Convention Etiquette: Discussion and Advice on Do's and Don'ts

[Rosehawk]

I just have to share with you this one that I thought was a tad bit inappropriate that happened at a recent convention.

When one actor is growing facial hair for whatever reason...whether it is for a role, an audition or just because the actor likes to.....don't ask someone else or one of the other actors to shave it off in front of everyone just because you don't like it or because you think it would be funny to ask.

I was absolutely so shocked that someone actually did this last weekend and I don't shock easy anymore.

It doesn't matter if the actors are friends or not.

[SG7]

I just have to share with you this one that I thought was a tad bit inappropriate that happened at a recent convention.

When one actor is growing facial hair for whatever reason...whether it is for a role, an audition or just because the actor likes to.....don't ask someone else or one of the other actors to shave it off in front of everyone just because you don't like it or because you think it would be funny to ask.

I was absolutely so shocked that someone actually did this last weekend and I don't shock easy anymore.

It doesn't matter if the actors are friends or not.

Ditto.....

They may or may not have a specific reason for their appearance when you see them, as previously stated. Could be a role, audition etc. Just remember that they are entitled to look how they do and don't necessarily have to have a reason. I'm not big on scruffy beards, but don't have a problem with getting my picture with any of the guests who do wear a beard, as I am respectful of them.

I am there for them, and to support them and not there for how they look.

[ScifigirlSG]

Ditto.....

They may or may not have a specific reason for their appearance when you see them, as previously stated. Could be a role, audition etc. Just remember that they are entitled to look how they do and don't necessarily have to have a reason. I'm not big on scruffy beards, but don't have a problem with getting my picture with any of the guests who do wear a beard, as I am respectful of them.

I am there for them, and to support them and not there for how they look.

Well said.

[SG7]

Well said.

It's true. I never really got concerned with appearances as I was more for meeting the person on the inside, and not for the character they played or how they look.

Sometimes they are auditioning for a role, or have a role that they are playing that requires them to have a certian "look" and need to be that way. I don't have a problem with that. I am just happy to know that I can support them in getting or keeping the role(s).

[BruTak]

For example, Colin Cunningham grows a goatee when he's not filming anything.

Combine it with the bandanna he sometimes wears and he looks like a pirate.

[SG7]

For example, Colin Cunningham grows a goatee when he's not filming anything.

Combine it with the bandanna he sometimes wears and he looks like a pirate.

Which is also the other senario. They are required to "look" a certian way for a character or role and when they are not doing a role, they like to do things differently after having to be a certian way for the camera for so long.

[ScifigirlSG]

I'm just thankful when actors are contracted to be guests, that they are able to show up for a convention.

[Skydiver]

like how jamie bamber would color his hair for his role as Apollo, and let it go natural in the off season

amanda would grow hers out, chris would grow hair....they get bored with having to maintain the same 'look' most of the year and like to do something different in the off season

It's also possible that they change their looks to get some anonymity during the off season

[BruTak]

A small percentage (thankfully very small) of fans seem to forget that the actors they've come to meet actually have a regular life outside of the noisy glass box that spews forth entertainment.

[Presley_Carter]

who says there isn't a list?

it's just not public or openly shared.

but just as attendees look at other fen and go 'isn't that the girl that groped actor X last year and was escorted out?' con organizers do the same. they know - or quickly learn - who the known trouble makers are.

it's just not publicly known or broadcast.

So now I am giggling over the image that formed in my head of a secret society dedicated to the preservation of con intergrity because of that message.

However you are right, even in Australia there is sort of a silent list that is known to organisers ...I am pretty sure I'm not on it

[SG7]

A small percentage (thankfully very small) of fans seem to forget that the actors they've come to meet actually have a regular life outside of the noisy glass box that spews forth entertainment.

Amen to that! It's too bad that in some cases that small group of fans will take it too far and expect the guests to do their "bidding" if you will by wanting the guests to be acting out their desired "ship" or particular event/scene.

Me I have enough trouble getting up the nerve to just meet them, say Hi and carry out casual conversation to even dream of doing anything like that.

[BruTak]

As I said a few pages ago, in the days of the old Scottish Star Trek cons, the guests would quite often be staying in the same hotel as the convention.

We'd see them at breakfast time, wish them a cheery good morning as we passed their table, and then ignore them while we all got on with our respective breakfasts.

They weren't "on duty" as it were.

[Frostfox]

As I said a few pages ago, in the days of the old Scottish Star Trek cons, the guests would quite often be staying in the same hotel as the convention.

We'd see them at breakfast time, wish them a cheery good morning as we passed their table, and then ignore them while we all got on with our respective breakfasts.

They weren't "on duty" as it were.

Sharing a breakfast table with Terry Pratchett was how Magrat got her pagan jewelery, Terry was most impressed with how I was wearing full silver jacket but hadn't managed make-up or comb my hair. This was about the time he called my friend Gytha and asked if he could borrow her name.

Comic creator, Bryan Talbot scandalised American guests at our table by thanking me for knocking him up on my way to breakfast.

FF

[BruTak]

I almost made Suanne Braun wet herself laughing a SG-6 a few years ago.

To explain, I keyed the lapel mic of my walkie talkie by mistake.

Kitty, SG-999's second in command was getting an autograph from Suanne at the time, she keyed her mic and asked if anyone was trying to contact her.

"Accidental discharge." I replied.

Suanne went "WHAT!!!" and started laughing.

[medusacascade]

There was a young woman at the last Creation Vancouver in April who seemed to make it her aim to alienate as many guests AND con-goers as possible in the space of 4 days. I dont think I need to name her for anyone who was there? And yes, she still owes me best part of $100! I won't be as trusting to anyone in need again. Still, I met a lot of very lovely people there, too, who Im pleased and proud to know and keep in touch with, so I definitely came out of it better. Maybe not financially, but hey, it's only money, right?