Masquerade
A fan favorite at every anime convention, the Masquerade has something for everyone! Animazement’s most-attended event is the Saturday night Masquerade! Come out and see the best costumes and skits our attendees have to offer, and find out who will win the top prizes! (If you are looking to compete with a performance, this is the contest for you! If you are looking for a craftsmanship-based contest, look for the Craftsmanship Contest)
Please be aware:
All registration for the Masquerade is done pre-convention via an application that will open March 9th.
We are not doing a first-come, first-served but a panel will be selecting the "Strongest" entries. Please be aware that you will be asked for more information this year in your application. This is in an effort to create a well-rounded show with strong performances.
Sign Up
Sign ups are now closed for the 2025 Cosplay Masquerade!
Enter the Masquerade Contest and show off your costume and perform in front of an incredible crowd! Read on for more details on how to apply to become a part of the Masquerade Contest.
How it Works
The Masquerade Contest is one of the largest events at Animazement. Our goal is to start on time, and keep this event within its time constraints. We ask that all those wishing to participate in the Masquerade Contest adhere to the more precise scheduling and commitment that this event warrants.
- All music must be in MP3 format. Solo Entries work two ways: If you are doing a walk-on (you walk onstage, pose a few times, and walk off), you have 60 seconds. If you are doing an actual solo skit - meaning a performance of choreography, dialogue, etc, you have 90 seconds. Group Entries receive three (3) minutes. (Make it good!)
All registration for the contest is pre-convention. This is due to the complexity of stage cues and how strong the competition has become. We review each of the entries that apply and select entries for a well-rounded show in a balance of new performers, regular contestants, and those who bring something strong to the show. Entries with flashy and fun costumes with a strong concept will be what we're looking for.
Levels
Novice is 0-3 Major awards.
Journeyman is 4 to 6 Major awards won.
Craftsman is 7 or more Major awards.
*Major awards are First, Second, Third, Best of or Best… Honorable Mentions and Judge’s Awards not do count as a Major Award.
Youth Awards are for those 12 and younger.
Costume Rules
- Please see the above for the time limits.
- Because this is a platform stage, no “hard falls” or leaping off the stage. Any stunts? Please let us know at the time of application.
- No confetti, glitter, or mess. Streamers that you can take with you is okay. Everything you bring on the stage should come off-stage as well.
- Keep skits tasteful – PG or G. There are family members in the audience! Unsure? Please send our coordinator an email.
- No live steel or weapons.
- While cameos are fine from comics and pop-culture media, please keep your skit of Japanese or Asian origin.
- All decisions of the judge and coordinator are final.
Guidelines
All costumes must be relevant to Anime, Manga, Video Games, and Theater all derived from Asian Culture. We also are now accepting entries from Overwatch, League of Legend, Heroes of the Storm, and World of Warcraft.
Competing “down” (A Craftsman entering as Journeyman for an easier win) is discouraged and will lead to disqualification.
The “strongest” member of the group will have the group entered as that level (One craftsman, two Journeyman, one novice entering will result in the group entering as Craftsman.)
If you need further clarification, please e-mail craftsmanship@animazement.org.