Video immediately gets a 10/10 just for having a cat. It gets a 20/10 for how loving Jack is on his cat. Best cat dad, absolutely.

Don't let people phone case shame you. You draw your mustache on one curl at a time, just like any other normal individual. You're allowed to enjoy whatever phone case you like!

The case is LAVENDER and there is nothing more FRENCH than that! "Herbs de Provence," anyone?

"Early morning screams" I completely understand, Scipio, I scream in the morning too.

Oh man, if ONLY we knew someone who had worked in TV, and Ren Faires, who could make an accurate documentary on life behind the scenes!

This video really shows off your journalism background. I enjoy it, and would be pleased to see more "behind the scenes" like you described if you're willing to document it. (And shout out to adventure cat!)

I love the random kisses on Scipio’s noggin. It’s always lovely to see a cat dad unabashedly loving his cat son. 🐈 ❤️

Ah yes, everybody has to wear a hat. Because of historical accuracy. Because ren faires are so historically accurate.

THANK YOU. As a participant of faire for over 10 years...thank you. I wish we could have a real doc about how it actually is without the weird dramatization.

I was a freelance IT consultant for 20 years. One of the great joys of my life was the day I could put all my clean, ironed "fancy job clothes" and the "fancy shoes" into a couple of suitcases and take them to the local equivalent of Goodwill. I support your refusal to wear a hat.

George should generate an Epic Quest line to determine who is most worthy to inherit the Renn Faire.

"Docu Fantasia" is such a cop out way of creating a documentary with the added excuse of 'I can get away with making mistakes and I don't have to do my proper research'... Also, imagine having a reputation of being 'a bit eccentric' amongst people known for being a bit eccentric...

As a member of ren faire cast, I can attest to the accuracy of LOADING my mug with various forms of caffeine.

The LRF comment stood out to me, because I definitely feel TRF is way more adult, to the point that it would be uncomfortable. The couple of times I went, there was a lot of sexist comments, innuendos, and in some cases even assault by or of the performers. For awhile, I thought most Ren Faires operated like that, which was uncomfortable since there were kids around, but after talking with some regular Faire go-ers, I realize that it's more of a TRF thing. Also makes me want to try out the the LRF.

Adventure cat is the best kind of cat. Glad you have him with you. ❤

I have friends that work the Renn Faires here in Texas and I have been a guest performer and this last season at Sherwood I remember one of the hairbraiders complaining about being chastised by management about not wearing a flower in her hair which is a rule. So the hat thing does not surprise me at all 😅

My personal heroes of TRF are the guys who get the port a potty contract for the camp grounds. Every single one is cleaned daily and it truly makes camping there a wonderful experience

Jack, thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed and specific insight, long form, edited, and stable. I can't imagine how tired you must be with doing shows on the road and living life, so this extra content is much appreciated!!!

"A bit eccentric" is SUCH a diplomatic way of describing George's reputation 😂

I had no idea the TRF is now the biggest in the world. But, I used to go regularly in the’80’s when I lived in Texas, and even then, you could barely see everything there was in two full days.

Good to see an industry insider's take on the show. Hopefully someone someday will make a doc about the actual day-to-day production of a Ren Faire.

Glad to hear Jacques take on this. I don’t have an HBO subscription so I haven’t been able to watch, but I have attended TRF for about the last decade.

I'm so glad Scipio has gained his travel legs, and is now able to move in the 3rd dimension via open stairs. I hope your reflexes stay sharper than his claws!! I trim my cats' claws and still my boi gets me good sometimes. He's a real grump. Great "ren faire interest" piece!!

