The Masquerade

Overview: To declare your intent to participate in the Anthrocon Masquerade, please send an email to masquerade-2008(at)anthrocon.org stating your name, email address, character name and a description of the skit/performance/act you will be performing. Please be sure to read the FAQ below as well as the rules.

• What is the Anthrocon Masquerade?

The Anthrocon Masquerade is an event designed to provide amateur and professional costumers and visual artists a showcase in which to demonstrate creative performance and presentation skills. The Masquerade is the prime location to express yourself through these particular talents by providing entertainment for the Anthrocon attendees.

• Can I perform in the Masquerade without a costume?

All performances in the Masquerade must have at least one member with a costume of some form. However, a performance can have one costumer and multiple non-costumers if it calls for such.

• I don't have a performance/presentation to do, can I still be in the Masquerade?

The rules for having a performance/presentation to do are extremely lenient. We would like to avoid seeing performers arriving on stage, doing nothing at all, and leaving the stage. This is not very entertaining for the audience. There are many Photo Opportunities available outside the Masquerade for those who wish to show off their costumes but do not wish to perform.

• Will there be a rehearsal?

There is a MANDATORY rehearsal for all Masquerade participants before the event. The time and location will be announced as the convention draws closer, but it is usually scheduled for the morning of the Masquerade. During the rehearsal, each participant must provide a description and, preferably, a demonstration of their performance or presentation. This is to review acts for content, verify that there is an act to be performed, arrange the performances in an intelligent progression, and as a practice run for the costumers.

This rehearsal will be closed to the convention attendees, so costumers need not worry about surprise costumes or acts being spoiled. If a participant cannot participate in the rehearsal for whatever reason, they must notify the event Director in advance. A performance that is not reviewed before the Masquerade will not be allowed to participate. Presentations must be provided in a format presentable by the technical staff.

• What is the Masquerade rated?

The Masquerade must be restricted to PG in nature. Performances above that rating are only allowed upon approval from the event Director. Simulation or physical suggestion of sexual acts, extreme violence, and/or deviation from the performance rehearsed in order to breach the event's rating is not permitted. Costumers may only interact with the audience during the Masquerade with prior permission and review by the event Director. Security may remove any costumer who oversteps these boundaries during their act. If you are not sure, ask the event Director. There is no harm in asking, we try to be very lenient.

• Will there be people to assist me during the Masquerade?

All costumers are requested to have at least one "spot" at all times during the Masquerade, including the setup. A "spot" is a person who helps guide, protect, and assist the costumer to avoid injury or damage. The Masquerade will also have volunteers who will be able to provide additional help if necessary.

• How will the Masquerade progress?

All costumers need to arrive one hour before the Masquerade to prepare and organize music, placement, and to get an adequate knowledge of the area they will be performing in. Any costumer who has not participated in a rehearsal may not participate in the Masquerade. There will be a playlist for the event, during which the costumers will remain backstage in the order they will perform in. The costumers should be aware of which performer they are before, after, and when they are on. Once the costumer's performance is completed, the costumer will return to a holding room backstage where they may rest and recuperate. After the Masquerade, the costumers will exit to the main event area. At that point, costumers may remain as long as they like and leave at any time.

• Who is the MC for the Masquerade?

John "KuddlePup" Cole will again be MCing the Masquerade. He will be able to read pre-prepared narration or notes during any performance which can be arranged ahead of time during the rehearsal. Notes must be legible so he can read it during the how.

• What amenities will be available for the Masquerade?

There will be cold water, straws, and fans available. Flash photography will be permitted during the Masquerade. If any other items are needed, please let the event Director know.

• Why doesn't Anthrocon have a costume contest?

To avoid being the cause of bias, rivalries, jealousy, and resentment between costumers in the community, I've chosen to focus our efforts on entertaining the large majority of attendees rather than rewarding a select few. If people wish to publicly display their costumes as art, the convention areas are open to presentation 24 hours a day.

Please see the rules for further details. If you have any further questions, have no hesitation about contacting me at masquerade-2008(at)anthrocon.org and I will reply quickly. If you know anyone else who would like to participate in the Masquerade, please pass this information on. Thank you for helping us provide entertainment for those members of our convention who have an interest in costuming and performance art.

- Brian Harris (Anthrocon Masquerade Director)
masquerade-2008(at)anthrocon.org