Masquerade: Tying it All Together

Some people make costumes just for the fun of it, but others can be relentlessly competitive. Science fiction conventions typically host masquerade competitions, and Costume Con dedicates itself exclusively to competitive costuming.

Sometimes, winning a costume competition depends on the preferences of the judges, politics and popularity. Most costumers, however, agree on some basic tips for doing well -- called Rotsler's Rules of Masquerade.

Masquerade winners usually break new ground in costuming instead of re-creating popular costumes. They pay close attention to detail and prepare for anything that could go wrong in the masquerade. They also pay attention to the masquerade rules, especially since breaking the rules can lead to disqualification.

The Island of Misfit Toys - King Moonracer, the Elephant with Pink Spots, Charlie-in-the-Box, Dolly and the Cowboy who Rides an Ostrich.

At Dragon*Con 2005, the group named "Best In Show - Master Class" recreated the Island of Misfit Toys from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Participating in the group, known as Making Mischief, were:

• Holly Frey as King Moonracer
• Thom Stanley as the Cowboy who Rides an Ostrich
• Heidi Pritchett as Dolly
• Trisha Clayton as Charlie-in-the-Box
• Lisa Lang as the Elephant with Pink Spots

The group's handlers were Brian Frey, Lili Bilbao, Heather Pritchett, Stephanie Phillips and Brian Rich. Handlers helped the group dress and get on and offstage safely.

King Moonracer, made from foam that is both sewn and glued together and then covered with fleece.

Moonracer's wings.

All of the costumes have removable heads. Some also have removable hands and arms.

Charlie-in-the-Box.

Charlie has a real wooden box. His hands are detachable, and his head is made of a batting helmet covered in foam and fleece. A layer of pantyhose over the fleece allows spray rubber to adhere to it.

Dolly has hands shaped like mittens and hair made from yarn.

The group's handlers dressed as elves. Details on their costumes included elf shoes with curled toes.

If All Else Fails...
If all of the research, materials and effort seems like too much work, just go to the nearest food court and ask for spare boxes. With scissors, tape and magic marker, you can still make an award-winning costume.

­ Andrew Duncan and Todd Sayre as cardboard robots. Winners: Judges' Favorite, Hall Costume Contest, Dragon*Con 2005.

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