Norwescon 23 Masquerade

Now boarding the NWC Ad Astra, Starship of the Stars to the Stars. Our trip will be graced with an amazing event, The Norwescon 23 Masquerade. This competition will feature astounding costumes by performers from around the cosmos. For the moment all the information you need to participate in the Norwescon Masquerade is available in PDF format. Also, be sure to check the Norwescon 23 Masquerade FAQ below. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for the Masquerade, there is now information on what positions are available.

 

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Norwescon 23 Masquerade FAQ

Who is running the masquerade this year?

        Peggy Stewart. She has run NWC's masquerade in 1997 and 1999. She also ran Westercon's in 1997. Peggy moved to the Northwest in 1996. Previous to that, for over ten years she ran the masquerade for Marcon, a convention which is held in Columbus, OH and is the Midwest's largest regional con and is equal to NWC in size and scope. Peggy is also a Master costumer with her own costume business and has competed in masquerades across the Midwest. She has both a knowledge of what the contestant needs from first hand experience and what is needed to run a masquerade from a technical stand point and she tries to blend the two to make a user friendly masquerade that is not hard on it's contestants, runs smoothly and is a pleasure to watch.

What is the schedule for Masquerade participants?

Saturday, April 22, 2000

    • Masquerade Informational Meeting: 10am - 11am in Grand 3 (Everyone who wants to enter should be at this meeting.)
    • Volunteer meeting: 11pm - 11:30am in Grand 3 (For those interested in Volunteering only.)
    • Running order determined by 11:30am
    • Tech check off meeting: Noon - 1:30pm in Grand 3 (Every entrant will want to turn in their tapes and lighting cues.)
    • Masquerade Tech Rehearsal: 1:30pm - 3:30pm in Grand 3 (EVERY ENTRANT will get a chance to walk the stage.)
    • Dinner Break: 4pm - 5:45pm
    • Workmanship Judging: 5:45pm - 7pm (OPTIONAL, for those that want part of their costume judged for workmanship.)
    • Doors Open: 6:30pm
    • Event Time: 7pm - 9pm

Sunday, April 23, 2000

    • Masquerade Wrap-up/Comment Panel: 1pm in Cascade 5
When is the Friday night meeting?

        There is no Friday night meeting.

Do I have to come to the meetings or can I just show up for rehearsal?

        Meeting attendance is mandatory. The meetings are Saturday at 10:00am for general Q-n-A and form turn in and a Tech Check Off meeting at 12:00pm both in Grand 3.

Do I have to go to rehearsal?

        Yes, you need to walk the stage and try your performance with lights and sound. Times and sign up for them will be addressed in the Tech meeting. The time blocked out for rehearsals is 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Everyone in your group must attend your rehearsal!

Does everyone from our act need to be at the informational and tech meetings?

        No, you can send a representative but we do need everyone's signatures on the entrance form by the end of the informational meeting at 11:00am.

Can I get the entrance form before Saturday morning?

        Yes, check the information tables, request it via e-mail (masquerade@norwescon.org) or download it off this website.

What about music?

        We suggest that every entrant pick music to go along with your presentation; it's an important "finishing touch." Since we don't allow live microphones onstage, we also suggest anything you'd like to say be said by the MC or be on the tape. Please label your tape with the name of your presentation, your REAL name, and which side should be played. It helps if you come to the con with the tape already cued up, and an extra copy just in case. We suggest taping in Stereo and with Dolby noise reduction if possible. Use the highest quality tape you can - CR02 tape is always good.

But I don't know what type of music I want?

        Keith Johnson, our resident sound guy, offers a FREE taping service for those of you looking for that special music to go along with that special costume. You can contact him at kj@gmnameplate.com.

Will there be microphones for vocals?

        No, Any vocals should be taped along with your music. The hall is large and acoustically dead, do NOT plan on being able to project to the audience.

Can I get my tape back?

        Yes, see Keith after the Masquerade or come to the Sunday Masquerade Wrap-up panel at 1:00pm in Cascade 5.

Can I bring my own helpers?

        Yes, but they need to be out of the backstage area by 6:45pm unless special arrangement have been made with the Masquerade Director.

Do I need supporting documentation for recreation costumes?

        Yes, how else will the judges know you did an accurate recreation?

How do I get my documentation back?

        Ask after the Masquerade or attend the Sunday Masquerade Wrap-up Panel at 1:00pm in Cascade 5.

Will I be able to block my act before rehearsal?

