University of Atlantia

Have you learned any dances yet in the SCA? Well here are two great beginner level dances - Sellenger's Round and Maltese Bransle.

Detailed look at the tools used to create Illuminated Manuscripts.

"An introduction to being a royal retainer for those currently serving as a retainer, may possibly be a retainer in the future, or wonder what the people standing behind the big chairs up front are doing. We will discuss the responsibilities, etiquette, and expectations, as well as the benefits of serving our royals or baronage in this position."

An introduction to rag paper, how it was made, when and how it became a primary resource for Europe, and a demonstration of making paper using a cotton rag source.

Learn about what makes a story a fairy tale. Turn that fairy tale, legend or folk tale into a poem using rhyming couplets or other poetry forms you may be familiar with.

Introduction to / refresher about the SCA: a little bit of History, a little bit of Geography, a fair amount of Titles and Regalia, What to do and bring to your first events, and How to Survive Your First Court without a Heart Attack.

This class will discuss the challenges of creating a Turkish persona including research options, garb choices, and creating a nice looking “kit”. There will be some history, lots of images and a little library advice.

The Anglo-Saxon laws give an interesting look at the roles and responsibilities of Anglo-Saxon women. Join me as we talk about their roles and how they evolved through the Anglo-Saxon period.

Explore the wonderful world of sewing patterns. It's not Greek but it may be just as daunting. This class will help you decipher sewing patterns so your projects can take shape!

Agriculture and the demands of the seasons affected nearly everyone from the meanest serf to the highest royalty. In this overview, we'll talk about the general tasks, challenges, and harvests across Europe, looking primarily at 14th Century on.

Documenting the spread of textile painting and printing from the Far East into Europe: the methods, the materials, the extant examples and the confusion.

Improvisation skills can improve anyone’s portrayal of their persona, execution of court shtick, and everyday conversations. Not just for the period theater art of commedia dell’ arte, improvisation skills can benefit everyone. This class will teach basic improv skills through group and solo theater games. Sophia the Orange has been trained by the Washington Improv Theater in Washington DC, the most advanced commedia teachers in the SCA, and practiced improv for 16+ years. All students are guaranteed to pick up something useful in this class.

Required class to become a warranted Rapier Marshall in the Kingdom.

Exchequer 101 and 201 are required for being a warranted exchequer and deputy exchequer. This course covers the documentation needed to get started as an exchequer, what is required to hold the office and the rules and responsibilities of the office. This class is also open to anyone interested in becoming an exchequer or seneschals who want exchequer training.

Most likely you have learned how to do a chain stitch as a basic embroidery stitch. This class will take you beyond the basic chain and introduce you to some fun variations you can use on your future projects.

There's a project out there with a CD and dance step instruction booklet called "The Pentamere Dances" with 6 dances (5 plus a secret extra) selected to give new dancers a dance experience covering a wide variety of dances done in the SCA: French, English-Playford, English-Gresley, and Italian. We will cover 3 of the 6 dances - students' choice! The six dances are: 1. Petite Rose, 2. Montarde Bransle, 3. Grene Gynger, 4. Black Alman, 5. Rufty Tufty, 6. Gracca Amorosa

This class will go over and expand on the section in the scribal handbook about heraldry that scribes need to understand to be able to emblazon a recipient's arms on a scroll.

Come play with techniques for getting loose wool fibers to join together, starting with carded wool roving (wool prepared for spinning into yarn) and commercial wool yarn. You'll get hands-on experience with "dry" processes such as needle felting to attach wool bits together and "wet" processes for fulling the loose wool into a cohesive object. We'll also felt wool yarn into wool fabric, etc. Alpaca roving available to those with lanolin allergies.

This is an introduction to period, non-toxic earth pigments. There will be time to paint with the colors which came from dirt.

A look at the history and trivia of SCA geography

Gulf Wars 2016 provided me the opportunity to test my mettle over an open fire. Three friends were my willing help and test subjects as we dined on baked, broiled, pan fried, and pickled dishes. During this class I will review my inspirations, recipes, techniques, and utensils used to create these awesome meals - some samples will be available.

A roundtable discussion centered around the Angevin empire (England and France in the late 1100s)- Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Thomas Beckett, Richard the Lionheart, troubadours, courtly love, early crusades, and all that. We'll discuss culture, music, fashion, politics, philosophy and whatever people are interested in. Bring projects to show off, fancy clothes, favorite sources, songs, poetry, etc. We will have several enthusiasts of note on hand to help lead discussion.

We'll look at what comprised the typical medieval kitchen garden, how they were used, and how vital these gardens were for everyday life. We'll also discuss what plants are still used today. Heirloom seed resources will be provided.

We will cover materials & methods to make large and small floor cloths.

The Ottomans held poetry in very high esteem! Learn some history, poetry forms, and how to interpret extant poetry. Handout with forms and good sources included.

