Come one, come all, for this long-time staple of anime conventions: the Masquerade!
Performers in costume take the stage with lights, music, and all sorts of short skits to entertain the crowd. A dramatic story from an anime? A romantic dance of the tightly shipped? Video game characters singing as they flee from danger? Or perhaps a fourth wall break lamenting about being a con attendee? Something about a Chair?
No year is ever the same! Because the performers aren’t hired guests. They’re you! Con attendees dazzling the stage for other con attendees! By fans, for fans!
Wanna see what it’s all about? Saturday night in Main Events, find a seat, and enjoy all the shenanigans that only attendees can create.
The Masquerade is the anime convention equivalent to a Talent Show. Attendees put together a short performance (a skit), and perform it before a large audience. There are no limitations to themes: drama, comedy, horror, sorrow, silliness, music, etc.
It also is a performance based competition.
Groups are arranged into three different tiers: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Judges take scores of each group by a variety of metrics, and each skit is eligible for the award of their tier, as well as competing for the top prize: Best in Show.
Best in Show winners will receive free, complementary memberships for Otakon 2027.
For costumers who wish to have their costume judged, we recommend entering the Hall Costume Contest. Hall Cosplay Contest participants who do not wish to perform a skit are able to participate in the Fashion Show at the beginning of the Masquerade.
It is required that all entrants must read the Otakon Masquerade Rules and Regulations. Submitted entries must abide by these rules. Acceptance into the show is not first-come-first-serve basis. Submissions are reviewed by Masquerade staff and will select 35 total as possible participants.
All entrants wishing to participate in the Masquerade must Register via the Otakon Website. There is no At-Convention Registration.
Masquerade Sign-ups are open June 22, 12pm EDT – June 28, 12pm ED.
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Day
|
Open
|
Close
|
|---|---|---|
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Friday |
12 PM |
8 PM |
|
Saturday |
10 AM |
6 PM |
|
Sunday |
10 AM |
3 PM |
Located in Ballroom A/B