We have a lot of newbies coming along this year, some of them who are completely new to larping. What advice would you, the experienced folk, give to these newcomers to help them make the most of their weekend? What should they be wary of? What things are often overlooked? What do you wish you’d been told about larping, Chimera or theatreforms before your first event?
Drink lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. 
remember that eating is just as important as getting into your next costume/character 
Here’s a repost of what I said in the Facebook group:
Most larp scenarios are driven by character conflicts. If your character has strong goals, don’t hesitate to mess with other characters to achieve them. It may feel like you’re being a nuisance, but actually you’re providing the other players with a challenge that will improve their experience - you’ll be the enemy they love to hate! Same goes for any strong personality traits your character has, they give other players something to bounce off, so play them up.
In short, try to overcome any shyness and go hard.
Possibly the hardest lesson to learn:
Character death does not matter - both yours and another players.
Do not feel guilty for acting in a way that you feel your character should even if it may result in another characters death!
Do not worry about death! Go for glory and fame! You can always make another character in a campaign game and if its a one off then you are never going to play that character again anyway.
Most importantly - Be prepared to make mistakes. It’s not your life that you are going to mess up - its only a character 
Contrary to most larp, at Chimera, Anna is actually quite strict about game sessions starting on time. So reckon to be early and give yourself a bit of leeway, rather than late, and have your character handed out to someone else.
There is No Such Thing as a caffeine overdose
Drink lots of V
If you are staying over, bring a warm sleeping bag; those bunkrooms are cold in winter
Express your appreciation for the caterers.
There is such a thing as caffeine overdose. It is, however, relatively difficult to reach. Drink as much caffeinated and sugary drinks as you need to function, you being the best guide to how much this is.
Don’t be shy.
If you find yourself thinking “my character should do something, but I don’t want to disrupt the game”
Then do it. Disrupt the game 
be bad…
I was once told to roleplay to make everyone else look good, and they will do so in return, which is a theory that I still try to apply today. Hope that helps, and I do apologize if I or someone else has said it already, I just thought it was worth mentioning.
That golden rule of making others look good comes from improv theatre, I think.
If someone is playing their character as intimidating yours, then act intimidated. Or at least react in some way, allow your character to be affected by other characters. Let other characters’ actions get results, don’t shrug them off.
There is a temptation is to give no reaction, to “stay cool” no matter what fictional situation you’re in or how your character might react. That’s appropriate for a few very laconic characters, but in most cases it’s just a defensive reaction on the part of the player. We want to affect people, but not to be affected ourselves. We want things to go to our plan, not other peoples’. Because it’s “only fiction” it’s easy to shrug stuff off, but it’s precisely because it’s fiction that this is the wrong instinct, it stifles drama and mutes character.
In a larp nothing is entirely predictable, the unexpected happens. It’s usually other characters making it happen. The best moments in larp are often when these unpredictable moments spiral out of control, snaring players in a dramatic interaction that nobody saw coming. For me, the best way to make each other look good is to allow others to affect you. It’s one way to make their character, and the fiction, seem more real.
Or find someone to snuggle with (those bunks are wide enough) not only does it keep you warm but frees up a bed
If you get in over your head and you need a moment OOC to just reset yourself and then get going again, take it.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes we do stuff that is a convention in another game, merely from familiarity, and hasn’t been explain in game X
- If you have a secret, tell it to someone. Preferably someone who will tell others!
- If someone tells YOU a secret, tell it to someone else!
- Take risks - use that super power, or special item, or spend your money!
- Wear a costume you feel comfortable in, and one that you think suits the character. It’s amazing how much easier it is to get into character if you’re satisfied with your costume.
- Remember, this is a collaborative game and other people want you to have fun and will work with you to make cool stuff happen!
- Remember, this is a collaborative game and you should work with other people to make cool stuff happen so they have fun!
- Ask questions on the forum before the game. All manner of advice can be had here.
And lastly, if you can’t achieve your character goals, or aren’t inspired by them, just follow your instincts and do what’s the most fun for you. There’s really no “right” thing to do. The GMs and other players will always be happy to give you advice and suggest things you can do if you’re stumped!