Getting Started

Suggestions for Newcomers

Sign up for our Mentorship Program. It's a great way to get to know a new person and learn about what we do and how you can find your niche.

Find out what groups are in your area. If it's our group here in Kansas City, that's excellent! But if you don't live nearby there are tons of other Shires in the area. Find your local group by clicking here.

Drop into a local Baronial Activity like the populace meeting or fighter practice. Find out what it's about.

Introduce yourself to our Chatelaine, they can help explain more about the SCA and what activities are currently going on. They can also help you understand what you need to come to your first event.

Get to know people. The SCA tends to attract a wonderful variety of dynamic personalities. Have fun and come socialize.

For more information see the SCA Interactive Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a paid member to attend meetings, classes, or events?
No, anyone can attend any of the activities that we host. A membership will get you a discount at the gate for day long events.

When can I wear my usual clothes?
At practices and meetings it is acceptable to wear either every day clothes (mundane clothes) or SCA event clothing (period clothing). At paid events it is necessary to dress in period appropriate clothing.

What is period appropriate clothing?
Start simple (like a plane tunic, a belt, and cloth pants or skirt) and then change it up once you've got a better idea of what you like. If you have no idea where to start, contact the Chatelaine about the Gold Key, our baronial closet for newcomers.

Can I wear a crown?
In our community, there are several types of headwear that are only available to people who have been given certain acknowledgements. For more information about crowns/coronets and other reserved clothing, check out our handout on awards.

Commonly Used Terms

Coronet: elegant headwear that has a symbolic meaning within the SCA.

Mundane: modern things and those things in a non-SCA context

Period: things that fall into the time period that the SCA celebrates.

A Little About the SCA

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international, not-for-profit, educational society celebrating pre-17th century history.

The SCA is dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 20 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world.

Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which may feature tournaments, arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more. Our "royalty" hold courts at which they recognize and honor members for their contributions to the group.