Costuming [updated]

Each year, DemiCon sponsors two events for the casual and serious costumer. The first event is our Friday night "Hall Costume Contest", where our mystery judges wander the halls and parties to find those whose fanciful attire is deserving of extra attention (and prizes!). The second event is our Formal Masquerade, held on Saturday evening, wherein contestants are given the opportunity to present their costumes and accompanying entertainment on stage in front of a live audience.

While the Hall Costume Contest is operated as a very casual event (walk around in your costume on Friday night, and you're in), those intending to participate in the Formal Masquerade should familiarize themselves with the procedures and rules below. Any questions regarding this year's masquerade events should be directed to , and include the word "Masquerade" in the subject line.

And now, without further delay, we proudly present: the FAQ, and the rules.

The FAQ

Q: Does DemiCon have Costume contests?
A: Yes! DemiCon has 2 costume contests: The Hall costume Contest and the Formal Masquerade.

Q: What is a Hall Costume Contest?
A: This is the "casual" costume contest. Simply don your costume, wander the convention, and our mystery judges will find YOU! This event is traditionally held Friday after 9 pm.

Q: What is a "Formal Masquerade"?
A: This is the big Saturday night event at DemiCon. The masquerade is held in front of an audience and contestants appear on-stage. Contestants can make use of music and theatrical lighting to enhance their entries.

Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes. Demicon awards cash prizes in both costume contests.

Q: What do I need to do to enter the Hall Costume contest?
A: Simply show up and wander around the convention on Friday night.

Q: Can I wear the same costume in both contests?
A: No. Costumes worn in the hall are not eligible for the Formal masquerade.

Q: What do I need to do to enter the Formal Masquerade?
A: Entry forms will be available at registration. You will need to fill out a form and attend an organizational meeting on Saturday afternoon at DemiCon. You will also need to show up in the "Green Room" (backstage) at a pre appointed time Saturday night, usually about 45 minutes before the Masquerade.

Q: Are there rules for these contests?
A: Yes. Contest rules are located directly below.

DemiCon Masquerade Rules

1. All masquerade participants must be registered attendees of DemiCon. No exceptions.
2. There are 2 categories in which a costume may be entered:
   1. 15 years of age and younger. This defines an entry designed and constructed primarily by someone who is 15 years of age or under on the masquerade date of May 5, 2001. The contestant may receive basic assistance and from an adult, but the major portion of design and execution shall have been completed by the contestant. (IE Mom showed me how to use the sewing machine/staple gun/mig welder and supervised, but I did most of the work). The costume may be modeled by an adult and still compete in this category.
   2. 16 years of age and older. The contestant responsible for design and construction is 16 years of age or older on or before May 5, 2001. The entry may be modeled by a person of any age.
3. Costumes that have previously won a prize in a DemiCon masquerade or hall costume contest are not eligible to compete, and can be worn for exhibition only. Please fill out the masquerade entry form and mark the "exhibition" category.
4. Commercially available costumes which can be purchased or rented are not allowed. However, modified pieces are allowed. Modified pieces must be identified as such. (IE I bought the jacket and hand painted the dragon skin pattern on it and added leather trim) If you have a question about this please contact the masquerade organizer.
5. No flagrant nudity. No costume is NO costume. Please do not re-enact the original Olympic games.
6. Small children must be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times.
7. Costumes must be finished prior to arriving at the green room. No sewing, gluing, painting, welding or other heavy construction is allowed back stage. Finally assembly of large costumes/props, and unexpected repairs will be allowed. If you have a question about this, please contact the masquerade organizer.
8. For safety reasons the following are not allowed: live animals, projectiles, and substances which may stain or damage other costumes or hotel property. For example: You are not allowed to roll yourself in peanut butter, Jell-O, and hamsters and then throw Ping-Pong balls. Save it for your room party!
9. No pyrotechnics allowed. The Fire Marshall says so!
10. Illegal weapons of any kind are not allowed. All weapons must follow the DemiCon weapons policy. You must clear the use of all weapons with the masquerade organizer ahead of time. If you are carrying a weapon of any type, you assume all risk both legally and financially by signing the masquerade entry form. An adult must sign for a minor using any type weapon in their entry.
11. Surprise the audience, not the masquerade staff. If you are planning something unusual, let us know well in advance. Your secret is our secret.
12. The masquerade organizer reserves the right to eliminate any entry from competition that may endanger the audience, the hotel, or the participants. Furthermore, an entry can be eliminated for violation of any of the previous rules or any other reason deemed sufficient. Please remember that the rules are here to protect you and the convention. No one has ever been asked to leave a DemiCon masquerade. Let's all play nice and keep it that way.
13. Award of any and all titles, certificates, and prizes is completely up to the judges and at their whim. Hey nonny nonny.
14. Any and all questions should be directed to the masquerade organizer at info@dmsfs.org

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Copyright 2001 by DMSFS, Ltd. All right reserved
Comments regarding this page should be directed to info@dmsfs.org