1. This competition is open to
all SCA participants.
2. Contestants must
pre-register by February 5th, 2005. No exceptions.
3. There is a limit of ten
entries total by an individual or group. Additionally, you may only enter two
items per class and section, i.e., two poems or two hats. (The class is the
second set of numbers listed for each item; the section is the third set, i.e.,
1.8.2 Ceramics Functional—8 is the class number and 2 is the section number).
4. Each item may only be
entered in one class. In other words, you cannot enter the same dress in
costume review and costume construction, or the same gambeson in fighter garb
and heraldic display.
5. Team and children’s entries
must be entered on a separate appropriate entry form.
6. Contestants do not have to
enter the Pentathlon competition in order to enter the Arts Fair (this means
you may just enter one or two items).
7. DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED ON
ALL ITEMS.
8. Entrants must be checked in,
with their entries, by 9:00 AM on Saturday. Late entries cannot be accepted.
9. Performers must check in at
least 15 minutes before their scheduled performance.
10. The competition fee is $1.00
per entry and must be paid with pre-registration. Make checks payable to SCA,
Inc.,
11. All entries will be judged
if they meet the criteria for the class they are entered in. There are three
divisions in each class. Contestants must choose their own division, however
the judges have the final option in deciding the level at which the entry will
be judged.
Divisions:
Apprentice: Beginner, early effort.
Journeyman: Competent in basic techniques and
working at a medium skill level.
Artisan: Skilled worker. One who teaches or is able
to earn a living with this skill.
12. All entries must have a
theme/style/flavor of a pre-1650 culture. As the focus of the Society is
13. Judges’ scores and comments
will be made available to all entrants at some time after the competition. Scores
and comments will not be available the weekend of Pentathlon. On the
day of Pentathlon, those participants who wish their scores mailed to them may
pay a small additional fee for this service.
14. Entries are scored against
an ideal standard (not against other entries). Please see the section regarding
judging for more information.
15. Entries may not have been
entered in the Arts Fair or Pentathlon before, and must have been completed
within the past two years.
16. All entries must remain on
display until after the close of court on Sunday! If you cannot stay, then
you must make arrangements for someone else (NOT the autocrat or Staff) to
transport your items. Any item removed early will not be scored or awarded. Any
items left longer than one hour after the close of court on Sunday will be
considered donations to the next Kingdom Arts auction.
17. All entries in the
Compositional Arts category and the Persona sub-category are due to the Entries
Autocrat no later than February 5th, 2005 due to the length of time required
for judging. Three copies of each entry are required. An optional fourth copy
may be submitted (without identifiers) with the words “DISPLAY COPY” clearly
written on the cover if the entrant wishes his/her compositional entry to be
displayed on Sunday.
1. All general rules apply.
2. The Pentathlon entrant must
submit at least five entries. The categories are as follows:
1. Visual Arts
2. Culinary Arts
3. Performance Arts
4. Fiber Arts
5. Functional Arts
6. Compositional Arts
The entrant may choose to enter only four of the above categories, with the fifth entry being a second item in a category already entered. No entrant, however, may enter more than 10 items total and no entrant may enter more than two items per class and section.
3. Documentation is required
and will be scored.
4. If more than one item is
entered per category, the highest score will apply. Pentathlon scores are based
on the entrant’s five highest scores in at least four categories, even if ten
entries are submitted.
5. Individual Pentathlon
entries must be items worked on by only one person. If more than one person
worked on an entry, it only qualifies for the Team Pentathlon (see rules
below).
1. All of the applicable
general rules apply.
2. A team is defined as a group
of SCA participants (Barony, Shire, household, group of friends, etc.).
3. A team must be composed of a
minimum of 3 members and a maximum of 8 members.
4. Each member must enter or
contribute in a major way to at least one entry.
5. Entries may be constructed
either by an individual member of the team or by several members of the team (a
"group entry"). Anything entered in the Team Pentathlon may
not be entered in either the Arts Fair or the Individual Pentathlon, even
though it was made by an individual.
6. Each entry may be a group
effort, but it must be designated as a group entry on the entry form and
documentation. For example, if several members of the team helped construct a
chair, that chair would be considered one group entry for the Team Pentathlon.
