What is Shattock?The Shattock School
of Defence is a renaissance themed touring
company that performs a program of 3-4 different
25-30 minute original shows incorporating
comedy, combat and chaos at renaissance faires,
Shakespeare festivals and community events
throughout the Midwest and beyond.
How did the name originate?
In middle English, a shattock (shattuck) is a
shack or out building. When the company’s
founder ran away from his life of … ahem, he
changed his name to the alias O’Shattock and
named his new traveling thespian company after
himself. Why he chose to name the company after
an outhouse is lost to history.
Do I need to have previous stage combat or
theater experience before auditioning for
Shattock?
No. While previous experience or skill in
stage combat, acting, improv, physical comedy,
or theatrical movement will be useful to new
company members, the majority of current and
past Shattock company members possessed little
or no experience in one or more of these areas
when they joined the company. Only an enthusiasm
to work, learn, and contribute is required.
What kind of time commitment is required
of company members?
Shattock’s preseason begins in March with
rehearsals, lessons, and program development.
During this phase of our season, company members
are expected to be available Sunday afternoons,
and able to schedule small group work during the
week.
Shattock’s season runs from early May to mid
October. Most seasons include 5-8 weekends
traveling to events in the Midwest. Usually, the
company leaves Friday night and returns Sunday
night. Once or twice a year we may perform at
events farther away necessitating a longer
travel time.
While we expect our company members to make
Shattock a priority, the company understands
that family events and personal schedule
conflicts occasionally make certain events
impossible for a company member to attend. With
enough notice allowances can be made for members
with schedule conflicts.
Does Shattock pay its actors?
No. All money made from contracts by the
Shattock School of Defence is reinvested in
Shattock and Rage Theatrics, Shattock’s parent
company. This money is used to maintain company
equipment, pay travel costs, purchase new props
and weapons, and to produce other shows. Most of
the events Shattock performs at allow acts to
pass the hat at the end of their shows and
accept tips. Money made in this way is divided
up between performers to cover food costs.
What kind of equipment do I need to be a
Shattock company member? Are there other costs?
New Shattock members are expected to buy a
stage rapier or single-sword, and an appropriate
costume. Current company members can aid new
members in finding weapons, and finding or
making costumes. An adequate stage sword can be
purchased for around $130, a nice one can be
purchased for $200-250. Speak with the fight
director before writing a check. Costumes vary
widely in cost, but can be found on a budget.
Our lodging accommodations vary. Hotel/motel
accommodations are covered by the company when
available. More often, accommodations mean a tent and
sleeping bag. Members are responsible for these
items, although there is usually extra tent
space. Company members with reliable cars are
sometimes asked to drive to events. Fuel
will be purchased by the company.
How does Shattock develop material?
A typical Shattock season includes three or
four 25-30 minute shows each featuring 7-9
actors. Developing each show is quite a process.
Most shows premises come out of preseason or off
season brainstorming sessions. The show premise
is taken by our head writer who works up a rough
script. The company then table reads this script
adding characterization and other changes. The
writer then takes another stab at the script and
brings it back to the company. We walk through
the new show and brainstorm physical comedy bits
and combat ideas. The writer finalizes the
script, the fight choreographer(s) write and
teach fights, and we start working through the
show. We also do a large amount of playing with
finalized script. If we come up with a funnier
joke or gag, the “final” script changes. Our
scripts tend to continue to develop throughout
the season.
What roles are available? What character
might I play?
Shattock members each develop a character to
play at faire. Each actor develops a character
who is a member of the Shattock School of
Defence. These characters may then play other
roles in the shows that the troupe performs.
Confused? We understand.
New company members will be encouraged to
discover what kinds of material their own
personality/image lends itself to while playing
simple roles in existing Shattock shows, and
participating in opening and closing shows. As
new members develop this awareness of “what’s
funny about them” they can begin to develop a
character to play beginning with a name and
nationality, an accent if necessary/possible,
and a personality. Most existing characters
began as caricatures of the actors who play
them.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Contact Nate Mims at
shattock@ragetheatrics.com
