Clubs setting regulations of their own is often a must for them, though it can prove bothersome to others. Dress codes often are set to help keep the neighbors from complaining if someone is dressed in a manner that they would find offensive. Negotiating to allow certain types of dress with the provision that people change at the club and don't go outside without covering up may be a possibility. But, not everyone can or will do that. Have you thought of doing something other than a club?
One of the things that may help for a first time is to simply have a munch. Getting people together simply to visit and get to know one another a bit is a good way to help them be more comfortable in committing to a play event...even if there are various rules set that they don't care for.
There is also the fact that some folks are unable to put up the money for an event to be held in a club. Starting out in a home (if you have a willing host) helps to establish the base group of people. Then, when you get too large for homes and move to a club, people will be more likely to shell out the bucks to cover the cost.
Here in CT, there really isn't a club to hold a gathering at. The few that did exist were shut down for drugs, prostitution, etc. (Sad that a few spoil things for the rest.) Also, regulations prevent us from doing one in a hotel setting. So, we're limitted to doing things in our home.
The drawbacks in this are not always wanting to let people in our home that we don't know and being limitted in space. One way to get around this is to try to get together for dinner with those we have yet to meet in person. Of course, that isn't always possible. But, it's a good way to feel people out if you can do so. (We won't allow anyone in our home who isn't willing to meet elsewhere for dinner first...unless, of course, we've already met and gotten a feel for them at another event.) The size issue is a more difficult one to overcome. We've taken to rotating our guest list a bit to give new folks a chance to join us. But, that gets frustrating when you don't want to leave others out. We're still keeping our eyes and ears open to possible locations for a bigger event...thogh frankly, we've grown to enjoy the smaller ones.
Another thing to think about is trying to meet up with folks from your area at other, more established gatherings. Before having our first CAT gathering, we met up with folks at NEST, giving us a chance to get to know one another. We've made an effort to get to know folks...both from our area and others...when we go to other events. (Play is secondary to us. We want to get to know folks, not just play with them.) Now, when we do things, it's simply a matter of who to invite and figuring out everyone's schedules.
I think the biggest hurdle for anyone starting a new event is to be patient. Until you get at least a little bit established, you really can't expect a big turnout. Being satisfied with just a few folks hanging out...even if all you do is BS...will give you a base to work with. Allowing yourself those first few feeble events can give you something to build on as you go along. We still use the "whoever shows, shows" motto for our own gatherings. We generally have a few extra folks invited figuing on at least a couple no shows. It always works out. And, since I love to cook and always cook for an army, we never have a lack of food.
Good luck! And remember...patience!
Ann
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