Masquerade 2024 - Questions

[Cycrino]

Learn more about the event here: https://www.animeboston.com/activities/masquerade
Apply through Cosplay HQ: https://www.animeboston.com/cosplayhq/
Event rules and application guidelines are posted here: https://www.animeboston.com/activities/masquerade_rules

If you have specific questions, you can post on this thread or you can contact the Masquerade Coordinator through the Contact Us form: https://www.animeboston.com/contact

[HardyYo8]

I’m having trouble accessing the link to sign up for the masquerade, is there somewhere else to access the signup other than the anime Boston website? It just redirects me to cosplay hq and I don’t see it listed under the all events tab.

[popculturechoreography]

Hello! I am also having trouble accessing the link. The page gives me a 404 error, so I'm wondering if the submissions have not been opened yet?

[Nyuu]

I’m having trouble accessing the link to sign up for the masquerade, is there somewhere else to access the signup other than the anime Boston website? It just redirects me to cosplay hq and I don’t see it listed under the all events tab.

Hello! I am also having trouble accessing the link. The page gives me a 404 error, so I'm wondering if the submissions have not been opened yet?

Applications are opening at 9pm ET tonight.
"My Events" / "All Events" should be showing a "Sorry there aren't currently any events to apply to" message until that time.

We thank you for your patience as we work with the new website. Typically a 404 means a few things:

• Forum password needs to be updated

• Cosplay HQ "My Profile" needs to be updated/accepted for the current year

• Cosplay HQ "My history" may need to be updated/accepted

Can you try resetting your password and then clicking "Update" on both "My Profile" and "My history"?

Thanks!

[popculturechoreography]

Hi Brian,

I made sure my profile had all the information needed, and it's now showing the "Sorry, there aren't currently any events to apply to" message when I click on the registration page. So, I think I am all set until they open at 9pm. Thanks so much for your help!

[MechaGhoul]

Hey! Seeing a prompt for a build book file for submission, mine is currently a WIP as I'm wrapping my build up. Should I attach a draft of the book to update later, or just some progress photos?

[bulletdancer]

Hi There,

Can someone explain why there's a 5MB limit on the build books during application and if it will change as we get closer to the deadline? That's the size of a single photo that most of us take when doing progress photo's. Will this be something increased for the final build books?

Thanks,

Bullet

[Paz]

Sorry if this was answered, first time applicant here but I have to ask:

I thought Cosplay Build Books were only specifically necessary for Craftsmanship category and in the rules it says that "Costumes do not need to be homemade." That being said:

1) Do we specifically need a build book for our masquerade performance? I instead used my file to talk about the treatment as if this was more of scenes from a tv show.

2) Are we saying that other contestants are using the same outfit for craftsmanship?

[Nyuu]

Sorry if this was answered, first time applicant here but I have to ask:

I thought Cosplay Build Books were only specifically necessary for Craftsmanship category and in the rules it says that "Costumes do not need to be homemade." That being said:

1) Do we specifically need a build book for our masquerade performance? I instead used my file to talk about the treatment as if this was more of scenes from a tv show.

The rule stating that costumes do not need to be homemade is specifically listed within the Performance contest and only applies there. As such, build books are not required for Performances.

2) Are we saying that other contestants are using the same outfit for craftsmanship?

The rules state that participants may only compete in one contest in a given year: Craftsmanship or Performance, but not both. So, there would be no worry of this happening.

[Nyuu]

Hi There,

Can someone explain why there's a 5MB limit on the build books during application and if it will change as we get closer to the deadline? That's the size of a single photo that most of us take when doing progress photo's. Will this be something increased for the final build books?

Thanks,

Bullet

Hello!

Apologies for the late reply. I am happy to report that we have since updated the size limit for your build books and this should no longer be a concern!

[dunin333]

Hey! Seeing a prompt for a build book file for submission, mine is currently a WIP as I'm wrapping my build up. Should I attach a draft of the book to update later, or just some progress photos?

