What is a stage ninja? How to recruit and use a stage ninja for your next cosplay masquerade performance

While the spotlight is on the cosplayers, they’re not always the only ones on stage. In some competitions, cosplayers are allowed to bring friends onstage to help their performance run smoothly. These extra hands are often called ‘stage ninjas’, and are similar to theatrical stagehands in assisting a performance to run exactly as planned.

Never heard of using a stage ninja before?

We will look at how stage ninjas can elevate your Masquerade performance, give you some ideas for what you could use a stage ninja for, and how to recruit friends to be your stage ninja.

What are stage ninjas?

Stage ninjas are there to assist a cosplayer onstage during their Masquerade performance. They aren’t part of a group entry – so you’ll still be considered a solo entrant, even if you have a helper – and their role is to assist with things like pre-setting props or set pieces, assisting with costume changes, or other effects. Their role is as the hidden hands that make your performance shine.

Did you know? The nickname ‘stage ninja’ comes from the theatrical tradition that a stagehand wearing all black was considered ‘invisible’ to the audience! In keeping with tradition, your masquerade stage ninja will be asked to wear all black, too.

Why use a stage ninja?

Stage ninjas help to enhance performances in ways an individual would struggle to do alone, and allow the cosplayer performing to focus solely on their character portrayal, choreography, and interaction with the audiences and judges.

Setting up and taking down.

Stage ninjas can enter the stage right before the cosplayer to pre-set any props or set pieces, so the cosplayer can enter the stage fully in character. They can also help remove set pieces after the performance is over, so the cosplayer doesn’t have to do a ‘false exit’, ie. leaving the stage and then coming back on again.

While some masquerades can offer a stagehand to assist with this, it’s not always a guarantee, and having someone you know and trust who knows where and how to pre-set your props can take a lot of stress off your shoulders!

Costume changes.

If your skit involves a costume change, your ninja can help with this. If you want to add this fun dynamic to your performance, a second pair of hands to take your top layer off or help you attach your under-layer can make life much easier.

On-stage interactions.

While stage ninjas cannot be in costume (if they were, you’d be considered a group entry), they can still interact with the cosplayer on stage. Think of your stage ninja as a living prop. They can interact with your set, hold something for you to interact with, represent a far-away loved one a song is sung to, or, for a more specific example, an Assassin’s Creed cosplayer could ‘assassinate’ them on stage. An on stage interaction can be as easy as a stage ninja passing a prop to you because you’re unable to comfortably bend down in your costume

Set transformations.

If you’ve decided to incorporate set or staging into your performance, ninjas can help ‘transform’ them on stage. For example, if a set piece is double-sided, they can help you rotate it at a set point in the performance. Set transformations can be as simple as moving a prop that has served its purpose in the performance out of the way.

Do I have to use a stage ninja?

Absolutely not – the decision is all yours. But, when working on your performance, think about whether having a second person on stage will help or hinder you.

Can you comfortably perform your stage transformations yourself, and can you bring all of your own set and props on stage, or will you need that second pair of hands? Providing they’re wearing all black, your stage ninja is considered ‘invisible’ to the judges and the audience – a living prop to help you shine in your two minutes of limelight.

But if a second person will take the attention away from you – perhaps if your costume is also mostly black, or your performance is quite simple – they might not be necessary. Don’t feel obliged to have a ninja on stage if you don’t need one. The Guild can advise if you need a second opinion.

Where can I use a stage ninja?

Not all masquerades allow stage ninjas; check the rules or ask the organisers of your chosen competition before assuming you can use one. The Megacon Live Cosplay Masquerades, overseen by the Guild, encourage the use of ninjas for masquerade skits if it will enhance your performance.

Guild tip: As long as the stage ninja is not wearing a costume, is not playing a named character, and has no lines, you’re safely within the rules, but feel free to email the Guild if you have any questions about your plans.

In some events, like the Nordic Cosplay Championship, your stage ninja is allowed to be in costume! In some international events, you can be assigned handlers to help you out, who are usually volunteers from the host nation. But, more often than not, your ninja is a friend recruited to help you out.

How to recruit and prepare a stage ninja

Make sure the masquerade you are entering allows the use of stage ninjas, and read the guidelines carefully. Just like regular masquerade entrants, ninjas will need their own ticket to the event.

Asking your friends is a great place to start recruiting a ninja. Ideally, you’re looking for a friend who is a competitor but isn’t entering the same competition as you, or someone who is interested in learning more about cosplay competitions, without committing themselves to competing yet! Helping out as a stage ninja is a great opportunity to learn more about how being backstage at a competition feels.

Your stage ninja doesn’t have to be a cosplayer themselves! A relative or partner who’s willing to help out by carrying your props onto the stage for you is the perfect solution.

Guild tip: Remember, stage ninjas aren’t allowed to be in costume, so, while you can ask a friend who is also entering the competition, please flag this to the organisers to ensure that you’re at opposite ends of the running order, giving your ninja enough time to change out of their costume!

If the masquerade you enter requires you to confirm your use of a stage ninja, make sure you’ve done that. Organisers ask for this information in advance so they know who to expect backstage.

Before the competition, make sure your ninja confidently understands what they need to do. While you’re building props or set pieces, involve your helper so they know what to expect on the day; they need to know what your plans are so they can be prepared too. They’ll be nervous for you, so help them feel comfortable! A plan of the stage with the location of your props marked can be useful for them to ensure they’re placing them correctly for you.

After the competition, thank your ninja in the best way you can. They’ve performed an invaluable service to you, and you couldn’t have given your performance in the same way without them. If they’re also a performer, make sure you offer to ninja for them in the future in exchange – competitive cosplay is a collaborative experience, so it’s important everyone helps each other out!

“Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza,” – Michelangelo, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

For the performer, having a stage ninja to help you out can be an amazing way to upgrade your performance, and take some of the stress off you. For the ninja, being part of your friends’ competition experience can be a truly rewarding way to be involved in a masquerade without having to enter it yourself. Consider working the use of a stage ninja into your next performance, or offering to help your friends realise their full potential on stage at the next Megacon Live masquerade!