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Important Information Regarding Programs and Autographs at Comic-Con
All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the Fire Marshal. Even though your badge
is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if it has reached its
capacity. We do not clear rooms between events. Most autograph signings are of a limited nature.
Your badge does not guarantee autographs at any event.
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"Darth Maul" on stage at the 2008 Comic-Con Masquerade
Tips for Presenting
Your Costume
on Stage
by Martin Jaquish
Comic-Con Masquerade Coordinator
So you've sent in your entry form, you have your costume just about finished,
and it is time to plan how to show it off to its full potential. Your stage
presentation can be half the fun and can make an average costume entry into a
good one—or a good entry into an awesome show-stopper. When the audience sees a
well-executed costume presented with style and inventiveness—perhaps with a bit
of mood, drama, humor, story, or "showbiz" flair added—the applause can be
deafening. A good presentation also enhances your chances for a trophy or prize.
Here are some basic tips on how to maximize the impact—and fun—of your
presentation:
Don't just be a costume, be a character, too.
The phrase "to masquerade" means
portraying someone you are not, or at least concealing your everyday identity.
There is a reason this event isn't called a fashion show or simply a costume
contest. The audience wants to see Batman stride across the stage as Batman
would, alien monsters moving with eerie menace, epic villains projecting nuances
of danger and conceit. Stay in character, or at least seek to create an ambience
about you. Of course, if you are doing a humorous entry, anything goes.
Music is an excellent way to enhance the mood for your costume.
If what you are
portraying doesn't have some obvious musical theme, find something that fits.
Your costume "soundtrack" might also include dialogue, sound effects, or
narration. Some contestants have even composed their own music. Others do
elaborate editing to customize music to fit their needs, but most simply bring
something from their CD collection.
Make your gestures larger than life.
In the early days of movies, stage-trained
actors soon found that their large movements and expressions, meant to be seen
all the way to a theater's back row, proved excessive for the intimate eye of
the camera. A new style of acting for film evolved with subtle moves and
expressions, but subtlety can be lost on a big stage. Think like a stage actor,
not a film actor, and play to the entire room, not just the front rows.
Don't over—or under—do it.
Take enough time to show off your costume and have
fun, but be careful not to overstay on stage or to exit too quickly. Don't be
the contestant who zips across the stage before anyone can really see the
costume, and don't be the entry that goes on and on and wearies the audience.
Wise performers evaluate the amount of detail in their costumes and the content
of their choreography and aim for a presentation that is just the right length.
"Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!"
It's an old showbiz adage, but when thousands of
people are staring at your every move, arriving on stage is no time to be unsure
of what to do. The Masquerade Information Pamphlet (downloadable at
www.comiccon. org) lists the dimensions of the stage, so find a similar-sized
area to practice your choreography. For groups this is a must, but solo entries
can also benefit from being able to "work the stage" like a star. Comic-Con
provides a practice stage, but don't wait until you're at the show to plan out
your moves. And be sure to practice with the same shoes you'll be wearing for
the show!
Don't be shy.
People have waited hours in line to see you! Don't hide near the
back curtain—move right up front. The stage lights and spotlights can be
somewhat blinding, the audience size daunting, but large fellows are on hand in
front of the stage to warn you if you move too near the edge. Keep yourself
front and center as much as possible, and the video cameras, judges, and
audience will appreciate it.
Details matter.
Some contestants wear stage makeup appropriate to their
costumes, including special wigs and facial appliances. These details can be
picked up by the video cameras during close-up shots. A couple of professional
makeup persons donate their time and talents backstage to assist costumers with
their needs, but it's always best to work out your makeup ahead of time.
Come prepared.
Attend the Comic-Con "Masquerade 101" panel, which presents not
only an overview of the elements, history, and details of what goes on both on
the stage and behind the scenes, but also provides handouts with many
presentation tips, and some demonstrations of costuming tricks as well. And if
you come to the "Masquerade Orientation" Saturday morning, you'll learn even
more handy tips, and Masquerade staff can discuss your presentation details with
you personally.
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