So weird to see him without a curly mustache

I have a question for Jack, not Jacque. Would you because of your unique position of having a background in journalism, ever consider doing your own video series interviewing different performers and show people behind the curtain. I believe there are several members of the general public myself included that would be really fascinated to learn how different performers came about to that profession, and also learn and see the hours of practice and work to hone their particular skill. Also The artisans that travel in the same circuit would be interested to see how they have gotten to the types of art that they sell. Many of The artisans practice art that he uses traditional skills and it would be interesting to know why or how they ended up migrating towards using the traditional methods to create the art that they do. Again, you are in a very unique position to show this responsibly and as a performer I am certain that there would be a greater level of trust that you would represent them the way that they should be, but also you have the skill set to create a narrative that is factually based something a regular person with a camera may not necessarily be able to do.

So glad to see you comment on Ren Faire. I've only managed to make it through ep 1 (because I find myself less than comfortable with some of the main players of the piece), but I've been wondering what you thought. I'm nowhere near the industry, but I was really hoping to see more of the actual renfaire of it all too. Love your show, love your videos, and lots of love and respect to your wife for all she does behind the scenes! Enjoy Colorado and don't take too many cat paws to the face!

I grew up going to Ren Faires, and now I vend them (we were actually at the NJ Faire and we saw your show)! And one thing I did have to say about the Ren Faire culture over time is that I think attendee culture *has* changed, which the show doesn't touch on at all. As I said I am not a Faire performer but I am a vendor, which is something that the show *doesn't* touch on at all. Vendors are a *large* part of the scene, as you said. Especially because vendors have to be carefully curated for the aesthetics of a Faire. Vendor coordinators do so much work to make sure they're contracting the right types of vendors and the appropriate amount. Lastly, again, as someone who has gone to Faires practically all her life (I went as a newborn. My parents took me to my first one when I was under a year old), something I worry about with docu-fantasias is that they'll severely misrepresent another niche culture. Mainstream media / media companies do this to so many niche communities and then people who would normally have never stepped foot inside a Faire either (1) start coming and then get disappointed or entitled when it's not the experience they were expecting based off false expectations (see what I said about attendee culture) or (2) they start making unfair assumptions about the community or people who *do* attend them. I'm glad we have people like you, Jacques, who can very publicly dispel myths about the scene and speak about what is actually true and what isn't.

That last comment from one of your friends I think was very telling (and both well and carefully worded).

As cast at AZRF I absolutely laughed at the red bull comment. I cant tell you the number of times I've dropped the remainder of my monster into my mug as I walked towards the front gate for opening cannon. Kudos for a fair and even review of the show. Ive avoided the show to this point but hearing your take, I am more likely to watch it.

We used to go to TRF, but it got WAY too adult for our young children. We only go to Scarborough and Sherwood now. Much friendlier. I always try to get my hair braided by the Twisted Sisters!

The idea that a Ren Faire employee has to have period accurate clothing is hilarious. Ren Faire's are the furthest thing from historically accurate.

OMG THE HAT CONVERSATION. Or headpieces. And shoes. So many conversations about shoes. 😂 the Red Bull too. The amount of things I have put into my ren faire cups, bowls, etc. 🤣

Adventure Cat needs to meet the Orange Lord of the SCA....who may be in Colorado with the Soap & Salve Maestro (aka, the adopted human, Kate)