7. The team is to enter at
least five entries, from four of the above listed categories (see Individual
Pentathlon rule #2). A fifth entry may be a second item in a chosen category.
8. No more than ten items may
be entered, and no more than two items per class and category.
9. Categories are those as
defined by the normal categories for the Arts Fair and Pentathlon.
10. All entries must have
documentation.
11. The Team Pentathlon
competition is in addition to, and not in competition with, the Individual
Pentathlon. The team scores will be judged and scored in the same manner as all
other entries. Group entries will only compete against other group entries, and
not against other entries in the Individual Pentathlon. There will be a
separate award for Team Pentathlon and Individual Pentathlon winners.
Special note for overseas
entries
(
1. Taped entries are for
performance arts only.
2. Entrants must note on their
entry form that they will be sending a taped performance and arrangements must
be made with the autocrat by the pre-registration deadline so that playback equipment
may be found prior to the competition. Tapes are due to the Overseas Entries
Autocrat NO LATER than the pre-registration deadline to allow for tape
reformatting (if necessary).
1. There will be two divisions:
Junior (up to age 9) and Senior (10-14 years). Any person age 15 or older who
wishes to enter Pentathlon or the Arts and Sciences Fair is encouraged to enter
as an adult.
2. Children are eligible to
enter any category open to adults, but will be judged separately by different criteria.
This means both the Arts and Sciences Fair AND the Pentathlon are open to
children.
3. Documentation is required
for the Senior division.
4. Entry fee will be $1.00 per
entry. Pre-registration is required.
5. Entry should be put on a
separate entry form.
6. Each entrant must have an
adult sponsor who will be with him or her at the event.
7. Entrants may perform with an
adult, but only the child will be judged.
8. All applicable general rules
apply.
1.1.0: Calligraphy (PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to enter both calligraphy AND illumination, you must enter two separate pieces--entrants are no longer allowed to enter one piece for both categories. No exceptions.)
1.2.0: Illumination
(See Class 1, above.)
1.3.0: Drawing
and Painting
(Application
of a medium to a ground. Subject should be suitable for pre-1650 culture.)
1.4.0: Jewelry
(If entry contains stones, they need not be cut, polished, or faceted by entrant, except for entries in Section 1.4.3.)
1.4.1 Metalwork
1.4.2 Enamel or Cloisonné
1.4.3
Lapidary (Stones/gems which
have been cut or faceted by the entrant.)
1.4.4
Other item
1.5.0: Glasswork
1.5.1 Leaded or stained
1.5.2 Blown
glass
1.5.3 Other
item
1.6.0: Heraldic
Display
(Use
of personal device or household badge.)
1.6.1 Use
of device or badge on garb
1.6.2 Banner
or flag
1.6.3 Other
item
1.7.0: Woodcarving
1.8.0: Ceramics
1.8.1 Decorative
1.8.2 Functional
(housewares, etc.)
1.8.3 Other
item
1.9.0: Surface
Decoration
1.9.1 Mosaic
1.9.2 Etching
1.9.3 Engraving/Chasing
1.9.4 Repousse
(Raised relief by hammering.)
1.9.5
Stamped coins
1.9.6
Other item
1.10.0: Period
Models
(A replica in
miniature of a structure(s) that existed or could have existed within our time
period of study. Please note that the
structure should be identified with respect to time and country of origin
[e.g., a late 12th century English manor].)
1.10.1 Architectural
1.10.2 Weapon or Machinery
1.10.3 Other Item
NOTE: All culinary entries must
include both the period AND modern (your worked-out) version of the recipe. No
refrigeration or heating facilities are provided—bring what you will need.
Entrants will be allowed to provide two versions of their dish, if necessary.
One should be a display version and the other should be for the judges to
sample. The latter may be kept in a cooler or heated container, as long as the
entry is also put on display (this is an important part of the judging). The
entrant must supply his or her own container and serving utensils.
