Participating in Masquerade

Masquerade is divided into two categories: Judged Entries and Exhibition Only (non-judged).

Judged Entries:

• There are 3 categories for judged entries: Novice, Journeyman, Master. Your costume can be judged for workmanship (only), presentation (only) or both.   In order to be able to win a major category like Best Journeyman or Best in Show, you would need to choose to be judged for both workmanship AND presentation.  Judged presentation-only costumes are only eligible for the Judges’ Choice Award. 
• What’s “presentation” you ask?  It’s how you present yourself on stage in front of the audience and judges. Individuals will have up to 30 seconds on stage (groups will have up to 1 minute). You might do a little dance, perform a little skit, or just walk out and strike a pose!
• Your costume for judged entries must be 75% made by you, to be eligible to win a major category (Novice, Journeyman, Masters, Best In Show). If your costume was commissioned (made by someone else), you could still win an award for presentation (only), but the person who made the costume must be acknowledged in your entry, must be present at the Masquerade, and be a registered MarsCon member. They will also need to accept the award on stage with you. Commissioned entries are automatically entered at the Masters level.   

All Entries (Judged and Exhibition Only):

• Minimum age for Masquerade entry is 6 years old, and MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. 
• Ages 6 – 12, will be in the kids category, and will be judged separately from all other entrants.  ALL entrants 14 and under MUST have a parent/guardian present at all times.
• Group entries are limited to 6.
• Your MAX presentation time on stage is up to 30 seconds for individuals and up to 1 minute for groups. You don’t have to take all that time if you don’t need it. 
• Exhibition costumes are not eligible for any of the judged awards, BUT your presentation on stage could earn you a Masquerade Exhibition Medal!
• Retail (purchased) costumes are exhibit only, and although not eligible for the judged prize categories, your exhibition presentation could earn you a Masquerade Exhibition Medal! 
• If you’ve won Best In Show at any other convention or costume contest, you cannot compete in Masquerade, but we’d love to have you do Exhibition only to show off your winning costume!
• No live dialogue on stage. Your entire stage presentation (dialogue, music, etc.) must be pre-recorded.
• Props and costumes that are oversized or present mobility issues should be discussed with the Masquerade director during orientation, since you need to be able to get on and off stage without injury to yourself, others, or destruction to your surroundings. 
• Stage fighting may be approved, but must be run past the Masquerade director in advance.
• No smoking or smoke effects whatsoever on stage.
• Handler: each entrant may have ONE handler to assist them in the green room. They may walk you up to the stage entrance, but NOT go on stage with you. 
• Masquerade is rated PG-13 (parental guidance advised). No nudity, and if your costume is tight, overly revealing, etc, you must have proper support/modesty garments underneath.
• Food in the green room: be mindful of any food or drink you have with you- you don’t want to spill on someone else’s costume or bring something in that could cause a food allergy to someone else. NO open drink containers, everything must have a lid or cap! 
• Liability Waiver Form: EVERYONE will need to sign a Liability Waiver Form at the mandatory Masquerade orientation on Saturday.