best Crowd Pleaser, and so on. Both the “voting” and the “participating”
could enhance the “rolls of engagement” at an event. These simple actions might
help build the void in any time delays during an event, such as a ship taking
longer to dock, etc.
Mr. Chris Robins has a great website up and running and I highly recommend you check out
the website at (cdciwestreenacting.westhistory.net)
to see where to view all the activities Mr.
Robin’s and his mates have planned for this year.
(To Be Continued)
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