What's going on with the Masquerade and a question?

[KuriQueenofFeels]

Am I completely blind or is there nothing up about Masquerade Reg this year? I wasn't going to do it again cause last year was kind of a mess, but idk can't stay away from competition I suppose.

I did want to ask a question though before I register at all if it is still open. Is it alright to put a person as a maybe on the sign up sheet? The cosplay I would like to enter is already done, but I'm making a partner cosplay for my best friend for this year and A, I don't actually know if she'll want to compete, B Not sure how 'competition ready' it's going to be considering I haven't started it yet ^^;

[Erik_anderson]

Hi KuriQueenofFeel,

I am beating the website house elves to get the new pages up.  There are backup forms on google docs if it takes any longer.

Registration is still open (will be opening).  You can register and if you need to bow out your spot will go to another entry, if you need to adjust the entry you have the option to do so until Saturday at noon.

Also we have a at convention work room, so if you need space to complete construction or adjust elements this is provided for.

[Enkai]

Since I don't see an official 2015 thread, I am going to ask questions here.

I am working on a costume for an individual entry this year, and I would like to know what to expect as far as what performance to prepare.

1. Will there be walk-ons this year, in a segment of the show for walk-ons?
2. Will it be possible to do a singing performance? This is my preferred solo method of performance if there isn't a walk-on segment. Not really planning on this anymore; I've got a non-walk-on idea I think is a little more reliable.  Still curious to know though.
3. Will the karaoke winner be singing in masquerade this year?

[KuriQueenofFeels]

Thanks! Hopefully things go up soon! And I did actually ask my friend so unless something major happens she's doing it with me ^^ just have to get out stuff doe now loool

I did have another question though, just as a sort of side thought. I know in the rules last year at least there was a statement or something that makes the weapons policy more open for the masquerade? It'll make a little more sense if I say we're doing Assassin's Creed 4, but I have an antique sword that my grandpa gave me that fits the period, and costume pretty well. I already know that it is not ok to carry around the con (7th Fanime, not news to me), but I'm wondering if it's alright for the masquerade. It's alright if its not, i'm just curious because it would make a very nice addition.

[Angelx624]

@Erik - So by registration you mean Masquerade reg? I don't see anything about it on the website, unless I'm looking in the wrong places. Or do you mean it'll be open soon? Did I miss something??

[Erik_anderson]

Hi Enkai

Since I don't see an official 2015 thread, I am going to ask questions here.

I'll post what is going on the site in a separate thread.

I am working on a costume for an individual entry this year, and I would like to know what to expect as far as what performance to prepare.

1. Will there be walk-ons this year, in a segment of the show for walk-ons?

Yes, I will be balancing out the acts so there is not a specific walk on block or skit block. The feedback from last years proposals was clear that having a balanced show was more desirable.   I do however require that all entries have music and I encourage these entries to be on the stage between 30 and 45 seconds as a minimum.  If anyone needs help on how to make your walk on as dramatic, the masquerade staff will work with every entry.

2. Will it be possible to do a singing performance? This is my preferred solo method of performance if there isn't a walk-on segment. Not really planning on this anymore; I've got a non-walk-on idea I think is a little more reliable.  Still curious to know though.

Do you mean a live mic?  as a general rule no, I don't provide live mic's for a few reasons:
  - The rehearsal time to balance voice, acoustics and volume.
  - You never know what people will say, we all don't need a repeat of the Akon incident a few years back with the racist/sexist rant.
  - Its actually easier on the contestant to not have accidental slips derail your performance.
If its vital to have a live mic to make your performance work I will need you to send me a video recording and a short run down of your act to make sure we can accommodate the exception.

As said before, I do however require that all entries have music and would greatly encourage you to prerecord your performance and sync to it. 

3. Will the karaoke winner be singing in masquerade this year?

Yes, the winner is the opening act after the introductions, to get us kicked off.

Hi KuriQueenofFeels

Sounds great, looking forward to seeing both of you.

I know in the rules last year at least there was a statement or something that makes the weapons policy more open for the masquerade? It'll make a little more sense if I say we're doing Assassin's Creed 4, but I have an antique sword that my grandpa gave me that fits the period, and costume pretty well. I already know that it is not ok to carry around the con (7th Fanime, not news to me), but I'm wondering if it's alright for the masquerade. It's alright if its not, i'm just curious because it would make a very nice addition.

Yes, I'll quote the exact rules below, but the masquerade allows much more leeway for performances then the general convention.  The primary stipulations are:
-  that the weapons must be inspected by the weapons master or head ninja during rehearsal.
-  That if the weapon is used in mock combat that it be tethered to the welder, the the combat be approved before hand
-  Mock combat can not cause the ninjas to leak any bodily fluids (they are surprisingly hard to patch up)
-  That during transportation to and returning from the masquerade that they are transported securely

Other then that, you can have things that look like real guns, swords (no sharpened edges please) or general spiky bits.