I also have the same question. Do the build books need to be done before application are reviewed in February or is there a certain percentage you are looking to see finished by then?

[Nyuu]

Hey! Seeing a prompt for a build book file for submission, mine is currently a WIP as I'm wrapping my build up. Should I attach a draft of the book to update later, or just some progress photos?

I also have the same question. Do the build books need to be done before application are reviewed in February or is there a certain percentage you are looking to see finished by then?

A draft of your build book that is updated as often as possible is perfectly fine as you are working on it. At the time of application, cosplays do not need to be done, but having the costume at least 75% complete and documented is highly encouraged.

That being said, when applications are reviewed they should definitely be a bare minimum of that level of completion to give you the best chance of being accepted.

[purple_popinjay]

Hi there! With most event applications closing later today, I just want to confirm we have until the 9th to submit for the Masquerade (Craftsmanship or Performance)? Thanks!

[Nyuu]

Hi there! With most event applications closing later today, I just want to confirm we have until the 9th to submit for the Masquerade (Craftsmanship or Performance)? Thanks!

Hello!

For Masquerade applications, you have until the 9th of February to submit before the team convenes to begin jurying applications. Any applications after Feb 9th will be placed on the waitlist and you will still have until March 9th to apply, at which point they will definitively close that day.

[purple_popinjay]

Thank you!

Sorry to be a bother, but I have one more question/clarification?

The rules say "We recommend that you keep your build book to 10 or fewer pages (front and back)".

Does that mean 10 pages counting the front and back? Or does it mean 10 pages but we can use both front and back, so 20 pages total?

I just want to make sure I am doing it right. I don't want to include too much or too little.

Thanks again!

[Nyuu]

Thank you!

Sorry to be a bother, but I have one more question/clarification?

The rules say "We recommend that you keep your build book to 10 or fewer pages (front and back)".

Does that mean 10 pages counting the front and back? Or does it mean 10 pages but we can use both front and back, so 20 pages total?

I just want to make sure I am doing it right. I don't want to include too much or too little.

Thanks again!

Hello!

Apologies for the late reply, you're not a bother at all! You can interpret that recommendation as the latter, where you effectively get 20 pages total. Keep in mind this is just a guideline, so there's not necessarily a right or wrong, but more so just a collection of highlights clearly representing your build along the way!

[popculturechoreography]

Hello! I'm not sure how much is allowed to be shared, but I wanted to ask how likely it would be for a performance application to be accepted into the cosplay performance contest. I have read the Masquerade rules and judging criteria, and I understand that there are 25 spots available. Does the convention typically have to deny several entries because there are just too many applicants? I am curious how likely my application is to be accepted. I've done my best to describe my performance in the application, and added video/audio per the recommendation on the website.

Thanks in advance on any insight that anyone may be able to share!

[Nyuu]

Hello! I'm not sure how much is allowed to be shared, but I wanted to ask how likely it would be for a performance application to be accepted into the cosplay performance contest. I have read the Masquerade rules and judging criteria, and I understand that there are 25 spots available. Does the convention typically have to deny several entries because there are just too many applicants? I am curious how likely my application is to be accepted. I've done my best to describe my performance in the application, and added video/audio per the recommendation on the website.

Thanks in advance on any insight that anyone may be able to share!

Hello!

There are a lot of factors that go into the team's decision as to whether a performance will get accepted. You've indicated a detailed description and inclusion of A/V before the jurying happens, which are both a very helpful start! That being said, the actual strength of your performance's concept, along with any script and A/V which are submitted definitely play a large part during review.

As to whether or not entries are denied due to having too many applicants? That certainly is a possibility year to year, along with the fact that we also can find it necessary to waitlist or potentially decline entries because we had too many of the same type, from the same series, etc. It is always our goal to try and provide as much variety across performances to present the best show possible!

All this being said, unfortunately we cannot really say how likely it is for yours to get accepted ahead of time. It does seem like you've done everything on your end to give yourself the best shot you can and we wish you the best of luck!

