Registering for the Competition
The competition is limited to 25 entries, with no exceptions.
Registration is limited to one entry per person. Competitors may not compete both individually and as part of a group.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals on stage at the same time.
Competitors may register online in advance via the Masquerade Competition Entry Form. On Site registrations are subject to availability, pending any remaining open slots once advance registration has closed.
On site registration is first come, first served.
Once the competitor cap of 30 entries as been reached, a wait list will be established in the event of any late withdrawals or no shows of registered competitors. Wait Listed competitors will be contacted in order of sign up. Please provide a reliable contact method. If the contest organizers cannot get a hold of you, they will move on to the next name on the list.
Audio Files: All audio files MUST be received by 5:00pm the day before the competition. We strongly recommend sending your audio file in advance to cosplay@galaxycon.com. This will allow time to identify any potential technical issues. Entrants that have not provided their audio file by the time listed above will be removed from the competition. Audio files may also be dropped off at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH prior to 5:00pm the day before the competition.
Please send your audio file in mp3 or mp4 format.
Competing with Previously Made Costumes or “Sandbagging” Policy
If the costume being entered has already won an award at a GalaxyCon contest earlier that same weekend, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume has won an award at a previous GalaxyCon or other major convention before the current calendar year, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume won at another convention within the current calendar year, it can still be entered
Checking in at the show
Contestants MUST check-in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH by Sunday at 3:00pm. Contestants who fail to check in on time will forfeit their entry into the competition.
Upon check in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, contestants will be asked to verify their information and introductions. Contestants will receive their competitor number and instructions for muster and roll call prior the competition.
Roll call will take place 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition at the competition venue. Competitors must arrive at the venue by that time in order to compete. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Performing On Stage
There is a performance time limit of 90 seconds for individuals and 3 minutes for groups.
IMPRESS US! This is a competition based on performance. The more the judges and audience are entertained and impressed, the greater chance you have to WIN!
Microphones will be provided at the discretion of the cosplay contest organizers for use of live vocal performances only. Microphones will not be provided for prop purposes. The contest organizers reserve the right to determine the use of microphones for each entry. Entrants who purposefully mistreat microphones (dropping, hitting, throwing etc) will be disqualified and potentially removed from the convention.
No lighting change requests.
Competitors may pose/use their props at the costume competition. There is to be no throwing of props on stage, or brandishing of props in any way which may cause harm to the performers, fellow competitors, hosts and crew, and damage to the stage and technical equipment. Competitors found to be in violation of this may have their prop confiscated and face disqualification from the competition.
All performances are confined to the stage area or area immediately surrounding the stage including off stage left and off stage right and should be entirely self-contained.
Performances may not include any person not listed on your sign up sheet and may not utilize audience members, other contestants, stage crew, convention staff or convention volunteers.
The Masquerade Competition has a Clean Stage Policy. No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped. Please leave the stage as clean as you found it.
All costumes/skits must be PG-13, PG, or G. No nudity or simulated nudity. No derogatory references or depictions. The contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify competitors if their costume is found to in violation of convention rules.
We ask that all competitors practice good sportsmanship. Sabotage, bullying and/or trash talking will not be tolerated. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention.
