Variety Show

BayCon 2014 Variety Show Submission Form

Official Rules & Regulations

(These rules are subject to further revision)

• All costumes and wardrobe appearing on-stage and on video must be suitable for a general audience.
• The show content is rated equivalent to US MPAA PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Any questionable content and behavior is subject to approval by the BayCon Variety Show Lead.. In particular, excessively vulgar language, blatantly sexual situations, bondage and BDSM gear is considered unacceptable. Collars and leashes may be worn discreetly or if their use is a necessary part of the act. If in doubt, ask and ask early.
• NO throwing of items from the stage. This is a potentially dangerous situation and we are concerned for the safety of our performers and audience.
• Stage Performances may consist of individuals or groups.
• While moulding an act to the theme of the con is highly encouraged, it is not required.
• Acts can be between 1 and 10 minutes long. Time is subject to approval by the BayCon Variety Show Lead.
• To submit an act, please submit all required information and at least a two paragraph description through the Google Doc Form available at the top of this page. No act will perform without this. May 15th is the last date to submit one, after which no more acts will be accepted for the BayCon Variety show. It is highly recommended that interested participants join the  BayCon Variety discussion list and submit their act as soon as possible.
• All acts need to be submitted to the BayCon Variety senior staff at programming14@baycon.org or through the Google Doc, so that they may make suggestions for improvement. The secrecy of the acts will be maintained as requested, and will not be shared. We will work with you as needed.
• Entrants will fill out an 2014 BayCon Variety Show "Participation Form" to assist the BayCon Variety Show Lead, the BayCon Variety Show Stage Director, the BayCon Variety Show Stage Ninjas, and the A/V Technicians in running the show smoothly. This form is available in advance (through the BayCon Variety Show Lead via e-mail), and must be filled out before the Rehearsal. These will be sent out upon acceptance of an act.
• Video submissions can be made to the show. If they are being made for the con, then a script must be submitted to the BayCon Variety Show email. If the short is already made, it can be submitted for review. You may be asked to re-edit for time, content, or rating, so its recommended that you submit your video early for best results. The maximum rating of video acts is also limited to PG-13.
• Video acts must be submitted via a playable DVD, labeled with the act name and at least one performer name, including written on with a Sharpie.
• There will be two rehearsals at the con, one regular and one dress. Both must be attended. If you miss a rehearsal, the act will cancelled. No exceptions.
• For those who have a desire to perform but have no act/skit to perform in, please contact us. We will attempt to get you in touch with groups in need of performers.
• The Dress Rehearsal on main stage is incredibly important, as final changes and A/V issues should be addressed here. Additional forms specifically for the Stage Manager, Host and A/V should be submitted by this time.
• Props and mini set pieces are allowed and encouraged.
• Music for acts can be submitted in just about any format. We'll organize them for the show.
• Wireless microphones, chairs, tables, a podium, and an easel will be available for stage use.
• Special requests, such as unusual staging requirements, video, lighting, or equipment requests may or may not be honored, depending on staff or equipment availability, safety, or compatibility. Ask in advance at programming14@baycon.org.
• For the safety of our performers, we may ask that flash be disabled on cameras during the show.
• If any rule listed here contradicts a Convention rule laid down by the BayCon Staff, the Convention rule will apply.
• The enumeration of these rules does not constitute the entirety of the BayCon Variety Show rules. Situations that are not explicitly covered here should be brought to the attention of the BayCon Variety Show Lead/Director at programming14@baycon.org and will be reviewed by the Lead/Director and BayConStaff.
• All decisions made by the BayCon Variety Show Lead/Director regarding the BayCon Variety Show are final.
• The decision of the judges for the winner of the show is final. If there is a tie, a tie-breaker will be determined.
• Finally, have fun with it!