Shore Leave Masquerade Information
While many Shore Leave attendees choose to wear costumes in the convention hallways (though this is not required), the Masquerade is a special event where costumers can get up on stage and show off their art for the greatest number of people at once.
For the audience, the Masquerade is a little like a beauty pageant mixed with a talent show. Costumers may appear alone on stage or as part of a group. The MC introduces each presentation, then the entry gets a minute or so to show off their costume(s) to the audience. Sometimes it’s just a sort of fashion show walk out on stage, but often there’s a short skit involved which can explain the character represented and provide some context for the costume and entertainment for the audience.
For the costumers involved, it does require some effort and sacrifice. If you want to appear in the Masquerade, you’ll be occupied for most of Saturday evening of the convention. You’ll need to sign up no later than 3:30pm on Saturday afternoon, be in the Green Room by 6:30pm, and, if you decide to stick around after your presentation to see if you’ve won an award, it might be close to midnight before you can get on with other activities. We do try to get things wrapped up before then and to make your backstage time as comfortable as possible. Young Fans (age 12 and under) go onstage first, and their awards are given right away, so that they don’t have to stay up past their bedtime.
Competition Categories
- Young Fan*
This category is open to all children age 12 and under. Costumes can be made by the child or an adult.
- ReCreation
This category is for costumes that “re-create” costumes seen in movies, on TV, or in books. Costumes will be judged on how accurate they are. Please bring pictures (photocopies or scans, not originals) of the costume that you are recreating for the judges to look at.
- Science Fiction
This category is open to costumes loosely inspired by science fiction shows and movies and original costumes dealing with other planets, space travel, or technology.
- Fantasy
This category is open to costumes loosely inspired by fantasy shows and movies and original costumes dealing with fantastic creatures (fairies, elves, goblins, etc.).
- Showcase of Champions
This category is for costumers who have won two or more major awards (“Best” anything, First Place, etc.) at any convention.
- Steampunk
This category is for costumes featuring the imaginative extrapolation of Victorian-era fashions and technology, recalling the greatest dreams (and nightmares!) of the Industrial Revolution.
- Anime
This category is open to costumes representing your favorite classic or newly-created Anime and Manga characters.
All contestants are reminded that Shore Leave Masquerade entries are traditionally short; usually under one minute in length.
There will be First and Second place awards given in every category with 3 or more entrants. Category awards are judged on both presentation and costuming and/or makeup skills.
*Note: Young Fan awards will be presented immediately after the Young Fan competition.
In addition to the awards for each category, there may be special awards presented at the judges’ discretion.
Handiwork judges will present their awards separate from the Stage Judges. These awards recognize different techniques used in constructing a costume. Costumers must specifically register for Handiwork judging.
Want to know more?
Check out our Masquerade Information Document. Or contact our Masquerade Director with specific questions.