University of Atlantia

Come learn about Commedia dell'Arte! This is an improvised form of theater from the 1600s from what's now Italy. You'll get acquainted with what is, ways it was a dramatic (pun intended) change from the past, how there are "stock" characters like a sitcom, and so much more. It is unabashedly ridiculous and silly! Class will include some demos. Get a preview in iFirenzi troupe's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ifirenzi1944/videos

The title of this class pretty much says it all; I'll share examples of some different tools including felling, hewing, and carving axes, drawknife, froe, spoon bit, etc. and considerations when searching for hand tools like these on the used market (as there were relatively few changes from early period through the mid-19th century). I'll share my thoughts on several books that have useful pictures of historical tools for specific purposes like coopering or that depict historical finds in wood. I'll talk about what I've learned so far about working green wood, including harvesting considerations and air drying, and suggest a few ideas for good beginner-level projects that make use of our forest resources in period ways.

Order in the fall; plant in the spring Many of the online rose nurseries update their online catalogs/inventory in the fall and delay shipping the new bushes until the following spring. We will talk about ordering bushes online, what they look like when you get them, and advantages/disadvantages of growing in pots vs in the ground. I will demo repotting a newly-arrived rooted cutting from a band into a 1 gal pot, and talk about the state of my current garden. If there is time, we will talk about what you can do in the fall and winter to prep the soil for planting the roses when they arrive in the spring. I will also give away five ‘Tuscany’ rose plants (a period variety that is hard to find) in 1 gallon pots to students in the class. If there are more than 5 students interested in the bushes, the names of those interested will be put into a hat and five will be drawn out.

A brief historical overview of self-fabric buttons from finds dated to the 14th century. This will be followed by an instructional portion where we will dicuss making one type of self-fabric button. Students will attempt to make at least one button in class. While there will be pre-cut materials available, students are encouraged to bring the fabric and thread for one of their own projects (as well as any sewing needles, measuring tools and scissors they may need).

Learn to sing simple rounds from the SCA period. You do not need to have a great voice or read music. Come join the fun. Music provided.

The class will cover astronomy as it was known in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East done entirely with the unaided eye. We will discuss the surprising amount that was known about the universe, from the discoveries made with ancient Greek and Roman logic and geometry, advancement in the Islamic and African world, and conflicting theories in European universities. The class will culminate by introducing the Copernican Revolution, and describe the conflict that occurred even before the discoveries made with the telescope. We will learn about medieval astronomical tools and techniques, see simulations of the night sky, and learn the amazing logic and thought that came out of the ancient and medieval world. As part of the class, students will make and keep a paper astrolabe.

Easy, beginner-level stretching workout for all ages and abilities! Easy stretching routines that will have you warmed up and ready to dance in no time. Dancers are welcome to bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel for floor stretches, and asked to please wear comfortable garb you can move easily about in, sit in, and stretch in. Class will not be recorded.

Do you have questions about documentation in general? Specific questions about your documentation? Would you like someone to go over your documentation with you? Need help finding sources? Come sit, chat, and I will do what I can to help. You do not need to register for this class in order to attend. This is intended to be "come when you can" and personalized to each person. Consultations are intended to be between 5-20min each. Please bring a physical copy of any documentation you wish to review or have questions about.

This class will focus on three seams that are important for the construction of linen garments such as: shirts, shifts, kerchers, coifs, etc. as well as table and bed linens. We will start with the hem stitch and continue with a felled seam and a whipped seam. If time allows and everyone is comfortable with their progress, we may explore other techniques. Kit will include a spool of linen thread, wax cake, needles, and linen fabric. This class will not be recorded.

