Domestic Guilds

Scholars Guild

           In the Middle Ages, scribes sat at desks and copied books by hand so that these texts could be kept and used through the ages. The knowledge these texts contained may have only held importance with a small number of people, but that was not the issue; the preservation and passing on of knowledge was. It is with this same spirit that the Scholars Guild of the AOA strives to reach the people of the AOA as well as our audience, not only to educate them further on the tales we tell, but also to enlighten them of the truth of a very dark time in European history. Within this guild members can learn many things, not only about the Arthurian Legends, but also the Middle Ages. Fact and fiction, myths and legends, it is all available in the AOA’s ever-growing Library. Not only in works of published authors, but in writings by members of the AOA as well. The AOA, many times during the year, is asked to appear at schools to educate through lecture, performance, display, and/or demonstrations.

Song & Dance Guilds

In the courts of Kings and even in the smallest village, one could always find time for a song and, if the occasion called for it, a dance. From the grandest of stately balls, to the simple celebrations of the peasant folk, someone was always there to entertain with a song; songs of heroes, songs of lovers, songs of great battles, songs about anything. Dances were a great way to meet people, to talk with others about foreign affairs, or to just have a good time while getting a little exercise. In the AOA, dances and songs are used as a way to entertain, not only ourselves, but our audience as well. Within these guilds, one can learn all manner of songs and associated dances. When it comes to dances, there are many sorts to be learned, from slow & stately, to the fast and whimsical. Song and Dance shows are performed at professional venues and social functions, to the enjoyment of both performer and patron.

Drama Guild

Before William Shakespeare was even born, thespians roamed the country in wagons, traveling from town to town, to entertain the people and try to bring a bit of hope to their meager lives. With the same intent stands the Drama Guild of the AOA. Performing plays of the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table for our audiences requires a certain bit if theatrical knowledge and understanding. This is the place where people learn about stage acting (for presentations such as human chessboards) and skills of crowd interaction and speaking “Forsoothly”. Crowd interaction is the ability to hold a crowd captive with either a rehearsed “bit” or just by adlibbing your way through polite conversation with a patron of a fair without breaking character.  As the Drama Guild is geared towards the improvement of both the confidence of the performer and the performance itself, these things are taught to all members of the AOA.

Sewing Guild

A part of everyday medieval life, sewing in the AOA encompasses more than simply stitching up an old pair of socks. When the AOA does anything: performances, rehearsals, feasts, etc., one cannot turn their head without seeing the influence of the Sewing Guild. From the cloths upon the feast tables, to the banners, to the dresses and tunics we wear. In the Sewing Guild, a member of the AOA can learn how to make their own costume pieces, learn the differences between garments of the 10th century and those of the 15th, as well as skills such as embroidery.

Feast Guild

The word ‘feast’ conjures up many different images.  Often the first thing people think of is a smelly, dark hall with bones being thrown over the table and grease pouring down the arm of the unwashed slobs that would frequent the household.  This is neither accurate for the time nor does it hold true for the feasting done in the AOA.  Historically, feasts would come after many weeks and sometimes months of fasting.  Feasting was a time to celebrate major holidays and gather with friends and family for merriment and fun. Within the AOA there are three major and three minor feasts that occur within the year following the Pagan/Christian calendar.  The atmosphere of the feasts ranges from high formal to casual.  The differences of the atmosphere are dependent upon what activities are going on during the feast.  These feasts provide members an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the food of the Middle Ages (in most cases).  In this guild, a member can learn as much or as little as they want to know about Medieval Cooking and they have the opportunity to host a feast if they wish.

Our six feasts are:

YULE—this high formal feast is usually held in late December or early January

CARNIVAL—this casual feast is held before Medfair

BELTAINE—this low formal feast is held in May

MIDSUMMERS—this low-formal feast is held in the middle of summer

BLACK SCAB —pub themed

SAMHAIN—this formal feast is usually held around All Saints Day