PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Ft Carson CC will have a cosplay competition on Saturday. Online registration will close September 30, 2018.
Walk in registrations will be welcome, however, we suggest you get in early. Your prejudging & contest time will be available at registration the day of the event. If you miss prejudging, you may still walk on stage, but are not eligible for any awards. There is a limited amount of time and therefore, a limited amount of entries that will be allowed, so make sure to sign up at registration early instead of last minute!
For direct questions contact: ftcarsoncon@gmail.com
Judges:
![]() Michael Bixby |
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***Please note: Novice, Journeyman, Master, and Skit divisions are open to individuals above 12 years of age who want to compete.
***Under 12 – we have a contest for those children. Groups may also compete in these categories, but will be judged and categorized based on the person with the highest skill level.***
The following rules are for the adult contest (12 and up) and are subject to change.
Categories – Novice, Journeyman, Master, and Skit… Click to Read More... Category hours are to include research, shopping, building, repairing, false starts or redone work, etc. Honestly, EVERYTHING you do to create this project counts, including writing your documentation, finding your reference pictures, and stuff you tried that didn’t work. Don’t discount your work just because the first attempt failed. That’s practice, and it counts because you learned something. Novice: If you are new to cosplay or have only competed a few times, this is your division. Novice must have no more than one win in a previous contest. Craftsmanship is not expected to be perfect. Rather, the judges will be looking for how you have translated a character from paper or screen to your own person. Remember, everyone in Masters was once in the Novice category. Enjoy the process! You must have made at least 60% of your costume yourself Journeyman: This is the category for those who have several competitions under their belt or those who have won a craftsmanship award in the Beginner division. If you’ve won between two and five awards this is your division. A higher degree of skill is required in this category as judges start to take fine details, fabric choices, and more advanced techniques under consideration. Documentation is highly recommended. You must have made at least 80% of your costume yourself. Master: This is the place for the most seasoned cosplayers. Competitors in Masters are those who are considered professional or near professional quality – if you have won any Masters level awards, have won more than five awards in the past for your works, and if you have been a cosplay judge or a guest at other events. If you make 50% or more of your income from cosplaying (commissions, props, celebrity, etc.) you are considered a Master. All aspects are considered, including seams, linings, under-pieces, structure, and props, many of which are not noticeable unless closely inspected. Documentation and reference photos are required. At this level, the tiniest detail can make a sizable difference in judging. You must have made 95% of your costume yourself (leeway for small things like shoes) Exhibition ONLY: Exhibition Only is a great way to get your feet wet. Afraid of judging because it’s too stressful? Just do Exhibition Only! You still get to show off your amazing costume to MILLIONS of adoring fans (okay, maybe not millions) and you can get some practice being on stage. Regardless, you will get your picture taken and can even qualify for the People’s Choice award for audience favorite! Skits: Just like the name says. This is a blend of both performance and craftsmanship, and the group may be at any of the aforementioned skill levels. Standard craftsmanship judging will occur as per the other categories, but the performance aspect will be much more heavily weighted. Skits may be up to three minutes long. Copies of the script and audio recording must be submitted no later than TBA. Children’s Division: Many of us have kids too so we know the challenges of herding them! To keep them happy and participating, we will have a separate costume contest for younger folks. There will be specific prizes for them. PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST GO THROUGH PRE-JUDGING TO QUALIFY FOR BEST IN SHOW. IMPORTANT FASHION TIP: If you are unsure about where you fit skill-wise, let us know! If we feel you would show better in a lower category, we’ll ask if you want to drop down. Likewise, if you are too skilled to be in the category you chose, we’ll bump you up to the proper level. Although we won’t drop you a category unless you are okay, we might bump you up without telling you. Costume / Cosplay Contest Rules Click to Read More... Pre-Judging: The judges will be doing pre-judging. This is a chance for you to bring in your costume and have it looked over by the judges before it goes on stage. You CAN wear it but you don’t have to. Pre-registered entries will be emailed for a preferred time slot or your time can be received at the Events registration area. You are required to check in for this slot in person. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE ON TIME. If you are late to your pre-judging, you can reschedule to a later time only if there is an open slot. If something happens and you can’t make your time slot and can’t reschedule, please enter as an Exhibition Only. You did all this work and prep; the audience deserves to see your work!
There are times when the judges decide that an individual should be bumped up to higher category. This is most definitely a compliment on your work! Your craftsmanship is ready to be considered at a higher level and you will be competing in a way that shows everyone in their best light. In general, competitors should enter in the last category in which they were placed, or a level up if they have won a craftsmanship award in that division. Judges also have the right to lower your category – we want you to do the very best you can and give you the best opportunities!