Thank you for your interest in the Anime NJ++ 2025 Masquerade! Applications closed on October 17, 2025. See you at Anime NJ++ 2025! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Head of Cosplay at hailiumworkshop@gmail.com
| Duske (Host & Cosplay Guest) |
Photo by @times.artisan
Beginning their cosplay journey through music and theater, Duske has a passion for performance, prop building, and bringing all kinds of characters to life! With an eclectic lineup of cosplays, Duske is proud to represent their lbgtqia+ community in the cosplay world and loves the confidence and self-love that cosplay brings to them and others. An avid supporter of promoting acceptance of all types of cosplays, and equality and accessibility in the cosplay and con world, Duske loves to chat with anyone who wants to begin their cosplay journey or who wants to take their builds to the next level. Along with cosplay and foamsmithing, Duske is an avid stilt performer, bringing characters, dance and song to new heights! Make sure to stop by their table, say "Hi", take a pic or 3, and talk about any and all things cosplay!
Pronouns: she/they
Instagram: @duske2dawne |
White Rabbit Cosplays (Cosplay Guest & Judge) |
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White Rabbit Cosplays is a multi award winning cosplayer who has been going down the rabbit hole of the con floor for over 20 years. An introvert from Central Jersey, she has been educating, judging, and running workshops for over 10 years in the tri state area. She is trained in historical sewing techniques, pattern drafting, corsetry, embroidery, and beading. White Rabbit takes her love of historical garments and uses them to inspire her cosplay fandoms original designs. Everything from her Pyramid Head ballgown to Rococco Lady Loki, if there is a way to add ruffles and sparkle, she will do so. Her personal favorite fandoms include Video games and Gothic graphic novels, ranging from Bioshock, Bloodborne, Madness Returns and more. Inspired by her favorite artist, Dave McKean, White Rabbit holds herself to the highest standards and uses cosplay to help push her to mastering her skills. Adding texture, mixed patterns, and elements to help elevate a costume to the next level. She believes that the special touches is what makes a costume truly special.
White Rabbit is also part of the group Plus Ultra Sized which specializes in celebrating Plus size, POC, and the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that ALL bodies are beautiful and worthy of cosplaying whom they love. She works with her local community, offers commissions and is always willing to answer any craftsmanship questions.
She is very excited to be coming back to AnimeNJ++ and cannot wait to meet all of you!
Pronouns: she/her/banshee/imp/overall chaos
Instagram: @white_rabbit_cosplays |
Shannon Noelle (Cosplay Guest & Judge) |
Photo by @seelomiguenphotos
Shannon Noelle is a master level cosplayer from the Philadelphia area with a keen eye for detail. Each cosplay she's created has acted as a stepping stone towards learning and mastering new skills including but not limited to: sewing, LEDs, foam armor, 3D printing, wig styling and much more. Through cosplay, she's had the honor of working with various companies including Blizzard Entertainment, ATARI, and GFUEL Energy, just to name a few. Shannon prides herself on being 100% self-taught through her journey and loves sharing her knowledge with others!
Pronouns: she/her/they
Instagram: @s_noelle_cosplay |
Fifi’s Cosplay (Cosplay Guest & Judge) |
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Photo by @dondolcephotography
Fifi’s cosplay is an NJ based Master-level cosplayer, who’s been cosplaying for 13 years. She has shown her talent multiple times at the NYCC Cosplay Crown Championship, won major awards and showcased her skills on many platforms.
She draws inspiration from anime and specializes in creating fabric-based, anime-inspired costumes. She’s also skilled in wig styling, 3D printing, foam prop making, and airbrushing
Besides costume making, she is a huge fan of Genshin Impact who loves playing and cosplaying from the game.
Pronouns: she/her
Instagram: @fifiscosplay |
The Succubusts Dragon (Cosplay Content Creator) |
Hi everyone! Anime NJ is one of my favorite cons and I am so excited to come back this year and make new memories!
I hope to see all of you there and if you see me, please say hi! You know I love taking photos, and creating reels, so let’s create some together!
XOXOXO 
Pronouns: she her
Instagram: @thesuccubustsdragon |
Kerobits (Cosplay Content Creator) |
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Kerobits is a New Jersey native who loves cosplaying cartoon, video game, and anime characters. Starting her journey in 2013, Kerobits has slowly evolved into her own style and energy when it comes to her cosplays. Staying true to herself, she loves incorporating Afrocentric features into her cosplays. She can’t wait to keep sharing her cosplays with the world, in hope to inspire others to cosplay their own way! Outside of cosplay, Kerobits is also an avid gamer, dancer, and streamer.
Pronouns: she/her
Instagram: @its.kerobits |
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Nanaakaonasis (Cosplay Content Creator) |
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Living by the motto, "stay positive," Nana Agyemang is a content creator and cosplayer who channels his unique personality into everything he does, including his passions for fitness and fun. He expresses himself through cosplay, which allows him to embody different characters and spread happiness, joy, and excitement to others.
Nana is dedicated to inspiring people to embrace their own authenticity and uniqueness. Through his vibrant interactions and energetic content, he encourages a positive and active lifestyle. His enthusiasm and dedication make him a standout creator in the anime community.
Pronouns: he/him
Instagram: @nanaakaonasis |
Hailium Workshop (Head of Cosplay) |
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Jack is a hispanic cosplayer and huge ally to the LGBTQIA+ community with a spawn (kid) who is two-spirit. He began his cosplay journey with his spawn and has been cosplaying for a decade. An actual rocket scientist by trade and a foamsmith by heart, he spends his free time thinking about and crafting cosplays. He is an advocate of acceptance and equality in the cosplay and con community, and loves helping anyone who wants to get into cosplay, or challenge themselves further. He particularly enjoys building screen-accurate cosplays on stilts, and large props.
