just throwing this out there, if anyone is keen for a break from larping maybe could have a room aside for gear how-tos, larp writing methods…etc 
I just suggested this to David and I think we’re keen to run a workshop. Basically, run through some techniques for building stuff with foam and latex.
The committee is looking at expanding this to a regular event. Will keep you tuned in.
Might as well throw my hat in the ring here regarding a workshop for larp makeup, since I’ve already been asked for it. I’d be happy to run a workshop of some sort, even though I’ve not taught before.
Perhaps the best thing to do would be ask what people would like to know and how they’d like it structured. If I merely demonstrated some techniques on a few volunteers then it would be free, but if people want to a. practice at the workshop and b. have their own kit to use afterward, then they would need to either supply their own brushes sponges and paints or buy some sort of starter kit from me.
If there’s interest in that last option, I’ll start looking into the costs of small start up kits.
mordavia ran a really cool acting workshop some time back too.
It was NZLARPS that ran that improv acting workshop, Lucy organised it. I enjoyed it too. It’s a shame it ran at a loss - the acting instructor was on the expensive side. But on the other hand, it was great having a professional instructor.
Personally I don’t think it would be a good idea to try to have Chimera fit in all those games and some workshops. Best to keep it focused on one thing (the games) because it would be sad to be trying to run a game and lose players to a cool workshop. Perhaps instead of lumping stuff into Chimera, a multi-workshop event could run earlier in the year? That might be what Muppet is getting at.
There are quite a few things in larp that are amenable to workshops:
- costuming
- makeup
- equipment
- acting
- fighting
- larp writing (especially pregens)
The first three are crafty, and would need a suitable venue for the tools & mess. The last three are relatively tidy, and could be done in any hired hall.