2.12.0: Breads
2.13.0: Sweets
2.14.0: Preserves
2.15.0: Prepared
Meats
2.16.0 Cheeses
2.17.0: Tourney
Dish
(Emphasis
on ease of preparation, serving, and storing, as well as nutrition, taste, and
appearance.)
2.18.0: Herb
Dish
(Recipe
must use fresh herbs.)
2.19.0: Subtleties
2.20.0: Condiments
2.21.0: Brewing
(Two
pints of naturally fermented drink that could have been brewed pre-1650.)
2.21.1 Beers
(Includes top ferment light and dark, bottom ferment light and dark, and short
mead.)
2.21.2 Wine
(Includes grape, fruit, long mead, sparkling wine, flower wine, etc.)
2.21.3 Medicinal
(Includes sodas, fortifieds, liqueurs, vinegars, fermented fruits, sauces, and
khumis.)
3.22.0: Dramatic
Interpretation
(Performance of written
material—i.e., poem or scene from a play. Entry must be memorized and in
English understandable to the general populace. An original composition is
acceptable if the subject and style are of a pre-1650 culture. Provide 3 copies
of the script for the judges. Ten minute maximum.)
3.23.0: Dramatic
Reading
(Reading of original
composition or period piece. Must be in English understandable to the general
populace. Provide 3 copies for the judges. Ten minute maximum.)
3.24.0: Vocal
Performance
(Performance of selection of
pre-1650 vocal or new composition in pre-1650 style. Provide 3 copies of the
music for the judges. Ten minute maximum.)
3.25.0: Instrumental
Performance
(Performance of selection of
pre-1650 instrumental or new composition in pre-1650 style. Provide 3 copies of
the music for the judges. Ten minute maximum.)
3.26.0: Court
Dance
(Performance a pre-1650
court dance or a new composition of a court dance in pre-1650 style. Use garb
appropriate for region and period of dance. Entrants must provide their own
accompaniment. Ten minute maximum.)
3.27.0: Country
Dance
(Performance a pre-1650
country dance or a new composition of a country dance in pre-1650 style. Use
garb appropriate for region and period of dance. Entrants must provide their
own accompaniment. Ten minute maximum.)
3.28.0: Ethnic
Dance
(Performance a pre-1650
ethnic dance or a new composition of an ethnic dance in pre-1650 style. Use
garb appropriate for region and period of dance. Entrants must provide their
own accompaniment. Ten minute maximum.)
3.29.0: Persona
Presentation
(Entrants will be given a
15-minute time slot in which the judges will interact with them and ask
questions about their persona. Entrants will be judged on overall
effectiveness, ability to stay in persona, knowledge of their period, and other
criteria. Props are optional, but if included, should be authentic and
documented. Personae presented must be
from a pre-1650 culture and must be clearly designated on the entry form.
Documentation is required and must be submitted to the Entries Autocrat by the
pre-registration deadline. Documentation cannot be a first person re-telling of
the persona story; it must instead be documentation of the period and culture
from which the persona comes from, with an emphasis on the activities of daily
life.)
3.30.0: Performance
Art other:
Entries that do not fit in
pervious categories. A descrption of the performance must submitted at the time
of entry and must be a form of performance type or style from a pre-1650
culture.
4.31.0: Costume
(Men and Women)
(You must enter a specific
section, not just "class 31." If needed, sections will be broken down
into the following time periods: pre-1300, 1300-1499, 1500-1650.)
4.31.1 Costume Review
(Garments on a live model.
Emphasis on tailoring, fit, decoration, appearance, and "total
picture." A specific time will be scheduled for each entrant.)
4.31.2
Costume Construction
(Garments are judged on
construction techniques, as well as period effect. Machine sewing and modern techniques are
acceptable.)
4.31.3 Period Construction
(Handmade item. No machine stitching. May
also be handspun and/or hand loomed.)
4.31.4
Hats
4.31.5
Accessories
(Purses,
belts, fans, gloves, etc.)
4.31.6
Fighter Garb
(Gambeson,
pourpoints, cyclas, etc.)
Note: You may enter an item in only one section. You may enter an entire ensemble in Costume Review and have it count as one entry, but you may not enter the same items separately in Costume/Period Construction, Hats, and Accessories. You may enter more than one costume section by entering different garments or items.
