The Seadogs

The Seadogs are a performance group from California who specialise in nautical music, sea songs and themed theatre. The group brings together instrumentalists and singers for performances that range from traditional shanties and work songs to more upbeat versions of classic sea songs, alongside modern and original seafaring material. Comedy and sailor-themed theatrics are part of the act, and the group performs for audiences of all ages.

History

The group begins as an idea among workers at a Renaissance Faire gaming booth. It first performs as an officially recognised act in 1986 at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Novato, California, under director Eric Lethe, and is then accepted as a performance and singing group at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Agoura, California. Later, under Robin Driskill, the Seadogs add a larger repertory of sailor songs and shanties and place greater emphasis on improv comedy and street theatre. In 1991, Steve Morales becomes director.

Performance style and repertoire

The Seadogs build performances around different nautical settings, including pirates of the swashbuckling era, mariners of Dickensian times and the golden age of sail, as well as Renaissance sailors. Each style includes themed costumes, spoken accents, acting, and songs from the relevant period. The group also develops nautical stage sets and performance areas for larger events, using costumes, props and construction built around the theme.

Work and appearances

Over more than 25 years, the Seadogs develop a strong reputation on the west coast and perform at a wide range of events. Their appearances include Renaissance and Dickensian festivals, yacht clubs, radio promotions, pirate shows, winery events, local fairs and tall ships festivals. The group also develops comedy stage shows based on nautical themes, including titles such as Sinbad, Sam Starboard, Tales of Atlantis and Captain Hops.

Current formation

The Seadogs are a large ensemble, with 16 performers, including several instrumentalists, singers, actors and craftspeople. They are known for combining music, performance and nautical craft into a single stage presentation.