Costuming – Cosplay 

Want to enter the contest! Just click on the form link below and complete for pre-judging and entry for the Costume Contest.

General Rules (for all entrants)

• All contest entrants must be registered attendees 
• All costumes must conform to the dress code policy.
• All costumes must be completed before your judging time block and/or stage walk.
• Contestants and Exhibition participants are allowed to have one handler/assistant with them for costume, mobility, and accessibility needs, and/or emotional support. All handlers must be checked in with cosplay staff or they will not be allowed backstage or with you during judging. If you need more than one handler, it must be cleared with the cosplay directors ahead of time 
• Contestants and Exhibition participants may not use stage or judging time to make political, religious, or insulting statements or other demonstrations. If your skit/performance requires mildly insulting language, please be sure to let the cosplay directors know ahead of time. 
• Contestants in any Main Stage or Hallway Contest may not enter a costume that previously won a category award at any other convention. If the award was minor, we will waive this rule. Please contact the cosplay directors ahead of time if you are uncertain if your cosplay qualifies. This rule is strictly enforced and violations may result in you being disqualified from this and future cosplay contests.
• Main Stage cosplay contestants (and skit entrants opting for craftsmanship) must select a craftsmanship class. Select a class closest to your craftsmanship level, as indicated by the class descriptions below. When in doubt, ask the cosplay directors.
• Safety first!
• YOU MUST WEAR SHOES AT ALL TIMES. This is not only a requirement of the hotel and convention center, but also a safety concern. We will excuse the inaccuracy in your costume, so please wear appropriate footwear that will sufficiently protect your feet!
• No throwing objects on stage or into the audience.
• No flames or smoke effects.
• No projectiles.
• No jumping off the stage.
• No running up stairs or on stage.
• Items may only be left on stage if entrants request Stage Ninja assistance on the contest registration form.
• All props/shrapnel left on stage must be at least 3”x3” inches in size. We need to be able to see it to pick it up. That means, sadly, no glitter cannons.  
• All props and weapons must conform to the props and weapons policy.
• All costumes must comply with the dress code. 
• Any groups or individual entrants who wish to do any sort of fight or dance choreography must rehearse on the stage prior to the show to ensure safety.
• The cosplay directors reserve the right to disqualify anyone for any logical reason, including but not limited to: cheating, inappropriate behavior at the convention, and offensive cosplays.
• No duplicate entries (If you entered a costume in the Main cosplay contest you cannot enter the SAME costume in the Hall cosplay contest – and vice versa)