Today’s question is…
Have you ever competed in a masquerade?
How many costume contests have you won?
I used to, a lot! When I first started out, back in the early days, it was sort-of expected of you – it’s where you showed off your latest and best costume.
After a few years I realized, I don’t really enjoy this. So I stopped. I occasionally enter contests, but it’s rare. (As to the second part of the question, at the risk of repeating myself and sounding like I have a big head, a list of my awards can be found in my About Me.)
(Wearing wings for 4 hours before, during and after a costume contest can make you crazy.)
I realised that all the time I spend doing a costume contest could be put to better use. When you think about it; especially at a big con – it’s getting into costume for pre-judging. Then getting into costume again to show up hours early for the contest. Then sitting around and shuffling around in an uncomfortable costume until it’s your turn. (and I’m a nervous person, so I’m nervous the entire time leading up to when I’m on stage). Then sitting around for who-knows how long while the judges deliberate. And then for what? A gift basket with some leftover anime-you’ve-never-seen chotchkies?
(Boredom sets in backstage)
Oh, I know that sounds so horrible and ungrateful. I’ve won some pretty great stuff over the years, and winning anything is really exciting.
But, honestly for me, the return is not worth the investment. Even if there were a prize purse of $1000 – for a convention like Dragoncon, that’s not going to come close to covering our room, gas, food for the weekend and the cost of building the costume. It’s not a very good return on investment, if you’re looking at it like that.
On top of that, I’m not a person who likes being competitive – I AM competitive, but I don’t like feeling competitive. I don’t like sitting around in costume for ages backstage. I don’t really like going on stage that much.
(Especially after the stress that was the dragoncon 06 masquerade, that was the nail in the coffin.)
I realised I would much rather just hang out with my friends and enjoy the con nightlife than do all that.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it out, and enjoy it. It’s a great way to meet other costumers and see some really amazing costume work up close. It can be really rewarding.
My advise for anyone going into a costume contest for the first time…
1. NEVER EXPECT TO WIN. Winning when you didn’t expect it is AWESOME. Losing when you expected to is crushing and can make you sound like a bitter whiner.
2. take a repair kit. Sometimes they will have a repair kit backstage, but you can never be sure. Take safety pins, tape, whatever your costume might need.
3. In either your pre-judging or your introduction for the emcees to read, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. Point out all the good work you’ve done. Give credit where credit is due if someone else made something for you/helped you.
4. Be ready to be in costume for a long-time; take a handler if you can, so you can take part of your costume off backstage if you can, and to help with any repairs or adjustments.
5. If you have music or audio, be prepared for it to not work. Have a back-up plan so if you get onstage with no music/no audio, don’t let it throw you.
6. Don’t try to shout dialogue. It doesn’t work, and the audience does not appreciate watching you try to shout with skitmates.
7. If you’re doing a skit, keep it quick and simple. If you’re doing a walk-on, don’t go too fast – linger long enough so everyone gets a good look.
8. If you’re doing craftsmenship judging, bring as many references as you can. Judges aren’t familiar with every series and book out there. Make a reference folder and also include photos of your construction if you have them.