Now that you are an official member, you can begin the process of starting a temple in your area. Here are a few FAQs that have been asked about Saber Guild that I would like to provide. Allow me to share these few Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What makes Saber Guild different from Rebel Legion/501st? Saber Guild, the 501st, and Rebel Legion are all LFL preferred costuming groups. All are philanthropic fan groups that do a lot of great work in the community. Where the groups differ is that Saber Guild performs lightsaber choreographed performances and interactive experiences for children of all ages!
2. I am looking for people to duel, can I join? Anyone is able to join, however, Saber Guild is not a group that duels or does "combat" or "ad-hoc" performances. Saber Guild is a choreography and stage combat group. Every aspect of a performance is planned and practiced.
3. I have no martial arts, stage combat, or saber experience, can I join? Yes, many of our members have never had any of the listed experience and become performing members within Saber Guild. we have resources available to squads and temples in case there is no one with choreography experience.
4. I have a Rebel Legion approved costume, so it should be approved easily, right? In most cases yes, however, there are times that our standards differ from Rebel Legion. The most common difference are tunic length, sleeve length, and the color palettes. You can view our costume standards to see how ours differs from Rebel Legions.
5. I am a member of 501st and/or Rebel Legion, can I still join Saber Guild and maintain my memberships? Absolutely! We are also an LFL-preferred costume fan group. Like 501st and Rebel Legion we commit to our organization's events. Like 501st and Rebel Legion, we ask that you identify which costume group you are representing at an event. For example, if you state that you are attending Comicpalooza as Saber Guild then you would be expected to represent Saber Guild and not Rebel Legion or 501st during that event. That is not to say that you cannot interact with these other organizations but to get "credit" for that troop you must work it as declared. Or you may even be able to sign up for half the day as Rebel Legion and half the day as Saber Guild and still get credit.
6. What's the most challenging thing that differs from other LFL-costumed fan groups? The most challenging thing is the added requirement to make weekly practices in preparation for events and performances. Saber Guild performances are an attempt to recreate the look of the lightsaber battles we have all seen and enjoyed. Therefore practice is a necessity. You must learn and practice your skills and abilities, but more than that you have to learn your partners' as well. There is a level of trust between members that has to be established. There is a need for consistent attendance at practices and events.
So now that we have the most frequently asked questions out of the way, what do you need to do to start a temple?
1. Start recruiting. Look for like-minded individuals that want to start performing lightsaber choreography. You can start by inquiring at your local Rebel Legion if there is a desire to take their costuming into that direction. Look at pop culture conventions in your area to see if there are any other local saber groups that want to do charity work in the same way as our sister LFL organizations. Start organizing a weekly practice so that you can start getting a routine for the group down. Pick a place, a night of the week, and stick to it. Fluctuating practice nights do not often work and take more energy to coordinate than one that is scheduled consistently. There are resources available for choreography systems that Saber Guild Temples use. So if you are not familiar with choreography these are available.
2. Once you have three official members, you are considered a squad. You can then reserve a name for your squad that can be held for your temple once you expand further.
3. Once you have five official members, you are now a candidate to be a temple. It is at this point that temple elections will be held for a Local Director (LD) and a Local Costume Consular (LCC). You do have the option to elect an Assistant Local Director (ALD) at this time but it is not mandatory.
4. Once your elections are closed out and the positions are filled, you are now officially a temple. It is at this point that your logo should be complete and submitted for approval by the Global Council. Once approved branding as a temple can begin. The leadership team (LD and ALD) will be placed in our Facebook chats and your LCC will be placed in the costuming chat.
I hope this helps answer the questions you may have. Needless to say this information is only a taste of what is required to run and operate a temple. I am sure you will have plenty of additional questions so please feel free to reach out to me at this email address or on Facebook so that we can continue this conversation.
Thu Jan 18, 2018 8:35 am