[knovice]

Just curious if there's a rough-timeline for when we will hear back on the application status? I heard previously "about a week" after the submission deadline for performances so was curious if that sounds about right for this year. Thanks!

[Nyuu]

Just curious if there's a rough-timeline for when we will hear back on the application status? I heard previously "about a week" after the submission deadline for performances so was curious if that sounds about right for this year. Thanks!

Hello!

The team is actively working on applications as we speak and will be doing their best to reach out as soon as possible! That is a fair estimate for when you should hear back give or take, but will vary based on various factors like schedules, the applications themselves, etc. We appreciate your patience while we continue to work on this for everyone!

[ArtestCosplayGirl200]

hi hi, i was wondering when are we most likely will hear back from the craftmanship if we are accepted, waitlisted, or declined?

[popculturechoreography]

I haven't heard yet as well, so I don't think there have been any emails sent out about masquerade/craftmanship applications yet. I am guessing they are still looking at applications

[Nyuu]

hi hi, i was wondering when are we most likely will hear back from the craftmanship if we are accepted, waitlisted, or declined?

I haven't heard yet as well, so I don't think there have been any emails sent out about masquerade/craftmanship applications yet. I am guessing they are still looking at applications

We completely understand the anticipation of hearing back on applications is tough, especially with the excitement of the con only growing larger as it approaches. I know the team is doing their best to get emails out soon though! We appreciate all of you for your continued interest and your patience!

[popculturechoreography]

I was just notified that my masquerade skit was denied due to the costume being from "non-eligible" sources. Would anyone know what that means exactly? I replied to the email I received, but wanted to post this here in case the staff get swamped with emails. I read all of the rules before submitting my entry, and I met all the criteria. The rules stated that the costume also did not need to be handmade (mine is not).

[HardyYo8]

Hi, I also have some questions. I was also told that my entry was from a “non-eligible” source. If I update my entry to something from a completely different series, what’s the best way to reapply for the masquerade?

I also have a question about series eligibility. Genshin Impact has announced that an anime is in production and a trailer was released for it a while ago (Sept 2022). Would it become eligible when the anime is officially released? Or would it be eligible when an official release date is announced?

[popculturechoreography]

So I am not the only one that received that email? That's interesting. I am in a similar situation, as my character is from RWBY. While it is an American series, the outfit I am using is from RWBY: Ice Queendom, an anime that came out in 2022. I wonder if it's a series eligibility issue? But if that's the case, I think both you and I would be considered eligible.

[MechaGhoul]

Hi again! Hopefully my last question!

Now that craftmanship applications are closed - would updating my build book auto-waitlist me if I had applied previously before the deadline? Like would it reset things if that makes any sense?

Thanks again for all the help!

[wayracosplay]

hi! just out of curiosity, will application status on the sign ups page change after emails are sent or change at all prior to them being sent? the default of pending review is still there for me + i applied on 2/9/23 at 12am (lol), so before the cutoff time at 5pm et, but still nervous my application may have ended up in the waitlist pool due to the date with this default still being shown. ty!

[musemusemue]

I applied in 1-20-2024 and I revised it on 2-9-2024, and my status is still pending review too. I am from out of state and need plan flight to travel to con, I was wondering when can I see if I get accepted, declined, or waitlisted?
Thanks a lot!

[DrSteggy]

I also applied for Craftsmanship and am still pending review. My build book didn’t attach on my initial application and I got an email asking for it, so I sent that and attached it to my application. I have not heard if it was received though I assume it was.

They did say we would hear if we were accepted, denied or waitlisted so my guess is we are still waiting for them to review everything. There was also a hard deadline of March 9- anything accepted between Feb 10- March 9 only has a shot at the waitlist so my guess is that things go out after March 9 so they don’t need to revise a waitlist.

[Nyuu]

Hi again! Hopefully my last question!

Now that craftmanship applications are closed - would updating my build book auto-waitlist me if I had applied previously before the deadline? Like would it reset things if that makes any sense?

