Each year the Rhode Island Pirate Players puts together a number of field trips and outdoor events. In order to obtain a more historic feel this sometimes involves renting a property or paying a fee for usage. RIPP often performs martial training with "live steel" and “black powder” in order to better understand the technology and tactics of the past. This can be an inherently dangerous pastime. More and more, site owners and even homeowners are requiring proof of insurance and a third party waiver before allowing such events on their property or at their events.

In September 2007 the RIPP unanimously decided that the group needed to implement a membership fee to help cover the price of insurance, fund company projects, and to a more limited extent, off set the costs of group trips to re-enactment events.

Membership Levels and Fees per annum

Full Membership ($52 per annual)

• Voting privileges on day to day affairs

• No entry fees for RIPP events

• Can hold a ship’s rank

• Can be appointed to the board  

• Invited to all classes

• May requisition funding from the Board of Directors for an event or class

• On the website in their position

• *A historically accurate kit is required

Associate Member ($30 Annual)

• Invited to all classes

• Invited to all public events in a role dictated by the authenticity needed for an event

• Charged a discounted rate for events as needed to help absorb costs

• Given a polling vote on daily matters

• Able to make requests to the Ship's Officers for funding of ideas

• On the website as a crew member

• At any time an associate member may petition to become a full member

• *A kit that passes the "10 foot" rule is the minimum

The Friends of The Rhode Island Pirate Players (Free)

• Free to join

• Friends will be invited to all public events in a non-representational role and charged as necessary

• Friends of The Rhode Island Pirate Players will not have a vote on RIPP matters

• *No Kit Required

Membership runs from March 15 – March 14. Membership dues are to be paid annually by March 31st.

Educational fees: The Rhode Island Pirate Players has a sliding scale for public institutions such as libraries and public schools.  Any such institution wishing to hire us should contact us and we’ll be happy to work out a budget with you.