Every masquerade has to have its rules and here are ours.  Be assured that there are valid reasons for each of these rules.  However, if you believe you have a really good reason not to comply with one of the rules, convince the Masquerade Director to make an exception.

1. All masquerade participants must be registered attendees of the Archon convention. Register before noon on Saturday!

2. NO flagrant nudity.  This masquerade is rated PG-13.  Please use some discretion, as there are usually children in the audience.

3. The following costumes may not be worn for competition: purchased costumes, rented costumes, or costumes that have won a Best in Class or Best in Show award at a World Con or Costume Con. These costumes may be worn on stage for Exhibition but will not be judged for the competition.

4. Small children must be under the control of a responsible adult at all times.

5. Your costume must be finished before you get to the Green Room. No sewing, gluing, spray painting, welding, or other construction work is allowed back stage. However, final assembly of large costumes and/or props and unexpected repairs will be allowed.

6. Costumers will be required to sign a release for use of a video and photos. By appearing in the Masquerade, a costumer allows the convention to make a video tape and/or photos of the event and offer them for sale.  For Participants under 18 years of age, the release will have to be signed by a parent of guardian.

7. All costumers are required to walk the stage before the Masquerade. This will be done at your assigned tech rehearsal.

8. For safety reasons, the following is not allowed: live animals, substances which might damage or soil other costumes, aerosol sprays, or projectiles.

9. No pyrotechnics will be allowed including but not limited to: fire, flash powder, explosives, smoke bombs or fireworks.  Additionally, the use of oil based smoke/fog machines is prohibited as they will set off the Convention Center fire detection system.

10. Illegal weapons of any kind are not allowed. Legal real or prop weapons used as part of the costume are allowed with restrictions.  You are not required to have your weapon "peace bonded" while you appear on stage or in the Green Room however, you are expected to act responsibly with your weapon. The Green Room is not the place to practice your presentation's sword play! You may be asked to check your weapon in to our Props Master prior to the start of the masquerade if we deem the weapon potentially dangerous to your fellow costumers. If you decide to carry a weapon, by signing your registration form, you accept any legal and financial responsibility for damage your weapon may cause to persons or property.

    Although you are not required to "peace bond" your weapons while appearing in the Masquerade, normal Archon Weapons Policy rules apply while you are not in the Masquerade.

11. Costumes with electric power requirements need to be self-contained.  There will be no access to electrical outlets on stage.

12. Costumers who want to use special effects in their presentations (i.e. strobe lights, fog, etc.) must notify the Masquerade Director prior to the convention.  The Masquerade Director has the right to deny requests for special effects due to safety concerns and building regulations.  Do not plan your presentation around unapproved special effects!

13. Costumes that could potentially damage the Convention Center facilities will not be allowed.

14. Archon does not supply costumers with any of the following: make-up, make-up applicators and/or removers, glue, paint, etc.  Please come to the Masquerade with everything you need to complete your costume.  The Masquerade Staff may be available to help with emergencies or damage repair, however.

15. Smoking is not allowed in the Convention Center.  Contestants who leave the building for a smoke break may lose their turn to appear on stage.

16. Surprise the audience, not the Masquerade staff. If you are planning something completely different, let us know well in advance.  All information will be held in the strictest confidence.

17. No Whiners! Entrants are presumed to be adults, or under the supervision of one.  All judge's decisions are final.

18. The Masquerade Director has the right to eliminate any entry from the competition on the basis of taste, danger to the audience, building or yourself, violation of any of the above rules, or any other reason deemed sufficient. We have never had to eliminate anyone yet, but this protects you and the convention.