I'm really looking forward to seeing this. Former ren faire pirate here. The truth of the behind-the-scenes activities of management, performers, and guilds is a show unto itself that would be a fun watch. Or disillusioning sight. Or shocking. Or boring. All depends on the day, the people involved, and how willing people would be to allow full access. You didn't mention the state of restrooms. Did they show any of that? Any faire I ever worked or attended, where performers and guild members and vendors spent the night on the premises, there was always restroom drama. Poopcasso and Versmear would leave nightly masterpieces to be discovered by all first thing in the morning. A team would have to come clean every inch of the facilities even more thoroughly than usual. Fun times. The "artists" were never apprehended. It continues to this day. (Yeah, it's gross to the uninitiated [and everyone else], but it's just another part of the BTS magic.) I worked family-centered faires. That doesn't mean there wasn't adult themed shows, games, and events, but they were advertised as such and restricted to areas where children weren't allowed-ish. It was fun, chaotic, hot, sweaty, dusty, exhausting, and almost always a joy. Almost always. When a faire/festival is managed well, the rules are clear and it's easy to comply with them. You do it because management makes it worthwhile and comfortable. Poor management leads to rebellion and resentment. Now, Scipio! Adventure Cat is doing very well! My cat became a ren faire Adventure Cat, was knighted by the Queen herself, and he had a good time. If it was terribly hot (as it often was, especially end of October-early November), Sir Fletch the Galumpher had ice in his water (or on his rug), he always had shade, and we gave him a cooling pad to rest his wee bones and murder mittens. I suspect Scipio will find himself similarly pampered quite soon. And he will very likely discover his fans are everywhere! Yes, he will be adored, exalted even! You'll have to get him his own climate-controlled traveler's wagon that you'll pull around the grounds. Scipio portraits drawn on parchment with his wee pawprint shall be made available for a few coin. His appearance fee will soon rival yours. And it'll be fine. Fine. Just fine. Everything's fine, great even. Yes, this is how it goes. Guests and faire workers alike will delight and bask in his beautiful ginger presence. (Maybe start training him to perform a few behaviors and include him in your show for 3-5 minutes?) While not all faires are amazing, there are always amazing people you'll work with, amazing guests to meet, and there's always something fun - whether on stage or BTS. Tis the nature of The Faire. P.S. the one act/game I created for the mature crowd: Cleavage Coin Catch. My bodice allowed for quite generous cleavage to gather coin of the realm when tossed - never thrown, never hurled - by adult faires goers. It was a hit, but didn't continue due to short tempers (from all) in the extreme heat. Coin + sweat = irritation of delicate flesh. It was fun and profitable while it lasted. Hope you whip the competition, while not cracking under adverse conditions, and only snap when appropriate.

I love this format, awesome quality and the Olive Garden/ McDonald’s is an awesome metaphor.great video Jack!

I love Adventure Cat!

I was glad to see a review of the show as a Ren fair vendor I was worried about the tiger king filter thing. But I had to laugh watching this as I'm sitting on the floor next to a case of energy drinks finishing up product to haul up to the Colorado Ren fest tomorrow 😂

You are served so well by your journalism gig because you speak authoritatively and with polish. I ❤ your short videos that show you thinking on your feet, but whenever you do long-form stuff, it is impressive. Cute kitty, too. We used to live in TX and went to the TRF many times … until we moved to Portland and downsized, we kept our daughter’s Queen of the May crown that she wore after being chosen one year. Great memories, lots of lavender soap, many turkey legs and memorable performances later … and that run-on sentence. 😱 Enjoy your summer in Colorado. Be thankful it is not Texas. We do every day. 😂

As someone who has worked Ren Faire for almost 3/4ths of my Life now I have not been able to decide whether I wanted to watch Ren Faire or not. I think I'll at least give it a shot now knowing its not trying to be a pure documentary. Shame it doesn't seem to see all that background and behind the scenes life of a performer though!

I started working at TRF in 1977, when there was just one "street." The hat thing is so true. I know so many people who got around it by making a stuffed circlet (basically a doughnut), and if they wanted to be fancy they'd attach a little bit of a veil to hang down the back. Then there were George's parades. And the total lack of support for female workers, whether they were out hawking among the crowd or running the games and shops. Drunk mundanes are no joke. I've had patrons grab me and carry me into the trees while I was screaming for help. Everyone seemed to think it was part of a show. One of the food vendors actually leaped over his counter and rescued me. One very cold, wet autumn, I was running the bocce game. It had been a very slow day because of the weather, and my relief never showed up. A couple of drunk patrons decided to use the bushes behind me for a toilet, thus exposing themselves to me. I had to call some guys in the SCA off the fighter's mound for assistance. I ended up working 2 shifts, and my feet were so cold that the nails on my big toes turned black and fell off. And the facilities for those of us who camped there every weekend were a joke. I remember how excited we all were when we got solar showers. Until we actually used them. Large black plastic bladders that took all day to warm up and only delivered maybe 3-4 warmish showers before the water turned icy again. But even with all that, we lived for end of day, when the whole site was ours, not a stitch of mundane clothing in sight, and we could just be ourselves. Magical. If the weather was truly horrible, some of the vendors who lived above their shops would let you put your sleeping bag inside so you wouldn't drown or freeze. A true community.

