Anime USA Masquerade – Rules & Regulations

The Anime USA Masquerade is a celebration of cosplay performance and craftsmanship. Whether you’re performing a skit or showing off your handmade costume in a spotlight, these rules will help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Registration

• Badge required: All participants must have a valid Anime USA badge (including specialty badges such as press, dealer, etc.).
• Staff may not compete: Anime USA staff cannot enter the Masquerade due to time constraints and conflicts of interest.
• One registration per group: Only one person in the group needs to fill out the form, but provide accurate and complete contact info. This information will be kept confidential and only shared with Masquerade staff.
• All skits must register:

• Pre-con registration will be available online (link coming soon).
• At-con registration is available Friday evening only, limited to remaining slots.
• All slots are first come, first served. Please make note that due to us having an Idol USA – we will be giving preferential selection to all non-dance skits.

• Performance types:

1. Skit Performance – Solo or group performances.
2. Craftsmanship Spotlight – Solo or group mini-performances showcasing costume craftsmanship.

• Check-in required: At least one member of the group must check in at Masquerade HQ during pre-registration check-in times to confirm entry, receive appointments, and pick up backstage passes. Failure to check in will result in your slot being dropped.
• Cancellations: If you need to withdraw, notify the Masquerade Director as soon as possible.
• One skit per participant: You cannot perform in more than one skit, prop for other skits, or serve as a stage ninja for other groups.
• Group size limit: Skits may have a maximum of 10 people on stage.
• Timing matters: You will be given times for rehearsal, craftsmanship judging, and greenroom. Being late will result in removal from the lineup.
• The Masquerade is a costume competition, not a talent show — do your best and have fun!

General Disqualification & Safety

Violating Masquerade or Convention rules will disqualify you. The Masquerade Director may cancel your presentation at any time for any reason.

• Tell us in advance about any unique performance elements so we can try to accommodate you (within technical limits).
• Awards:

• Major categories: Novice, Journeyman, Master.
• Each category has Best Presentation and Best Craftsmanship awards.
• There will also be Best Overall Presentation and Best Overall Craftsmanship.
• “Best in Show” requires excellence in both presentation and craftsmanship.

Skit Performance Requirements

1. Audio:

• Pre-recorded MP3, saved on a flash drive, delivered at check-in.
• Live audio requires special approval from the Masquerade Director. Microphones will not be provided as props; if needed for performance, you must bring your own.

2. Time Limits:

• 1–2 people: 3 minutes max
• 3–5 people: 5 minutes max
• 6+ people: 6 minutes max

3. Rehearsal: Attendance at Saturday rehearsal is mandatory (costume not required for rehearsal). Missing rehearsal forfeits your spot.
4. Costume rules:

• At least one member must be in costume.
• No region restrictions (anime, comics, games, etc.).
• Original or fanfiction characters are not permitted.
• “Original fashion” based on an existing series (e.g., Lolita Sailor Moon, Steampunk Batman) is allowed.

5. Other competitions: Masquerade entrants cannot enter the Cosplay Craftmanship Competition with the same costume as the Masquerade.

Craftsmanship Spotlight Requirements

1. Audio: Pre-recorded MP3 delivered at check-in.

• Some songs are banned — you will be notified if your selection is not allowed.

2. Performance Length: 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Rehearsal: Saturday rehearsal attendance is mandatory (costume not required). Missing rehearsal forfeits your spot.
4. Judging: Craftsmanship judging is mandatory for Spotlight entries (see below).
5. Costume rules: Same as Skit rules — must be in costume, no original/fanfiction characters, original fashion spinoffs from existing series allowed.
6. Other competitions: Same as Skit rules — no Saturday Hall Cosplay with the same costume.

Performance & Safety Limitations

• Content: PG-13 level — no nudity, explicit sexual gestures, or strong profanity.
• Props/Weapons: No live steel or firearms. All props must follow Anime USA safety guidelines.
• Special effects: No fireworks, pyrotechnics, open flames, or smoke machines.
• Power: No electrical outlets provided — battery-powered only.
• Stage debris: Everything brought on stage must leave with you. No confetti, petals, water, rice, etc.
• Physical safety: No advanced acrobatics or dangerous martial arts. The portable stage cannot handle heavy impacts.

Any group breaking these rules during rehearsal will be removed from the Masquerade.

Craftsmanship Judging

• At least 70% of the costume must be made by the entrant to qualify for judging.
• Judging is by appointment before Masquerade; appointments made at check-in.
• Reference images are optional but recommended.
• Costumes judged in Friday Hall Cosplay cannot compete for Masquerade Craftsmanship.
• Costumes that have previously won awards at Anime USA are ineligible for competition.
• Craftsmanship judging is mandatory to be eligible for “Best in Show.”

Division Categories

For group entries, the highest-ranked member determines the division.

Major Awards: Best Overall, Best of Division, Best in Show, 1st–3rd place
Minor Awards: Judge’s Choice, Honorable Mention

Novice

• Has not competed before, or fewer than 3 major Novice awards.
• Not eligible if: Professional Costumer*, winner in Journeyman/Master class, or winner of Best in Show/Best of Weekend elsewhere.

Journeyman

• Has 3+ major Novice awards, or 1 Journeyman major award.
• Not eligible if: Professional Costumer*, winner in Master class, or winner of Best in Show/Best of Weekend elsewhere.

Master

• Has 5+ major awards (Novice/Journeyman combined), or 1 Master major award.
• Not eligible if: Professional Costumer*.

Additional Notes

• Contestants may choose to compete in a higher division.
• Once you place in a higher division, you cannot move back down.

* Professional Costumer: Someone who earns a significant portion (50% or more) of income from making or selling costumes.