Masquerade

General Rules

1. To participate, you must be registered for PopCult Anime Con 2025.
2. You may not compete if you are on PopCult Anime Con’s volunteer staff.
3. The online application form must be submitted by August 6, 2025.
4. Participants must check in:
   • If competing in craftsmanship, by your judging time.
   • If only performing, by 12pm on Saturday.
5. You cannot enter multiple costumes or multiple times.
6. Your performance must be kept PG-15. Any explicit content can be subject to disqualification or ban from future participation.

Craftsmanship Rules

1. To enter, the character must exist in popular media. Source material can come from: Anime, TV shows, Movies, Manga, Graphic Novels, Comics, or Video Games. 
2. If you wish to submit a costume based on fan art, please contact popcultmasquerade@gmail.com. The masquerade department reserves the right to deny eligibility.
3. At LEAST 75% of the cosplay must be handmade. Some minor components can be professionally purchased but they must be noted in judging and will not count towards your assessment. “Found Item” cosplays are allowed, as in built by collecting various pieces from clothing stores and combining/altering them in a unique way.
4. Cosplays must follow dress code and weapon policy, reposted below for your convenience.
5. If the costume has previously won any major award (eg. a number placement or “Best” category) it is ineligible for our masquerade.
6. Any contestant found to be cheating will be given an immediate disqualification.

Performance Rules

1. Skit time limits are as follows:
   • 1-3 participants: 2 minutes
   • 4+ participants: 3 minutes
2. Audio should:
   • Not contain profanity or offensive language.
   • Be in .mp3 format.
   • Be devoid of audio defects.
   • Be clear and concise.
3. If your skit is a skill demonstration, has a stunt or includes a shocking part, please contact the masquerade staff for approval.
4. All content and/or dancing MUST be PG-15. Any explicit content can be subject to disqualification or ban from future participation.
5.  No more than 9 people are allowed on stage during the skit, including stage ninjas.
6. Idol performances should be submitted to our Idol Festival. Masquerade staff reserves the right to decline idol performance skits as they have their own separate event.

Options for Judging & Skill Level

• Craftsmanship: you ONLY want to be judged on the construction and accuracy of your cosplay(s).
• Performance: you ONLY want to be judged on your performance as the character(s).
• Both: you want to be judged on the construction and accuracy of your cosplay(s) AS WELL AS your performance as the character(s). 

and

• Novice: You have little to no experience cosplaying or performing in a masquerade (Awards: 0-2).
• Advanced: You have experience cosplaying or performing in a masquerade (Awards: 3+)

Convention Weapon & Dress Code

• Your outfit should only expose what is considered appropriate at a pool or beach. A bikini or swim trunks, for example. Please refrain from wearing otherwise offensive outfits, slogans and symbols as this is a family event. Convention staff reserves the right to request outfit changes if attire is deemed inappropriate.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. Our definition of ‘footwear’ is that you must have a pad between the bottom of your foot and the floor. To enter the hotel restaurant/Starbucks, you may require a shoe with more coverage. Heelies, skates, skateboards or scooters should not be used inside the hotel in the interest of safety for yourself and fellow attendees.
• Medical scooters and other wheeled assistive devices are welcome. Please respect the physical space of mobility device users and refrain from cutting in front of or touching devices without permission.
• Seal your body paint, if using it. Please be extremely considerate of the hotel, fellow cosplayers and the convention space while in your paint.
• Absolutely no live steel props.
• No projectile weapons unless non-functional. Includes Airsoft, BB guns, dart guns, etc.
• Prop guns must have an orange tip that is clearly identifiable.
• Prop weapons made of foam, wood, Worbla, plastic, etc. are acceptable, but must be checked by Con Security.
• PCAC Staff reserves the right to deny clearance of any prop or weapon considered unsafe at our event.
• If you are concerned about your cosplay or prop(s) please contact popcultmasquerade@gmail.com before the event.