What is the Masquerade?

Well, it is a costume contest, where the contestants literally become that character for a brief while. They might be re-creating a favorite character from print, TV or film, or it may be something straight out of their imagination. Period costumes, also called "garb" are also welcome.

When is the Masquerade?

Archon, Saturday night, at 8 o'clock in the evening.

Who can enter the Masquerade?

Anyone can enter the masquerade, as long as they have an Archon membership, and a costume. You can compete as a group, or individually. All ages are welcome.

What do I get if I win?

Contestants compete for custom rosettes and bragging rights. Even better, there is a private party for all of the contestants after the masquerade.

How do I enter the Masquerade?

All contestants must register at the Masquerade Registration table in the convention center, directly across from main registration. One of our staff members will answer your questions and help you fill out the forms, which MUST be turned in by NOON ON SATURDAY. After registering, you will need to attend the mandatory meeting for all contestants, and then schedule a brief tech rehearsal.

Why do I have to register before noon on Saturday?

Well, putting on a show the size of the Archon Masquerade takes a lot of time. Our staff members have to get ready for the show, and we run tech rehearsals all day Saturday. It makes for a very long day for the staff.

Why do we need tech rehearsals?

The Archon Masquerade has a reputation for being one of the most professional looking masquerades in the country. A big part of that is because of the time and attention we give every contestant on stage. We run through your stage entrances and exits, lighting cues, sound, and generally make sure everyone understands what they are doing. That way, the contestant is less nervous, and we can showcase them to the best of our abilities.

What are the judges looking for?

There are two sets of judges for the masquerade. The first set are backstage, and are looking at the workmanship of your costume. This is where you can show off your fine stitching, painting, metalwork, etc,. They also look for engineering and overall construction. The second set of judges are in front of the stage, and will be judging on the overall look of your costume presentation. Such things as how well you become that character, how you move in the costume, and how you chose to present it will be considered.

I have a hall costume. Can I enter that in the Archon Masquerade?

That depends. If you have a new costume, or one you have not worn at Archon before, you are welcome to enter it. If, however, you have worn the same garb for years, it would not be recommended. There will be some stiff competition up on stage, and you want to put your best up against them. The judges may not look kindly on a costume they've seen roaming the halls all weekend.

I bought my costume. Can I enter that in the Masquerade?

This is a tricky question, actually. If the costume in question is from Wal-Mart, the answer is definitely "NO". If, however, you design a costume and pay someone to do part of the construction for you, you may be able to enter the Masquerade PROVIDING you notify the Masquerade Director AND you give the constructor full credit. For instance, you may enter as "Joe Smith" as "The Blob", wearing a costume designed by "Joe Smith", constructed by "Jane Doe and Joe Smith". The workmanship judges may or may not consider you eligible for awards, depending on the amount of work you actually did on that costume. If an award is given, it will be in both names.

How much stage time can I have?

Contestants are allowed one minute on stage. Sometimes, however, a simple walk across the stage is sufficient- you don't need to use the full minute. Presentations longer than one minute have to be approved by the Masquerade Director.

If my friends and I do a short skit, can we have live microphones?

No. We have found that 99% of past presentations that used a live microphone bomb due to the simple fact that most people do not know how to use a microphone properly, holding it too low or too far back. To avoid frustrating the audience, yourself, and the tech crew, we decided to no longer offer the live mic on stage. You may, however lip synch to pre-recorded material.

Can I enter my ten-year-old in the Archon Masquerade?

Yes, although parents must remember that this is a competition, and there is a chance that your child may not win. There is a special category for children 12 and under, so that they are not in direct competition with the adults. Children entering the masquerade are assumed to have helped create the costume to some extent. If an adult made the costume for the child, see question number 10, or ask the Masquerade Director.

What is "documentation" and why should I bring it?

Documentation is for the judges to look at to determine how well you re-created your costume. It can be as simple as a photocopy of a page from a book or comic, or a more elaborate photo journal of the construction process. Not everyone needs documentation. Then again, not everyone has seen episode five, season two of your favorite show. Or read that particular book/comic/manga.