What is Cosplay?
Cosplay is a combination of the words costume and play. Attendees of LouisiANIME are encouraged to show their love of anime and other sources by dressing as their favorite characters. We offer many events and panels that are related to the art of cosplay, below you will find the rules for our biggest cosplay event, the cosplay contest.
2013 Cosplay Contest Rules
- All entries must maintain a PG-13 rating. No excessive violence, sexual content, ect. This rule also applies to the costume itself, no over exposed individuals will be allowed on stage. The cosplay director reserves the right to turn away any entry they deem inappropriate.
- To be eligible for craftsmanship judging the entrant must have made at least 50% of their costume. Contestants that did not make their costume are still allowed to enter, but they are ineligible for any awards that consider craftsmanship. (you may also enter for craftsmanship if the maker of your costume is in attendance at the convention and available during pre judging.)
- Nothing is to be left on the stage. Any props you bring onto stage with you must exit with you. You will also not be permitted to throw anything on stage or at the audience. Examples include props, glitter, petals, confetti, ect.
- For safety, any “battle” sequences or stunts are to be preformed at 3/4 speed and one leg must remain on the stage at all times (aka, no flips, tumbling, ect.)
- Skits will have 3 minutes (after setup) on stage, walk-ons will have 30 seconds.
- Groups are allowed, but only 8 people will be permitted on stage at a time
- All skit entries are required to submit a copy of their script for pre-screening. You may either turn it in at the convention when you sign up, or email it to the cosplay director at cosplay@louisianime.com.
If your skit is dance or performance oriented you are still required to submit a “script” with detailed choreography and stage direction write ups. (A link to a video of your group preforming will also be accepted, but must be emailed to the cosplay director no later than May 6th, 2013) - All audio must be turned into cosplay staff upon sign up. Only Audio formatted CD’s will be accepted. (MP3, wav, ect. No Data discs or Flash Drives)
- We strongly encourage costumes of Japanese origin. Examples include: Anime, Manga, Japanese video games, Japanese visual bands, ect. We do not, however, exclude costumes from other sources. That being said, you must be wearing a costume to participate in the cosplay contest.
- Reference images are STRONGLY encouraged, but not required.
- Costumes entered into the Louisianime cosplay contest that have been entered into other costume competitions and previously received major awards or multiple awards will not be considered for craftsmanship judging. You are still welcome to enter and show off your work but will not be eligible for a major award at Louisianime.
Cosplay Contest Awards:
Judges Awards: personal awards given out by each of our judges for any reason they see fit.
Best Craftsmanship: Award presented to the entry with the best overall crafstmanship
Best Presentation: Award presented for the entry with the best overall presentation
Runner Up: Award presented to the entry with overall good craftsmanship and presentation
Best In Show: Award presented to the entry with exceptional ctaftsmanship as well as presentation. This is the highest award given.
