CONvergence Masquerade Workmanship Judging Criteria

OVERVIEW

Workmanship judges are responsible for determining how proficiently a costume has been built. The workmanship score is half the score considered for the Best in show, Best Master, Best Journeyman, Best Novice and Best Young fan awards.

They will also award the Best Workmanship award and up to four additional Judges choice awards at their discretion.

They will examine the costumes prior to the performance and will also watch the performance to view how the workmanship looks on stage.

The Workmanship and Performance judges will work in conjunction on the awards.

JUDGING PROCEDURE

Prior to the performance, all Masquerade entries will meet with the Workmanship Judges. Costumers will be informed of their expected workmanship judging time at registration. Entries are expected in the Green room in costume and ready to be judged no later than fifteen minutes prior to their scheduled time.

Expect to answer questions concering:

• What inspired you
• What materials you used
• What problems you had to solve and how you solved them
• If the costume is a re-creation, please provide source material for comparison
• What you are most proud of

The judges will inspect your costume at close range so they can get a good idea of the construction methods used to build your entry. They are looking to award the most exceptional craftsmanship

Even if you do not feel that your workmanship is of the best quality, remember that the judges are not only looking for the best constructed costumes, they are looking for costumers who came up with creative designs and solutions. You should be proud of your work. Let the judges know that!

All workmanship judging will be completed prior to the beginning of the Masquerade so the judges can watch the show. When they watch the show, they will consider how the workmanship looks under stage lights and in presentation. They will not judge the presentation itself.

CRITERIA

The workmanship judges will award up to ten (10) points in three categories. The top workmanship score possible is thirty (30) points.

The three categories are:

• Overall Design - What was the costumer attempting and did they achieve it?
• Technical Proficiency - How well is the costume put together?
• Creativity/Problem Solving - How did the costumer solve the unique problems presented by the costume they were creating?

While it is acceptable to create a costume out of purchased pieces, a costume will not be considered for workmanship awards unless part of the costume was built and/or altered by the entrant.

Purchased costumes are not eliminated from consideration for performance awards.

To understand how these points will work when the awards are presented, please refer to the award criteria.