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No. We're always honored to have folks who want to join us in masquerade acts and singing at conventions and other events, but not all of our members do. You do need to be comfortable in the role of a Klingon, be able to interact comfortably with the public, and be willing to be involved in our activities. You do have to have a sense of humor and not take yourself too seriously. And you do have to enjoy yourself when you're with us.
No, most of our members don't. We may learn a few words or phrases to round out our characters so that when a member of the public asks if we speak Klingon, we can throw a few words at them. If you have an interest in languages, however, a couple of our members are fluent in Klingon and are active with the Internet-based Klingon Language Institute--yes there really is one--so the opportunity is there if you're interested. But it's not a requirement.
No. Well, not at first, anyway.
No. Although some of our members are also members of such groups as the Klingon Assault Group (KAG), the Klingon Imperial Diplomatic Corps (KIDC), or Starfleet International, the Imperial Klingon Battle Fleet (IKBF) is an independent group.
No. We can teach you what you need to know.
No. One's costume is an ongoing, evolving process. Many of us are still adding to and perfecting our own costumes. We understand that getting a uniform together involves cost and time, and everyone's budgets and schedules are different.
No. Several of our members can be commissioned to make uniforms and civilian costumes. Plus there are several costume makers on the Internet. For more information, see our "Links" section.
No, we don't have club dues. We recognize that the cost of getting a costume together isn't cheap, nor is the cost of attending conventions. In lieu of dues, we host a couple of fundraising activities at local fan-run Star Trek conventions.
For most folks, the first step is getting the headpiece, then the makeup, then the uniform.
First, the headpiece. There are four different types of headpieces, and you can get one in one of two ways--make it or buy it.
Most of our members make their own latex headpieces; this is the method we recommend, because you can make the ridges unique to you. The cost of making a headpiece is about $40 for the materials, plus $25-$40 for a wig. You'll also need a bald cap ($5-$10 at any theatrical supplier) and nonhardening modeling compound (about $5 at most craft stores).
The Paramount studio-sanctioned boxed headpiece (or, as the Klingons call it, ''quch in a box'') runs $50-$60, and it comes with a wig. They can be purchased at area theatrical supply stores. We don't ordinarily recommend this method, however, for several reasons. First, they're all one size, so they rarely fit well. Second, the rubber latex is rather thick, making it difficult to hide the seams, or edges, when you're putting on your makeup, so it ends up looking like you're wearing a fake piece of rubber on your head, when the effect you want is to look as realistic as possible. Third, they're hot because the rubber latex envelops your entire head.
Non studio-sanctioned ridged alien headpieces are also available for purchase from a couple of local theatrical suppliers who make them themselves. These suppliers usually don't call them ''Klingon'' headpieces because they aren't licensed by Paramount to sell Star Trek merchandise. These usually run $10-$20, plus the cost of a wig. This is usually an acceptable alternative to making your own. One local dealer makes a single model--it's sturdy and has a nicely detailed ridge pattern, but since a couple of our members have this, the pattern is not unique to each warrior as should be the case. Another local dealer does make them in various patterns for under $10, but they aren't as sturdy; you have to exercise care when handling this one.
Finally, at least one local dealer, and some Internet dealers, carry a foam latex boxed alien ridged headpiece. These run $25-$40, depending on whether you get a full head headpiece or a forehead-only headpiece, plus the cost of a wig. Some of our members claim that, because the foam material is porous, they are marginally cooler than the rubber latex headpieces.
It's an involved process that we walk new members through in detail. Essentially, it involves making a ''life cast'' of one's head. We have what we call ''dipping parties,'' in which four or five members have life casts made. Wearing a bald cap, the ''victim'' has a quick-setting plaster (the kind your dentist uses to make impressions of your teeth) applied to his or her head, to just above the nostrils. After sitting about 20-30 minutes to allow the plaster to set, the cast is removed, leaving a mold of the subject's head. Into this, we pour more plaster; once that sets, you have a life cast of your head.
We then send the subjects home to create their ridge patterns on the life casts using a nonhardening modeling compound. We can help folks with this process. By using a nonhardening clay, you can redo your ridges if you're not satisfied with them, or whenever you need to make a new headpiece, if you choose to do so.
Once you've finished your ridges, we gather folks together again on another day, put plaster over the life cast, and create a mold of the person's head with ridges. Into that, we pour layers of liquid latex, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. Once the headpiece is done, we cut out the crown of a wig and attach the hair using more latex.
Most beauty supply stores have a good selection of wigs. Theatrical wigs can also be purchased at theatrical supply stores in the area at the same time you get your makeup supplies. You'll also want to get a wig stand--a Styrofoam head on which to place your headpiece and wig. And you should try to get an aluminum popcorn tin or a 10-gallon bucket with a lid for storing the headpiece. Important: Never put your headpiece away when it's wet with sweat. It will be moldy the next time you take it out. Gross!
