What is a masquerade/stage costume?
by Randall Whitlock

To the science fiction (SF) convention culture, the masquerade is a costume competition usually held on Saturday evening of a convention on a stage in the hotel ballroom. The stage is surrounded on one or more sides by the audience. Competitors enter the stage, show their costume, and exit. The presentations are introduced by a master of ceremonies and accompanied by as much technical support as the convention can provide, which may include music and lighting effects. The costume presentations are rated by a panel of judges, with the best in different categories awarded ribbons or other prizes. At smaller cons, the masquerade may be combined with a dance or other evening events.

See Also
Stage Costuming
Hall Costume FAQ
Hall Costume Article