In normal years, the ConQuesT MasQuerade is a costume competition modeled on the guidelines set by the International Costumers Guild (ICG). The ConQuesT 52 (2021) MasQuerade will look very different, as we’ve gone virtual. In-person competition will return in 2022, but this year, we’re taking on the challenge in a new way.
Please read all rules and guidelines CAREFULLY.
The absolute deadline for submitting an entry is 11:59 pm Sunday, May 23, 2021. After that, no further submissions will be accepted. Please plan accordingly.
There are three categories for submissions.
- Video: Submit a video showcasing your costume. This can be a group entry with multiple costumes. All videos have an absolute time limit of 60 seconds. You may use music, dialogue, or a soundtrack from TV/movie source material. All material in your video must be PG-13 appropriate. The video will be shown in full to the audience in the virtual MasQuerade.
- Photo Entry: Submit a minimum of 10 photos, and up to 30 photos, of your costume. This is essentially a workmanship competition. Select photos that showcase the full costume while being worn, as well as close-ups of details, props, and craftsmanship skills. Ten photos will be selected by the MasQuerade Director to be showcased to the audience in the virtual Masquerade.
- The Mask-erade! Make a functional pandemic mask that also works as a costume. Submit this entry as a minimum of three photos: While being worn from the front, while being worn from the side, and a picture of the inside of the mask to show how it’s constructed. You may submit up to three additional photos to point out details if desired.
For all types of entries, we encourage participants to include Documentation. This might include photos of your process and progress in creating the costume, as well as an explanation of your source inspiration, your construction techniques, the pattern(s) you used, and an explanation of the physical materials you used to create your masterpiece. This is not required, but it helps!
Submission: We will collect the photos/videos/supporting documentation through dropbox. Upload links will be provided to participants after they complete the MasQuerade registration form, which can be found on the Forms page on the website.
All entries will be judged by a panel of three judges, prior to the video presentation of the Masquerade online. Awards will be mailed to participants following the virtual MasQuerade.
We encourage participants of all ages and experience levels. The only things being judged are your costume and your presentation. We do NOT judge: Body shape, body size, skin tone, height, physical ability, gender, sex, or the popularity of the costume source material.
ConQuesT 2019 MasQuerade. Photo by Maegan Kabel. Cosplayer: Jesse Robinson, “Forest Faun”, Master/Craftsman Division, ConQuesT 50 (2019) Presentation Award for “Most Majestic.”