I'd like a documentary on the MN Ren Fest and the drama of it slowly being consumed by mining for special dirt while the fest can't find anywhere to move to.

Off topic but blud is rocking those Greys

Covering that hairline with a hat is like having a penthouse view and closing the drapes.

So I JUST found out you're gonna be at the Maryland Renaissance Faire! I'm so excited! I AM SO GONNA BE THERE just to see you.

I still miss you on NPR here in Boston.

that moustache is one hell of a disguise.. took me around 4 minutes to realise its Jacques Ze Whipper

Coming home from work, new vid from Jacques is online, Scipio content in first 5 minutes... Could not be better. 🎉

Our dear Red at OSP calls things like that contrived dialogue "the hand of the author", and it can really take the reader/viewer out of the media. Jack's combined experience with Ren Faires and Radio and TV makes this so interesting! Also, his "we'll talk to you later" about Scipio has such Radio vibes :P Glad Scipio is getting to experience the world!

Adventure Cat!❤ (also nice phone case color)

I like the "for two months" added in there. Reminds me of when I was on the road at the New York Ren Fair in Harriman. Great show.

That's a shame that it doesn't show what things are like behind the scenes! Thanks for sharing your opinion of it.

Your song requests are awesome! Its cool to see longer stuff

Sooo so accurate on the energy drink to start the day of the weekend. There is load up and tear down, 6 hour drives one way to get to the faire grounds....and camping outside.

You're in Larkspur, Colorado?!? I'm so excited! When I first started watching you on YT, I never thought you would be right in our backyard (Denver). Enjoy our amazing state while you're here and get to the mountains! Now I have to think of a song to request when we see you! Yay!

I love that phone case because it’s BEAUTIFUL. Also that red bull moment mention brought back VISCERAL memories of watching nationals either slam a Red Bull or absolutely pour it into their mugs. So real.

TRF is a huge deal to my family and we haven’t been able to go for a few years. One the prices are outrageous now, two I have a kid and our family rule is TRF after 21 only. Scarborough is my “home” Faire so I do go almost every year and that I feel ok taking my son to. I wasn’t aware of this show but I appreciate your words on it.

I’m originally from Colorado, but live in Texas now, and I’m going back to Colorado to get married in a month. My family wants to go to the Renfaire and I saw that you were going to be there and I am so excited!!

Didn't watch the show but enjoyed this video very much

Wow I never thought Jacques would react to something like this but he's full of surprises. I never thought I'd be one of the first comments so...... 😂 hi Jacques keep doing what your doing spreading so much love around this community it really means a lot teaching people about the good side of whips and telling them that we can put history behind us you really do make a difference ❤

I have worked TRF for 18 years, and only just met him one time during the filming of this docu-fantasia (great description). I am grateful for this review. The problem with this whole thing (for me)is it casts a dark shadow over the people who actually work- who own shoppes, and, like you said- the ground level. Should have been called “The King of TRF”

Really appreciate all you do! 💪 Love seeing your perspective on HBO's "Ren Faire".

Thanks for your take on it (even though I don't get HBO and haven't seen it). I'm part of the science fiction running community, and we have a lot of overlap with the RennFaire community (read: many RennFaire folks are either virtual or real family members, some of whom you may know because they work the same faires you work). When I was working at the local news station as a reporter/anchor when the world science fiction convention was in town, part of my job on the concom was to make sure the press coverage was accurate at my station and at the stations where my friends worked (read: the other stations running news in the area).

The part where you said vendors told you you need to wear a hat made me laugh. I get stuff like that too from vendors and it drives me up a wall. Like you’re not my boss. I’ve been given permission to do this.