Commedia dell'Arte is an improvised form of theater - taking the intro class is recommended but not required. This class explores what makes a "good" commedia dell'Arte scenario and suggest steps for writing your own. We'll cover the usual cast of characters, classic plot points and tips for including props and other tools to heighten the energy and compliment the story. Get a preview in iFirenzi troupe's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ifirenzi1944/videos

This is a class on a conjectural method of creating the upper sleeves in this portrait (and others) https://vitruvius.museumseven.com/render/600-600@1/dp-461338-30.jpg

Learn proven methods of resolving conflict between two people, both as a participant and a mediator. You will be able to take home two simple processes that can be used to facilitate a conversation between two people intending to clear up a conflict. Examples will be given and at least one practice conversation will be done during class. Methods based on the Clearing Model from Woman Within International with additional material from the book Crucial Conversations. The SCA Anti-Bullying Policy has brought to light the importance of resolving conflicts ourselves before harsh consequences result. SCA members, officers, and leaders of all kinds can benefit from using these methods. I learned these techniques from over 20 years working as a volunteer officer and participant in the Woman Within program (www.womanwithin.org) and close ties with the ManKind Project program (www.mkp.org).

This class will discuss methods shorter fencers can use to defeat taller opponents. Class has a preferred height limit of less than 5'9".

An introduction to the Paternoster, a how to use and display guide, and its evolution into different styles.

Learn how to play simple songs on the soprano or tenor recorder and pick up some music reading basics, as needed. Music provided. Bring a recorder and a music stand - a few loaner instruments and stands will be available.

Conducting ethical research and documentation for the arts and sciences in the SCA need not be difficult. This class will walk attendees through research methods, style guides, and producing documentation with a focus on ethical sourcing. After completing the class, students should have a grasp of how to research projects on their own and create comprehensive documentation for education and competition.

Events don’t have to be large to be successful, nor do they always have to offer “something for everyone.” Smaller events, which are more focused on a particular area, can also be enjoyable, educational, and an enhancement to our overall SCA experience. This class will look at how to create and run small “workshop” type events in your local group, how they differ from their larger cousins, and how attendees can also receive University of Atlantia credit for the classes that they attend there. [If in person (see Additional Information), the class will not be recorded. If on line, the class will be recorded.]

There was a set of dances that educated people in Elizabethan London were expected to know. We will go through several, including Queens Alman and Black Alman. These are beginner dances.

Improvisation Skills come in handy off stage too! Take Sophie's Six Rules-ahem-Guidelines of Improvisation normally taught in Theater classes and use them for bringing your persona to life in the SCA. Every SCAdian can benefit from learning and practicing these skills for better communication and living in persona.

A study of several authentic 16th c. gorgets with a detailed analysis of their shape and the metal movement necessary to achieve the shape. You can see gorgets in my collection here: https://www.european-armour.com/Armour-Gorgets-Collection.html I and others have "pulled patterns" from a few of these. I expect to spend much of the time discussing details of gorgets when done correctly, and a few pet peeves about many reproductions. If there is time attendees may "pull patterns" from a favorite.

This class will discuss methods shorter fencers can use to defeat stronger opponents.

Voids or body voids are movements that get our body off our opponent’s line of attack. Learn how to dodge your opponent’s shots by moving your body out of the way using Italian voids. Not recorded. Equipment not required, but good to have for those interested in practical application. Armor optional. Bring a sword or sword-like object. Co-written by Dona Gytha Oggsdottir

Make your own pair of highly accurate Roman reproduction earrings directly pulled from the depictions on Ptolemaic-era mummy masks. Real freshwater pearls and gold plated hardware! Easy and quick, and the perfect way to spruce up your Roman garb! Also suitable for Viking or Byzantine garb. All supplies are included with the class fee for the first ten lords and ladies, please bring your own needle nose pliers if you have them or we will supply as many as we can. Anyone else is welcome to join and watch, instructions will be given to help you make your own at home!

Explore the ways ukuleles may be used for period and filk material. Learn basic chords, strumming, and finger picking. Music provided. Bring a ukulele, a music stand, and a binder. If you have a guitar or baritone ukulele, bring a capo. Some loaner music stands are available.

A fascinating look into some of the factors behind Opus Anglicanum embroidery, beyond the shiny embroidered stitches into a web of economics, imports, various regulations, and history. Leave with an increased knowledge and appreciation of the grand scope of this magnificent style of embroidery.

