Costume Contest
Costume (Cosplay) Competition at Otronicon
Sunday, January 15, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
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.
Inspiration for costumes and characters are often drawn from favorite sources like manga, anime, comic books, graphic novels, video games, and science fiction and fantasy movies. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. It is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.
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!
Prizes awarded:
Best in Show – $100.00 Best buy gift card
Runner up – $55.00 Best buy gift card
2nd Runner up – $25.00 Best buy gift card
$10 to register (in addition to Otronicon admission)
Must register in advance at the Registration Table, in the Darden Theater Hallway on Level 2. Only 25 entrants allowed.
What is Cosplay?
The term cosplay was coined by Nov Takahashi of the Japanese studio Studio Hard while attending the 1984 Los Angeles Science Fiction Worldcon. He was impressed by the convention and the costumed fans and reported on both in Japanese science fiction magazines. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered around role play. A broader use of the term cosplay applies it to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context.
Cosplay differs from Halloween and Mardi Gras costume wear not only in existing independent of any particular holiday, but in its goal. The object of cosplay is interpretation: one attempts to become one's character much as a stage actor inhabits a role. Costumes are expected to adhere meticulously to the attire known to be worn by the character represented. Even more generic costumes get an elaborately artistic treatment.
Once in costume, cosplayers adopt the affect, mannerisms and body language of the characters they portray. Cosplayers often gather to view the costumes of others, show off their own creations, take pictures, share tips, and participate in contests. This activity is maintained between major events through participation in online forums.
07 January 2010
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Costume Contest
- Awards are given as follows: "Best in Show," Runner up & 2nd Runner up. All judgments are final. Costumes will be judged on various criteria including craftsmanship and overall effect.
- All participants must have an Otronicon admission wristband visible at all times, even on stage. People who work at OSC or volunteer for Otronicon are not allowed to enter the contest, even if they’re not working that day.
- We will have time for 25 entries at the Costume Contest. All entries must register for the contest and be in the Darden Adventure Theatre by 3:30 PM on Sunday, January 15.
- Each contestant may present (wear) one and only one costume. No group entries.
- All costumes must pertain in some way to a character, or object, that is depicted in Japanese anime (e.g. Akira), manga (e.g. Naruto), video games (e.g. Metroid), or some other facet of Electronic culture (e.g. Batman or the X-Men). Original costumes (characters you made up) will not be permitted, because we can’t tell how good the costume is.
- If your costume is deemed offensive by OSC to its patrons, then you’ll be disqualified. Use your head. If you’re coming as a character that’s known for a giant metal sword, don’t bring an actual giant metal sword. No real weapons of any kind are allowed. This includes air soft guns, paint ball guns, and steel weapons. Contestants violating this rule will be immediately disqualified, and no refund rewarded.
- Purchased, professionally made, or rented costumes are strongly discouraged. Participants should be prepared to briefly explain the process through which their costume was created. Costumes will be judged on a variety of criteria, including craftsmanship and overall effect. The winners of both contests will be announced throughout the building, and online via the Otronicon™ Facebook, and Twitter pages.
- Please be in Darden Theater with your Judging Form filled Out by 3:30 pm! If you miss your time, we will drop your entry from the Darden Theater Costume Contest.
- Viewing the Darden Theater Costume Contest is open to the public, so SMILE!
- You must remain in the Darden Theatre for the duration of the Costume Contest to receive your potential award.
- Parents/legal guardians are required to accompany children 13 years and younger during the Darden Theater Costume Contest.
- Your costume must allow you freedom of movement so that you can go up steps. Make certain your costume allows you to do this unassisted. For liability reasons, Otronicon™ staff will not assist costumers onto or off of the stage.
- Please remember that children will be present in the audience. Please keep your content to the equivalent of a "PG-13"-rated film. No explicit sexual references, gestures, or swearing will be allowed. Any presentation that violates this rule will be disqualified and may be asked to leave the stage during the performance of the presentation.
- No glitter, confetti, pyrotechnics, live flame, or smoke generators of any kind are allowed in the Orlando Science Center. All props and materials that are taken on stage must leave the stage with you.
- No electrical power connections will be provided. If your costume requires power it must be part of your costume design.
- All decisions of the Darden Theater Costume Contest Judges are final.
