Contests
Haunted Screams proudly hosts three contests for our haunters: The “ Monster on” Makeup Competition, Lightsaber Fight, and an adult and children’s Costume/Cosplay contest.
CHILDREN’S & ADULTS’ COSTUME/Cosplay CONTESTS
Cosplay is a big part of any con. At Haunted Screams Expo, we want to see your scariest, unparalleled, most horror-filled best! Whether you’re a fluffy little Freddy Fazbear, or a dead-ringer for Michael Myers with the knife to prove it; show off your Costumed cunning during the expo.
Feel free to accentuate your costume with props as you feel necessary. All props must be checked for safety purposes(peace-marked) at the ticket table in the lobby before bringing them into the hall. Real weapons will not be allowed into the hall and will not be allowed on Hampton Roads Convention Center premises. When in doubt, leave it at home. Real knives or arrows with metal tips, or compound/crossbows with string and arrows, will not be allowed in the hall.
Children under 17 and younger are invited to participate in the children’s version of the contest.
Children younger than 13 years old must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
The adults’ costume contest is open to ticket-holding adults 18 and over.
Winners will be awarded prizes in both age categories and will be presented by Laitram Tsol.
Employees of the Hampton Roads Convention Center, All Clear Security, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of employees, as well as volunteers of Haunted Screams Expo, are not eligible to participate in either contest.
By entering these contests, participants understand and agree that Haunted Screams Expo, anyone acting on behalf of the Expo, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity participants’ image for news, publicity, information, and promotional purposes. without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.
“Monster On” Make-Up COMPETITION RULES
HORROR/FANTASY COMPETITION
“Monster On” is a competition/elimination exploring the world of special-effects make-up artists and the unlimited imagination which allows them to create amazing works of horror living art. The competition is open to eight make-up artists. All make-up artists must submit either a drawing or written description to Laitram Tsol one week before the competition in order to compete. Artists must have their design approved before the competition and will not be allowed to compete with a different design. Should an artist try to use an unapproved design, he/she/they will be eliminated from the competition.
One model per competitor. If a competitor wishes to have more than one model, they must clear it with Show Management before the show starts.
Competitors are responsible for all costs associated with the competition.
Competitors must apply all make-up to their models themselves. No third party assistants/assistance will be permitted.
All/Any prosthetics/costumes/wardrobe pieces may be purchased or made in advance.
Prosthetic appliances, costumes, and bald caps are allowed.
Models must arrive with no make-up on prior to the start of the competition. If models arrive with make-up on, they will be required to remove it.
Wardrobe, hair, and jewelry may be done in advance.
Talking will not be permitted during the competition unless it aids the make-up artist in application of make-up to the model.
Nudity is not allowed. If you are not sure if your design will comply, contact Show Management for prior approval.
All models must be able to walk unassisted when the applications are complete.
JUDGING
Decisions made by competition judges are and will remain final.
Competitors’ make-up will be judged based on the following criteria: Reflection of Theme, Design, Hair, Wardrobe, Application Technique, and Overall Presentation.
First, Second, Third, and Fourth Place trophies will be awarded. The First Place winner will also receive a make-up bag as a prize.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Competitors will share the floor with the other competitors. The following will be provided at each competitor’s station:
Mirror
One chair for the model
One small table
Electricity and special lighting will not be provided.
No coaching is allowed while competitors are on stage.
Please note: failure to follow “Monster On” Make-up Competition rules, regulations and/or guidelines may result in disqualification from the competition.
Lightsaber FIGHT COMPETITION RULES
A Lightsaber Fighting Competition is an athletic competition which is based on real Lightsaber combat. This competition provides a medium for competitors to test their own fighting abilities in a tournament with a clear set of rules, a point system and a referee. Special combat Lightsabers (light up knives that flash blue or red when making contact) and required padded safety vests will be used in the competition to guarantee safe fights. The competition knives and vests will be provided by Show Management.
There is a clear focus on fairness. Competitors must be at least 18 years of age and will be responsible for their own safety.
The main referee will examine the equipment of both competitors prior to the first round.
Prior to the beginning of the fight, competitors will stand three yards apart. The competition does not start before the main referee gives the starting command. The main referee will be notified about the end of the round by the timekeeper.
Upon command by the main referee both competitors return to the center of the ring when the judges’ decision is announced.
Scoring
Points will be awarded for hits with the lightsaber on the torso. The sabers must light up in order for the strike to be counted. Head, arm or leg strikes will not be counted for scoring.
Fights will end by point victory if one competitor scores five points.
The fight is won by the competitor who has won most rounds. If tied, another round will be fought. If still tied, the first hit decides (Golden Point).
Trapping, parrying, blocking, and holding are legal maneuvers.
Surrender and stopping the fight due to an injury or to adjust equipment must be signaled by raising both arms and retreating from the opponent. Turning the back on the opponent is illegal.
In case of an illegal maneuver by one opponent, the main referee will stop the fight and inform the judges about the deduction of points.
Should one competitor leave the mat, the main referee will direct the competitor’s attention to this fact. Should one competitor leave the mat three times, the main referee will stop the fight and inform the judges about the deduction of points.
Scores
Hits to the torso – 1 point
Disqualification
Leg sweeps and throws lead to disqualification.
Deliberate shots to the head or face will lead to disqualification.
Commands
The main referee will use the following commands:
“Fight” signals the beginning of the fight.
“Break” interrupts the fight.
“Over” signals the end of a round.
Haunted Screams is not associated with Disney or Starwars in any way. Lightsaber fights are strictly for fun for fans, and is not a point for profit nor retail sales.