Weapons Policy
The Masquerade allows some Display Weapons, which are not allowed to be carried in the halls at FanimeCon. You must follow these steps for these items to be acceptable for participation:
1.   You must check the box on the registration form for "Requires Weapon Master review."
2.   You must pass inspection from the Masquerade weapons master, including chorography, and make any changes required by them.
3.   For safety reasons, all edges must be blunted or protected.
4.   Weapon must be transported to the Masquerade Event either boxed or covered.


Hi Angelx624

@Erik - So by registration you mean Masquerade reg? I don't see anything about it on the website, unless I'm looking in the wrong places. Or do you mean it'll be open soon? Did I miss something??

Yes, we had an issue with some of the bios from the guest judges, fixing it hopefully tonight.

[Enkai]

Thanks for the response! I've been coming up with more performance ideas so it's less walk-on, more skit, so I don't need help making it dramatic. Thanks though.

A few more questions as I start developing specifics.  I'm trying to figure out what's available, even if I don't end up using it.
1. Time limits? When I competed a few years back, it was 2:30. Is that still the case?
2. What is available to us as far as lighting? I recall that last year seemed to have more complex lighting direction for skits than the general flood lighting I was used to when competing a few years ago, but that could just be remembering electronic set pieces provided by competitors.
3. Projectors?  Can they be used for video again? If they aren't used, will they be used to show a larger view of performers? Is it an either/or situation, or can I use a video for the first 15 or so secs that switches to the stage view for the rest of the performance?

[Groma]

I have a question too!
Will we be able to have the lights off or very dim for part of our performance?

[Erik_anderson]

Hi Enkai,

A few more questions as I start developing specifics.  I'm trying to figure out what's available, even if I don't end up using it.
1. Time limits? When I competed a few years back, it was 2:30. Is that still the case?

Yes, 2 minutes thirty for skits, display entries is 90 seconds. exceptions will need to be worked out with me.

2. What is available to us as far as lighting? I recall that last year seemed to have more complex lighting direction for skits than the general flood lighting I was used to when competing a few years ago, but that could just be remembering electronic set pieces provided by competitors.

We have a full theatrical stage light system and an expert running them.  So you can describe it and he can probably make it happen.  This means you can have lights of any color, fade/increase, follow spot or lighting effects. Also we are working on a back projection system for animated backgrounds.

3. Projectors?  Can they be used for video again? If they aren't used, will they be used to show a larger view of performers? Is it an either/or situation, or can I use a video for the first 15 or so secs that switches to the stage view for the rest of the performance?

Yes, we have two projection screens stage left and right and your plan would work fine.  You would have to embed your entire audio in the video because we have difficulty switching audio feeds on the fly.  If we manage to secure a projected backdrop this will cover the whole of the back of the stage.  if you are not using a video file the feed defaults to the camera team providing detailed views. 

[Erik_anderson]

Hi Groma,

Will we be able to have the lights off or very dim for part of our performance?

Yes, we have a expert light tech crew and a full theatrical system.  Here is a sample of standard stage directions, but you can add much more:

Stage black on music start, bring up lights - blue - to half and then lights full at 30 seconds - when music swells -.  Fade to black at exit of stage.
Stage full - white - then change to red at red dress entering stage, then fade to half red after 30 seconds. drop all lights on drums to black. end.

This is easy for us to make happen and part of what rehearsal is used to help jazz up performances and try out new things.   after this year we will have a video of the stage and its capabilities to provide people with understanding of what their performance will look like.

feel free to PM me with specific questions or ideas on what we can do for your entry. I'm always willing to collaborate.

[Enkai]

Yes, we have two projection screens stage left and right and your plan would work fine.  You would have to embed your entire audio in the video because we have difficulty switching audio feeds on the fly.  If we manage to secure a projected backdrop this will cover the whole of the back of the stage.  if you are not using a video file the feed defaults to the camera team providing detailed views. 

That back projection sounds pretty awesome, and may well be something I would use, assuming the time to render a backdrop and finish my costume.  Would that replace the side projectors with the feed of the show, or add to it? I've got enough detail in my costume, when it comes down to it, featuring the costume will always take priority.

Any idea on when you'll know for certain if that will be available or not?

[Erik_anderson]

Hi Enkai

That back projection sounds pretty awesome, and may well be something I would use, assuming the time to render a backdrop and finish my costume.  Would that replace the side projectors with the feed of the show, or add to it? I've got enough detail in my costume, when it comes down to it, featuring the costume will always take priority.

The backdrop would be on a separate system then the side projections. so those would likely be used for the detailed views.  We will likely work with entries to provide video backdrops for them in the same way that those without music we help.  If you saw last year the Harley entry did not have music and we created the score for her to come out on.

Any idea on when you'll know for certain if that will be available or not?

Its out to bid, so next week I will know for sure they can meet our needs.  Its a big stage and the projector would need to go to 10 or 12 feet tall.

[Angelx624]

Alright, thanks for letting us know!! Hope it goes up soon. ><

[identivity]

Not sure who all noticed, but there's an entry form in the pinned links section of this board. GO GO GO!