Cosplay

Calling all cosplay enthusiasts at HanaCon!

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HanaCon is thrilled to embrace the world of cosplay in all its forms, and our Saturday evening Cosplay Variety Show is the perfect stage for you to showcase your incredible creations. Whether you meticulously crafted your costume from scratch or found the perfect one to embody your character, this is your chance to shine and perhaps even take home a coveted prize! We have two categories for you to compete in: Cosplay Performance and Cosplay Craftsmanship.

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To ensure your participation, we strongly recommend applying before the convention by filling out the form below, as our on-site sign-up slots are extremely limited. Online sign-ups are now open and accessible! However, if you find yourself unable to register online, there is a small number of on-site slots still available. For further particulars, kindly make your way to Cosplay HQ, where our welcoming staff will be eager to provide you with the essential information. Don't miss out on securing your spot!

 

Cosplay Performance

Do you know your character inside and out? Do you truly believe you've mastered their look and persona? The Cosplay Performance contest welcomes you to display your costume and your stage presence! Tell a captivating story through a skit or showcase your dance skills. If the "play" aspect of cosplay resonates with you, this is your moment.

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Cosplay Craftsmanship

If you've poured countless hours into patterning, sewing, gluing, 3D printing, crafting, and enhancing your cosplay, the Craftsmanship competition is your chance to shine! Sign up in advance to present your costume to a panel of judges who will examine your workmanship, ask about your construction techniques, and provide an opportunity for you to showcase your creative skills.

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Levels of Competition

• Youth: For participants aged 18 or younger.

• Novice: Designed for individuals who have never entered or won a performance award at any other pop-culture, comic, or anime convention. If you've previously received an award as a Journeyman or higher, Novice may not be the right fit for you.

• Journeyman: Ideal for those who have won at least two major craftsmanship and/or performance awards as a Novice at other competitions.

• Master: Open to everyone, regardless of prior awards or experience.

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If you're unsure which division suits you best, feel free to reach out to Allison aka Mythril-Arts at acarswell@HanaConAnime.com for guidance.

 

**Rules for Cosplay Performance**

You can enter with any type of costume, whether it's store-bought, commissioned, or handmade! Original characters are warmly welcomed, and we embrace diversity in age, abilities, ethnicity, and gender identity. The focus here is on your stage presence, and there is no craftsmanship evaluation. So, if you're more concerned about how your seams look, you might want to explore the Cosplay Craftsmanship contest.

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Important Details

• Dress rehearsal for the Cosplay Variety Show will be held at x:xx a.m. in the xx room. Please attend the dress rehearsal with your group; failure to do so will lead to disqualification.

• You have the option to participate in both the Cosplay Performance and Cosplay Craftsmanship divisions with the same costume(s). Please note that Craftmanship judging is only for contestants who made the majority of their costumes by hand, but you will be evaluated separately for each.

• Keep your stage time under 5 minutes.

• Ensure you are registered for HanaCon and have your badge ready before going backstage.

• Pre-recorded audio is required; live mics are not available. Prepare an MP3 file or bring your music on a USB drive, CD, or phone.

• Special note: Idol performances (Love Live, Vocaloid, Idolmaster, etc.) will be limited to the first 5 entries.

• No electrical outlets will be provided; bring your own power source if needed.

• Remember, anything you bring on stage must leave with you; no messy items like glitter, feathers, rose petals, or confetti are allowed.

• Costume guidelines must be followed; offensive language, imagery, or overly revealing outfits are not permitted.

• Groups are encouraged to participate! Your division is determined by the highest-ranking member in your group.

• Lastly, please respect the authority of the Cosplay Director, and any attempt to undermine their decisions will result in disqualification.

• Awards will be presented at the discretion of the Cosplay Director, based on the number of entrants.

 

**Rules for Cosplay Craftsmanship**
If you've poured countless hours into patterning, sewing, gluing, 3D printing, crafting, and enhancing your cosplay, the Craftsmanship competition is your chance to shine! Sign up in advance to present your costume to a panel of judges who will examine your workmanship, ask about your construction techniques, and provide an opportunity for you to showcase your creative skills.

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Important Details

• Cosplays can be from any pop media, including original characters.

• If you have a model wearing your costume, both the model and the crafter must be present for judging.

• Prejudging occurs from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday in the Cosplay HQ room. Sign up ahead of time for priority.

• Consider creating a process book with construction photos to enhance your chances of winning, especially for original characters.

• Ensure you are registered for HanaCon and display your badge during judging.

• Just like the Cosplay Performance contest, you can participate in both the Craftsmanship and Performance contests with the same entry.

• Important notes:

  • Costumes that have previously won major awards and haven't undergone significant changes (with proof) are not eligible to enter.

  • Groups are welcome, and your division is determined by the highest-ranking member.

  • You can showcase your costume in the Cosplay Variety Show on Saturday evening (optional and does not affect scoring).

  • Uphold the authority of the Cosplay Director, and any attempts to discredit their decisions will result in disqualification. Awards are at the discretion of the Cosplay Director, based on the number of entrants.

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Cosplay Hall Award

Imagine strolling through the venue in your spectacular cosplay when a staff member approaches with a ribbon in hand. Congratulations, you've been honored with a HanaCon Cosplay Hall Award! This prestigious recognition is reserved for a select few cosplayers who truly stand out and deserve special acknowledgment. Whether your costume was crafted with your own hands or carefully chosen, you may catch our attention!

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There is no need to sign up in advance for this award; simply be yourself, and a staff member may approach you with this special prize. If you're selected, you have the option to strut your stuff on stage during our Cosplay Variety Show, proudly displaying your shiny ribbon and extraordinary costume.

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Please note that participants in the Craftsmanship and Performance divisions are not eligible for the Cosplay Hall Award.

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Join us at HanaCon for a weekend filled with cosplay creativity and camaraderie! We can't wait to see your amazing costumes and celebrate the passion you bring to the world of cosplay!