Cosplay Contests, Rules, and Judging Criteria 2012

[alhimika]

The Izumicon Cosplay Contests are open to competitors of all ages and skill levels. Contests include: Cosplay Theatre (skits), Cosplay Craftsmanship, and Hallway Cosplay Contest. The contest winners will be announced, and prizes will be awarded following the Cosplay Theatre competition Saturday evening.
If you would like to participate, please take a moment to read the rules.

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COSPLAY CONTEST GENERAL RULES
** These rules are subject to change or revision at any time. **
NOTE: Costumes and skits that have already won an award in any previous contests for Izumicon, past or present year, are not eligible. (Others deserve a chance too.)
a) All participants must be registered for Izumicon 2012, and have their badges clearly displayed during contest sign-in and judging.
b) Izumicon is a celebration of Anime, Manga, and Asian Popular Culture (including video games), so it is expected that all costume entries will be related to this theme. Entries that don’t fall into these categories will not be eligible for this contest. (some examples include but are not limited to: Harry Potter, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Twilight, and Batman are not eligible)
c) Izumicon is a family friendly convention. All skits and costumes are required to be considerate of this. Consider whether it would be acceptable for an average 8 year old or a PG rating (see The Motion Picture Association of America for more details). The final decision about whether material is appropriate for the Izumicon Stage will be made by the Cosplay Coordinator.
d) Store bought costumes or commercially commissioned pieces are ineligible for Craftsmanship Judging.
e) Found-Item costumes are eligible for Craftsmanship Judging, as long as they have been significantly modified* from their original form. Modifications must be outlined on the entry form.
For example: “What are we judging you on? --- the shirt was dyed and the insignia added, I cut the hem and re-stitched it to a different length.” NOT “What are we judging you on?---I bought the shirt and added dirt and blood for effect.”
~ In the event of a dispute, the Cosplay Coordinator’s decision is final. ~
f) Costumes made with friends or parental help must be declared as such and the names of all involved credited on the entry form. All costumers must be present for the craftsmanship judging. Any questions regarding this requirement should be directed to the Cosplay Coordinator.

HALLWAY COSTUME CONTEST
If you simply do not like getting up in front of crowd, have too many costumes for one contest, or just like getting your picture taken….this the perfect contest for you.

During a Hallway Costume Photography time, simply stop by the table and have your picture taken. Pictures will be posted to a display area soon after being taken.

Con-goers will then vote on their favorites. Being popular has its advantages. The photo/contestant with the most votes by 6:00p Saturday evening wins.

All entries must adhere to the General Cosplay Rules
The exception is your “source”:
Hallway Costume entries are not limited by genre and may include Pokemon, Stardust, Batman, or Star Wars (to name a few)
You must be present to win: all cosplay awards will be presented following the cosplay theatre.


Costumes that have won previous Izumicon Contests or Showcases may not be entered in competition. You may enter a costume only once and for only one contest during Izumicon. A costume entered in the hallway or craftsmanship contest is allowed to be used in a Cosplay Theatre skit.
Any questions should be directed to the Cosplay Coordinator whose decision is final.

CRAFTSMANSHIP CONTEST
Spent hours, days, maybe even months, crafting your own costume? Whether it’s your first time making your own Cosplay, or a long time passion, please consider entering your fabulous work in the Craftsmanship Judging!
Entry forms for the Craftsmanship Contest will be available 15 minutes before judging begins. At this time there will also be a sign-up sheet for “judging appointment” times. Please be available at least two appointment times before you are scheduled to appear before the judges so that we can keep things on schedule. All Craftsmanship entries are expected to participate in the evening Fashion Show OR Cosplay Theatre.

If you are involved in a Cosplay Theatre Skit, but would also like to be judged on craftsmanship, please be sure to attend both the craftsmanship judging and cosplay theatre auditions. Thank you.