We will start with the oldest European dances we have records of with a 15c Italian dance with a French name, “Petit Rose”. Then a Gresley dance “What so ever ye will” from 1500. Next we will dance “Loraine Alman” from the Inns of Court 1500's. Then we will do “Horses Branle” from the French dance master Arbeau published in 1589. Finally we will follow that with a dance from the first Playford manual dated 1651. All are beginner dances -no experience needed.

This is the required course to become warranted as an Atlantian Minister of the Lists. We’ll cover general procedures, forms, event prep, reports, and common issues encountered at the MoL tables.

Greetings! Have you wanted to get into gold illumination for scrolls? Ever wondered about the techniques and was told that they are so very complicated that you gave up? Help is here! This class will go over various techniques and forms (modern and medieval) and you will be making a version of a medieval raised gesso in class, along with playing with other forms of gilding. Cost is to offset supplies including gold leaf. By course end, gold will be well within your bag of tricks!

What kind of competitions do we have? What do I need to know to organize, enter, and judge them? How can I be a good judge? "Old Used Laurel" will be your friendly guide!

SCA & Target Archery Within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), we look to activities that existed “in period” (600 –1600 CE). Target archery fits well in the Society, for target archery has been in existence for thousands of years, and is even older than the other martial arts of the SCA. Target archers focus on developing skills used by those living during our period of interest for survival, warfare, and everyday use for hundreds of years. Equipment used today is similar to equipment that was used then, and in some cases exactly the same.

This class will cover the basic methods and stitches used to create Punto in Aria (literally: stitches in the air in Italian) which is the first needle lace style to be created completely detached from the fabric ground. Students will need either really good eyesight or prosthetic eye enhancement (glasses.)

In this class we will briefly discuss the hood from the Skjoldehamn find then make our own version of it! These style hoods are ubiquitous with SCA Viking personas, but have been dated to the late 11th century. Come learn about them and take the opportunity to make your very own Skjoldehamn style hood! Students will need the following materials: approximately 1 yard of fabric (2 yards if you wish to make a lined hood), sewing thread, basic sewing tools (scissors, needles, pins, &c.), something to mark on fabric with, measuring tape, a pencil or pen, and paper. Students are welcome to bring a sewing machine if they would rather machine sew than hand sew. This class assumes some level of knowledge of sewing (especially hand sewing).

Sign up to be patterned as part of a 14thc European dress and cote fitting. Participants will be the model and work with others to develop a pattern. This class goes all afternoon and you will leave with as much of a pattern as we have time to complete. The model will pick stylistic choices (self supporting, not self supporting, fun sleeve styles, fighting garments, ect). If you are able, please bring muslin, or linen for patterning, sewing machine, and sewing supplies. If you do not have muslin, we request a small fee to cover the cost of fabric. NOTE: The class is being conducted as a workshop, and is expected to run all afternoon (through 5:30 PM). NOTE: Class will be conducted in workshop space and is open for up to 10 observers at any time. Observers will not receive University credit for attending the class.

A presentation of the foods found in the Carribean Islands, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the interior of Mexico at the time of the Conquistadors. (No recording)

Spend a session with authentic burgonets, morions and cabassets with the ability to take home a copy of the form of your favorite piece. Each attendee will be allowed to use aluminum foil and tape to create a 3d copy of the shape of their favorite authentic helmet. When you sign up, tell me which kind of helmet most interests you and I will attempt to bring enough of the right kind for everyone to work at the same time. You can see my pieces here: https://www.european-armour.com/

A general overview of the different awards that can be given in the Kingdom of Atlantia and a description of what they are actually given for.

During the revolt from Spain, the military leadership of the Netherlands adopted several modernizing military reforms to contend with a changing battlefield. Prominent among these changes was the adoption of standardized weapons drills to instruct individual professional soldiers in the handling of their equipment. As the SCA incorporates spears into the rapier melee field, these battle-tested methods can be used to increase unit cohesion and provide fencers with a leg up on the competition. Active participants limited to those old enough to participate in adult SCA rapier combat, all others welcome as observers. Handout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-EKo7xloWoFOSxiHPqBGa6TW3f7VJV595A71tMJ4Bak/edit?usp=drive_link. Participants are recommended to bring rapiers, rapier-legal spears, and rotellas if available. May attend even if armament is lacking. Full SCA fencing equipment is required for contact participation.

