Pop Shock Masquerade

Cosplay is much more than anime and manga. Give me lolitas! Give me steampunk! Give me a Morning Musume cosplay troupe! Show me your best Hard Gay! Angelic or gothic, J Rock or J Pop, this competition showcases fans of a wide spectrum of fashion genres and celebrities that shape our fandom. To compete, online registration is preferred. At con registration will be open as space permits.

The rules on this page are for entrants only. If you are interested in watching this event, just check the convention schedule to find out when it is!

Updates

Pop Shock Masquerade Entry Requirements

  1. The Online Registration form must be filled out by the contact person of the group or individual entering Pop Shock Masquerade.
  2. Online Registration will close when all available primary and standby entries are filled or by TBA.
  3. At-Con Registration will be available at the Cosplay Events Office as space permits.
  4. The Pop Shock Masquerade will have 25 primary entries and 15 standby entries.
  5. All contestants must fill out and sign the General Release & Waiver Form.
  6. Any contestant under 18 years of age at the time of the Pop Shock Masquerade must have their parent or legal guardian sign the appropriate section of the General Release & Waiver Form.
  7. All contestants must check in at the Cosplay Events Office for final updates, information and submission of completed waivers and music.
  8. There is a mandatory meeting. Time and Date will be announced.

Pop Shock Masquerade Contestant Rules

  1. Participants must adhere to the Anime Expo Code of Conduct. This applies to costumes and performance. If it is not allowed in a PG rated film, then it is not allowed in this event.
  2. All Props must conform to Anime Expo’s Weapons Policy.
  3. All contestants must be respectful and careful of each other, their costumes and props at all times. Willful damage of costumes and/or props or inappropriate behavior toward other contestants or staff will result in disqualification.
  4. For safety reasons flash powder, fireworks, lasers, electrical flashes, smoke machines, and open flame are not allowed.
  5. All contestants may participate in a single entry only.

Pop Shock Masquerade Costume Rules

  1. Costumes must be from bands or musicians, Asian popular culture or celebrities, or creations of original fashion, such as lolita or steampunk.
  2. Costumes should not be constructed with messy substances or materials. Paint or make up should not come off during casual contact with others.
  3. Costumes must be self-contained. Connections to electrical sockets will not be available.
  4. Purchased or Rental costumes are prohibited.
  5. Costumes and Props must be constructed by:
    • Contestant wearing the costume.
    • Fellow members of the entry group.
    • Family or friends without monetary compensations. Any assistance from family and friends is limited to one group.

Pop Shock Masquerade Performance Rules

  1. Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 members.
  2. There is a 3 minute time limit for skits and other performances. Performances that run longer than 3 minutes will be stopped.
  3. Any pre-recorded audio must be turned in when you check in at the Cosplay Events Office. Only single track audio CDs will be accepted.
  4. Any presentations with stunts or shocking performances must be cleared with the Pop Shock Masquerade Coordinator.
  5. Participants are prohibited from jumping or running off stage.
  6. Do not leave anything on the stage that can not be quickly and easily picked up.
  7. Narration to be read by the MC must be 35 words or less. Any narratives will be read before performances and costumers’ information will be read afterwards.
  8. Interaction with the MC is not permitted during a performance.

Pop Shock Masquerade Awards

A panel of judges will select the winners. The exception is the Fan Favorite award, which will be selected based on audience response. If there is no entry that meets the requirements for a themed award, that award will not be given.

  1. Fan Favorite Award: This award is presented to the entry selected by the attendees of Pop Shock Masquerade. $100 cash will be awarded to this winner.
  2. Best Presentation: This award is presented to the entry that has shown excellent stage presentation. This can be either by a performance or a simple exhibition of a costume. $100 cash will be awarded to this winner.
  3. Best Craftsmanship: This award is presented to the entry that has shown excellent costume craftsmanship and construction. $100 cash will be awarded to this winner.
  4. Best Lolita: This award is presented to the entry that has the best original designed lolita outfit. If no entry qualifies, this award will not be given.
  5. Best Steampunk: This award is presented to the entry that has the best original designed steampunk outfit. If no entry qualifies, this award will not be given.

In addition to these, each judge may choose to give one judges award to an entry which they feel deserves recognition that did not receive any of the above awards.