Went to the Oregon Ren Fair this past weekend (last one I attended was 20 years ago) and maybe being older I got to wondering just what the ren fair circuit life was like. You know, the practical things, like income vs. cost of travel, health insurance (because, you know, we live in the USA). Those with families and dealing with that. How you decide which fairs to attend, etc. I would love it if you could give us some insight.

Your phone case is fine, your orange son is the bestest boy, and I’d love to see this show because I’ve been to the TRF a few times, back when I lived in Houston. I remember it as being a pretty good faire.

This is the first time I saw a long form video. I subscribed. I love your content. I think you would make an amazing documentary. The company I work for puts on a film festival every year. I am fascinated by the modern day nomads who work multiple film festivals per year. They all seem to have lots of fun. Although what they consider fun would be dental surgery without pain killers.

Such a good orange boy Adventure cat!!

Adventure cat!! Our cat Katie drove coast to coast with us when we moved from DC to the Bay Area and ended up loving it - glad your kitty is with you too!

Thank you for clearing that up cause as someone who frequents ren fairs but has never been to TRF, there is a lot of information floating around that may or may not be hyperbolized. Glad the Red Bull debacle got cleared away though, now I know what to actually order for others at the bar!

When captain America drop the shield take the whip😂😂

As someone who goes to TRF almost every year, the strictness of the environment has been noticed by the people who attend. it's why i've really started to enjoy Sherwood in austin so much more. it's much more of a relaxing day out, verses staff having to worry about all the tiny rules management makes up. no one cares if people have a hat or a flower in their hair. though over the years they've certainly squeezed the customers more and more with ticket prices and drinks. water was $4 and soda was $5 a bottle from what i remember

The stairs are his big cat toy

I am already looking forward to the Jacquesumentary about the life and times of Jacques ze Whipper.

I think Jacques should make an appearance at Castlefest in the Netherlands. We would love you there!

For thise who's cats get stressed out you can try Feliway cat pheromones. Or for dogs it's Adaptil. They release the same pheromones as the mother animal releases to tell their young they're safe. It comes in a 30 day collar, a diffuser for multiple animals & a spray that goes on a towel for occasional use. Beware other brands relaxicat had 0.10% pheromones whereas Feliway uses 10% pheromones. For an example my friends dog on the 4th of July would spend days hiding under the desk shaking & refused to go out to porty. With Adaptil he was moving around, playing, eating & he went outside to go potty. Quickly but he went out at least. A lot of vets use the diffusers to help animals.

We have an adventure cat too. She travels around the country with us. She hangs out in the dashboard while we drive.

The hat thing is real. You get fined or fired. I am the Clown of the Realm and Lord of Misrule at TRF. This year is my 7th season I have a cameo in episode 2 at the cast meeting

Scipio is the fluffiest looking boy. I love him dearly

Involuntary Adventure Cat is coping well.

The Louisiana Renaissance faire email was so perfectly written

So, am I watching "pawn stars" in the style of the office, but it's d&d in Texas? Because, that's what it sounds like I'm getting.

Yo. I work Sherwood(the Funnel Cake Guy). I'm think I used to haunt your show at Scarborough one year, doing pretzels I am so glad to see you do this. Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed Noone from Sherwood figured to react to this new movie. Regardless, I am super happy to see this documentary on the Faire I went to a bunch as a kid, and I look forward to the rest or your, and your cat's, video!