Class is for beginner, youth and intermediate fencers and those who teach them. These drills will focus on form, balance, movement and coordination. Emphasis will be on learning the Etude for home drill, as well as taking elements out of the drill for more focused work in groups. Bring a sword or sword-like object, no armor required.

This class is for anyone (beginners included) who wants to put their hair up in the Tudor style (braided and tied into place), but isn’t sure how. This technique is perfect for people with bangs, shoulder-length hair, or arm mobility issues. You will learn a simple, less time intensive technique, with demonstration in the class. Once the braiding demo is completed, we will talk about how to tie a coif and head cloth over the braids, and how to do a head wrap that will stay in place. Silk ribbon hair braiding kits will be available at cost ($10) at the end of class for those interested. Hair must be shoulder length or longer. A one page instruction handout is included. Class will not be recorded.

Bring your voice or other musical instrument (recorder, guitar, violin, flute etc) to play period music in an ensemble. Music will be sent by email ahead of time for anyone who wants to practice. All tunes will have words for singers. Music will be simple with basic music reading involved. Please bring your instrument, a music stand, and a binder for your music. Some loaner stands will be available.

Learn some English Country Dances that are not commonly done in Atlantia. All skill levels welcome! No partner needed! Dances may include: Old Mole, Trenchmore, Grimstock.

Putting it all together into a skit, a two hour workshop.

This is second of the two required classes to become a warranted MOL. This class teaches how to run both elimination and non-elimination tourneys.

This is a non-contact class. In his 1599 unpublished manuscript on fencing, Godinho describes a method of using two swords in a variety of situations. These situational applications (called reglas) provide a guideline on how to use two swords under a variety of constraints and for a number of different purposes. This system provides both an interesting glimpse into Godinho’s cultural context in the Iberian Union, and a good basis for introduction to the use of two swords in cut-and-thrust fencing. As a non-contact class, rapier safety equipment is not required but gloves are recommended. Active participation is restricted to those old enough to participate in adult SCA rapier combat. For more information, contact Rodrigo Luis de Alburquerque at pendergraft2@hotmail.com. Handout link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8h-U7Qugx99VW-LJXumwjj0yB9UwaJc/view?usp=sharing. Students may wish to bring their own rapiers or sideswords and gloves, but these are not required to participate.

We will discuss the history of the three games, how they were played and have a display of modern replicas of the games. Children 6 and up (accompanied by a parent) and Families are encouraged. This class will not be recorded

Bring your voice or other musical instrument (recorder, guitar, ukulele, violin, flute etc) to play period music in an ensemble. Music will be sent by email ahead of time for anyone who wants to practice. All tunes will have words for singers. Music will be slightly more advanced than the beginning class with music reading involved. Please bring your instrument, a music stand, and a binder for your music. Some loaner stands will be available.

This class will, using an Anthropological approach and Finnish methodology, trace Victorian Literary Fairytale to Medieval oral tradition (and in some cases, beyond) while highlighting the actions of female-presenting characters and feminist readings of these stories.

This class takes people through the culture, considerations, and concerns related to heralding courts (royal and baronial) in Atlantia. We'll go through common things to do and think about when setting up for court, how to herald for the people all the way in the back, and what things need to be done to make the Court Secretary and the Clerk of Precedence happy campers after the event. This is suitable for any level herald - from experienced herald all the way to the newest newbie with their first fresh warrant.

Be not afraid! You CAN do documentation. We will start from the beginning and answer all your questions. You can do it!

Want to dance like a Viking? Take a break from your pillaging and battle to learn three ring-style group dances in the style seen in the 2022 film The Northman. Ring dances are traditional to most of Northern Europe and these three will be easy to learn, fun to do, and are designed to be beginner-friendly fun. Class will not be recorded so bring your friends!

