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World Horror Convention 2009
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Gross Out Rules
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Hear ye, hear ye. The WHC Annual Gross Out Contest is upon us and we are searching for brave and hearty (and verbally visceral) souls who are willing to disgust and entertain. For those interested, there are a few simple guidelines ye will need to follow in order to qualify:
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The Basics:
Traditionally, the Annual Gross Out Contest has been a fun event that anyone can participate in – hardcore conventioneers and newbies alike. Authors are required to read three to five minutes of their most visceral work for a panel of judges and a live audience. Participants are judged on over-all grossness, the ability to read and present the story to the audience, and stage presence. The use of stage props in recent years has become an interesting addition, but as was the case in Salt Lake City in 2008, there will be no props allowed beyond a "costume," such as an actor or actress would use on stage, to better tell your story. This means no live bug-eating, no tossing of naked chicken flesh into the audience, and no nakedness (which in itself, is often the most amusing and disgusting factor of the presentation). |
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1. You must sign up before hand, either via email prior to the convention, at the convention prior to the contest by finding me, or 10 minutes prior to the contest inside the contest room. Contest will be held the Friday night of the convention.
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2. If you plan to be in costume, make sure you are not violating the "no props" rule. If you question whether or not a line is being crossed, see me before the competition and I'll let you know if it will fly. |
3. You may work with a partner, either co-writing or co-reading your piece. Just remember - it MUST NOT go beyond five minutes. |
4. The focus of the judging is on the story: plot and grossness. The story is the main point you will be judged on. Costumed participants will be judged in the same way that non-costumed participants will be judged. You will get more points for making the judges recoil from your story than you will get for making them recoil from your costume. |
5. Showmanship is appreciated, but neither encouraged nor discouraged. (can we be more vague?) |
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First, Second, and Third prizes will be awarded to the readers with the most points at the end of the contest. While we would like to offer great monetary prizes, the prizes this year will likely be the kind of things that Gross Out Contest participants have won in the distant past, such as Cricket-Lick-its, eye-ball candles, or butterscotch flavored Gummy Haggis. |
For any questions regarding the guidelines or signing up, please email Scott G. Browne for more information. |
Note: Any violation of the rules will result in disqualification - or being escorted from the stage by the bouncers. |
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