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Saturday evening will feature the on-stage costume competition, otherwise known as the Masquerade. As seasoned attendees of Westercons and similar conventions know, this event is not a dance or party as the name usually implies, but series of costume presentations before an audience. Trophies will be bestowed in several categories by the panel of guest judges, and participation in the show, or just being in the audience, is free to anyone with a membership to the convention.
There are a number of current and former costumers among our Concept staff, and we have set out to provide as nice an environment as possible for our participating attendees to show off their work. Our convention hotel's ballroom will be used for the dealer's room and other purposes, and while there are other spaces available on the premises, they aren't of a size and design that we deemed well-suited for staging a proper Masquerade. Fortunately, precisely one mile from the hotel is a multi-use meeting center that has an actual stage-equipped auditorium, complete with theater-style colored lighting, full curtains, a spotlight-booth, rooms for dressing, a nice sound system, and more. We felt this would make a setting that our costumers could make great use of, and provide superior viewing for everyone in the audience. We have reserved the facility, and have high expectations that going this "extra mile" for our attendees will create a very enjoyable and memorable show for all. To make the distance as convenient as possible, we will be providing free shuttle buses running back and forth between the hotel and the Masquerade site. Free parking will also be available for those inclined to drive their own vehicles.
We invite you to take part in the event. Whether you are a novice or an experienced costumer, whether your preference is for original designs or re-creations from movies, history, or fantasy artwork, you'll have a fun time on the stage and there are people who want to see you. The 1997 Westercon in Seattle drew a Masquerade audience of approximately 650, and we anticipate about the same for this show. Judging will follow the master / journeyman / novice format. An Orientation/Rehearsal for contestants will take place Saturday afternoon, and there will of course be a photo area with lighting and a backdrop. Entrants may reserve a spot by mail beginning now, or may sign up in person during the convention until noon on Saturday. We suggest registering in advance to assure yourself a spot. For more detailed information, rules, and an entry form, drop a line to Masquerade Coordinator Martin Jaquish in care of either the Concept regular mail or e-mail address.
For those costumers who deem such information helpful to know, Martin Jaquish was Technical Director for the 1996 WorldCon, 1993 Westercon, 1993 Loscon, 1990 NASFiC, and the 1994-97 Con-Dor conventions. He has been Masquerade Coordinator for 6 years for the very large annual Comic-Con International: San Diego. His skilled Concept staff will be made up mostly of experienced costumers who don't have the time or energy to enter Masquerades any more but wish they did.
Martin Jaquish, Masquerade Coordinator (No email address yet, send email to Concept@Westercon.org |
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