Oil lamps have existed since humans lived in caves. Learn how safe, effective and easy oil lamps are! This class teaches the tricks to burning an inexpensive, easy to obtain lamp with common cooking oil. We will go over how to make two simple lamps as well as provide kits to make your own. Cost of kit: $7 (includes everything but the oil, however we will have some in class).

Let's work together to decide what would be best for this space and event. I have a collection of antiques including spurs, knives, daggers, buckles, mounts, and (of course) armor. I do also have a pretty good collection of good modern armor reproductions by some good modern armorers, and a fine collection of armor for children - mostly made by me, but also one by Master Eldred. In the past I have set up displays to let people look at things. It might make sense to try something a little more organized. Like maybe a few specific sessions for people who actually register and play with/discuss a specific set of items. You can see items at: https://www.european-armour.com/ I am happy to discuss possibilities. Email me at europeanarmour@gmail.com

So you'd like to start embroidering with silk. That's fantastic! What kind are you going to use? Reeled? Spun? Floss? Flat? Thrown?....What the hell is 'thrown' silk?! Do you have a preferred brand? Should you wax it? What size should you use? Will you need a laying tool or stiletto?....No not the shoe. Where do you find it?? And how much is it all going to cost?? These kinds of questions can get any beginner feeling a bit overwhelmed. This class will have definitions, descriptions, touchable examples, suggestions, and sources to try and help you figure out what kind of silk thread would be right for you, your project, and your wallet. Class set for 2hrs to allow for questions, discussion, and hands-on time with examples; class may not take the full 2hrs.

This class is the combination of my 101 and 201 class on Eastern European saber. If you are a a fighter of any stripe this class may be of interest to you. The first 45 minutes to an hour we will go over some history of the European saber and touch on basic forms this is the 101 section. We will talk mainly Polish saber, and some Meyer and a smattering of others. The next section will be the 201 section where we will practice several forms. I will have several sabers available for students, if you have a rattan short sword you may bring that. There will be no contact drills during this class.

This is the required class for rapier marshal warrants.

Sword and cape is one of the most common weapon combinations described in surviving fencing manuscripts from the SCA’s period and beyond - described by Fabris as a “noble and popular weapon combination,” and by Palladini as “ready at all times and in all places.” This class compares approaches to fencing with the sword and cape across nine manuscripts, spanning a period of nearly 200 years. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a contact lesson, or to simply observe, according to their preference. The contact portion of the class is limited to those old enough to participate in adult SCA rapier combat, all others welcome as observers. Participants are recommended to bring rapiers, cloaks, and daggers if available. Full SCA fencing equipment is required for contact participation.

A presentation of the routes taken, by Conquistador explorers, throughout the southern region of the East Coast.

We will discuss the history and development of the "Royal Game of the Goose" and its importance through history to Modern Times. A game board, playing pieces and instructions will be provided to each class member. There will be time to play the game during the Class. Children ages 6 and up may participate in the class as long as they are not disruptive and MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT. Families are encouraged (Only one gameboard per family)This class will not be recorded.

The instructor will display a period-style virginal made with a modern electric keyboard. Discussion will include historical images, design, materials, and steps to take (and not take).

Revenge schemes, incitements of violence, and bloody feuds are often as not the work of the women in Old Norse literature. These women of the north are starkly unlike their peers in Old English literature; they possess agency. They are not here to plead or comfort, but rather to challenge the male protagonists to take action, to right perceived wrongs. The primary text for this class is _The Cold Counsel: The Women in Old Norse Literature and Myth_ edited by Sarah M. Anderson and Karen Swenson. This class will not be recorded.

Come join me as we explore the art of period fencing plates, and learn a few techniques on how to recreate these plates. This is a class on figure drawing. Bring your favorite drawing tool and sketch pad!

Intro to navigation in the SCA period. Includes techniques of Norsemen, medieval Mediterranean, Iberia, and Northern Europe. Some hands on activities.

This class will cover what it means to be the herald for a group such as a barony, shire, or any other local group.