The Ohayocon Masquerade Performance Competition is where cosplayers bring their characters to life through performances of all kinds. It runs alongside the Ohayocon Craftsmanship Contest.

Contestants will be judged on both their costumes and performances. A performance is required and may include a dance routine, skit, lip-sync, singing, martial arts demonstration, or another approved performance.

Pre-Registration

Registration is required. Contestants may register online in advance or in person during the convention at the Contest Registration/Check-In table.

There is no pre-judging for this competition. However, all acts must check in and review their performances with contest staff on Saturday of the convention. Time slots will be assigned to all contestants.

Costumes may be store-bought or handmade. There is no craftsmanship requirement for this competition.

Contestants may participate in both the Masquerade Performance Competition and the Craftsmanship Contest, provided their entries do not conflict with one another during the convention. For example, a costume entered in the Craftsmanship Contest must also be the costume worn during the Performance Competition if the contestant is entering both contests with that costume.

Performance & Audio Rules

• All performances and accompanying audio must be 3 minutes (180 seconds) or less.
• Contestants may submit audio as an MP3 file to cosplay@ohayocon.org. Include your contestant number if one has already been assigned.
• Audio may also be submitted in person on a USB flash drive at the convention. Audio files must be trimmed to the required time limit before submission.
• All performances and song lyrics must be rated PG-13 or below, as this is a family-friendly event.
• Microphones may be provided on a case-by-case basis for performers whose acts require them, such as live singing or skits. Microphones will not be provided solely for use as props.
• Performances must remain on the stage or in the immediately adjacent areas (stage left or stage right).
• Throwing or tossing anything from the stage into the audience is prohibited.
• Only people listed on the entry form may participate in a performance. This restriction includes audience members, judges, other contestants, Ohayocon staff and volunteers, and stage crew.

Competition Rules

• The competition is open to all Ohayocon attendees with a valid event badge or bracelet.
• Only one entry per person or group is permitted. Individuals may not participate in separate entries.
• Groups may include a maximum of nine performers.
• The competition is limited to 20 entries. Last-minute entries will not be accepted.
• Each contestant or group must complete an entry form.
• Costumes must represent characters from established works, such as cartoons, comic books, anime, video games, tabletop games, television shows, manga, novels, or movies.
• All costumes and performances must be appropriate for a PG-13 audience or younger. Explicit sexual gestures, nudity, and excessive or explicit profanity are prohibited. Remember that Ohayocon is a family-friendly event.
• Poor sportsmanship or inappropriate behavior—including trash talking, sabotage, harassment, and bullying in person or online—is prohibited. Violations may result in removal from the competition and potentially the convention.
• Harmful or potentially hazardous materials are prohibited, including water, cigarettes, open flames, fireworks, sparklers, smoke, silly string, confetti, and substances that can be fired or launched.
• Anything brought onto the stage must also be removed from the stage.
• Stage combat is strictly restricted for safety. Prop weapons must be handled with extreme caution and must never be used in a manner that could injure another person. Projectile weapons and throwing objects into the audience—even soft objects—are prohibited.
• Surprises for the audience are welcome, but any unusual or special performance elements must receive advance approval from Cosplay Staff.
• All costumes and props must comply with Ohayocon’s Costume and Prop Rules. Props must be tagged by Prop Check.
• Cosplay is not consent. Do not photograph other contestants in line or backstage without their permission. Inappropriate touching or comments toward other contestants are prohibited and may result in disqualification or removal from the convention.
• Handlers and stagehands may accompany contestants backstage during lineup when necessary. Those who are not part of the performance do not count toward the group entry limit. A maximum of two handlers or stagehands is permitted per entry.
• Be mindful of microphones, cables, speakers, curtains, screens, and other equipment. Contestants are responsible for damage they cause to equipment or facilities and will be required to pay for replacement or repairs.
• Absolutely no microphone drops!

Prizes & Awards

Awards for the Masquerade Performance Competition are planned as follows. Ohayocon reserves the right to add or remove awards at the convention’s discretion.

• Judges’ Choice Award(s)
• Best Musical Act (Lip-Syncing or Singing)
• Best Skit (Acting or Storytelling)
• Best Dancing Act (Idol Performance or Dance)
• Best Youth (17 and Under)
• Best in Show — Performance

Prize details and placements will be announced soon.

What to Expect

Online registration: Contestants who register online will receive a confirmation email once their entry has been processed. Processing may take up to 48 hours. Once at the convention, contestants must check in at the Contest Registration/Check-In table.

In-person registration: Contestants may register at the Contest Registration/Check-In table after the convention begins, subject to available entry slots. Check-in will take place at the same time. Lineup instructions and important updates will be provided during registration.

Arrival and lineup: All contestants must report to the designated lineup area 45 minutes before the contest start time listed on the official Ohayocon schedule, or at the updated time communicated by contest staff.

Onstage performance: Contestants will line up and perform according to their assigned contestant numbers. After being introduced by the emcee, contestants will enter the stage and begin their performances.

After performing: Once finished, contestants will exit the stage and may take a seat in the audience to enjoy the remainder of the competition. Staff will provide directions to the appropriate seating area.

Accessibility: The stage is ADA accessible, although the accessible route may not lead directly through the audience. If you need assistance or accommodations, please notify contest staff during registration or check-in.

Questions?

For questions about the Masquerade Performance Competition, email cosplay@ohayocon.org. Please specify which contest your question concerns.