Expect to spend $100-$150 for your initial purchase of makeup supplies. We can take you to a couple of good local suppliers. Afterward, you should only have to replace individual items as you run out.
A typical initial purchase would include:
- One or two ''pots'' of flesh-toned theatrical makeup or grease paint. A pot is about the diameter of a silver dollar, and about an inch thick.
- A ''shading" or "shadow wheel,'' which is a pot of darker colored makeup with three or four dark shades separated like pie wedges. These are used to add shadows.
- A canister of setting powder, which adds color and keeps the makeup from smearing.
- A bottle of liquid latex to make the headpiece and to blend the edges of the headpiece whenever you're making up.
- A bottle of prosthetic adhesive to glue down the edges of the headpiece. Some people prefer spirit gum; some may use a little of both.
- If you don't have a history of skin allergies or sensitivity to substances on your face, you might consider a bottle of Final Set or another setting spray. This helps set the makeup and powder so that it will not smear, and it helps seal your skin so you don't sweat. Not everyone can use this, and it isn't absolutely essential.
- Men: If you have facial hair and want to color it to match your wig, you'll need to purchase a brown or black spray-on or brush-in temporary hair color. This washes out with soap and water. If you don't have facial hair, you'll need to purchase some sort of beard or goatee and a Manchu-style mustache.
- Women: If you have facial hair, the local Star Wars fan club is looking for some Wookies.
- Bond Off to remove adhesive from your skin.
- A powder puff and brush to apply the setting powder.
- An eyeliner pencil (can also be purchased in the cosmetic aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy).
- Makeup wedges (can also be purchased in the cosmetic aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy).
- Sea Breeze or another astringent to clean your face before applying makeup (Purchase in the cosmetic aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy).
- Ponds makeup removal towelettes or similar product. (Purchase in the cosmetic aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy). Do not use standard premoistened wipes--they won't work.
- A makeup or cosmetic box to carry all this junk. Fishing tackle boxes or small to medium plastic toolboxes with adjustable trays work well too.
This will be the most expensive portion of becoming Klingon. The cost will vary widely depending on the type of uniform you want and where you obtain it. A target range would be anywhere from $300 to $800. Several of our members make uniforms for sale, and there are a number of Internet sources. See our
''Links'' section.
The primary component you'll have to purchase is the uniform jacket. For men, there are two types: an enlisted warrior's jacket, which fastens in the back and has a black collar piece, or an officer's jacket, which fastens in the front and is low cut. Both usually have black fur sleeves and gray vinyl strips. Figure about $100-$200 for this, depending on whether you want metal trim.
For a studio look with the officer's jacket, you'll want a gorget or dickey, which has a gray collar. This might run around $40. Some warriors, however, just wear a black T-shirt until they can afford to add the gorget.
Women have more options with their uniforms; the styles can be altered more, they can choose to go with pants or a skirt, and the colors can vary. Some may choose not to wear anything under the jacket, which may be very low-cut.
Items you can purchase to add to the uniform include a 3-inch wide black leather belt with removable buckle and gray dress pants. Pants can be modified to look more like studio uniform pants, but this usually isn't necessary.
Black high-cut military boots for men are often found in military surplus stores or on the Internet. Try the Sportsman Guide, and look for German Officers Boots ($20). Boots will need to have toppers added to bring them up to knee height. If you can't find boots, you can have leggings or spats made, then wear black shoes. Leggings or toppers can run up to $50 a pair. Again, women have more options to choose from when it comes to boots and probably won't need leggings or boot toppers made.
You can find fingerless black gloves at most leather stores for around $40. Some sporting goods stores sell them too for much less, although they may not be leather. Different styles of claws can be added later but aren't a necessity.
Items you'll need to purchase from Internet dealers or at Star Trek conventions include a uniform belt buckle, a communicator badge and homeworld pin for the sleeves, vest bars, a d'ktahg knife, and a disruptor pistol, among others.
Other items you might have made include an honor sash, a disruptor holster, and a battle cloak. The costs of all these items vary so widely that offering cost estimates here would be meaningless. Check our
''Links'' section, or ask members of the fleet for more information.
The new Enterprise television show has given Klingons a bit more ancient, tribal look, like Vikings, with Earth tones, leather, and fur. These type of costumes can be much less expensive. Confer with an experience costume maker about the costs of such a "civilian uniform."
As a rule, members are responsible for their own
transportation to meetings, rehearsals, and events. Our members--and our
events--are so far-flung, we simply cannot arrange rides for everyone. If you
live close to a member or members, carpooling is always a possibility, but it's
up to each member to arrange for his or her own transportation. If you don't
have access to a car, public transit, or a transporter, most likely you won't be
able to attend meetings, rehearsals, or events with any regularity. We need
people who want to be, and can be, involved. To do that, you have to be able to
get to where we're doing stuff.
