INFORMATION AND RULES
For The Masquerade
Saturday, October 11, 2008

I highly recommend registering ahead of time by e-mail if you can. This will help the masquerade staff who will be formatting the forms for me and for our sound crew. I will not disqualify latecomers but I cannot guarantee that I will be able to read their forms as well as if I have time to go over them beforehand and our sound crew will not be able to play music not turned into them by the deadline. *ALL FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT AND TURNED IN TO REGISTRATION BY 4 P.M., SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008!*

You need to keep in mind while planning your stage presentation that there will be no microphones on the stage. If your costume requires a spoken element other than what I will read for you, you need to record it on CD (we cannot use tapes) to be played during your time on stage. The room is way too large for you to be heard.

Line up time is 7 p.m. The room will be announced at the con. Entrants in the children's portion of the masquerade do not have to be present until 7:45 but I do need someone representing each entrant to come at 7 so I can go over the introduction for the entrant.

You will be assigned a number and I will go over your introduction with you if I have questions about pronunciation.

You will be given instructions about the path to the stage and where you will be seated after presenting your costume during the "line-up" hour.

The rules for the masquerade will be the same as they have been for lo these many years.

Weapons are allowed for this event as long as they are not used in any way that poses a threat to the safety of others or yourself. Stage combat needs to be cleared with me or you may be disqualified.

This next one has rarely been abused but it's here just so we can say everyone has been warned.

Costumes and presentations must be suitable for viewing by all ages and must not violate city of St. Petersburg or Pinellas County decency laws. This is pretty much the "No costume is NO COSTUME" rule. I am not unreasonable on this issue. If all your "naughty bits" are covered, I'm not going to disqualify you. If you are in doubt about something, write to me at raggedyann@stonehill.org.

Presentations should be no longer than three minutes. This is a costume contest rather than a talent show. Also, remember that if you have a presentation other than modeling your outfit, funny is more likely to get you a prize than serious is. Keep in mind that you will have to record the spoken parts of your presentation.

Stage time seems much longer than real time. Keep it short and sweet and you'll make 'em smile. Make it long and ponderous and the audience will be groaning.

The masquerade will take place at the traditional 8 p.m. in the ballroom.

Entry forms are available now, online, and will be located at convention registration during normal registration hours. Remember that they must be turned into Registration by 4 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2008. Both forms must be filled out. One is for the M.C. and the other is for the sound crew. CDs to be played must be turned in with your form. Please be sure to clearly label your CD with your name and costume title. You will be able to retrieve your CD from the sound crew after the masquerade.

Please note that there will not be a hall costume parade this year. If you want a sure chance of getting a ribbon, you need to enter the Masquerade.

C'mon and enter. It's fun!

Ann Morris