Masquerade
Without You, It’s Just an Empty Stage
The Archon Masquerade is one of the signature events of the convention, bringing costumes, characters, performance, lighting, sound, and fandom creativity together on stage.
Contestants may present characters from books, films, television, games, comics, or their own imagination. Some entries include skits, music, comedy, or dramatic moments, while others let the costume itself take center stage.
Whether you are competing, cheering from the audience, or seeing it for the first time, the Masquerade is a highlight of Saturday night at Archon.
When & Where
The Masquerade takes place on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. in Center Hall B at the Gateway Convention Center.
Preferred and accessibility seating ticket holders will receive earlier access to the hall so they can be seated before general admission.
Entering the Masquerade
Anyone with an Archon membership and a costume may enter the Masquerade, either individually or as part of a group. All ages are welcome.
- The Masquerade is capped at 40 entries.
- Registration is handled in person at the Masquerade Registration Office.
- Entry forms must be turned in by 12:00 noon on Saturday.
- There is no online registration.
- Contestants must attend the required contestant meeting and tech rehearsal.
If you will arrive late on Saturday, please contact the Masquerade Director before the convention to discuss arrangements.
Presentation & Tech Rehearsal
The Masquerade has a reputation for polished, professional-looking presentations. Tech rehearsal helps the crew understand your entry, plan your sound and lighting, and help you look your best on stage.
- Entries are limited to 60 seconds unless approved in advance by the Masquerade Director.
- Each entry may request up to two lighting cues.
- Music or recorded dialogue may be provided on CD or as MP3/WAV files on a thumb drive.
- Please do not bring phones or laptops as the source for your audio.
- Live microphones are not used for contestant skits. Please use recorded audio if dialogue is needed.
Entrants may act, pose, dance, use puppets or scenery, stage mock battles, or simply walk and let the costume speak for itself. The goal is to help every entry shine.
Judging
The Masquerade includes both workmanship and presentation judging.
Workmanship Judging
Workmanship judges look closely at construction, sewing, painting, engineering, prop work, metalwork, and other craft details. Documentation can help judges understand your reference material or construction process.
Presentation Judging
Presentation judges consider the overall stage appearance, performance, movement, and how effectively the entry brings the character or concept to life.
Contestants compete for custom rosettes, recognition, and bragging rights.
Costumes, Purchased Pieces & Documentation
New costumes, original designs, and recreations are welcome. If your costume includes work made by someone else, please credit that person on your entry paperwork.
Purchased costumes may not always be eligible for workmanship awards, depending on how much work the entrant contributed. If you designed the costume and commissioned part of the construction, let the Masquerade Director know and credit all makers involved.
Documentation is encouraged for recreation costumes or detailed builds. It can be as simple as a reference image or as detailed as a construction journal. Documentation should be labeled and will be returned after the show.
Children in the Masquerade
Children are welcome to enter. There is a special category for children 12 and under so they are not competing directly against adult entrants.
Children entering the Masquerade are expected to have helped create their costume to some extent. If an adult made the costume, that person should be credited on the entry paperwork.
Stage Safety & Rules
All entrants must follow Archon rules and the directions of the Masquerade crew.
- Surprise the audience, not the tech crew.
- Entrants must appear on stage and be seen by the judges to compete.
- Entrants may not approach the stage judges during the show.
- No real weapons may appear on stage without prior approval from the stage crew.
- Smoke and fog machines are not permitted at the Gateway Center.
- Follow spots and strobe lights are not available.