AnimeFest 2014 Cosplay Contest Rules

The Cosplay Contest combines both runway-style entries and skit performances, where members can show off their craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation in front of an enthusiastic crowd! If you are interested in participating in this event, please read the following rules, or join us at the show just to watch! This event will be held on Sunday, August 17th, at approximately 7pm.

Eligibility

All cosplay contest participants must be members of AnimeFest 2014. You must have your badge with you at all times.

By entering this contest, you agree to read and abide by all rules as posted and that failure to do so will result in your disqualification from the contest and/or removal from the event.

Entrants must exhibit good sportsmanship and remain professional at all times. Rude behavior and offensive remarks or insults toward staff, judges, or other entrants may be considered grounds for disqualification and/or removal from the event.

The AnimeFest Cosplay Staff reserves the right to refuse entry to or disqualify entries from the Cosplay event for any reason.
Anyone participating in a skit entry may not enter as a walk-on and vice-versa. Participants may enter the Hall Cosplay and the Cosplay Contest, but the same costume may not be entered in both.

Costume Rules

No costume is no costume.

All costumes must pertain to Japanese pop culture, including Anime, Manga, J-Pop, J-Rock, and Video Games.

At least 50% of the costume must be handmade or significantly altered, not store bought or commissioned.

You must wear shoes at all times, even if your character does not wear shoes. Please wear at least flip-flops or flats - you may remove these for judging and they will not be counted against you.

No real weapons of any kind. Please refer to the AnimeFest Weapons Policy regarding any props: https://animefest.org/u/AboutUs/PropWeaponsPolicy?

All costumes must provide as much body coverage as a bikini. Body paint, latex pasties, thongs, etc., are not considered adequate body coverage, and other clothing must be worn in addition to these items. Please refer to the Dress Code for more information: https://animefest.org/u/AboutUs/DressCode?

If your costume is bulky or impairs your vision or mobility, you may be accompanied by a handler. If you need special accommodations, please contact the Cosplay Director in advance.

Walk-on Rules

The number of pre-registered entries will be limited, and a limited number of walk-on entries will be taken onsite.

Walk-ons will have 30 seconds on the stage, regardless of group size. Music will be runway-style and provided by Cosplay Staff.

Cosplay groups are limited to 6 participants. Larger groups may split into separate entries.

Skit Rules

All audio, including music, dialogue, and sound effects, must be pre-recorded and submitted in mp3 format to cosplay@animefest.org. Audio must be clear, understandable, and adhere to a PG-13 rating in order to be approved by Cosplay Staff. Be clever, not crass, and speak clearly into the microphone when recording.

Skits must submit their pre-recorded audio via email by Saturday, August 1st, at 11:59pm CST. Skit audio will be checked within a few days of receipt; if your skit is not approved you will have one chance to re-record. Written scripts will not be accepted in lieu of recordings. Once your skit audio is approved, it may NOT be changed for any reason.

Skit entries are also eligible for the Best Skit or Runner-up Skit awards. Skit entries will be judged primarily on performance, but will also be required to undergo craftsmanship judging. No entry may win more than one award. [edited 7/23]

Skits will have 4 minutes on stage, including setup. Skits that run over time will be penalized in judging or disqualified.

Skit groups are limited to 10 participants, including stage ninjas. Only 8 people may be on stage at any time.

You will have an approximate amount of usable stage space that is 20 by 25 feet. Please keep this in mind in preparing your skit. Because the stage is a smooth wood surface, please make absolutely sure that any set pieces are capable of standing on this type of surface without sliding or falling down.

Tables will not be provided, but chairs may be used if they are available. Please clearly indicate in your entry if you need chairs.

Stage Rules

No microphones may be used by the contestants at any time. All audio material must be pre-recorded and submitted as a skit entry.

Everything brought onto the stage during a skit or walk-on entry must be removed at the end of the time limit, including props, set pieces, costume pieces, etc. You may not throw anything off the stage or into the crowd.

Messy substances including confetti, glitter, flower petals, food, and water may not be brought on stage.

