1. Shoes are required at all times while in the public areas of the conventions center. Even if a cosplay character goes barefoot, the cosplayer must wear shoes.
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2. Costumes and daily wear shall not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure.
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3. All costumes worn within the convention center must fit through a standard doorway. Any attendee wearing a bulky costume, or one with poor visibility, should have a handler available to escort him/her. In addition, please ensure any bulky costume is properly ventilated to prevent heat stroke.
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4. Any metal items used for cosplays are not allowed to have sharp or pointed edges that could potentially cause injury. Real swords, bats, etc. are not allowed. A safer material substitute is an alternate option.
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5. No costume or prop may generate odor, smoke, or fog.
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6. Cosplay props are to be checked in with security at the registration area before they will be allowed in the convention area.
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7. All props must be non-working and peace bonded. Security will peace-bind any props, and attendees will assume responsibility that they have read this policy and agree to follow the rules as outlined in it.
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8. Any violation of a peace-bind will result in an immediate loss of prop privileges.
9. No functioning projectile props.
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10. If security deems a prop dangerous or harmful it will not be allowed. This will be decided on a case by case basis.
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11. Attendees will not brandish, point, flail, play-fight, run with, or use their prop in any kind of threatening manner.
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12. Inappropriate conduct with any camera (video or photo) will be grounds for removal of convention privileges, up to and including revocation without a refund.
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13. If you want to take a photo of a cosplayer, it’s proper form to ask first. Most will be happy to oblige and pose fiercely.
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14. These rules may be modified as needed to help protect the safety of all attendees.
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15. Most importantly…
A. Have fun.
B. Don’t be a jerk.
HOW TO ENTER
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Sign Up at Briumbra Photography’s Booth from beginning when the floor opens at 10am.
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Each category (Masquerade, Kids, Craftsmanship) has a maximum number of entrants; once that limit is reached, we can accept no more submissions.
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The absolute cut off for entering is 1:30 PM or when the maximum has been reached.
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We highly advise that you arrive early on the day of the show and proceed directly to the Briumbra Photography booth to register.
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YOU MUST BE IN COSTUME TO ENTER. Your photo will be taken for judging purposes; there is no charge to enter. You may only enter in one contest category.
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All costumes must adhere to the Cosplay Rules. Any costume not adhering to the rules will not be allowed to enter the contest. Please contact us beforehand if you have any specific questions.
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All contestants will receive a number assigned to their category. This will be used to determine lineup order during the stage walk of the competition.
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If for some reason you need to drop from the competition please let Briumbra Photography know as soon as possible.
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All costume contests are held on the Main Stage on Saturday at 5pm.
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Entrants should arrive for line up at 4:30 pm, no matter which category they signed up for.
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Crew will be on hand to make sure you are in the correct line. Please pay attention to all signage.
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The order of categories are Kids, Masquerade, Craftsmanship.
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You must be registered to enter. Please do not attempt to participate without having submitted an entry at Briumbra Photography.
THE CATEGORIES
Kids:
A fun and pressure-free way for kids to show off their cosplays on stage regardless of where it’s from or how it was made!
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Ages 10 & Under (Contestants must be accompanied by an adult at sign-up)
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Maximum of 30 entrants
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Awards:
Top 3
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Masquerade:
A fun and pressure-free way to show off your cosplay on stage regardless of where it’s from or how it was made!
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Ages 11 & Up
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Maximum of 40 entrants
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Awards:
Best Overall
Best Group
Fan Favorite
Craftsmanship:
Entries are judged on the craftsmanship (design, construction, execution, and general presentation) of a costume:
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All ages
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Maximum of 30 entrants
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Awards:
Best in Show
Best in Class (Best Armor or Best Needlework)
Best Prop
Craftsmanship Entry Rules
At least 60% of an entrant’s costume must be handcrafted by the participant to enter the Craftsmanship Competition.
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Purchased or commissioned costumes (or anything considered not original work) do not qualify for the craftsmanship category.
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The total percentages are based on what percentage of the costume was handmade. For example: How many pieces of the cosplay were handmade and what percentage of the cosplay does that make up. If there are questions regarding the total percentage, speak with the cosplay judges prior to entering into the Craftsmanship category. Closet cosplays do not qualify for the Craftsmanship category.
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Build books outlining the creative process in building the cosplay are HIGHLY recommended but not required. These should be brought with you to prejudging and can be left with the judges. You may retrieve your build book from the judges after the costume contest is over.
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The costume’s creator(s) may have a model wearing the costume for the contest. In these cases, the creator(s) must be present for judging, must be the owner of the costume, and would be credited for any awards (not the model).
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Costumes that have won a major award in any other costume contest are not permitted.
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Judge’s Choice Awards
In addition to the awards listed above the judges may distribute Judge’s Choice Awards. These awards may be given to any entrant across all categories.
JUDGING
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Kids and Masquerade categories will be judged based on a combination of their photos taken at Briumbra Photography and stage presence during the stage walk portion.
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Craftsmanship contestants, in addition to being judged based on their photo and stage presence during the stage walk portion, are required to attend prejudging with our cosplay judges to be eligible for a prize.
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In addition to being given a lineup number when they sign up, those in the Craftsmanship category will be assigned a time slot to return for prejudging. Prejuding will be held at the craftsmanship prejudging area (located next to the cosplay guests/judges) and begins at 2:30 PM and goes until all entries have been prejudged.
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Craftsmanship contestants will be allotted 4 minutes to present their costume and discuss the details of their creation one on one with the judge’s. Providing a build book is highly recommended but not required.
ON STAGE RULES
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No skits.
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No profanity allowed on stage. That includes messages on signs or clothes. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
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No political or religious statements. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
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Do not use any sort of projectile. Nothing must leave your person while you are on stage. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.
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No flashpots, explosive devices, smoke/fog emitters, or similar special effects are to be used. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.
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All prop weapons must conform to the stated Weapons Policy.
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Costumes must be self-contained.
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Do not enter or exit the stage except at the designated points.
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Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help.