Thanks again for all the help!

Apologies for the late reply! Updating your build book would not automatically waitlist you if you already were in prior to the deadline, so please feel free to get us that most updated version before they close on the 9th!

[Nyuu]

hi! just out of curiosity, will application status on the sign ups page change after emails are sent or change at all prior to them being sent? the default of pending review is still there for me + i applied on 2/9/23 at 12am (lol), so before the cutoff time at 5pm et, but still nervous my application may have ended up in the waitlist pool due to the date with this default still being shown. ty!

I applied in 1-20-2024 and I revised it on 2-9-2024, and my status is still pending review too. I am from out of state and need plan flight to travel to con, I was wondering when can I see if I get accepted, declined, or waitlisted?
Thanks a lot!

I also applied for Craftsmanship and am still pending review. My build book didn’t attach on my initial application and I got an email asking for it, so I sent that and attached it to my application. I have not heard if it was received though I assume it was.

They did say we would hear if we were accepted, denied or waitlisted so my guess is we are still waiting for them to review everything. There was also a hard deadline of March 9- anything accepted between Feb 10- March 9 only has a shot at the waitlist so my guess is that things go out after March 9 so they don’t need to revise a waitlist.

Your application showing as "pending review" is a default status the system sets that you would see on your end and not necessarily an indication of whether we've actually juried applications (which we have at this point). Until the team gets the chance to go in and change it to your actual status of approved, waitlisted or declined (which should be happening soon), that's what you'll see instead.

By now I believe that all emails will have gone out to our applicants with whatever their status may be. If you haven't seen said email, please be sure to check your spam folder as we have already come across folks that have actually received their email and it went to that folder. After you've checked there, if for some reason you still cannot find an email from the Masquerade Coordinators with your application status, then you are welcome to reach out to them!

[dunin333]

I have checked my spam folder and still have not received an email. How do I reach out to verify my status?

[ksmurf]

I have checked my spam folder and still have not received an email. How do I reach out to verify my status?

You can reach out to the Masquerade Coordinator via the Contact Us form on the website!

[Nyuu]

I have checked my spam folder and still have not received an email. How do I reach out to verify my status?

I believe I've managed to figure out the issue. I think there was initially some confusion with how your application was put in, as it appears you are part of a duo and we saw two apps with your name. The team should be reaching out to you as soon as possible, apologies for the inconvenience!

[DrSteggy]

By now I believe that all emails will have gone out to our applicants with whatever their status may be. If you haven't seen said email, please be sure to check your spam folder as we have already come across folks that have actually received their email and it went to that folder. After you've checked there, if for some reason you still cannot find an email from the Masquerade Coordinators with your application status, then you are welcome to reach out to them!

Yes, I have my email!! Thank you so much for the information.

[nanjo-city]

Haisai!!

I replied to the acceptance email on the 27th and I have not heard back. I wanted to make sure that the email went through, and I was not put on the waitlist by default! Additionally, I had a few questions for Masq staff on that email that I wanted to make sure they saw as well. Please let me know if my email went through for NanjoCityCosplay craftsmanship entry!

Thank you!!

Lulu :3

[Nyuu]

Haisai!!

I replied to the acceptance email on the 27th and I have not heard back. I wanted to make sure that the email went through, and I was not put on the waitlist by default! Additionally, I had a few questions for Masq staff on that email that I wanted to make sure they saw as well. Please let me know if my email went through for NanjoCityCosplay craftsmanship entry!

Thank you!!

Lulu :3

I know that the team has, as you would imagine, received quite a few emails throughout the week but will certainly be getting back to everyone as soon as they are able. I did take a quick peek though and can confirm that an email did in fact come in from you, so bear with us as we get to replies. We truly appreciate your patience!

[nanjo-city]

Thank you so much for letting me know!! I wanted to make sure that it went through okay as I was having keyboard issues lololol

I look forward to hearing back!

Lulu :3
NanjoCityCosplay