Music will be provided for the Fashion Show (walk-ons). We will also have a Master of Ceremonies introducing each contestant. Please prepare a 50 word (or shorter) script to be included with your entry.
The judges will be looking at all of the following elements in making their decision:
Accuracy of Details 30% --- Here we will be considering two things:
Choice of Materials – How well you picked materials to match your character’s design and/or time period. (For example, a character from Le Chevalier D'Eon probably wouldn’t be wearing polyester satin). Are your shoes the right color and the make-up accurate to the character? Is that a hairstyle seen in your reference materials? (We will understand if the materiel doesn’t exist outside of a Fantasy world, get as close as you can.)
Accuracy to Original (Reference) – How well does your costume match the character and outfit you chose to replicate. This includes colors, patterns, and relative scale. Did you try to match seam lines, accessories, or other character traits. What props did you use to flesh-out the characterization.
Costuming Construction Skill 40% --- This element covers the down and dirty construction elements: finished seams, smooth joints, even color coverage, and the like will all be considered.

Portfolio (in process photos and reference materials) 15% --Your portfolio is like a journal with pictures. Please bring a reference photo or figurine, pictures of you working on the costume, modeling it when finished, samples of the materials you used, and journal entries highlight any trials or enlightenments you encountered along the way. These will be returned to you and the end of your judging interview and are intended to be used by you in answering questions or demonstrating knowledge. Your portfolio may be a section of a larger costuming portfolio if you prefer.

Presentation/Judging Interview 15% ---This is your opportunity to explain your choices to the judges and demonstrate your knowledge of your character and passion for cosplay craftsmanship. Please be prepared to answer questions from inspiration to material choice.
Notes about Craftsmanship Divisions and Categories:
Not all cosplayers have years of experience or costuming class before creating a new design. Please see the following guidelines for determining whether you are considered a youth, novice, journeyman, or master of cosplay craftsmanship.
If you are entering as a group, the level will be determined by the judges. Please note how many in your group are in each category. Groups are judged as a single entry and will receive the same acknowledgement and prize as an individual entry. However, groups will be allowed to fill two time slots for judging purposes.
How to determine your division:
YOUTH: Age 15 and under (may have adult help but at least 50% must be crafted by the youth, parents must be present for judging)
NOVICE: Have made 3 or fewer costumes, and won no previous awards.
JOURNEYMAN: Have made 4-10 costumes or won 1 to 4 major awards.
MASTER: Have made 10+ costumes or won 3+ major awards.
Please note that your division may be changed at the Director’s discretion if your Craftsmanship skill seems more comparable to a different division.
Awards are classified as follows: major = best in division or best in show, minor = judges’ awards and awards for creativity, humor, etc. (if in doubt, ask.)
Izumicon 2012 Craftsmanship Awards
Best of Show
Best Craftsmanship – Novice
Best Craftsmanship – Journeyman
Best Craftsmanship – Master
Best Youth Costume (Age 15 and Under)
*Judges’ Awards (possible)*

COSPLAY THEATRE
If you like to put on a show, then this is the place for you. Cosplay Theatre is a great place for otaku to show off their script writing, costuming, and acting abilities before an enthusiastic audience.
Audition forms for the Cosplay Theatre will be available 15 minutes before auditions begin. There will also be a sign-up sheet audition times. Please be available at least ten minutes before you are scheduled to appear before the judges so that we can keep things on schedule. Auditioning does not guarantee acceptance into the evening’s production. Judges will select UP TO 15 performances. A list of those performing in the Cosplay Theatre will be posted 2 hours before call time.* Any who are not selected to perform may pick up tickets allowing them priority seating for the Cosplay Theatre. * This process may change as needed. Changes will be announced at judging or by PA. Additionally any who do not follow guidelines for material, soundtracks, and call times are subject to elimination. Please heed the instructions of the judges and address any questions to the Cosplay Coordinator or Events Director.

