Basics of Historical Interpretation
Expanded from an outline of a presentation by Eric Ferguson
Introduction and Bylaws
Interpretive
Clothing
Scottish Culture
History
Music and Dance
Military Life
Language
Bibliography, Sources
and Library Materials
First Person Interpretation: You are the character from history that you portray, with the limited knowledge of the world they would have as that person. This requires the most from the patrons since it forces them to play along with you.
My time/ Your time: You are the character from history, but you have unlimited knowledge. You can make comparisons to what your audience already knows. This requires little or no role-playing from the visitor.
Third Person Interpretation: All role-playing is dropped, including any dialect. Your are yourself, a twentieth century person, teaching a twentieth century patron about history - a "tour guide" simply wearing historical clothing. This is often the easiest method, as it requires no play-acting, and requires the least from the visiting patron.
When to use which method
1. Start out in First Person and try to bring the visitor into our world. Continue as long as the patron is playing along, or until you can't give any more information. This is the best way to show attitudes, or social relations.
2. Use My time/ Your time when you audience doesn't understand, or wish to join in the role-playing of First Person. It can also be used when you cannot answer a question in a period manner, or you need to make a comparison the visitor can understand.
3. Use Third Person when the audience simply does not understand either of the first two methods or in an unhistorical situation. Any time safety is involved, use Third Person to be sure they understand you are not playing with them.
Basics for speaking to the public
Always greet people, at least to the extent of acknowledging their presence. Let them know they are not intruding on what you may be doing. Patrons are often too bashful to ask questions, greeting them helps them to know they are welcome.
Get their attention, perhaps by urging them to help with something, see a demo, or drawing them into a skit/interaction.
Go off on any topic a patron shows an interest in, no matter how small the indication.
Lead to questions, by mentioning something/ someone without explanation.
If you don't know something, don't be afraid to admit it. Try to direct patrons to another member who might have the answer.
Think about your interactions with patrons later. Using 20 - 20 hindsight can improve your future interactions.
Humor can make you more interesting, but remember to stay in period, and be sure the patron understands the joke. Don't let them walk away with misinformation because they didn't understand that you were pulling their leg.
Be aware of audience sight-lines. If you can see and hear your audience, they can see and hear you.
Maintain your character unless you're certain there is no one around, or circumstances require it.
Acting is also reacting. If you're uncomfortable starting a skit, or interaction, just be responsive when some else tries to start something. In time you'll pick it up.