English Country Dance for beginners... Dances : Rufty Tufty, Heart's Ease, Black Nag, Jenny Pluck Pears, Grimstock

This will be a how to class on how to separate and carve a bird that has arrived at your table still whole. We all have had that occasion when a chicken arrived at the table and everyone looked around in bewilderment of what do we do now. This class will demonstrate how to separate and carve the bird into pieces for everyone to enjoy, using only the utensils that you would normally have in your feast gear.

This class will look at the recipes for various colors needed to create flesh tones and body features recopded by Theophilus and compare those to modern color theory, discussing the purposeful differences

A class for those with little to no experience in the recorder. This course will not only cover basics of playing and instrument selection/ care, but will also come with a slew of resources to help you continue your musical journey after class is over.  There will be plenty of loaner recorders on site for class if you do not have an instrument.

The basic round braid. Used for everything from shoe laces and hair ties to kingdom medallion cords. All equipment and supplies will be provided.

You've been to a few events, but are looking to become more than a spectator. Here are some tips and tricks to getting more involved and staying busy during events.

An introduction to the art known as ""viking wire weaving"", this class will show you the basics of wire weaving, and send you home with a practice piece you can build on.

The basic class needed for becoming a warranted Seneschal.

Every event listing has a notation concerning the person the attendees should contact if they have any questions regarding the feast. This should take care of the responsibility the diner has to let feastcrat and cooks know what he/she cannot eat. There is, however, not a lot of information out there on what the people in the kitchen need to be doing to protect the allergic person who has sent them that information. This class attempts to clear up that information gap by explaining what an allergy is and what it can do, how to adjust things so that an allergic person can have as much of the feast as possible, how accidents happen and what must be done to prevent them, and how to make working around the needs of the allergy afflicted as simple as possible. The cost is for the handout.

It didn't matter how well your crops grew if you didn't know how to save the abundance of the land for the cold months. Learn some basic medieval food preservation techniques and which ones are still used today. Taste some yummy preserves as well!

Are you interested in what territorial baronage do? Want to know some of the things that go into being a groups baronage? If this interests you then this is your class. We will have multiple people who have or are doing the job in the room to answer questions on this special SCA service.

An introductory-level class covering basic history of Commedia dell' Arte, the 16th century Italian improvisational comic theater, and its stock characters with opportunities to play short scenes to try them out. We will play some theater improv games, so all students will participate! We'll also cover how to make commedia happen in the modern SCA.

A study of the unique and glamorous lives of the 16th c. "Rock Star Prostitute" , their education, lifestyle, clothing, and accomplishments. We will also discuss their clients, fan-base, and detractors. This class is only for individuals 18 and older.

Introduction to basic knitting techniques and terms.

A brief overview of extant Long Armed Cross-stitch pouches. Followed by a stitch tutorial, and then we will work on adapting your personal arms into a period inspired bag. Some knowledge of embroidery and sewing helpful but not necessary. Please bring an image of your SCA arms with you, for us to work with.

English Country Dance for beginners. Dances: Goddesses, Gathering Peasecods, Halfe Hannikin, New Boe Peep

Group discussion led by Mistress Michel Almond de Champagne,OL. OP. We will cover - Creating a common language of mentoring, Understanding mentoring across differences, Roles and responsibilities in mentoring.

This is a basic introduction to the German longsword of Master Liechtenauer as presented in his late 14th century Zettel (verse, notes or summary). It will cover his guards, master cuts, vier versetzen as well as some of his philosophy and techniques. Bring a longsword if you have one. Spares are available.

Should you have a Communications Deputy on your event staff? How can you use your website, social media presence, and email as well as other traditional materials to promote an your event / group / fighter practice / etc? We will also explore how to create and manage a communications plan and discuss various communications and organizational tools that can help you accomplish your goals.

Students will see examples of the use of gilding in illuminated manuscripts, sample several different sizes, and then practice gilding with patent gold leaf. Instructor asks students to bring sharp scissors and a size 0 or 1 round paint brush.

An overview of some easy to sew garb for both beginners and those new to sewing, as well as a discussion of fabric, trim, and accessories. The patterns may be basic, but the end result doesn't have to be!

How to do double and triple woven chains. please bring your own materials. this class assumes you can do a single wire woven chain. please contact marionred@gmail.com if you need a list of materials

All the basics of caring for your local barony or group. A review of policy and procedure. This class is a requirement for new seneschals. Second class required for a warranted Seneschal.

Mustards can be made….EASY. Learn how to make mustards that can be put out at your next dayboard or feast, including period recipes and variations. Make your dayboard a bit more exciting. Class will include the different ingredients that go into mustards, techniques, spices, and have a real time display on just how easy it can be.

A survey of the history of roses from ancient times through the present, a discussion of which varieties of roses were grown in period and how modern roses differ from period roses.

Pysanky are beautiful intricate looking wax resist dyed eggs that are surprisingly easy to learn! We will cover the history and basic how-to of pysanky design while writing eggs using modern dyes, and briefly discuss natural dyestuffs appropriate to our period. Material fees will cover a set of tools for each student to take home. Children are welcome but may need an adult helper because the dye is permanent on fabric!

