Madman Cosplay Masquerade

Madman Cosplay Masquerade

Love cosplay? Want to show off your costume and/or skit? Join the competition and win prizes!

MAIN CATEGORIES OPEN FOR COMPETITION

  • Best of Show: Best of Show is the the award of all awards. Placing in this category means that Senpai has definitely noticed you! Handmade* costumes only.
  • Best Prop: At SMASH!, we recognise the awesomeness of not only costumes, but props as well. This category is for a prop that really knocked our socks off! Handmade* props only.
  • Aspiring Cosplayer: Open to contestants who have never entered a cosplay competition before or who have never won a main category (globally, not just at SMASH!). Please be honest with your registration, this is a chance to encourage up and coming cosplayers! Handmade* costumes only.
  • Best Duo: Cosplay goes hand in hand with dynamic duos and we’re here to crown the One True Pair! Open to entries with two participants. Handmade* costumes only.
  • Best Group: The group with the best construction, finish, and accuracy to characters, as a whole. A group is defined as 3 or more participants. All costumes and props must be made by at least one member of the group to qualify. Handmade* costumes only.
  • Best Skit: The best presented skit. Judges will be considering the clarity of the performance and how entertaining it is for the crowd. Purchased, rented, borrowed or commissioned costume sets are only eligible for this category. Skit contestants with handmade* costumes are still eligible for other categories.
  • Judges’ Choice Award: This is a special award presented to the Cosplayer who leaves the greatest impression on the Judges. This could be any entrant in the Masquerade and could be awarded for any part of your costume or performance.

*SMASH! defines handmade costumes where store purchased accessories and components are allowed in so far as they represent 20% or less of the finished look.

Runner-up sub-categories will be presented at the judges’ discretion.

 

How the competition is run

  • Fill out the application form below to participate on the day.
  • During the convention, arrive at the Cosplay Desk to confirm your registration.
  • Upon arrival at the Cosplay Desk, contestants will be given a time slot for their pre-judging (if applicable). Location for pre-judging will be confirmed at a later date. All entrants will need to show up in costume and be ready for pre-judging as soon as they confirm their registration. All pre-judged entries are strongly encouraged to bring reference material for their costume(s).
  • Participants will also be informed when to arrive back of stage for event marshalling.
    • Participants who are late to marshalling may be disqualified from the masquerade.
    • Participants must be prepared to stay the entire length of the competition.
  • During marshalling, participants will be lined up in show order. It is in this order that every individual/group will be led up onto the stage.
  • The MC will announce each individual/group and welcome them onto the stage.
    If the individual/group has prepared a skit, it will start according to the description in their entry form.
    • We recommend that participants do not wear costumes that restrict them from entering and exiting the stage (this includes going up steps).
    • SMASH! staff and crew will make their best efforts to assist cosplayers, however assistance is not 100% guaranteed, or to the expectation that may be required. Please let us know in advance so we can advise.
  • After each skit or entry onto the stage, the MC will engage participants in some questions about their costumes and characters. Once finished, they will invite participants to move to the front of the stage to pose for photos.
  • When participants are ready or when directed, they will exit the stage.