...when the many costumes worn by attendees made it clear that costuming was not only an important ingredient in many of the popular arts, but was a fun highlight of the event, and deserving of its very own special event. The...showcase is a unique evening of amazing costume creations and imaginative and entertaining ways to present them, starring our non-professional but highly talented attendees. Not a dance nor party as the name might imply, it’s an on-stage series of costume presentations in the style of an amateur talent competition, with a Master of Ceremonies, a panel of guest judges, and impressive awards given by the convention and generous prizes and awards given by many professional costuming and educational groups, as well as comics industry representatives.
Why is it called a Masquerade and not simply a costume contest or fashion show? Because it’s more than just posing on stage, it’s about capturing the feel of the character, creating moods, and sometimes a sense of story. There can be elements of drama, comedy, suspense, a faux battle, unexpected surprises, and even song and dance. While most of the convention is about our many attending professionals discussing their work or sharing news on their projects, the Mini-Masquerade reminds us that the creative arts reside in ALL of us, and that among our attendees there’s plenty of amazing talents and creativity worth showcasing. More than a few times over the years we’ve seen our “cosplaying” contestants go on to professional costuming careers.
It is free to participate in, or just be in the audience for anyone. And if you just plan to be in the audience you don’t have to wear a costume, but as with the rest of the convention, wearing costumes is always encouraged to add to the fun!
Some entries will be solo costumes; others can be groups with a shared theme. Many will be re-creations from movies, TV shows, anime films, Broadway shows, computer games, history, and of course comic books, but there will also be some completely original designs, some never seen before anywhere. All costume genres are welcome, but NO PURCHASED OR PROFESSIONALLY-SOURCED ONES ARE ALLOWED. It’s a celebration of imagination and craftsmanship, not shopping ability, and to have a fun evening is the main objective.
Since our audience always starts to line up hours early, seating is on a First-Come-First-Served-Basis and after the Mini-Masquerade, auditorium becomes a lively venue of music and dance!
Flash photography is NOT allowed in auditorium, but there will be an off-stage Photo Area in a nearby room, where the contestants pose after their stage presentations. Photographers or Press who wish access to this Mini-Masquerade “Photo OP” Stage Area should write the Mini-Masquerade Photo Op Coordinator at agwt2020@gmail.com ahead of time to request a reserved spot, as it fills up quickly. Note this is a non-public area and access is only open to those with approval.
Video photography of the Mini-Masquerade event is allowed for personal non-profit use. Any videography in the auditorium for professional purposes MUST be cleared beforehand, please write the Mini-Masquerade PR at agwt2020@gmail.com to make a request.
During the Judging Intermission the audience will be treated to special live entertainment and short films.
Doors will open for audience seating at (TBA), and the event will run about 2 and 1/2 hours. Special seating will be available for the disabled, selected press approved in advance, and for special guests.
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How To Enter
There’s only space and time in the event for a limited number of contestants, so if you’re an attendee that would like to share your costume creation with our audience you should apply for a contestant slot as soon as possible.
All slots usually fill up several weeks in advance of the event, so sending in an Entry Form early is advised. Photos of the costume you will be wearing will be required for full confirmation as a contestant. More details are on the download.
(Download here)
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Awards
Beautiful awards, featuring our custom-created Mini-Masquerade medallions, will be presented in categories of:
Best in ShowJudges’ ChoiceBest Re-CreationBest Original DesignBest WorkmanshipMost HumorousMost BeautifulBest Young Fan
When possible, In addition to the Mini-Masquerade awards listed above, the following companies and organizations will be generously donating their own awards to outstanding costumes, as selected by their own representatives. More companies and groups will be added to this list as we get closer to event, so check back often.
Thank you San Diego Comic Con.
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