This class is divided into 2 sections. The first portion we will discuss tips for performers to help them improve their performances for bardic circles, competitions, court, and command performances. The second portion will be an active coaching session where Master Efenwealt (and others) will provide critique and positive feedback to performers based on something they share in the workshop. If you would like feedback, please prepare a piece of under 7 minutes to perform. Brief verbal documentation is encouraged. Written docs are nice, but not required. Think of this coaching session as a competition where everyone wins.

Identify herbs, how they are used, and where they can be found. Write a simple poem to help you remember at least one of your herbs, incorporating all the qualities of the herb. There will be an herb booklet that you can use to identify herbs in the class and in the future. We will also make a foot soak to take home.

Students get to pick what they want to learn from a list of 24 dances. Beginner to Intermediate skill levels. English, French, Italian, and SCA Choreographies.

This class will look at the chemistry of various period pigment groups and why they do not work the same as modern pigments, discussing methods for overcoming the differences. $5 for handout (optional) $20 for take-home pallet (optional)

To introduce students to the art of Ebru, including the history of paper marbling. Students will then create 2 sheets of Ebru paper. This is a very messy class, so students should dress appropriately or bring protection for their clothes.

This is an introduction to the expectations of and the culture of chivalry based on my experiences in Atlantia. The goal of the class is to cover some of the tricky aspects of getting involved in being courteous and courtly. This will include names and titles, going into court, eating feast, and handling gaffes. Anecdotes of some of my worst mistakes will be told. :)

Please come learn about the use of Origami in Shinto, for holidays, and how only those who could afford paper could use it for Origami.

Maybe this will be the year you make the trek, or maybe you're already looking ahead to 2018. The class will consider what to bring, what to leave home, where to stay, what to do, financial considerations, and other things that make going to Pennsic distinctive from every other event.

The Nine Worthies were among the great icons of chivalry that became popular in the 14th century and that endured in the popular imagination long past then. We will look at the literature and discuss why they were chosen and how they are exemplars of the chivalric ideal

"This group discussion will be about what we can do to make our period cooking/serving experience seem more medieval. The goal is to share resource information on how to make a more medieval looking kitchen. If you have examples or contact information about places to acquire items please bring that with you."

We will discuss how to plant and grow varieties of roses that were grown in period. I will cover where to find period varieties, how to plant and care for them, what to do about pests (both insect and diseases), and, if there is time, propagating rose plants.

Learn about the characters, history, and voice of storytelling in the Ottoman Empire. Handout with awesome story sources included.

An overview of the the 6 different types of glass arts done in the SCA, looking at techniques and terminology.

Required course to warrant as an MOL.

Being a stroke survivor in the Sca, how i and others survivors have dealt with returning to our favorite hobby. As well as warning signs and how to help your friends moving forward after a stroke. Hour of class then a hour of Q&A.

An embroidery class that goes beyond the basics. In this class we will talk about variations of both the four-sided stitch and the hem stitch. These stitches are common for white work embroidery and have many practical applications. At the end of this hands-on class, you will have your own sampler of these stitch variations. Please bring your own scissors if you have them.

This class will review many of the steps used in Italian Dance. Dances taught will be Petit Rose and Petit Friend.

Group discussion on what to look for when critiquing Illuminated Manuscripts in the SCA

"A discussion of the job and expectations of a head retainer. What can you expect as a head retainer or ask of your head retainer? How can you avoid burn out of yourself or your retinue? What kind of organizational tips and tricks can be employed to make the job easier? Also, how can you effectively communicate with the royals or baronage, retinue, and others with whom you will be interacting? "

Achieve a basic understanding of plant needs for growth. Learn about some medieval plants still used today. Plant and take home something to start indoors.

The very basic building block of the SCA is your persona. Learn what resources may be available and how to use them to develop your persona beyond a name.

A step by step class on how to execute a shoot at an event including planning, target design, working in your space, working with volunteers, recognition of archers, and submitting your final report.

This class will go over the rules and regulations of hosting a demo; ideas on types of demos; and tips on making your demo a quality event.

This is a basic introduction to the Longsword of Master Fiore dei Liberi. It will cover his footwork, guards and first plays. Bring a longsword if you have one. Spares will be available.

This class will focus on the Brehon Laws and how they can be used to document food and nutrition in the SCA time period. The class will discuss what the Brehon Laws were and give specific examples of references to food and it's relationship to the community law.

A quick overview of Aquaculture and Hydroponics, which when combined becomes Aquaponics. This is probably the oldest "Green" technology/process known to the world. How to setup a small Aquaponics ecosystem.

Some of the Kingdom's Very Experienced Performers will gather to discuss and answer your questions about anything in SCA Performing Arts: research sources, performance materials, organizing performing opportunities, how to up your game, how to get started, conquering stagefright, and whatever the attending students want to address.