Basic Guideline Questions

[Busy R.S.]

A bunch of friends and I were "inspired" by the last con to make our own skit. Sadly enough we were not well informed about the basic guidelines for the skits.

I would appreciate to know just the basics such as, the maximum amount of people allotted, any time restrictions, anything we can or cannot do?

Like I said, just the basics.

*sips tea*

[Shi_Musouka]

If I remember correctly from the Masquerade guidelines for 2008, it seems 3 minutes was the maximum and I forget what was the maximum amount of people(I just remember it was somewhere around 10-ish, maybe more, maybe less). There's some more stuff, but I forget what it was.

But I'm not on Masquerade staff so I wouldn't take it as fact. Note that this was based off of my own observations from the 2008 guidelines so it may be subject to change.

Nonetheless I'd say get in touch with Marisa from Masquerade via [email protected] or PM angeljibrille and she can probably give more specifics and dated info for 2009.

[Jerry]

ahem * steps on to soap box*

once the official 2009 page is up im sure there will be forms as well as the full list of rules for the Masquerade skits and competition.

I used to work for Masquerade under Brian Doan 'aka Dieter (remember those days???) and i was a low level stage ninja that always got caught on stage with a chair or box in hand. yah... that my fault about the whole chair incident... my bad :P

*here's my 2 cents-
- but again please refer to official rules Cosplay staff and PM's and e-mails... once the 2009 site is ready!    *

There is a limited number of entrants for obvious reasons the show almost always goes beyond or close to midnight. All contestants much complete a form prior to the deadline...

Rating is for a family audience hence PG-13 -ish. hey its anime so there's always gonna be suggestive themes but no Swearing please! Bleeping is awesome for comic relief!  :D

skits can be walk on or somewhere between the time frame of 3~5 minutes. sometimes depending on the SIZE of the group... (this may changed to shorten the program)

audio tracks must be submitted during the stage rehearsal (possibly mandatory, but not mandatory costume) at a preset date/time with Masquerade staff.

Weapons and props & "stunts" on stage.
- there will probably be a prop or weapons master on site / I 'think' live weapons such as airsoft and live steel MIGHT be allowed but only while on stage and then immediately packed away (again subject to rules and change of conditions...

as for martial art stunts, tricky dance routines and etc. - again the form will cover your "at your own risk" policy. basically the whole dont try this at home unless you REALLY know what your doing. it is LIKELY there will be an EMT onsite, but we'd prefer not to have any medical emergencies.

keep in mind the CONTENT of your skit...
just because you or your group has an inside joke, doesnt mean that everyone else will get it. - Comedy is TOUGH TO PULL off at times, and sometimes you may want to perform your skit with a 3rd party audience to hammer out any stuff that might not work or may 'accidentally' offend audiences.

and of course - Have fun,
unless your in it to win it (i should copy right that :P) u and your group should have a good time. ive seen WAY too many cosplay groups broken up because of miscommunications and other random dramatic reasons. so yah, play nice and enjoy the rest of the Con too.

*steps off soap box... *

[Keys]

Here's my experience from last year, but this is unofficial of course:

Skit Length - The maximum is 2.5 to 3 minutes BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE WHOLE AMOUNT. Often times shorter is sweeter, funnier and better.

Walk Ons - These were done first as part of a pre-show Fashion run through narrated by everyone's favorite license-plate-head ninja emcee.

Audio Tracks - These need to be submitted before rehearsal, preferably the day before during check-in, but if everything is in order, it can be taken as late as the morning of the show.

You may want to try searching in the Cosplay subforum for 2008 threads. While they won't necessarily have the full rules up and the links to last years site won't work, they will have some common questions and answers people have, including the 'found item' versus 'bought cosplay' distinction. Here's one of the threads:
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,8270.0.html

[Busy R.S.]

Thank you all for the information. This will really help us develop the script and cast. There is one question that my friend has brought up.

Would anyone know if there is a restriction on breakable props? i.e. Chairs, tables and etc.

We just want to know if they are allowed or not.

[Shi_Musouka]

As a word of advise, Fanime staff does place a huge emphasis on overall safety. Even though SoS, an SJPD officer(s), and some type of EMT will most likely be at the Masquerade, they aren't miracle-working Chuck Norris-like magicians that can heal injuries if something were to happen to you(Well, an EMT might have painkillers or something, but your other injuries won't vanish under 30 seconds).

I would probably contact Marisa regarding the props in your skit and she might be able/willing to work something out with you if it's an important part in your skit.

[Busy R.S.]

Good idea. Thanks for the advice everyone.