Events/Competitions
Fantasy & Science Fiction Masquerade
Historical Masquerade | Future Fashion Folio/Show
Single Pattern & Wearable Art Contests | Doll Contest
Green Room & Stage Information | Tech Stuff
TECH STUFF
Sound Support
We will only accept standard audiocassettes for pre-recorded sound track playback. Sound effects such as background music are an optional element of your costume presentation. However, if you want to include a pre-recorded sound track, you must provide us with a standard audiocassette tape. See audiocassette guidelines for more details.
Microphones will NOT be provided for contestant's use on stage. If your presentation requires dialogue, you can pre-record the dialogue on a standard audiocassette tape. We will play the tapes as we received them. As an alternative, you can provide the Master of Ceremonies with a script to be read during your presentation. The scripts must be legible.
Audiocassette guidelines are intended to reduce the risk that something will go wrong during your soundtrack's playback. Please follow them.
- Record your presentation's sound track onto a new, blank cassette. Use a normal-bias, name brand tape no longer than C-60 in size. Longer tapes have a tendency to stretch or break.
- Do not use Dolby or other noise reduction. If you must use it, mark that on the cassette. However, we cannot guarantee what you use will be compatible with our equipment.
- Skip the tape leader before recording.
- Make at least one backup copy.
- Cue (advance) your tapes to the exact point you want your tape to start at.
- Label the side you want to play with your name and your entry's name (e.g. Cranston Snord - "LORD OF LIGHT"). Label the other side with "WRONG SIDE". Make sure all your tapes (you've made a backup copy, right?) are labeled the same way.
Lighting
Our plan is to set up a straightforward lighting arrangement that will show off your costumes in the best light (pun intended) possible given that we are working in hotel ballroom. So far, we have not run into any problems that prevent us from doing that (knock on wood).
While trying to keep things simple (less to go wrong), we are making arrangements to obtain a single "follow spot" for the various masquerades. It is supposed to support coloured gels, but this has not been confirmed as yet. For those of you who know what I am writing about, please keep this in mind as an option.
Default Lighting and Sound Support
The default stage area lighting and sound support are intended to make the majority of costumes look great. It will be as follows:
- Dim stage lights between presentations.
- Master of Ceremonies introduces your presentation. For example, "Entry number 42, in the Journeyman division, Lord of Light"
- Start tape (if provided).
- Bring stage lights up to full intensity. You should be on stage by now.
- Dim the lights as you leave the stage and stop tape (if provided).
- Master of Ceremonies reads your presentation's credits. For example, "That was entry number 42, Lord of Light, made and worn by Cranston Snord".
If you need anything different from that what is written here, you must talk with the technical crew during the technical rehearsal prior to the Masquerade.
Masquerade Traffic Flow
When it is time for your presentation, you will proceed from the green room through one of the two air wall openings that lead to the backstage area. The main traffic flow will be though the left air wall opening.
From the backstage area, you will walk up the stairs to the stage wings. From there, you will walk onto the stage and begin your presentation.
When your presentation is complete, exit the stage at center front by walking down the stairs. Continue walking through the audience to back of the hall where you will turn right and exit the ballroom. Proceed down the South Foyer, turn right at the West Foyer, and re-enter the Green Room.
Official masquerade photographs will be taken in the Green Room prior to your going on stage. Please arrive promptly at the Green Room to ensure that you have enough time to get your costume on, have your official photos taken, and complete workmanship judging.
