As of IsshoCon 2027, all entries will be juried for the Cosplay Masquerade.

There will be no in-person sign-ups for the IsshoCon 2027 Cosplay Masquerade.

All entries must acknowledge that they will be judged on the Performance Aspect.
The IsshoCon Cosplay Department recognizes that Performance is an integral part of the Cosplay Masquerade; as such, all entries are required to participate in the Performance portion of the show.

Minimum requirements for Performance are as follows:

• A stage performance of acting (walking in style) or a skit

• Audio is required

1. The Cosplay Masquerade is open to ALL media types. This includes Anime, Manga, Comics, Western cartoons, and more.

2. Original designs are allowed; however, we must have documentation of both the front and back of the design you are submitting.

3. NO ASPECT OF AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE). Anyone found using AI will be immediately disqualified AND WILL BE BANNED FROM COMPETING IN ISSHOCON MASQUERADE.

4. All participants and handlers must have an IsshoCon Badge (Either a 3-day badge or a Saturday badge). IsshoCon badges are not complimentary to participants or handlers. Badges must be purchased by all parties involved.

5. You must participate in both Craftsmanship and Performance to be considered for the “Best in Show” award.

6. It is perfectly acceptable to enter into a category under a different division:

   For example: Entering as a Beginner in Craftsmanship but Intermediate in Performance.

7. Hall Exhibition will not be eligible for any of the Masquerade awards mentioned below (this includes any cash prizes that will be given out)

8. If you participate in the Hall Exhibition, you may enter the official Cosplay Masquerade; however, you must submit a different costume entry.

9. All participants must follow all IsshoCon policies - Cosplay Policies / Weapon Policies. For more information, please click here.

10. No harmful imagery may be used in your costume or skit. This includes cosplays that require you to change into a race that is not your own (Blackface and other forms of harmful imagery). If you are found doing so, you will be immediately disqualified from the Cosplay Masquerade and removed from the convention.

11.  IsshoCon Masquerade is family-friendly. Please keep all performances for all audiences. If you have any questions regarding a performance or cosplay, please email us at isshocon.cosplay@gmail.com.

12. All participants are required to wear shoes that cover their feet while on stage. IsshoCon wants to make sure that contestants stay safe while executing their costumes/ performances.  

13. Participants must keep the size of their costumes/props in mind while moving through the convention center. It is highly recommended that participants choose a costume/props that fits through an average doorway /hallway. 

14. Participants will be allowed 1 handler through the Masquerade if needed. Only cosplay masquerade participants/ and approved handlers will be allowed into the Green Room. Each cosplayer participating in the Masquerade will have a time slot to enter for pre-judging. 

15. Contestants 12 and under must have a parent or guardian present with them throughout the entire cosplay masquerade process. This includes when prizes and awards are given out. There will be a required parental consent form that will be available for those 12 and under. 

16. There will be strict rules for contestants to be mindful on stage. This includes no running, jumping, flips, etc.

17. IsshoCon staff must be made aware of everything to be done on stage. Anyone caught breaking these rules will be immediately disqualified.

18. No explosives such as smoke bombs/ machines etc.

19. Contestants are not allowed to bring/ use anything that could cause a mess or be hazardous to other contestants/ attendees. This includes no liquids or glass, shooting things into the audience, such as confetti/ t-shirts/ other merchandise, etc. However, items like throwing streamers are allowed. (When in doubt, please send an email @ isshocon.cosplay@gmail.com)

20. Contestants may model a costume made by someone else. The original creator of said costume must be present during the entire judging process.

21. IsshoCon reserves the right to deny someone entry/ the continuation of participating in the cosplay masquerade for any reason. 

22. In order to attend the Cosplay Masquerade, you must read all of the following rules and agree to them. Anyone found breaking these rules may be denied entry/ asked to leave.

23. Judges reserve the right to move contestants up a division if it is found that they are considered to be above the division level applied for. If you have any questions about which division you should be entered into, please email us @ isshocon.cosplay@gmail.com.

24. IsshoCon has a zero tolerance policy on bullying/ harassing other attendees and contestants during all events, including the Masquerade. Anyone found doing so will be immediately disqualified. This will also include prizes being revoked and being banned from participating in any future Masquerades at IsshoCon. You also may be asked to leave the convention

25. Isshocon also has a Zero-Tolerance policy on cheating and sandbagging. Anyone found doing so will be immediately disqualified and banned from participation in any Masquerades or Cosplay Contest that IsshoCon may host in the future. ‍ ‍

26. IsshoCon also has a zero-tolerance policy for harassing anyone on IsshoCon staff or volunteers. Failure to do so will also be perma ban from participation in any Masquerade or Cosplay Contest that IsshoCon may host in the future.