This is a performance-only based contest, meaning you don't need to make your costume to be able to enter. Come take to the stage and show off, no matter your skill level!

 

There are two categories you can enter for Masquerade:

Walk On (up to 45 seconds)

• A way to show off your costume without doing construction judging.

Performance/Skit ( up to 4 minutes)

• A performance to entertain or tell a story. Dance and idol performances are also able to enter here. Please be aware due to the size of our stage, we can only accommodate groups of up to four (4) members.

 

Application Requirements:

A Google Drive link must be linked in the form (with public access set) at the time of submission.

• Your Drive folder MUST have your cosplay name in the title. 

You must include at least one (1) full body reference of your character in your Google Drive at the time of submission.

If you are doing a performance/skit, you must include a script document in your Drive so we can scan for content.

• If you are doing a dance, please include a link to an example of your dance. Please note that submitting a dance video DOES NOT replace the audio requirement as described below.

 

Audio requirements:

All audio must be pre-recorded as you will not be given the ability to use a microphone.

We need consistency in sound quality for the duration of your audio, so please ensure volume levels are similar throughout your track.

• Audio MUST be in your Google Drive (more information under Application Requirements) by October 21st. 2026 at 11pm

  • Your audio MUST be cut to the time limit or below in MP3 or WAV format, or it will not be played, no exceptions. Audacity is a great free software you can use to mix and cut audio.

  • If no audio is provided, the audio exceeds the time limit, or the file name does not match the information you submitted, generic audio will be played during your walk on.

  • Audio MUST be submitted for a Performance/Skit, otherwise you will be unable to perform.

• The audio file MUST have your cosplay name (as submitted on the sign up form) and character name (as submitted on the sign up form) as the file name. Please use the following format: CosplayName-CharacterName-Penti26.

• Audio may not be AI generated.

  • This includes both music and voices.

 

Please include in your application a small description to be read out at the event during your walk on. This can be about your character or about your costume, whichever you see fit.

 

Sign up will close on October 21st, 2026 at 11pm.  You should hear from us by the 27th  when and where the contest will take place. If we have reached our contestant capacity, we will notify by email if you did not make it, and if you wish to be on a waitlist. We will do our best to confirm your entry into the contest within a week of your submission. If you have not heard back after a week, please email cosplay@thepenti-con.org for a follow up.

If we have not reached our capacity, we will be allowing sign ups at the convention on the day of. We however encourage you to sign up early to secure your spot and custom audio. 

 

If your entry does not adhere to the above rules of submission and application requirements, you will be asked to re-submit.

 

Awards available:

• Best Performance

 

Judges reserve the right to change participant’s categories or award as many or as few awards as they wish. Construction participants can also win this award.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to email our cosplay contest coordinator at cosplay@thepenti-con.org and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.