4.32.0: Weaving
4.32.1 Fabric
Item
4.32.2
Tablet or Card Weaving
4.32.3 Knitting, Nalbinding, and Sprang
4.32.4 Baskets
4.32.5 Other item
4.33.0: Spinning
(Submit
enough material to show workmanship.)
4.34.0: Needlework
(No
needlework on modern items please.)
4.34.1 Counted
Thread Work (Blackwork, Assisi, etc.)
4.34.2 Surface
Embroidery
4.34.3
Metal Thread Work
4.34.4 Other
item
4.35.0: Lacemaking
(No lace on modern items
please. Includes bobbin lace, needle lace, drawn or cut linen work, and other
lace forms.)
5.36.0: Leather
(Anything
made from leather, functional or decorative.)
5.36.1 Shoes
5.36.2 Belts
or Bags
5.36.3 Other
item (Please specify on entry form.)
5.37.0: Book
Arts
5.37.1 Paper
Making
5.37.2 Book
Binding
5.37.3
Other item (Please specify on
entry form.)
5.38.0: Armor
5.38.1 Helms
5.38.2 Breastplates
5.38.3 Gauntlets
5.38.4 Complete
Suit
5.38.5 Leather
armor
5.38.6 Other
item (Please specify on entry form.)
5.39.0: Weapons
5.39.1 Daggers
and Swords
5.39.2 Shields
5.39.3 Archery
Equipment
5.39.4 Other
item (Please specify on entry form.)
5.40.0: Furniture
5.40.1 Table
5.40.2 Chair
5.40.3 Tourney
Box (Storage Chest)
5.40.4 Pavilion
5.40.5 Other
item (Please specify on entry form.)
5.41.0: Musical
Instruments
5.41.1 String
5.41.2 Reed
5.41.3 Percussion
5.41.4 Other item (Please specify on entry
form.)
5.42.0: Equestrian
Arts
(Horse
gear, barding, etc. Please specify on
entry form.)
5.43.0: Scientific
Instruments
(Telescope,
Astrolabe, etc. Please specify on entry
form.)
5.44.0: Herbcraft
(Must include recipe with documentation.)
PLEASE
NOTE: NO MEDICINAL, MAGICAL, OR POISONOUS ITEMS ALLOWED
5.44.1 Culinary
(Teas, seasonings, herb candies, or preserves.)
5.44.2 Comfort
or Cosmetic (Perfume, soaps, lotions, etc.)
5.44.3 Ornamental (Dye stuffs, potpourri,
pomander, etc.)
5.45.0: Games
or Toys
(Chess
sets, game boards, etc. Please specify
on entry form.)
5.46.0: Tools
5.46.1 Leatherworking
tools
5.46.2 Metalworking
tools
5.46.3 Woodworking tools
5.46.4 Fiber
Arts tools (Tools used for spinning, weaving, sewing, or any other fiber art.)
5.46.5 Scribal
Tools (Quills, reeds, inks, paints, etc.)
5.46.6 Other
item (Please specify on entry form.)
All entries must be in English understandable to the
general populace. Except for research papers, style must be pre-1650. Entries
must be typed or computer printed. No calligraphy or interesting fonts.
Please provide three copies of entries for judges. An optional fourth copy may
be submitted (without identifiers) with the words “DISPLAY COPY” clearly
written on the cover if the entrant wishes his/her compositional entry to be
displayed on Sunday. Please
note: all items in compositional arts must be sent to the Entries Autocrat seven
weeks before pentathlon for judging. Three copies are required. Please do not
put your name or any other identifying marks on the entry itself. Include your
name on a separate piece of paper.
5.47.0: Research
Paper
(Subject matter must be
pre-1650. Papers must be typed or computer printed and must be double-spaced.
Maximum length 15 pages, excluding footnotes, endnotes, and/or bibliography.)
5.48.0: How-to
Paper
(Subject matter must cover
the research and making of an item applicable to the time period covered by the
SCA. Paper must be typed or computer printed and must be double-spaced. Maximum
length 15 pages, excluding footnotes, endnotes, and/or bibliography. For
information on style, send a SASE to the Pentathlon autocrat.)