        Yes, a chalk stage should be available early Saturday morning and all day Saturday.

If I'm not competing can I still help with the Masquerade?

        Yes, we need Stage Ninjas, Den Parents, Ushers, Judges, etc. Please see the descriptions of the jobs here on the website.

Will there be dressing rooms backstage?

        Yes, but space is at a premium.

Will there be a fix-it kit?

        Yes, but very, very limited, bring everything you think you might need.

Will there be security for personal items?

        No, if it is left unattended you assume the risk of loss/damage/etc.

If I miss the deadline for forms can I still participate in the Masquerade?

        No, we need the forms for planning purposes. They are due in the masquerade director's hands by 11:30am.

Will I get to talk to lighting, music, the MC, and the stage ninjas?

        Yes, when you attend the Tech Check Off meeting at 12pm - 1:30pm in Grand 3 on Saturday. It is mandatory for contestants.

What are the stage dimensions?

        The body of the stage is approximately 14 feet deep by 16 feet wide.

What is the stage height?

        The stage is 32" high.

What is the height of the black curtains that block the view of the audience to the backstage?

        They are approximately 12 feet tall.

Can you enter from either stage left or stage right backstage?

        Yes, if you need another entrance you must get it approved by the Masquerade Director. Both sides backstage have steps.

Where do I exit from the stage?

        Acts will exit via the runway that extends from the center front of the stage, unless previous arrangements have been made.

What are the runway dimensions?

        The runway is approximately 5 feet wide by 16 feet long. There are stairs at the end of the runway.

Can you throw things off the stage?

        Absolutely not.

What if I want my act to be a surprise?

        The Masquerade Director, tech crew, and den parents can keep a secret. You will not keep/earn an award if you do not follow the rules for safety.

How is the Masquerade judged?

There are two sets of judges: The Workmanship Judges and the Presentation Judges.

        The Workmanship Judges are available from 5:45pm backstage to look at an entry based on how it was constructed and the techniques used. This is optional for all entrants but encouraged.

        The Presentation Judges are seated in front of the stage at a special table and judge the entrants on the basis of looks on stage, presentation, movement and other aspects of stage performance.

Do I have to compete against a professional costumer?

        No, we follow the International Costumer's Guild guidelines for entry levels.

        This means that you compete against people with the same experience as you have. To see more on the guidelines and where you fit, check out the rules page online or download the entrance forms.

What are the prizes?

        This year we are having baseball hats, the fashionably low slouch hat, in navy with embroidery with the event and date on it. They are from Offworld Designs, the same great people who do our con shirt and that did the tote bags for the masquerade last year. There will be certificates also. Unfortunately, large groups may have to split a hat as there is a limited supply of them.

Last but not least, is a question frequently asked: Is this the "Masquerade" with Vampires?

        No, this is not the live action game for Vampire: The Masquerade. Although the "Masquerade" does have many people with very cool costumes and could easily compete in our Masquerade and we encourage those who have really gone all out to compete.


Volunteer Job descriptions for the Masquerade
(all take place on Saturday*)

Stage Ninjas - If you like to wear black and be sneaky than this is the position for you. Ninjas hover around the edges of the stage and entrances on to the stage and make sure the contestants don't fall and place any needed props on the stage for them. You will get an up close and personal look at the stage performance and the contestants.

Den Parents - If you are the nurturing and or calming type and like to see things close up then this position is for you. Den parents stay behind the stage with the contestants the whole time. They work with them to calm them down, offer food and drink and help with any last minute costume problems or tweaking. This is as close as you will get to the costumes unless you are in one.

Judges - If you have experience with costuming, performance, or otherwise feel that you would make a great judge contact the Masquerade Director (masquerade@norwescon.org) stating why you think you would be right for the job.

Door Guards - If you like telling people what to do or better yet where to go than this position is for you. Before the masquerade starts we need people to guard the front doors to ensure privacy for the contestants and to allow those who are supposed to be there in. We will give you great, up close, seating for the masquerade as your perk.

Ushers - Want to see the masquerade but have a hard time sitting still, then this job is for you. You will work under the direction of the house manager.

There will be a volunteer meeting on Saturday at 11am in Grand 3 for all people interested in any of these positions. You will meet the person(s) in charge of your area or become that person and you will learn the rest of the time requirements your volunteer position requires. If you can not make the meeting but are interested, please contact the Masquerade Director or Assistant Director prior to the 11am meeting.