Frequently Asked Questions
⚓ ABOUT THE CREWE ⚓
Thee Leviathan Pirate Crewe is a nationwide social group of pirate enthusiasts, cosplayers, performers, and adventurers. Founded in 2011, we gather at renaissance faires, pirate festivals, and events across America — united by our love of the sea, the spirit of adventure, and the freedom of pirate life.
The spelling is intentional. “Krewe” is associated with Mardi Gras and Gasparilla parade organizations, which have dues, charity requirements, and formal parade structures. Thee Leviathan is different — we are a social Crewe, plain and simple. The unique spelling reflects our unique identity.
No. We are a purely social group. There are no dues, no charity requirements, and no formal obligations beyond being a good shipmate and abiding by our Articles and Regulations and Code of Conduct. That said, many of our members actively engage in charitable giving, food and toy drives, and even attend charity events as pirates to help draw people to the event. We don’t run charity events, but we often participate in them.
No. “The Order of Leviathan” is another organization with a different set of membership rules, but we have a similar name. However, we have an Accord with the Order that makes them allies and our Pirate friends, and there are some who are members of both groups.
No. Thee Leviathan is an adult social organization for members 18 and older. Children are welcome as guests of their member parents at appropriate events, but are not eligible for membership in any capacity. The safety and well being of children at our events is the sole responsibility of their parent or guardian.
⚓ Membership ⚓
All new members join through the official application on this website. You’ll fill out a short form with your basic information, how you heard about us, and who you spoke to about joining. Applications are reviewed by leadership and you’ll be contacted with next steps.
There are no dues or fees to join Thee Leviathan. Membership is completely free. Your only investment is in your own garb and accessories and the cost of the events you choose to attend.
Your application is reviewed by Leviathan leadership. We may reach out to the member who referred you for additional context. If approved, you’ll receive information about your local chapter, your Coxswain’s contact information, and instructions for creating your member account on this website.
A Stowaway is a new member who has been accepted into the Crewe but is still in their introductory period. As a Stowaway you’ll have access to basic member resources and will be welcomed into your local chapter page and the main Leviathan Crewe page. Over time, as you participate and grow within the Crewe, you’ll advance to Provisional Crewe and be inducted to Full Member status.
Yes you can. We don’t have any restrictions regarding joining other cosplay groups or Parade Krewes. The one exception to this is regarding certain leadership roles which may limit membership in other organizations.
⚓ Structure & Chapters⚓
Thee Leviathan has a number of positions and roles. New members begin as Stowaways, then advance to Provisional Crewe, and then Full Member. Leadership and specialty roles include Coxswains (chapter leaders), Ambassadors, Elders, and of course The Captain. Each role has its own set of responsibilities, available to members in the member portal.
Local chapters are the key to our Crewe being able to grow as large as we have. As we gain members in a particular region of the country, we create local chapters with experienced leaders to serve and organize the members in that area. Currently there are over 60 local chapters that make up Thee Leviathan, and new ones are created whenever there is a need. Each chapter is run by one or more Coxswains and has a Facebook group page that members can join to keep up on Crewe happenings in the area.
Visit our Chapters page to see a full interactive map of all active chapters in each state. When you first become a Stowaway, you will be assigned to the local chapter nearest to you, and that’s where you will find specific information about the events and members in your area. Later, you may want to join the Facebook pages of other chapters that interest you.
Possibly! If there is no chapter in your area and you have enough local interest, we may be able to set up a new chapter there. Chapters can only be started by experienced full members after careful planning and training, and must be approved and supervised by Leadership.
⚓ Events and Participation⚓
No, there are no mandatory attendance requirements. Life happens, and we understand that members participate at different levels. That said, the heart of Thee Leviathan is showing up — at faires, festivals, and gatherings. The more you sail with us, the richer the experience.
Our members frequent renaissance faires, pirate festivals, cosplay conventions, local chapter meetups, small impromptu gatherings, and community events across the country. Local chapters will sometimes organize event “invasions” where many Leviathans will meet at the same event.
Some chapters participate in local events and appearances that have parades, and some members are also members of Parade Krewes, but we are not a parade organization. We are a social Crewe — we show up, we have fun, and we represent the pirate life and our Crewe with pride.