Masquerade Process

A masquerade is a costume presentation that is frequently a competition held at conventions for science fiction and fantasy, comics, media such as Star Trek and Star Wars, anime, and furry mascots (aka fursuits or furries).

Since different sized masquerades require different processes, not all of these items will apply. For example, a smaller convention may not have a technical rehearsal because the space is being used for programming or no stage may exist. Some small conventions may not have a formal green room, but have you in the service hallway behind the stage. Yet other places will not have any other lights except the standard lights in the room.

Understand that not all of these items will apply to all conventions, so use your best judgment for the situation. The usual process for a larger convention masquerade participant is:

Register to be in the masquerade.
If one is held, attend any panel/session required by the masquerade director.
This is where important information happens, and where you can get your questions answered. Read the masquerade rules and ask the masquerade staff about any rules that you're not sure you understand.
Rehearse your presentation.
- If you need help figuring out your presentation, it is acceptable to ask for help from another costumer or friend. However, try and have your presentation figured out before you get into the green room.
- Remember to not do a "hit-and-run" dash across the stage. Take enough time to show the front, back, and sides of your costume to the judges and audience. Use the space available on the stage to do so. Sometimes, a simple fashion turn is all that you need.
If available, attend the technical rehearsal.
This is where you find out if your tape or CD works in the convention sound system, and you get a chance to establish lighting cues if lighting is available. You also get a feel for the stage, and how it feels beneath your feet. If the MC is available, go over any text necessary.
Eat a real meal with protein in the late afternoon before you change into your costume.
This is essential for your well being!
Keep in mind that you'll probably be in the masquerade green room for three or four hours, and you cannot depend on them to have any substantial food available. The masquerade green room is not the place to expect a meal to be provided. At the most, they may have some snacks available. In some cases, they'll only have water available.
Change into your costume and apply any makeup.
Arrive at the masquerade green room and check in when the masquerade director says you need to be there.
Ask your den parent for any assistance that you need.
If possible, get your Polaroid photo done early.
This photo helps the judges remember your presentation when they are figuring out who to give awards to.
If you like, get your costume or prop judged by the workmanship judge(s).
Remember to have fun.
Everyone, including the audience and other competitors, want you to do well because that makes for a better show, so enjoy.
After making your presentation, go to the fan photo area if one exists.
This is where people enjoy taking photos of the costumes, but they were not able to see the presentation. Some fan photographers will make photographs of your costume available to you for their costs, so be sure to exchange information with them if you would like a photo.
Return to the green room.
You can remove pieces of your costume for greater comfort, but please stick around. The judges may want to give you an award, and people like seeing the costume again.
Enjoy the compliments that you'll get, and be sure to admire someone else's work.

Remember that different conventions will have different rules and expectations. This is a generalized list of what you can expect most of the time. When in doubt, consult the convention website and the masquerade director for any specific questions that you may have.

Page maintained by Carole Parker