What is a den mom/dad/parent?
For the convention that has an organized masquerade with a floor or stage space and a green room where you wait to go on, this is the person who makes your life easier. A really good den parent:
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Sees to your comfort by getting you water or any snack foods available as needed.
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Knows where the nearest restroom is, and can direct you easily to it.
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Helps with the last minute repairs that may come up. This may include safety pinning something, taking a few quick stitches, or using glue or tape to help resolve any problems.
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Helps you get into your costume if you need a few last minute pieces put on.
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Talks with the costumers who need talking to, and leaves the ones who want to be left alone alone. For those that need talking, this can mean:
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Calming down someone who needs calming down.
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Talking up someone who needs talking up.
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Encouraging the novice costumer who sees a master-level costumer doing the same costume and getting the novice to focus on their presentation.
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Encouraging all costumers when needed.
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Helping a costumer get "into character" if needed.
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Takes all their charges to the Polaroid photo area, workmanship judging if you want it, and check in if you have not already checked in.
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If enough time is available and setup allows it, walks you through the route to the stage, fan photo area, and back to the green room.
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Before you go on stage, makes sure that you:
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Don't have convention badges on your costume (unless they are part of the costume).
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Badges are in a secure place while you are competing.
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Have all your props/costuming items.
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Holds glasses for you while you are on stage if needed.
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After you get off stage:
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Hands your glasses back to you.
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Leads you to fan photo area.
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Leads you to pro photo area if needed.
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Leads you back to the green room.
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After judging happens, helps gather up the contestants for any awards presented.
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Basks in the enjoyment of helping to put on a really good show.
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