Costume Contest

The 2024 Costume Contest Registration is now CLOSED


Costume Contest Rules & Information

CONTEST RULES:
Each contestant(s) must have a badge to this year’s convention
Each contestant(s) must adhere to costume and prop policies
Each contestant(s) must be 13 years of age or older to enter (a separate contest for kids 12 and under takes place Sunday)
All costumes MUST be AT LEAST 50% handmade OR altered. Commissioned costumes will be allowed if the creator is present. All other store bought or commissioned costumes may only enter the walk on portion. (NOTE: our judges will decide if costumes are at least 50% handmade or altered)
Cap for this year’s event in the main contest will be 50 entrants. These are first come, first serve spots in the contest.

Any spots not pre-registered will be open at the convention in the contest judging area (Please refer to map once posted)
Cap for the walk-on portion is 50 entrants and anyone may enter the walk-on that is 13 years of age and older.
Registration for the walk-on takes place at the convention (no pre-registration)
Costumes MUST be able to enter the stage area. Any costumes unable to enter the stage area that may cause harm to the contestant or other contestants and attendees will not be allowed on stage and will be directed to the front.
Divisions are as follows for entrants:
MASTERS DIVISION – entrants in this division have won best in show or won multiple awards in past contests at conventions.
JOURNEYMAN DIVISION – entrants have won minor awards (haven’t won best in show) OR been competing for over three years.
NOVICE DIVISION – entrants in this division have never entered a costume contest before or been competing for three or less years.
YOUTH DIVISION – entrants in this are between the ages of 13 and 17 years old (NOTE: entrants in the Youth Division who have won awards in the past will be entered in Journeyman or Masters Division).NOTE: Those entering as a duo or group must enter under the division of the highest skilled cosplayer in the duo/groupWALK-ON (NOTE: You do not pre-register for walk-on) – those who were unable to enter the event but want to showcase their costume. Cap for the Walk-On portion is 50 entrants.

NOTE: Those wanting to partake in the walk-on portion register at the contest booth. Walk-on participants will also only be eligible for prizes in the walk-on category.NOTE: Contestants may be moved to different divisions based on experience.

JUDGING:
Contestants will be judged on a point scale by the judges on three criteria:
Craftsmanship – how the entrant made their costume, use of materials and creativity
Likeness/Detail – how close the contestant resembles the character they are cosplaying/detail on costume
Presentation – stage presence!

Judging will take place in the designated costume contest room. Contestants will be given a maximum of 5 minutes with the judges to be pre-judged.

CONTEST INFORMATION:
Contestants are asked to arrive at the designated area ONE (1) hour before the contest begins. Failure to arrive on time can result in disqualification from the contest! Only contestants will be allowed into the event at this time. Anyone additional must be given the OK by contest organizer.
At this time, the organizer will introduce emcee, judges, line contestants up by division and give additional instruction for the on-stage portion of the contest.
Contestants will be introduced on stage by the emcee, who will announce their name, character and where the character is from. In addition, the emcee with question the entrants about their costume.
Profanity or statements regarding religious, political or any activities that are deemed unsafe will result in disqualification.
Contestants will have a maximum of ONE (1) minute on the stage.
NOTE: You do not provide music or CDs for this.
Surprise the audience and judges but don’t surprise the contest organizer!
If you would like to do something special on stage, please coordinate with host and organizer beforehand
Once the last contestant has exited the stage, the judges will deliberate and the walk-on portion will begin during this time.

WALK-ON:
Entrants in the walk-on portion will have a maximum of 10 seconds on stage.
Each entrant will pose in the marked spot on stage then exit opposite where they entered on.
Winners in this category will be based on applause and costume likeness, so entertain the audience!
Once the walk-on portion has finished, winners will be announced.

PRIZES:
Prizes will be awarded for the following:
BEST IN SHOW
Best Masters Division
Best Journeyman Division
Best Novice Division
Best Youth Division
Best Group Division
Best Walk-On
Judges’ Awards
Organizer Award

For any questions or inquiries, please email Pat at yuyumasterp@gmail.com