Convergence 2002: The 41st Australian National Science Fiction Convention

June 7 - 10, 2002

About

The Masquerade is traditionally, in costuming circles, an opportunity to show off the costumier’s creative side in not only constructing and wearing costume, but also in its presentation. While Melbourne has had a long and vital association with costume fandom, through both the Australian Costumers’ Guild and the SCA – Society for Creative Anachronism, Convergence felt that the Natcon’s role in Costume was broader than that of the dedicated costuming organisations.
So, with that in mind, Convergence is planning something a little different for its Masquerade. Blatantly cashing in on the success of the 2001 Natcon held in Perth, this year’s Natcon is planning a costumed party! However, bearing in mind Melbourne’s remarkable costuming fan base, there will also be an opportunity for costumers to present their creations in a more traditional parade.
The Maskobalo, will be held on the Sunday night during the convention (June 9th) and will feature guest DJs, who by the way, have strong connections with Australian SF although an eclectic taste in music. Maskobalo is open to all Convergence Attending members (Full, Day, Student and Child). Complimentary snacks will be provided and drinks will be at bar prices.
So come in costume, or at the very least a mask. Prizes will be awarded for hall costumes – thus reviving another long-standing fannish tradition that has fallen by the wayside.
For those who wish to participate in the formal parade, contact the Maskobalo Director requesting for further information and a Registration Form. There is no fee for entering the formal parade, but all entrants must register beforehand, so we can plan accordingly.

Contact: Maskobalo Director
Convergence 2002
GPO Box 1212K
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email address: converge@vicnet.net.au
Telephone: (03) 9388 9953 AH

This bit for Serious Costumers

What you do on stage during the formal parade during Maskobalo is entirely up to you. Take inspiration from the works of our Guests of Honour or just do that costume or presentation you've been mulling over for ages and have never quite made. Reproductions of costumes from film, TV or a favourite book, especially with a science fiction, fantasy or horror theme and original designs of any kind: science fiction, fantasy, horror, folk or historical are welcome. Inspiration may also be found in the convention theme, ‘Celebrating the past, present and future’.
The formal costume parade will be run as an indirect competition. That is, each entry will be judged against what the judges see the award-winning standard to be.
Purchased or rented costumes are permitted, but must be described as such. However, if you commission somebody else to design and/or make your costume, then this is considered to be an original work or a reproduction.
The ConVergence 2002 formal costume parade is open to all members of Convergence 2002 (Full, Day, Student or Child) and there will be no fee charged to enter the formal Parade. However, each participant must be a member of the convention.
You must complete a Registration Form and this should be handed in to the Main Registration Desk no later than 2pm on the Saturday (ie, 8th June) of the convention or be mailed to the Maskobalo Director to be received by no later than 1 June 2002. This is to help the Maskobalo Director plan and put together a program.
The stage area available for the parade will be approximately 1.8m (6’) deep and 5.4m (18’) across and you will enter from Stage Left (the audience’s right side). There will be no microphones but you may supply taped music to be played during your presentation. All entries will preform to the default lighting.

Basic Regulations

1. Your costume must not be made or trimmed with any messy substances (The Peanut Butter Rule) as these can damage another entrant's costume. (Who believes in an Evil Overlord who is covered with sparkles from the previous Queen Titania entrant?) You may not use anything wet, oily or dusty such as wet paint, powder or unfixed sparkle. The same goes for poorly-set or sticky colouring and sharp, pointy or rough finishes that may become snagged.
2. No fire, no flame, no flashes, no firecrackers, no explosions, NO EXCEPTIONS. Taped effects will have to suffice. If you are carrying a weapon that needs to be fired, you will have to fake it with the aid of a sound and/or lighting effect.
3. There will be a maximum time limit, depending on how many people are in the entry. E.G: 1 person = 45 seconds; 2 people = 60 seconds; 3 people = 75 seconds; 4 or more people = 90 seconds. This is open to negotiation with the Masquerade Director (but she’s tough).
4. No live animals will be allowed in the Masquerade. This includes snakes, lizards, cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, spiders, dinosaurs, birds, butterflies etc. If you are planning on doing a Mother Nature or Pied Piper, you’ll have to fake the fauna. For our purposes, guide dogs and other animals trained to assist a disabled person are considered to be people and will be allowed on.

Other things you need to know

· Costumes with electric power requirements must be self-contained. We will not be able to have extension cords draping over the stage area.
· There will be no microphones. Your music, dialogue and/or effects must be recorded at the beginning of a blank cassette tape. Clearly label the right side of your tape with your name and the name of your entry and mark the other side the words “Play other side”. Please cue your tape at the ready.
· All entries will perform to the default lighting: the MC will announce your title whilst the stage area is darkened, the lights will rise while you come on stage and will fade to black as you exit.
· Props. If you plan to have any props on the stage, either before you enter or left after you exit, you may do so long as they can be put down or picked up by one stage hand in a single pass.
· If you have weaponry as part of your costume, either real or fake, gun or knife, bat or sling, you must show your complete act to the Masquerade Director as a safety check before going on stage. Anyone not doing so will be instantly disqualified from the event. There are no prizes for accidentally killing a judge.

Legal Stuff

· While both the convention and the venue will exercise all due care and responsibility to ensure the safety of participants and their property, no liability will be accepted for any accidents or injury to the participant during the course of the Parade, or loss or damage of items provided for the Parade or personal effects.
· All participants must permit photographs and/or video to be made of your creation or performance. This is a long-standing tradition in costuming in Australia, and usually the photographs or video material is disseminated through fannish or not for profit media as newsworthy information.

Masquerade Registration Form

A copy of this form must be filled out for each act. The registration form must reach Convergence by mail no later than 1st June 2002 or at the convention by no later than 2pm Saturday 8th June. Send to: Convergence Masquerade, GPO Box 1212K, Melbourne, 3001. A copy of this form may be emailed to: converge@vicnet.net.au

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