I love how honest the review is, and it’s amazing to get a peek into a performers perspective. That being said, lots of people came to the comments for the cat. I am no different 😂😂 he reminds me of the fat(healthy, but with a literal fat pouch hanging😂),orange tabby, named Sammy, that I had in my later teenage years. When my parents split up, dad complained about having to take care of him while I was gone, and made me take my fur baby with me everywhere I went…so I did. Every week was somewhere different. From my dads to my moms to my grandmas. I also had him somewhat harness trained, though he hated it. When I finally got my own place, I had 2 jobs and no one wanted to clean the litter box, so he became an inside/outside cat…which he was happy with, but we believe that the same dog who lived down the road and destroyed our chicken tractor to kill our chickens, probably also got ahold of Sammy. My husband found the body. I was devastated…but long story short, seeing your interactions and life with your furbaby reminds me of the good times, and I just wanted to say thank you

A reputation for being eccentric among the Renn Faire crowd... 🙀

Thank you for the review! It would be a shame if TRF was ever changed. As a native texan, who worked the ren faire circuit as a pirate in the 90’s. TRF is magical and hands down the best faire in the state. The actors are amazing and so playful with everyone! That’s so amazing your dad worked TRF! Thank you and your colleagues for your take on the show! ❤️

As someone who is close to TRF, my heart breaks at possibly never seeing you there =) I understand why you wouldnt go, but man!

Who is this Jacque Ze Whipper imposter without that fabulous mustache!

ah yes, the energy drink is sooo real. I do fantasy medieval LARP and I dont think many of us would be fonctionnal after 36hrs of continuous play XD

"Morning People & Creatures, Under Protest, Represent "! Thank you, Scipio!

I would love a KZfaq series showing the behind the scenes ren fair set up/break/down/preshow/practices that would be so good. I laughed so hard at the energy drink because that is 100% accurate. I worked for a state fair in Michigan one summer and even just those are a ton of work to literally build and take apart the rides Every time you love towns so crazy the ren fair would be a sight to see set up for.

They used the “Wilheim Scream” in the intro scene of episode 1 when someone fell down. I immediately knew something was off.

Coming from someone who works PRF but has NOT seen the docu-fantaseries, I have heard a lot of opinions from those who have seen it. You make a good point, though. An actual series depicting ren faire workers across the country from maitenence, food service, vendors, cast members and independent acts would be a VERY interesting show and could canvas the entire lifestyle that is faire work. When I got into this, it was one of the things that fascinated me; especially with independent acts, much like you, who have been doing it their whole lives. As a whole, people don't know about the culture, they don't know about the experience and the magic that coming to the faire is and while social media has helped paint us in a different light, it's still either "what's a ren faire?" or, like you said, the assumption that we are all generalized nerds like in an early 2000's high school drama. I understand that a big series that ends up on HBO is heavily and very carefully scripted and even the Merpeople show on Netflix (that depicted the Circus Siren Pod at PRF) had a few candid moments but was likely scripted overall. A nice, real ren faire docu-series would be SUCH a great idea.

I desperately want a documentary that shows “ the industry“ side! Every time I go to a Renfaire, I want an in-depth background on the logistics, questions like who owns the land, how many of the staff/cast/vendors are local and how many travel to this fair, What vendor sells the most, what is the permit process like from the fire marshal, the food and health department, etc. etc. etc. give me the stats and details! I’m so curious about the business side.

I gotta hand it to you, often people don't think their pet can manage a long trip and really, adventuring grows us in lots of veins. A+ and confetti for Adventure Kitty

I've only been to TRF once, but it is extremely adult themed. Made the mistake of camping and not arriving early enough for the family friendly camping area 😭. Cops are there to make sure nothing gets out of hand but turn a blind eye to all the illegal activity.

Merci to you to share yor unique and honnest perspective of both the media and your experience and travelling cat companion. ❤

I got to see you last year for my first ever Ren Faire - at the Larkspur one! That was super fun, and I still have the little pins I got from you.

Welcome the three of you to Colorado! 🐱 We are super happy! We will see you at the Larkspur Ren fair. My birthday is right after yours in the 12th. Thank you for the entertainment & talent! I'll bring my Zac Ze Whipper doll. 🎉

Your phone case survives your whipping so I say it's great! Also I LOVE YOUR CAT! he's a sweet heart

King of the Hill had an episode at the Texas Ren Faire! Alan Rickman was the guest star!