Festival at the Friars' Gate Rat Wrangler (Plague Doctor)
Roles & Responsibilities
Primary Role:
The Rat Wrangler, also known as the Plague Doctor, is the coordinator, mentor, and overseer of the Harleston Rats—a mischievous but vital volunteer crew.
The Rat Wrangler ensures that the Rats are well-prepared, properly costumed, and effectively deployed to support vendors, staff, and the flow of the festival.
Shift Expectations:
- Available or on-call throughout festival hours (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Present for rat check-in 15 minutes before both shifts (9:45 AM and 1:45 PM)
Responsibilities:
- Greet and check in all Harleston Rats at the Grand Hall
- Assist with costume preparation: distributing rat ears, drawing noses and whiskers
- Brief each shift of Rats on their assigned duties (lane manager, courier, tavern assistant, etc.)
- Teach and reinforce vendor summoning calls
- Circulate through festival grounds to check on Rats during their shifts
- Reassign Rats as needed to cover breaks, high-traffic zones, or emergencies
- Monitor conduct and engagement, ensuring Rats remain in character and on task
- Track attendance and collect feedback from Rats and vendors
- Report issues or incidents to the Council of Elders
Additional Duties:
- Maintain supply kit: extra ears, face paint, hand sanitizer, water, and bandages
- Encourage morale and team spirit among the Rats
- Document notable moments or challenges for post-event reporting
- Ensure no underage volunteers are assisting in the Old Well Tavern
Ideal Traits:
- Highly organized and adaptable
- Enthusiastic, theatrical, and encouraging
- Good with teens and young adults
- Comfortable giving direction and managing on-the-fly assignments
- Able to walk the grounds and stay energized throughout the day
Be the brains behind the squeak! The Rat Wrangler keeps the chaos charming and the Rats running on time.