Pronouns: he/him
Instagram: @hailiumworkshop |
Anime NJ++ 2025 Masquerade
The big show with $1,000 in cash prizes! Compete in Craftsmanship, Performance or both!
The Masquerade has two categories: Craftsmanship and Performance.
The Craftsmanship contest is where contestants present homemade costumes to our judges, and walk on stage during the Masquerade.
The Performance contest is where contestants perform in short skits before an audience during the Masquerade.
The Masquerade is Saturday evening and awards for both the Craftsmanship and Performance categories are awarded then.
Please read the rules closely and apply below.
Masquerade Submissions Rules and Guidelines
- Professional costumers and/or performers are not permitted. If you are unsure if you qualify, contact the Head of Cosplay (hailiumworkshop@gmail.com).
- All competitors must have a paid Weekend or Saturday badge to Anime NJ++ 2025.
- You may apply as either an individual or as a group.
- Once you submit your application, our judges will review your application, and you will be notified if you were accepted, waitlisted, or declined.
- All cosplays will be considered, but preference will be to those influenced by Japanese culture; anime, manga, kaiju, tokusatsu, and J-Cinema (Japanese movies and series).
- Please refer to the Anime NJ++ costume and weapon policies.
- Anime NJ++ 2025 staff, volunteers, celebrities or cosplay guests are prohibited from competing in the Masquerade.
- Entry into the event is at the discretion of the event staff, and we reserve the right to reject ANY entrant who does not adhere to these rules or whose costume is in violation of them.
Craftsmanship
- If you are selected, you will be assigned a time slot for judging.
- All judging will take place on Saturday.
- Please do not be late. If you miss your time slot, you will be disqualified.
- Contestants consent to have their costumes touched and examined closely by the judges during judging.
- Costume Composition:
- Store-bought costumes are NOT PERMITTED! Your costume needs to be made or modified by you.
- 80% of the costume must have been made or modified by you.
- Original character designs and concepts are accepted as well! We are also allowing mashups and different takes on existing characters. Please be prepared to show the judges your reference for all characters not cannon to their original intellectual property.
- Submitting (and bringing) a build book is required.
- A build book should include:
- Reference images of the character(s)
- Work-in-progress pictures
- A list of any purchased items (e.g., patterns, STL files, wigs, or modified found items)
- A list of any third parties who helped with the costume and the components they assisted with (e.g., 3D pieces that were printed by someone else) .
- We recommend that you keep your build book to 10 or fewer pages (that includes front and back).
- Builds do not need to be complete at the time of application, but having the costume at least 75% complete and documented is highly encouraged.
- Craftsmanship entries will be scored on:
- 20% Design Accuracy
- 20% Technical Proficiency
- 20% Creativity/Problem-Solving
- 20% Attention to Detail
- 20% Level of Difficulty
Performance
- Costumes do not need to be homemade. If they are and meet the Craftsmanship criteria above, then you can also compete in Craftsmanship.
- Contestants may not perform a skit that was performed at any earlier Anime NJ++; this includes sequels or derivatives of skits performed previously.
- Direct copies of existing dances are not permitted.
- Contestants are encouraged not to perform skits that have been entered into other competitions.
- Skit lengths are limited to:
- Novice - 2 minutes
- Intermediate - 3 minutes
- Master - 5 minutes
- Skit duration does not factor into judging. You do not need to fully use your allowed time.
- Items that cannot be picked up and removed in a few seconds are not permitted, including glitter, confetti, fake blood, bubbles, and rose petals.
- Smoke, fog, vapor, flash powder, lasers, explosives, open flame, electronic flashes or strobe lights are not permitted.
- Performances must be confined to the stage area. Throwing objects off the stage or jumping off the stage is not permitted.
- Performances must be PG-13.
- Anime NJ++ staff reserve the right to cancel a performance at any time for any reason.
- Live microphones will not be available.
- Electrical sockets will not be available.
- Video will not be available.
- Special lighting will not be available.
- Stage rehearsals will not be available.
- Audio is expected to be clean, clear, and well-balanced.
- Recommended audio format is MP3.
- Staff may ask contestants to correct or re-record audio.
- Performance entries will be scored on:
- 20% Originality
- 20% Execution of Concept
- 20% Choreography/Blocking
- 20% Portrayal and Use of Costumes
- 20% Props and Set Pieces
Competition Levels
- Novice – A cosplayer who has never entered a contest, or a cosplayer who has not won an award in any costume competition at the adult level.
- Intermediate – A cosplayer who has won one (1) but less than three (3) awards in adult competition such as Best Costume, Best Skit, Best Workmanship, First Place, etc., and has not won a "Best in Show" or "Best in Class" award, or won any kind of award at the Master level; including Judge’s Awards.
- Master – A cosplayer who has won three (3) or more awards in adult competition, has won a "Best in Show" or "Best in Class" award, or has won any kind of award at the Master level.
Contestants can always compete in a level higher than their level.
If you compete as a group, the competition level will be the level of the highest cosplayer in the group.
Prizes
The following prizes will be awarded…
Performance
Best-In-Show: $250
Masters: $125
Intermediate: $75
Novice: $50
Craftsmanship
Best-In-Show: $250
Masters: $125
Intermediate: $75
Novice: $50
Host Award and 5 Judges Awards: Certificates
If you have any questions, please contact our Head of Cosplay hailiumworkshop@gmail.com
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