Cosplay, short for "costume play," is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. While popularized in Japan, the term has been used to describe the costuming phenomenon that has had a widespread following in North America and Europe and has more recently spread throughout South America and Australia.
And now Cosplay has come to Otronicon with a focus specifically on video game characters and an opportunity for fans of all ages. Now’s your chance to show off that Master Chief costume or haul out those Mario Brothers’ overalls. Compete for prizes, showcase your creativity or just come check out the costumes. You’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Open-call Costume Contest
TBA, January 2011
Here are just a few of the categories to be judged:
Best VideoGame Costume - (To be held exclusive of other categories) Best Superhero Costume - (Please check official rules for guidelines) Best Cosplay - (Animation, Japanese Anime costumes - NOT videogame) Most Effective use of Duct Tape - (Please check official rules for guidelines) Best Silver Gamer - (Costumes In Celebration of 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, CastleVania - Exclusive of other contests)
Additional Prizes for "Best In Show" and "Best Group Costume"
This Costume Contest focuses solely on Costuming. Judges will be looking at the costume itself, the workmanship, design, and inspiration. This will be open to groups and individuals, experts and novices, and costumes from mainstream or self-creative.
1. All participants must have an Otronicon admission wristband visible at all times, even on stage. People who work here or volunteer for Otronicon are not allowed to enter the contest, even if they’re not working that day.
2. We plan to have time for 40 entries at the Costume Contest. All entries must register for the contest before 5:00 PM on Friday, January 15. The first 30 entries are definitely in the contest." Once filled, an additional 30 entries will be in as alternates, or if we’ve got time.
3. Entries will be separated into four groups. These group listings only tell the judges how closely to examine each costume.
1. I’m wearing a costume to Otronicon. Am I entered in the Darden Theater Costume Contest?
No. The Darden Theater Costume Contest is something you must register for. Upon registration, you will be given a time to show up at Darden Theater on Level Two for a judging session. During judging, a group of programming staff will ask you questions about your costume, such as construction techniques, materials and tools used, and your skill level.
1. All participants must have an Otronicon admission wristband visible. (This includes Walk-In, Membership, and other specialty badges). Current staff members of Orlando Science Center, scheduled Otronicon volunteers, and Exhibitors are ineligible to compete in the Darden Theater Costume Contest. 2. There will be a maximum of 40 entries at the Costume Contest. All entries must register for the contest before 5:00 PM on Friday, January 15. 3. The first 30 entries will be registered as "reserved entries." Once filled, an additional 30 entries will be registered as "overflow entries." 4. At the conclusion of check-in for reserved entries, any unclaimed slots, including the remaining 10 slots will be made available to registered overflow entries on a first come, first serve basis. 5. Entries will be separated into four groups:
