Costume Guidelines

Guidelines for Ravencon's Costume Show

F&SF COMPETITION DEFINITIONS

Ravencon's Competition Categories

Fantasy

The Fantasy and Science Fiction category shows costumes that reflect speculative, fantasy, science fiction and/or mythological ideas. If based off any media, it should have some sort of documentation or a picture so the judges see where the costume came from. The judges have not read all books or seen all films. A costume can be entered as long as it has not won a Ravencon masquerade before.

HISTORICAL MASQUERADE DEFINITIONS

The Historical category is for costumes based and inspired by history. In addition to the skill levels, the historical section has two main categories: Recreation and Interpretation. There is no guideline concerning the name of either category. Both categories are eligible for "Best in Class" and "Best in Show." It is also possible for the same titled awards to be used separately in both categories. Which one you should enter should be based on the costume's overall appearance and on your intent on making the costume rather than its execution. If you have any questions at all, please consult the masquerade director. A costume can enter that has not won a Ravencon masquerade before.
Recreation
A costume intended to look like it came from a particular period of history. This includes both costumes copied from a specific artwork or surviving garment, original costumes meant to look as if they were designed and made in a particular period, and costumes in between.
Interpretation
A costume that intentionally and visibly departs from the period it is based on. It should be obvious to the casual viewer that this costume was not intended to be totally authentic.
The only documentation required is evidence of historical basis.

Horror
This category is opened to costumes inspired by horror movies and TV shows or books and original costumes dealing with vampires, werewolves, monsters, dinosaurs, etc....

Levels to Enter Under

Young Fan:
Anyone younger then fourteen who has made his/her own costume. There is no guideline for the age of such persons. There is no guideline for the name of this division. It is suggested that a child model an adult-made costume either out of competition or at the adult's level. Age fifteen and older is considered adult entry-level.
Novice:
The Novice division is to encourage beginners. If you have never won an award at RavenCon or other similar conventions, or if this is you make very few costumes, then you are a Novice.
Experienced:
Experienced costumers are those who sew professionally, have won awards of any sewing sort in the SCA, or have accomplished any of the following in international competition: have won three times in the Journeyman division, have won in Master, or have won "Best in Show,"or are modeling purchased or commissioned costumes.

Rules of Competition

• You need not COMPETE to be in the Costume Show!!! Just write 'Not in Competition' on the entry form, but fill the rest of the information out anyway.
• You must be a registered member ofRavencon to compete in the Costume Show.
• The MasqueradeDirector reserves the right to listen to any CDs/tapes submitted for inappropriate dialog.
• No nudity or obscenity. General guideline - keep it PG-13.
• Time Limits:
• 45 seconds maximum for one person
• 30 seconds for each additional person in the group up to a total of 3 minutes.
• If you wish to use prop weapons, you must clear them with the Masquerade Director.
• One costume per body - multiple entries worn by one person or one entry worn by multiple people at multiple times are not allowed. This rule does not apply to costumes in a single presentation that require multiple operators.
• For safety reasons, the following are not permitted:
• live animals
• inebriated costumers
• substances which might damage other costumes or the stage
• fire, flash powder, or other open flame
• explosives or projectiles Guns must be non-functioning; bows may be strung but arrows must remain in the quiver.
• The Masquerade Director reserves the right to eliminate anyone from competition on the basis of taste, danger to the audience or other contestants, or other liability issues.

Remember: surprise the audience, but never the Director or the tech crew!

FAQ

What if I don't know what category my costume fits into?
Talk to the people at the costume desk. They will help you find the right category.

Hey! Someone changed my category!
The Masquerade Director reserves the right to shift a costumer's category. Usually this will only happen if there is only one entry in that category in competition, or if there is a question of whether the contestant belongs in Champions. Category changes, if any, will be made between the end of registration and the opening of the Green Room.

Can I sign up online even if I don't know what category I'm in yet?
Yes, you can. Send an email with the rest of the information requested for the online registration, and the question of your category can be settled when you arrive at the sign-up table to sign the release and discuss your technical cues.

Can I sign up online even if I don't know what costume I'm doing yet?
No. The purpose of signing up online is to get a head start on the paperwork. If there's nothing to fill out, there's no head start.

What if I sign up online and then change my mind and want to do a different costume?
Before the convention, send the Costume Director an email telling her of the change and giving her the information for the new costume. (Emailing instructions are on the registration page.) Changes made 5 days or less before the convention should be handled in person - just tell the people at the sign-up desk to drop your old information and register the new costume as usual. There is no penalty for changing your mind!

I've got a large group. Can I get a release form online so we don't have to chase everyone down at the con?
Right now that's not possible because the release requests your badge number as well as your signature, and nobody knows what the number is before you register at Ravencon. Entrants must be members of Ravencon to compete. The Director is looking into a way of cross-checking preregistrations, but it is not yet in place.

I can't make it to the sign-up table. Can I sign up totally online, or later at the convention, like in the Green Room/Masquerade?
No. The releases, documentation/music drop-off, and the technical cues have to be done in person. Registrationfor the Showis open on Friday afternoon as well as Saturday until 2pm, you can always take a paper to fill out later and bring it back. Once the table is shut down, the entry database closes and the Costume Director starts printing off all the forms for Green Room, Judging, and the MC. While last-minute changes can be made to a costume that is already entered, no new costumes can enter the system.

Where do I pick up my documentation, music, and/or Workmanship certificates?
All documentation, tapes, and CDs will be available at Registration Sunday morning. If you cannot attend, give the Costume Director your address during sign-up and a self-addressed stamped envelope and your materials will be mailed on Monday.