Anime Los Angeles' masquerade is the event to go to on Saturday evening. This is one of the most well run and most highly anticipated aspects of the convention. Many local cosplayers bring their A-game to Anime Los Angeles' masquerade. Though ALA's masquerade is fairly small with less than 30 entries annually, it's still a great experience for any cosplayer to at least try once in their hobby lifespan. Other than masquerade, ALA also provided a few amenities for cosplayers.
Cosplay Repair Station
This year, the repair room seemed smaller and did not offer as much as the previous year. It was very bare bones this year. I do appreciate the last minute safety pins and hairspray, but previous years had people stationed if a wig needed a quick trim or bangs cut. Last year also had a make up artist to get some really nice finishing touches to enhance a costume. While the repair room did have the basics, I was hoping to see a return of these features. Anime Los Angeles is often credited for having the repair station.
Masquerade Green Room
Contestants for masquerade met in the green room before a certain time. This year, the show had a little under 30 entries. There were more novices that entered than in years past. Otherwise, the green room had a photo studio, a mini repair station, and a tiny buffet to feed the cosplayers. Though the buffet does not count for a meal, it was still nice to have a few rolls of sushi, vegtables, cheese, and crackers before going on stage. The green room has more amenities than Anime Expo or Fanime. Having the backstage crew take care of the performers was really thoughtful of the con and I wish more conventions, even the larger ones had a snack table and a repair station. Also in the green room, you can mingle with other contestants and watch the show. I liked that there was a positive vibe in the green room - everyone cheered on for each other and I did not feel any bad blood or drama between anyone.
The Show
I was one of two Persona 4 acts. I entered Shadow Yukiko from the Persona 4 game and animation. The show started on time and was hosted by ALA favorite, Tadao Tomomatsu. He made his entrance with a few other Asian gents by doing the Gangnam Style dance. We had a good amount of really awesome acts this year. ALA is one of the few anime conventions that allows non-anime entries. We had Jack Frost, Avengers in pajamas, My Little Pony, Doctor Who, and others.
I was entry number 8 in the run order. Here is a video clip of my Shadow Yukiko act.
It was very enjoyable to watch the other groups go one. I thought Misty choosing PSY was a cute act. The more memorable acts were the zombified Disney Princesses, Powerpuff Girls, Slayers, Vocoloid, Journey, Persona 4 Arena, etc. There were a handful of skits that incorporated Gangnam Style. Brace yourself 2013 masquerades, the Koreans are coming.
Angel Hearts @ Halftime
My girls at Angel Hearts performed during the halftime show. I always enjoy watching them perform routines from Idolm@ster. They were wearing the forever star variations of the costumes. Unfortunately, the Chihaya of the group could not make it to the show. However, it was a very cute compilation of various songs from Idolm@ster.
Who's Line is it Anime @ Halftime
I'm not a huge fan of improv comedy, but just the fact that one of the running jokes was roasting Crispin Freemen made my inner goddess purr. Much of their references was early 2000's anime and I was surprised the audience seemed to get it. One of my favorite acts was how to not use a Death Note or something to that effect. This was a good time killer for the awards ceremony. Though the green room was enjoying what halftime had to offer, we were getting anxious about who was going to win what.
Masquerade Awards
ALA does awards differently from most mainstream anime conventions. Because this masquerade is one of the few anime conventions to adapt ICG guidelines, workmanship and presentation judging are done separately. For the first time, ALA also let their guests hand out awards to their favorite acts. The workmanship judges, Sionna and Caistarrin, presented who placed in each of the divisions. Wayne (ACP) and We're Not Twins also did the same for presentation awards. Top winners recieved scholarships to Costume College and free admission into either next year's Anime Los Angeles, Anime Expo, or Anime Conji. The stakes were much higher this year than a rosette and an award certificate.
The End?
I had to leave the con right away to catch an early morning flight back home. When I went to the main lobby, I was greeted with the late night partiers overcrowding the lobby. I said my goodbyes's to Southern California and headed back home to the frozen North East. The job is done, the bitch is dead.
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