5.49.0: Prose
(Fiction and non-fiction acceptable.)
5.50.0: Poetry
5.51.0: Song
(Vocal or instrumental. Musical score will be judged.)
5.52.0: Play
(15-page maximum. If longer, please submit first 15 pages.)
Tips for Arts & Sciences Fair and Pentathlon
Entrants
Documentation is required on all entries whether
they are entered in the Arts & Sciences Fair or the Pentathlon. The purpose
of documentation is to encourage scholarship and pieces which are based on the
study and techniques of the SCA historical period, and to help the judges
better evaluate your work.
When you document, keep these things in mind:
1. Tell the judges what you are
entering, i.e., "This is a Cavalier dress."
2. Tell them who might have
used it (peasant, noble, merchant, etc.).
3. Tell them when it would have
been used—either an exact year based on your research, or a span of time. For
example, "This is a Cavalier dress representative of middle class women’s
dress of 1620-1625."
4. Tell the judges how it was
made and how/why its construction/materials differ from that in period. Also,
explain anything unusual or obscure about your entry. For example, "I used
a machine to sew this costume rather than sewing it by hand because of time
constraints. They probably would have used silk satin during the period in
question, but since that is $60 a yard, I substituted acetate satin. I also
used a modern pattern and one from Foosball’s History of Costume, which I scaled
up to size and then altered slightly in the sleeve detail because I preferred
the sleeve of style B (refer to picture). Although they would not have made the
dress in screaming magenta (and I know that dye wouldn’t have existed in period
times), I was really wild about the color and it matches my Corvette."
This dress may not win, but at least the judges know what it is and why it’s
the color and style it is. Now it’s up to them to decide how well you
accomplished what you set out to do.
5. Include sources/references/pictures
of similar techniques, pieces, etc. The most accurate sources of information
are usually primary (first-hand) sources from the period. Look also at the
literature of the period, paintings, sketches, photographs of the specific
object, patterns taken from the object, or that class of object. Did you get
your pattern from Foosball’s? How about including a photocopy of the pattern?
Or, if you made a sword, how about including information on the technique used
to make a sword in period?
Things to avoid:
1. Try to refrain from using
catalogues, encyclopedias or encyclopedic-type works as a source of
documentation. These may give you some great ideas about where to start the
process, but are in themselves not good sources. Also be wary of Internet
sources. While some of these can be good, many are bad. If you must use an
Internet source, not only list the URL in your bibliography, but also include
copies of the relevant pages from the website in your documentation. Do not,
however, rely solely upon the Internet for your documentation.
2. Although it is a good idea
to have thorough documentation, try to be as succinct as possible. There are
usually many entries to be judged and the judges do like to read everyone’s
documentation. Try not to document your entry back to the dawn of civilization;
rather, try to focus upon the specific historic period covered by the SCA and
how your entry relates to that period.
3. Remember that the easiest
way to document something is to do the research before you start to make the
entry. If you make an entry and then try to document it retroactively, you may
find yourself in the precarious position of trying to justify something you
have done when it may never have been done that way before. Although this can
be very exciting, the main idea of the Arts Fair and Pentathlon is to encourage
scholarship and pieces that are based on the study and techniques of actual
historical practice.
Judging—How It’s Done:
Although the judging forms for each class and
category are slightly different, each one is basically divided into three
parts: execution, complexity/difficulty, and documentation. The following is a
general explanation of these three areas. If you would like a copy of the
judging form for a particular area, please contact the Pentathlon Autocrat and
he or she will be happy to help you.
Execution (60% of total points)
Workmanship: Rank the success of the attempt.
How
well does the entry do what it was meant to do?
How
well do the various elements work together?
How
well are the details handled?
Authenticity: How "period" is the entry (in
terms of style, function, appearance, and
combination
of elements)?
Modern materials,
techniques, etc., are allowed if they produce a period effect. A higher score
should be awarded to an item that would be accepted by a period audience
without question, than an item that has the look and feel of being authentic
but was produced with modern materials and (e.g., power tools).
