Masquerade

A cosplay competition format held on stage at conventions where makers present their costumes to judges and an audience, popular with newcomers and veterans alike.

A masquerade is a formal on-stage competition held at many conventions in which cosplayers present their costumes to a panel of judges and a live audience. Entrants are usually grouped by skill level, such as novice, journeyman, and master, so that someone making their first costume is not judged against a professional. Many events award prizes in two broad areas: craftsmanship, judged backstage where you talk through how you built your costume, and performance or presentation, judged during your time on stage. If you plan to enter, read the event's specific rules well in advance. Each masquerade sets its own policies on things like time limits, prop restrictions, and whether pre-recorded audio is allowed. Some conventions also require you to pre-register rather than sign up on the day, and popular events fill their slots quickly.