General Information > Masquerade Show

Masquerade Contest Guidelines:

1. Anyone attending the WillyCon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention is eligible to participate.

2. Costumes must be pre-registered. Register by submitting a 3 x 5 notecard to the Masquerade MC at least 10 minutes prior to the Contest.

3. If you have a costume that does not comply with the rules, but you deem it worthy to be shown on stage, there will be openings for non-judged costumes 9See #5 below). We ask that you fill out the 3 x 5 card anyway, but make it clear that your costume is just for show.

4. All costumes must be historical, science fiction, or fantasy related.

5. Purchased or rented costumes are not allowed in the judged competition but may be shown and be included in the show for the audience's viewing pleasure (not eligible for any cash prizes). You can use some purchased pieces for your costume, but the overall costume is to be made by the designer.

6. There is no limit to the number of costumes each person can enter.

7. The designer/creator of the costume and the model need not be the same person.

8. Costumes will be divided into the following categories:

a. Original Design: If your costume is something you designed yourself, it is an original design.

b. Re-creation: If your costume was taken from a picture or represents a particular period of the past, it is a re-creation. If available, please bring a copy of the picture you are trying to re-create or documentation that you consulted in designing your costume for the judges to see.

9. We will give one award for best of show, and one for best children's costume. These will be for the best costumes, stage presence, humor, or acting during the show. Other awards may be presented by the Judges at their discretion.

10. Costumes will be judged on things like creativity/originality, likeness to character or period (if costume is a re-creation), quality of construction, design elements (color, line, shape), and presentation. Costumes will be rated on a scale of 1-5 for each of the criterion. The points will be totaled and averaged between the three judges. This will be your final score.

11. The final scores will not be revealed for any costumes. If you would like to see the judges' comments, please contact them after the judging.

12. Each participant will be allowed up to 3 minutes per presentation (groups may be allowed more). Allow the judges enough time to view the costume, but do not overstay your welcome.

13. We recommend all participants walk the stage before the Masquerade Show to practice. We don't want you to fall off and hurt yourself or others!

14. An m/c will announce each costume as it appears on stage. Descriptions for the m/c will be written on a 3 x 5 note card.

15. If you have a tape or CD to play or any other special requests, please notify us as soon as possible. We can only provide the equipment necessary if sufficient advanced notice if given.

16. For safety reasons the following are not allowed in the contest or the show: live animals, substances which might damage or soil other costumes, fire, flash powder, explosives, projectiles, REAL WEAPONS (by state law) or anything else which may be messy or dangerous. We hold the right to eliminate anyone from the competition for danger to the contestants or audience, violation of any of the stated rules, or indecent behavior. If you have any questions about whether an object will be allowed, please ask early.

17. Restrooms are available in the lower level for changing or makeup.

18. All contestants will be photographed on stage, and as a group after the contest is over. Winners may be asked to pose for additional photo’s.