It is recommended that you register for the Masquerade using the form we have provided online. You can e-mail it to annmorris1@yahoo.com . If you need to wait till you are at the convention to register, you may get a registration form from our new Information Desk. You will also turn your filled in form and CD for our sound crew (if you have one) at the Information Desk. The deadline is 4 p.m. Saturday.

Last year, we did not officially have a costuming theme but costumers felt the pull of the Steampunk design of our website and thereby created a de facto theme. We got quite a few questions as to what the costuming theme for Necronomicon 2009 would be.

The group that hosts Necronomicon voted on a costuming theme and the result was that a superhero/Arkham Asylum (Batman) theme was the suggestion that won. We'd love to see lots of superheroes and Arkham Asylum staff and inmates roaming the convention halls this year. If you wish to go with the Arkham Asylum theme but are unfamiliar with it, check out this Wikipedia Entry on Arkham Asylum

When planning your stage presentation bear in mind that there will be no microphones available for you on stage. If your costume requires a spoken element other than what the M.C. will read for you, you need to record it on CD or MP3 (we cannot use tapes) to be played during your time on stage. The room is way too large for the entire audience to hear you speaking on stage.

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 we can go over the introduction for the entrant.

You will be assigned a number for your appearance during the line-up hour , as well as be given instructions about the path to the stage and where you will be seated after presenting your costume.

Masquerade Rules
1.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 the Masquerade staff before the Masquerade or you may be disqualified for an award.

2.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 annmorris1@yahoo.com.

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3. 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.

4. Both pages of the entry form must be filled out. One is for the M.C. and the other is for the sound crew.

5. 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.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you wish to have a surefire chance of getting a costuming award at this year's Necronomicon, you will need to enter the formal Masquerade or attend the Necronomi-Prom where we will be giving out hall costume awards. Ann Morris