Release and Consent Form
I, the undersigned, am at least 18 years on the date of competition on April 5, 2025.
I, the undersigned contestant and/or performer, as a condition of my participation in the Carnaval San Francisco King & Queen Competition, hereby consent to allow Carnaval San Francisco and its agents to take any and all photos and videos of me at any point in the competition and to use such photos or videos for any Carnaval San Francisco publicity purpose, now or at any time in the future.
I also release and hold Carnaval San Francisco and its agents free and harmless from any and all liability related to my participation in the event, as well as any liability for any third party taking my photo or video during the competition, regardless of how such video or photo is used.
I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREE TO THE ABOVE.
Competition Rules & Requirements
- Arrival for the Event: On the day of the event, contestants must arrive at Casa de Carnaval punctually for call time at 2:00 PM and be ready to go for sound check. Organizers will provide contestants with specific call time and any run through details closer to competition. Contestants who arrive late can be disqualified from the competition.
- Dressers: Each contestant may have one dresser, who must arrive with the contestant. The name of the dresser must be provided prior to the competition. Only the contestant and his/her dresser are allowed in the dressing room/backstage. Once the doors to the theater open on the day of the competition all contestants and dressers will remain backstage. Dressers may watch the competition only if they have a ticket. Contestants may not watch competition.
- Order of Competition: The order of the contestants will not be announced until the day of the competition.
- Performance Time: Contestants will be allowed up to three (3) minutes to perform. Timing begins as soon as the contestant enters the stage. Contestants who exceed their allotted performance time of three (3) minutes will receive a deduction to their overall score. Timer cue cards and flags will be visible to the stage to let you know when 3 minutes are up.
- Performing as a couple: Contestants may perform as a couple or individual. If two contestants compete as a couple, each person is judged individually and the couple will be allowed up to five (5) minutes of performance time. Keep in mind that a couple does not have to use all 5 minutes. Without a well-designed presentation, 5 minutes can drag, and thus, the candidates can lose points. Points will not be deducted for couples that perform for less than 5 minutes.
- Costumes: Contestants must compete in a Carnaval costume. Please refrain from using/throwing glitter.
- What can be performed? Although considered primarily a dance competition, contestants are not limited to dancing, and may also sing or play a musical instrument. It is advisable that the contestant be skilled in all aspects of their performance, and also be aware that unorganized transitions from one performance discipline to another can detract from points.
- Back-Up Dancers: A contestant performing alone may use no more than 2 “back-up” dancers/actors. Couples may not use back-up dancers. These dancers must serve to promote/enhance the candidate and largely remain in the background for the performance. The judges will still focus on the abilities/quality of the candidate. While back-up dancers/actors, can enhance the composition of a piece – if poorly/improperly used, can result in detracted points. Please note that back-up dancers may only watch the competition after they perform and if they have a ticket. Contestants that use more than two back-up dancers will receive a deduction from their total score.
- Recorded Music: Contestants may use PRE-RECORDED music. Music should be MP3s and emailed to specialevents@carnavalsf.org by March 20th at 5pm. YouTube links or music on phones will NOT be accepted.
- Live Musicians: Candidates may perform with live musicians (supplied by the contestant). Single or couple candidates can use no more than 5 musicians on stage. Set up for musicians must be easy and able to be done very quickly. Any plan to use live musicians must first be reviewed and approved by the Event Coordinator. The Event Coordinator has final say about microphone placement. Please note that musicians may only watch the competition after they perform and if they have a ticket. Contestants that use more than five musicians will receive a deduction from their total score.
- All contestants must appear in costume for the closing Coronation Ceremony.
- Tickets: Tickets will be available for sale in advance on Carnaval San Francisco’s website, carnavalsanfrancisco.org It is HIGHLY recommended that friends/family/fans/fellow carnavalescos purchase their tickets in advance as this event does sell out. No complimentary tickets will be available for contestants.
- Social Media: If promoting the competition and Carnaval San Francisco, please use #CarnavalSF and @CarnavalSF.
- Contestants are expected to promote the competition by inviting friends and family, and posting on social media etc.
Judging Criteria
A panel of judges from the Bay Area artistic community will evaluate each performance on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest). The contestants with the highest total scores will be crowned the King and Queen of Carnaval and will join the Carnaval Royalty family. In addition, the judges will select: First Runner Up, Second Runner Up, and Third Runner Up ranked scores.
Contestants will be judged in the following categories:
— Performance Ability, Technique, and Authenticity of cultural form
— Quality of Composition of Performance (choreography, transitions, entrance, exit)
— Costume
— Carnaval Spirit
— Audience Reaction
— Overall Performance
The judges’ decision is final. All scoring documentation is the sole and confidential property of Carnaval San Francisco. No tabulation data will be distributed to contestants or contingents.
Winner's Responsibilites
Competition winners will be representing Carnaval San Francisco and must be available for the duration of (1) one full Carnaval San Francisco season. Mandatory participation is required at ALL Carnaval San Francisco promotional events including, but not limited to: Giants Game, VIP Reception, or City Hall Reception (should they occur), Carnaval Parade and Festival 2025, and the Carnaval King & Queen Competition 2026, as well as other promotional events as needed.
It will be the responsibility of the King and Queen winners to ensure that if they are engaged in public or private events that are not sponsored by Carnaval San Francisco that they are billed as: Carnaval San Francisco 2025 King & Queen.
Carnaval San Francisco Royalty are required to conduct themselves as role models in the community; upholding the standards of Carnaval San Francisco, and carrying the Carnaval Spirit wherever they travel.
I have read and agree to follow ALL of the above Competition Rules and Requirements. I understand that failure to adhere to these rules and requirements may lead to my disqualification as a contestant.
