Are you a Master of Disguise?
Have we got the thing for you. RadCon’s Masquerade is where you bring your best work and put it on stage. Whether you’re stepping on for the first time or you’re a seasoned competitor with a trophy shelf to prove it, there’s a division for you. Get familiar with the guidelines below and then show us what you’ve got.
Eligibility
All participants must agree to read and follow RadCon’s Masquerade Rules and Regulations. Registration grants permission to RadCon to use your images for promotional purposes, including photography and videography. Participants under 18 require a parental signature.
Divisions
To ensure fair competition, participants are placed into skill divisions based on experience.
Choose the division that best reflects your background.
| DIVISION | WHO SHOULD ENTER |
| YOUTH 12 & UNDER | Children’s Masquerade. Adult Supervision required AT ALL TIMES. |
| NOVICE | Little to no experience, first time performers, anyone who has never won a costume contest award. |
| APPRENTICE | Some costume making and/or stage experience, may have entered contests before, but not progressed to next division. |
| JOURNEYMAN | Significant experience. Two or more “Best of Novice” awards place you in this division. |
| MASTER | Extensive experience, several awards, professionals, or those who make their living making costumes or clothing. Two or more “Best of Journeyman” awards place you in this division. |
| GROUP ENTRY | Division is determined by the highest-ranking member of the group. |
Not sure which division is right for you? Winning “Best of Show” at any large regional convention moves you up to the next skill division. Additional categories may be added annually at the Masquerade Director’s discretion. When in doubt, reach out to the Masquerade Director at masquerade@radcon.org.
General Rules
- The Masquerade Director reserves the right to eliminate any entry on the basis of taste, danger, or safety.
- ENTRY DEADLINE IS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13 AT 1:00 PM
- No late registration will be accepted.
- Winners will be announced on Saturday at the end of the Masquerade Stage Presentation.
- The Masquerade Committee reserves the right to deny entry to anyone in violation of stated RadCon Guidelines rules eligibility and policies.
- RadCon is a family friendly event. Masquerade content must not exceed PG-13.
- No offensive language of any kind.
- No nudity – real or implied.
- All costumes must meet RadCon’s Dress Code.
- No illegal weapons. All other weapons must be peace bonded and comply with RadCon’s Weapons Policy.
- No pyrotechnics or projectiles of any kind.
- No live animals. Service animals are an exception.
- No messy substances – wet, dry, or oily – that may damage another participant’s costume or hotel property.
- Do not jump on or off the stage. Use the provided entrances and exits.
- All costumes with electric power must be self-contained. No electrical outlets are available on stage.
- All special effects must be approved by the Masquerade Director prior to the Masquerade.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- All judge’s decisions are final.
- Don’t be a Pinhead.
Judging
There are two main areas of judging: Workmanship and Stage Competition.
Workmanship judging evaluates the skill and construction of your costume. It is optional and takes place between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, before the Masquerade. If you are recreating a character from another source, bring a reference image. Note that purchased, rented, or previously judged costumes may not be judged for workmanship but may still enter the stage competition.
Stage Competition evaluates the effect of your costume and your stage presentation. All entrants will have a stage presentation – either a walk-on or a skit – limited to one minute. Music requests must be submitted at the time of application, including the song name, artist, and desired effect.
Tech Rehearsal
Tech rehearsals take place Saturday in the Bronze Ballroom from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendance is mandatory. Come prepared and know your presentation before you arrive. Your time on stage is limited to one minute so have it figured out in advance. If you plan any interaction with the MC, note it in the script you provide. Be on time. Above all else, have fun. This is your time to shine.
Prizes
Each category winner receives a $30 Visa gift card. Every participant receives a unique, one of a kind participation certificate created by the Masquerade Director and themed to that year’s RadCon convention. These can be presented at other conventions as proof of participation. Additional prizes are awarded by donation.