Q: Do the costumes have to be made out of Coca-Cola bottles/cans/labels?
A: No
not at all. Coca-Cola are more interested in letting students
be inventive and creative than to restrict them to any
particular type of material. So chose whatever you want.
Q: Do the materials have to come from
a bin?
A: No
certainly not. Any materials may be used. We encourage the
creative use of waste products as it keeps the costs down,
is eco-friendly and impresses everyone far more than buying
expensive fabric. Be as inventive as possible and consider
absolutely everything and anything!
Q: Do the costumes have to be expertly
sewn/finished?
A: Although
the judges will be looking closely at detail, the costumes
do not have to be expertly sewn or constructed; most
costumes are sellotaped, stapled or glued together. However
the costume should be strong and robust enough to be
modelled, travel and perform in without falling apart!!!
Q: Do you have to make accessories?
A: It
is not essential to make them but you can.
Q: Does every part have to be made from
scratch?
A: Most
students use normal clothes e.g. vest, leggings, shoes as
a structure to which they add or build up detail up further details
with other materials,etc. Therefore the costumes do not
have to entirely made from scratch
(but if they are, all the better!).
Q: Is there a certain "type"
of costume that the judges like?
A: No,
as the selection of finalists last year illustrate, costumes of
all shape, colour, materials and concepts get through to the
Final. Those that get category prizes are usually outstanding
in a particular aspect (e.g. amazing mask). However,
what the judges are really looking for are costumes that
are very unique, well made and that have a good balance of
all the categories (e.g. great concept, design, teamwork, music,
performance, etc.)
The Team
Q: Can you really
only have 6 people per team?
A: Pretty much. In the interests
of fairness, the adjudicators have to limit
the amount of students making each costume. Also,
at the provincial heats only 6 people will be permitted backstage.
However we do understand that lots of people get involved
in the sourcing and gathering of materials but there can
only be 6 core designers.
Preparatory Work
Q: What is "preparatory work"?
A: Preparatory
work is a selection of sketches/early designs, photographs
of key stages of making the costume, samples of
materials used, a mood - board of colours, photographs of close-up
details and a full-sized photo of the finished costume.
Anything that you think the judges would like to see,
to understand your costume better. All of this work should
be mounted on 2 x A2 sheets (one side only). Remember
if you do get through to the final this work will be displayed
on exhibition boards so clear visuals are a really good
idea.
The Provincial Heats
Q: Do you have to bring preparatory work
to the provincial Heat?
A: No,
the judges will not have time to look at the preparatory work
of every costume at this stage.
Q: What
type of performance do you have to do?
A: Anything,
really! Just as long as it is safe (nobody back - flipping
into the audience, using fireworks in the auditorium, etc),
is not offensive and is ultimately entertaining. 2 minutes is
a long time in the spotlight, so use the time creatively to show
off the costume to its best effect. Up to 3 more performers/dancers
can join in but make sure the costume can
still be seen!!
(see performance tips on the noticeboard)
Q. Is it important to attend my
heat?
A: Yes,
as this is where you will meet with and be adjudicated by the
judges. You will also get to meet other students, see other
designs and most of all have a fantastic day out! If you are
unable to attend and in certain circumstances you may submit
your entry by video. This must be confirmed with Real Event
Solutions. It is not permissible to change your heat venue,
time or date except in exceptional circumstances and with
the express permission of Real Event Solutions. It is requested
that any school unable to attend their heat should notify
Real Event Solutions immediately as failure to attend poses
serious problems for the running of the show.
Q. Can I use props for my performance?
A: Yes,
you can use props but you must notify the Real Event Solutions
crew before you go onstage. Careless or dangerous use
of props during a performance will result in the termination
of the performance and potential disqualification. The
crew must be adequately notified about all props to ensure
that they are safe for use and also that they are correctly
placed and removed for you.
Q. Can I throw things into the audience
during the performance?
A. This
is not strictly forbidden but Real Event Solutions do not encourage
it as it poses a threat to students, audience members,
crew and equipment. It is at the discretion of Real Event
Solutions as to whether or not this will be safe and permittable.
Q: Do the costumes for the support dancers
/performers have to be made from recycled
materials?
A: No,
but it is your choice. Usually, students just pick a colour scheme
and find t-shirts/vest tops/etc to complement that scheme,
but it is entirely up to you!
Q: How many people
can attend the heat?
A: There is no limit, it's always
a brilliant day out. We encourage everyone
to bring lots of supporters but don't worry if you can'
t as the audience cheers for everyone. Only six people will
be permitted backstage with the costume and all other supporters
take a seat in the audience. Supporter numbers must
be confirmed with Real Event Solutions prior to travelling
to the heat to ensure there is adequate space for everyone.
Q: Is there an admission charge
for audience members at the heats?
A: Yes
a nominal fee of €1 or £1 for
all supporters but the performers,
their backstage helpers and the teacher goes free!
Please note that the number of supporters attending with
a costume(s) must be confirmed with Real Event Solutions.
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