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Masquerade - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enter?

See here for some information about the sort of things we need to know and a link to the online entry form.

Can I enter on the day?

Possibly. It all depends on how much interest we get. We can't keep the audience there all night, so we may have to limit the number of entries. To be sure of a place, send your entry form in early.

What will the stage be like?

Big and flat. Further details will be posted here as we get them.

What sound and lighting facilities will you have?

The usual big theatre stuff, but we won’t be able to use it all due to lack of rehearsal time. See here for details.

Are you using ICG Guidelines?

More or less, yes, but see here for the specific rules and any local variations.

What prize categories will you have?

There will be the usual judging in junior, novice, journeyman and master categories, with prizes for presentation and workmanship. See here for the latest details on other prizes.

Will there be a themed costume prize?

No, we have been unable to find anyone interested in sponsoring such a prize.

Which day will the masquerade take place?

Saturday August 6^th, 2005.

Will there be room in the theatre for everyone who wants a seat?

The Clyde Auditorium seats 3,000, which is more people than most recent Worldcon masquerades have drawn. There is space for 28 wheelchairs, mostly on the ground floor.

When will rehearsals take place?

During the day on Saturday.

What kind of costumes can be entered?

Anything you like, as long as it will fit on stage and doesn’t cause our safety people to have a panic.

Can I enter a rented or purchased costume?

The simple answer is "no". Obviously we have to be reasonable here. We don't necessarily expect you to make your own footwear (though the judges will be impressed if you do). But the idea is that the costume is something that you or one of your friends made, not something you got from a shop.

How long can I be on stage?

For individuals we recommend between 30 seconds and a minute. Larger groups will be allowed more time. Check the rules for precise details.

Will I be able to have access to a microphone?

No. Sorry, but we don’t have time to let people make speeches and there isn’t time to rehearse complex skits. It you want voice, record it on your soundtrack. You will also be able to ask the MC to say things about your entry. See the entry guidelines for details.

Will I have trouble getting my costume through UK customs?

The UK does not have restrictions on the import of skins, wood and so on as was the case for the recent Australian Worldcon. Our Exhibits staff are talking to the customs authorities on behalf of dealers and artists and we have asked them to make enquiries on behalf of costumers too. We will report back if they find anything you need to worry about.

Um, we don’t have to tell you about airport security and weapons, do we…

What is this Chaos Costuming thing?

It is a traditional part of British conventions. Some American conventions have it as well. You may know it as "Built Today" or "$1.98 Costuming." See here for an explanation. It isn't a regular feature of Worldcons, but we think it is fun and it will certainly help with the issue of transporting costumes.

Will photographs of the entrants be available for purchase?

Yes.

Will a video of the masquerade be available?

There will be a video made, and we expect to show it for the benefit of contestants at the convention. Whether anything will be available for sale depends on copyright issues with the soundtrack. We are currently investigating the situation and will report back.

Can I take my own photographs?

There will be a sign-up list for the official fan photography area available at the convention. If you just want to wander around taking snaps, please ask your v/i/c/t/i/m/s subjects first. And please, no flash photography during the show, it can be dangerous. Please see here for news about the location of the fan photography area.

If I need materials when I’m in Glasgow, where can I buy them?

We have a list of useful shops here, but don’t forget to try the Chaos Costuming room first, it may save you a trip.

I can’t sew to save my life, can I help out instead?

Of course you can. We will need plenty of volunteers on the day. Typical jobs are:

• Helping the contestants get ready (the job title is Den Mother)
• Helping the contestants on and off stage
• Helping with crowd control in the auditorium

Our tech crew may need help as well, but they will be looking at people with particular specialist skills. If you think this means you, please get in touch before the convention through Interaction’s volunteer system.

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Page last updated 10^th April 2005