*call time = when participants are asked to check in with the cosplay coordinator to line up and prepare props, etc. for the show).
Skit Competition Guidelines
All General Rules for Cosplay apply.
Entrants must fill out an entry form and attend an audition.
Skits are limited to 4 MINUTES (+1 minute to set up and tear down). Soundtracks that run longer will be faded out at 4 minutes. Performers who refuse to leave the stage at this time will be penalized or disqualified from the competition.
All skits must be PG
Soundtracks are encouraged, but not required. Please remember that if you do not pre-record, you will have to project your voice very well to reach past the first two audience rows. All soundtracks must be presented during auditions.
All acrobatics, mock combat, and special effects you wish to perform on stage must be demonstrated and cleared with the Cosplay Coordinator during auditions. They may be stopped at any time for any reason.
Stage dimensions: 8 ft. x 16 ft. & 4 steps up to the stage
Any prop weapons involved in your performance must adhere to the Izumicon Weapons Policy and Prop Weapons Guidelines.
Additionally, we will have a Master of Ceremonies introducing each piece.
Please prepare a short introduction (50 words or less). This may include your group name, skit title, or brief description (for example, Next is Foxtrot Performers. They will be doing a skit of Naruto vs. Dragonball---Family Feud Style). You get the idea.
Be creative and have fun! (It’s the rule.)

* Yaoi and Yuri are 18+ subject matter and not appropriate for this competition.

Judging Criteria
The judges will be looking at the following elements when making their decision:
Originality & Creativity 10 % new material, unique presentation, resourceful costumes,
Script 10 % word choice, dialogue, appropriateness of material
Visual Appeal 10 % staging, props, costumes
Sound Quality 10 % quality of soundtrack recording, diction, and vocal projection
Story-line 10 % basic plot: rising action, climax, falling action
Characterization 10 % acting, ability to portray the character as intended
Unity 10 % does the cast work together, script match the props, etc.?
Theme 10 % Is it related to anime, asian culture, gaming, etc.?
Audience Response 10 % Are they crying, laughing, clapping? Did it engage them?
Overall Effect 10 % How well did everything work together?

Awards
Cosplay Theatre Winner
Cosplay Theatre Judge’s Choice
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If you have read and understand these rules place sign here (and initial below beside rules read):_________________________
General Cosplay Rules:______ Craftsmanship Contest Rules: :______
Hallway Cosplay Contest Rules:______ Cosplay Theatre Rules: :______



EDIT: fixed spacing--alhimika

[Kitsunebi Matsuri the Fox]

what about bleeping is skits?

[alhimika]

If you are not sure about a skit or whether bleeping a section would make it acceptable, please feel free to send it to me in advance. I am happy to preview any skits and offer suggestions for getting them to the stage.

[Kitsunebi Matsuri the Fox]

okay thanks! i had some ideas but i dont know if they would be any good...

[Xeino]

Question: The Hetalia Formal Ball says it has its own cosplay contest. If you win that are you still eligible for winning the hall, craftsmanship, theatre or general contests? I didnt see the hetalia contest mentioned anywhere and dont know if it would be in conflict. We'd like to enter my friends and I's costumes in the craftmanship contest (there are three) but were also going to the ball and didnt know about entering its contest.

[alhimika]

The contest at the ball will be separate from the other contests and overlap is allowed in this instance.
It will be judged on appearance and ability to portray the character with no regard to who originally constructed the garments worn. I apologize for not having written a formal set of rules for that competition yet.

REVISION TO COSPLAY RULES POSTED BELOW:
Costumes and skits that have already won an award in any previous years contests for Izumicon are not eligible. (Others deserve a chance too.)

[otaku ninja]

what about winning in more than one contest in the weekend??

[alhimika]

As posted in the rules (immediately above that): ** These rules are subject to change or revision at any time. **

This year there was a very small number of contestants particularly for skits. After reviewing the scores from two completely different sets of judges, I decided that this needed to be changed this year. If you would like to see a copy of the judge's feedback for your entry or discuss the issue further please send me an e-mail or PM.

Changes will be reflected in a rewrite for 2013.

[otaku ninja]

oh i didint do a skit this year i was in the hallway contest. i was just curious as i want to do it next year! what are the prizes?:D

[Kitsunebi Matsuri the Fox]

this is aj, ill send you a pm