1. Themes submitted within the past eight years may not be used.
Though most students will not know which themes occurred before their time at Meredith, the limit on the repetition of themes is on behalf of the faculty and young alumnae. It is also to make sure young alumnae are not giving certain classes an unfair advantage.
2. No open flames of any kind, including fire and fireworks, are permitted in any event.
While the aesthetic would be pleasing, open flames on a field with so many people and movement is too much of a hazard. Due to safety concerns, if there are any open flames, the class will be immediately disqualified from that event, and other repercussions may ensue.
3. No acrobatics or stunts above-head are permitted in any event.
Again, this rule is for safety reasons. While Cornhuskin’ is a tradition about skill and talent, the College does not allow acrobatics or above-head stunts because of the safety concerns. Most of Corn occurs in the amphitheater in the evening at the main event. The amphitheater is dark, and the ground is uneven. Not to mention that the stage, a grassy hill, and the brick stairs are often slick. Thus, more dangerous tricks like acrobatics are banned. Any acrobatics or above-head stunts will result in the disqualification of the class in that event.
4. Only current students and up to one faculty member are permitted in the skit.
Corn is a densely populated, watched and participated-in event. Only one faculty member is allowed in the skit for each class because we do not want bias, and because that is too much to ask from our faculty. Only current students can participate because of the many practices needed. Also, all our traditions are for current students and their families and guests only. Corn is a class competition. Thus, only members of the class should participate. The class will be disqualified from the skit portion if this rule is broken.
5. The parade, the hall raids and the processional into the amphitheater are not judged.
These three aspects of Corn are highly participated in and performed, but interestingly do not count towards the final Corn score. Neither do the dances!
6. The script is judged separately from the props and costumes, the word parade and the performance of the skit.
Since the skit is the main event, it is allotted the most points out of all the events. There are many different aspects that make up the skit: props and costumes, word parade and performance. Each of these aspects is unique and has its own influence and effect. So, the elements are judged separately from the overall skit performance because of how much work goes into the individual aspects of the skit.
7. Planning committees for each class may meet as early as they wish, but no judged aspects may be practiced before the freshman class co-chairs have been elected.
This rule is often the least known. Many students believe that planning committees cannot meet until the assigned date at the beginning of the school year for their class. However, the committees may meet as early as they would like, as long as no judged material is rehearsed before the date assigned to their class.
8. Hog Callin’ is four minutes.
If the class’s performance extends four minutes, they will be disqualified from the event.
9. Comfort Colors may not be the chosen sweatshirt or t-shirt brand because of the cost.
10. The apple bobber must always have her hands behind her back, or the class will be immediately disqualified from the event.
11. Only one person (plus one prop assistant) is allowed on stage for the performance of Tall Tale, and the person must always represent an object. The time limit is three minutes; going over time results in disqualification.
12. The class songs must be performed acapella. The time limit is two minutes; going over time will result in disqualification.
13. Classes may practice their Can Art before the event but not in the courtyard.
14. Two members of each class are asked to serve on the spirit stick committee and are selected by MRA President, MRA Vice-President, MRA Cornhuskin’ co-chairs and the MRA adviser. The spirit stick committee members are anonymous to the Meredith community. They observe the classes’ activities throughout Corn season and determine who exhibits the best Cornhuskin’ spirit to therefore win the spirit stick.
By Kaylee Kalaf, Contributing Writer