Pyrotechnics or special effects such as fireworks, flash paper, or smoke machines will not be allowed.

Judging/Rehearsal Guidelines

Pre-judging will be done prior to the Cosplay contest so that the judges can look at your costume in detail. Please be on time to your scheduled judging block; if you are late or not ready, you will be moved to the end of the line for your judging block. If you do not show up to pre-judging you will not be eligible to receive awards and may be disqualified from the contest. If there is an emergency, please contact the Cosplay Director to make alternate arrangements.

Individuals and groups of up to 3 people will have 4 minutes to show off their work to the judges, and groups of 4-6 people will have 6 minutes.

There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal just before the contest. If you show up late without prior approval from the Cosplay Director, you may be disqualified from the contest.

At pre-judging, groups will be assigned numbers to indicate their order in the contest. Please make sure any necessary handlers and parents/guardians are present at judging to receive a number as well.

Awards will be announced at the conclusion of the event.

All prizes must be picked up by Monday, August 18th by 3pm or be forfeited. Any reference materials submitted during judging may also be picked up until this time.
Divisions
The following divisions will be used to structure the judging of the Cosplay Contest (loosely based off ICG Guidelines):

NOVICE:
[list]
[*]This category is intended for costumers with little or no prior experience making costumes, and no formal training in costume or fashion.
[*]Participants in this category may not have won more than one award at previous conventions.
[/list]

INTERMEDIATE:
[list]
[*]This category is intended for people with some to moderate experience making costumes, some formal training in costume or fashion, or who have competed previously and won few awards.
[*]Participants in this category may not have won more than three major awards at previous conventions.
[/lists]

MASTERS:
[*]This category is intended for people with extensive experience making costumes, advanced formal training in costume or fashion, or who have won several awards for costuming.
[*]Anyone may register for this division regardless of experience.
[*]Professional costumers must enter in this division.
[/list]

If a Judge or the Cosplay Director feels that you should be placed in a higher division based on the craftsmanship and presentation of your costume, you may be moved to a different division.

Awards

[list]
[*]Best in Show: This award is given to an exceptional entry in any division. Winners of this award are not eligible to win other awards.
[*]First Place in Division: This award is given to an exceptional entry in their particular division. One award will be given in each division.
[*]Best Prop: This award is given to an entry that shows exceptional skill and creativity in construction of props. Any division may qualify for this award.
[*]Best Group: This award is given to an entry with more than three members that shows exceptional group cohesion and coordination. Any division may qualify for this award.
[*]Creativity Award: This award is given to an entry that shows exceptional creativity in the materials and overall construction of their costume. Any division may qualify for this award.
[*]Judges’ Awards: One award is granted by each judge for the entry that they feel was exceptional. Any division may qualify.
[*]Best Skit: This award is given to the skit that shows the highest degree of craftsmanship and performance. Any division may qualify for this award.
[*]Runner-Up Skit: Any division may qualify for this award.
[/list]

Awards may be added, modified, or omitted at the discretion of the Cosplay Staff.

How to Enter

Forms will be available online starting Sunday, June 29th, and must be submitted by Saturday, August 1st, at 11:59pm CST.

Please read through the entry form carefully and answer all questions.

Pre-registration for the 2014 Cosplay Contest is now closed. On-site signups for walk-on entries only will take place starting Saturday, August 16th at 11am.

If you are unsure about what division to enter, do not select one and one will be assigned to you at prejudging.

You must submit reference images you used to construct your costume. These may be submitted online or brought to judging, but must be present at pre-judging in order to be eligible for awards.

You must choose a one-hour block in which your group must come in for judging. If your first choice is full, you will be asked to choose another.

Once you have submitted your form, you will receive an email within a week confirming your entry and requesting clarification of any information. After the pre-entry window closes, all entries will be emailed a final confirmation.

Cosplay HQ and Info

Cosplay HQ will be located on the 3rd floor of the convention center in State Room 2.

Cosplay HQ will be open at the following times:

Friday: 12pm - 6pm
Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 3pm
Monday: 12pm - 3pm

If you have any questions, feel free to email cosplay(at) animefest(dot)org.