Creativity: Rank the
originality and innovation shown by the entrant in a period context.
Complexity/Difficulty (25% of total points)
Scope of the endeavor,
techniques required, and variety of elements combined.
How much research was
necessary?
Does a simply-made item
depend on extensive construction of tools or forms?
Documentation (15% of total points)
Sources used (primary,
secondary, etc.).
Rationale for original work
or deviation from period norm.
How entry fits into period
style.
Special tools or methods
used.
Outside help or assistance
given by other than entrant should be documented/acknowledged.
All entries will be judged against an ideal, not
each other. An ideal is defined as something that has the highest level of
workmanship. An entry that achieves this would, in theory, be granted 100 points.
The judging will be broken down into levels: an Apprentice entry may receive up
to 60 points, a Journeyman entry may receive up to 80 points, and an Artisan
entry may receive up to 100 points. This does not mean that an Artisan entry
cannot receive 30 points (it can), nor that an Apprentice entry cannot receive
90 points (it can, in which case it would be bumped up to the
"Artisan" level. Be very careful when choosing a level for your
entry. Your entry can always be bumped up a level. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact the autocrat.
Other Hints:
1. Remember that presentation
is half the battle. The appearance of your entry can have an immediate effect
on the judges. Time will be allotted for entrants to set up before judging
starts, although this time is usually limited. Make the most of the time
available. Practice setting up your entry at home and viewing it as if seeing
it for the first time. Ask others to comment on your presentation.
2. All entrants are assigned an
entry number upon registration. Part of the purpose for this is to ensure a
reasonable amount of anonymity. Please do not put your name or registered arms
on your entries as this defeats the purpose. It is a good idea, however, to put
your entrant number on your entries and your documentation. This makes them a
lot easier to keep together.
3. Performance entries are open
to the populace. If you are among those viewing the performance entries, please
remember to be courteous to all performers. This means not entering or exiting
the room until a performance is over and remaining quiet at all times so the
judges and performers can do their work. Polite applause, however, is perfectly
acceptable.
4. All entries will be
displayed to the populace on Sunday as they finish being judged. There is a
contest for a People’s Choice award that is given at the close of the event to
the entry receiving the most populace votes. Be sure to cast a ballot for your
favorite.
5. Above all, remember to enjoy
yourself. The most important part of the Arts and Sciences Fair and Pentathlon
is being awed by the talents of Caid. This includes you!
Research Paper Guidelines
1. Remember that all research
papers must be sent to the Entries Autocrat by February 5th, 2005. Three copies
are required.
2. All entries must be typed or
computer printed and double-spaced. Papers may not be more than 15 pages in
length, excluding footnotes, endnotes, and/or bibliography.
3. Any paper having more than
one author must be entered by all people involved in its writing as a group/team
entry.
4. Make sure that your name
does not appear anywhere on the paper itself. It will be identified by the
Pentathlon Staff using an entry number for the purpose of anonymity.
5. An optional fourth copy of
your paper may be submitted (without identifiers) with the words “DISPLAY COPY”
clearly written on the cover if the entrant wishes his/her compositional entry
to be displayed on Sunday.
What your paper should contain:
Briefly, a research paper should contain an opening
statement telling what the paper intends to discuss. There should be a brief
explanation of the direction the research will take. The rest of the paper
should then show the proof and the backup for the original statement. The last
section of the paper should be the conclusion using your proof as the basis.
Note that whatever research is obtained from sources other than the writer
should be footnoted or endnoted and a bibliography should be cited.
Style:
Any style acceptable to a modern university is
sufficient. All papers should maintain a coherent and unified style appropriate
to the subject matter. Acceptable stylebooks include, but are not limited to:
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.
Fourth edition or later. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1973.
Gibaldi, Joseph and Walter S. Achtert. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations. Student edition. New York: Modern Language
Association, 1980.
Entrants should indicate which stylebook was used at
the end of their bibliography.
Documentation:
Show proof of your research. Documentation protects
the writer against claims of plagiarism. Include footnotes, endnotes, or
internal attribution, depending on your choice of appropriate style. Include a
bibliography.