Interpretive Skits by Charles Knutson

Contents Introduction and Bylaws Interpretive Clothing Scottish Culture History Music and Dance Military Life Language Bibliography, Sources and Library Materials

While we often try to draw a line between "acting" and "historical interpretation," we can't deny that good acting can go a long way to help an interpretive presentation. The primary point to remember is that we are trying to teach, not just entertain our visitors. Obviously, not every "skit" can be planned as we interact with each other and our visitors. A certain amount of our interactions are always going to be "ad-lib," or improvisation. However, the purpose of the Clann, as written in the bylaws, is to educate ourselves and the public. Therefore, sketches should be "interpretive skits" whenever possible and provide visitors with a chance to learn something. The first question when we do plan a skit should be "What information are we trying to pass on?" or "What can a visitor learn from this?" A good source for interpretive skits is to correct assumptions or misconceptions held by our audience, or supply them with information that might show how life or customs have changed. Examples: - Unlike later centuries Scots regiments did not wear the kilt out of national pride. In fact, officers, especially those above the rank of sergeant would probably be embarrassed to wear the kilt because they would be associated with their "barbaric" cousins at home. - Prices and weights of goods were regulated by the regiment. Sutlers or crafters not dealing fairly would be dealt with very severely - being expelled from the baggage train and having their goods confiscated was probably the best they could hope for. - Soldiers were known to have become ill upon reaching the continent from suddenly eating a richer diet than their bodies were accustomed to in the Highlands. - The company surgeon was often the last person you would want to consult about an illness or injury. Doctors did anything to avoid military service because of the low pay, thus leaving many positions open to be filled by quacks and fakes. The following brief outline may help plan skits, or scenarios. 1. Title: 2. "Cast" required (Number and type - officers? crafters?): 3. Scene/location: 4. Length (No longer than 15 minutes. Sketches should also be complete in themselves - visitors shouldn't have to wait around, or come back to learn  the end, or you are getting too complex): 5. Teaching Points - What do you want the audience to learn? (best limited to 1 per sketch): 6. Props (keep to a minimum, eliminate anything unnecessary, or possibly distracting. If they're looking at the props they're missing the lesson!): 7. Summary of action: 8. Safety considerations: 9. Sources/Documentation: