Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2016 March 9

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March 9

Please help: American Revolutionary War

Anyone know how many attempts were made to prevent the Revolutionary War? (American Revolution whatever) I kinda have a paper due tomorrow...... 192.159.62.24 (talk) 01:41, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

First, we do not do your homework for you. However, second, that is a strange question because it would depend on what you define as attempts to prevent the American Revolutionary War and by whom. (Attempts by the colonists? Attempts by the British?) Read American Revolutionary War, focusing on the events between about 1763 and 1775 and make your own list. Robert McClenon (talk) 01:56, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

The question (how many?) as posed is a bit odd, but Benjamin Franklin was sent as the delegate of the Continental Congress to argue for American interests and redress of the Colonies' grievances. He was a staunch supporter of continued union, when he left; and after the abuse he received from the Crown and Parliament, he returned determined that independence was the only path. In Britain, Edmund Burke warned against the foolishness of driving off the Colonies. (At the time of the Revolution, Philadelphia was the second largest city in the Empire.) The lesson here is, do your homework two days before it's due. μηδείς (talk) 02:17, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

Fixed your link --69.159.61.172 (talk) 05:28, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

Early on, I believe some British soldiers were given the rules of engagement "Don't fire unless fired upon", in an attempt to prevent escalation. StuRat (talk) 05:52, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

There were many such attempts, e.g., Benjamin Franklin's mission to London (1764-1775); Petition to the King (1774); and the Olive Branch Petition (1775). Neutrality^talk 15:51, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

So, it would appear we DO do your homework for you ... DOR (HK) (talk) 17:33, 14 March 2016 (UTC)

How to cost "talent" for role-play experiences...

This is going to be an unusual question, but I was wondering if there was a resource on where I might be able to find information on how much to budget for talent costs in relation to 'role-play' experiences.

The context is that I was wanting to set-up a Science Fiction scenario for a friend who I am in discussions with, but have no idea what sort of budget I would need if I hire external talent to take on certain roles.

I am aware that "stage" and "filmed production" talent have collective arrangements, but not sure if these would be applicable to one-off semi-scripted improvisational performance.

Any hints? ShakespeareFan00 (talk) 14:29, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

Although not quite the same set-up, participatory Murder Mystery Events/Weekends (see under their inventor Joy Swift) are popular, and many companies provide the scenario, materials and key personnel for the participants to work with. (I took part in one staged by a local Village drama group, using various houses and other premises in the village.) You might try contacting one (or more) of these companies (via Yellow Pages or your local equivalent) and asking for rough estimates for providing those elements (i.e. the actors) you plan to hire. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 185.74.232.130 (talk) 15:02, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

It obviously depends on how many actors you need, amongst other things. One UK Murder Mystery company offers an evening event for a dozen guests, with two actors, for about £400 ($550)- so that seems to be about the bottom of the range. Not an accurate quote for you - but an idea of the sort of money you would be needing. 109.150.174.93 (talk) 15:28, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

  ... Surely if there are only two actors,then the main suspect would be the one who isn't the victim surely! Lemon martini (talk) 23:18, 11 March 2016 (UTC)

Since you seem to have no idea where to start, check your local listings for Drama clubs, Improvisational_theatre, historical reenactments, LARPers. and this sort of thing. You might find some people willing to do it for free if the project is fun and not that challenging. Maybe even set it up as a flash mob via reddit or meetup.com. SemanticMantis (talk) 15:52, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

With "talent" you get what you pay for, and given the Sci-fi nature, trying to find some fan-film makers might also be useful. Hmmm... ShakespeareFan00 (talk) 18:30, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

You're going to find a lot of variation. It's not clear exactly what you want, but the term cosplay might help your search if what you're looking for is semi-professional people (in dress) to pose for picture and that kind of thing. There are very many out there; I'm sure their websites would either provide rate sheets or a contact link to ask them. In many cases, these people started out as fans and gradually slipped into making money from it, so there's definitely an opportunity to find someone willing to do more extensive role-playing/acting. Matt Deres (talk) 15:45, 10 March 2016 (UTC)

Here in the US, you can post a 'gig' to Craigslist.com and you can probably get people to come and do stuff for not much over minimum wage. Obviously you'll need to provide costumes and equipment and spend time teaching them what you want - but for the cheapest-of-the-cheap hired help - that's probably it. If it's enough fun and not too serious, you might get people to do it for free - but you'd have no guarantee that they'd actually show up at the right time. SteveBaker (talk) 19:40, 10 March 2016 (UTC)

Something else I will consider given the scenario was broadly speaking an "alien artefact" script, I will also need to consider what location sites I will need to use, that also may determine the cost of any talent. ( I've been told some location sites are, provided you ask the right way, only too happy to provide "talent").