Rules & Information

[TurkFox]

1. WEAPONS/PROPS & CONDUCT

All weapons and props should be brought to the cosplay desk upon arrival at an event to be checked by the organiser, even if you are not participating in any cosplay events. This is to prevent anyone wandering around with anything potentially dangerous.

 

Weapons and props should be no longer than 5ft (1.5m) to be carried around - anything longer than this can be stored at the cosplay desk at your own risk until the masquerade. They should be constructed of foam, plastic, balsa wood, cardboard or other lightweight materials. They should have no sharp edges and any dangerous things removed.

 

Wooden or other solid (LEGAL) replica weapons must be peace-bonded (unable to be drawn).

 

The organiser reserves the right to confiscate any weapon considered to be dangerous. Mock battles or 'play fights' are not allowed inside the event area. Please be safe with your weapon or prop. Anyone found behaving in a way which endangers themself or the public will have their weapon confiscated and/or be escorted immediately from the event without refund. During the event, you may be approached by a member of the cosplay team or security to check your weapon has been approved. If this happens, please be co-operative.

 

Finally, remember to be extra vigilant when transporting items to and from the event.

 

 

2. ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to all ages, but entrants aged under 16 must have their entry form signed by a parent or guardian - no exceptions. If you look young, please bring proof of age.

 

All types of costume may be entered within reason. Costumes from film, anime, video games, music, tV, comics, books, theatre and even original costumes may be entered.

 

We regret that bought costumes (as a whole or seperately-acquired outfit from a shop or from e-bay) are not allowed for entrants over 12 years. If you haven't made at least part of your costume (or modified something bought heavily), it is not eligible to win a prize.

 

If you have previously won a Showmasters cosplay event with a particular costume, you cannot enter that costume again without prior arrangement with the organiser. If you have previously entered a Showmasters event with a costume but haven't won a prize with it, you will probably be allowed to enter it again if it shows signs of being improved/worked on, but please check with the organiser in advance.

 

 

2.a) CATEGORIES

Under 12 - This category will no longer be judged. It is simply to show off costumes and be part of the masquerade experience! If an under-12 is wearing a costume you wish to have judged, it must be entered into the appropriate category for the age of the person who made it, regardless of the age of the child wearing it.

 

Junior - This category covers the ages of 12 - 17. Costumes entered into this category should be mostly made by the entrant, though we understand they may have had some help.

 

Adult - This category is for 18+ entrants, plus any entrants wearing a costume made by an adult. Entrants will be held strictly to the rules.

 

 

3. MASQUERADE

From the moment you walk onto the stage, you are trying to impress us. Show us the character's movements, personality etc. and pose as the character would! You have around a minute to pose and show your costume off. The longer you are on stage for, the more time you have to score points in this area, so it's better not to just rush on and rush back off again.

 

If you are performing a skit, all sound must be pre-recorded and emailed before the closing date for entries. We can't provide microphones, so all dialogue should be pre-recorded. You should describe your skit on the entry form so we can allow/disallow things based on their suitability for a general audience. Staff have the right to stop a skit at any time if it becomes inappropriate. The maximum skit length is two minutes for an individual entry and three minutes for a group.

 

You may use any song for your walk-on or skit, as long as it is suitable for a general audience (eg. no swearing or other explicit content). We don't accept music on the day so if you haven't sent in anything beforehand, something will be chosen for you from what we have. This includes on-the-day entries.

 

 

4. REGISTRATION

Registration will be available online in advance for all events. You should fill in the entry form and email it by the date given in the thread. There will also be limited spaces available on the day, but pre-registration is preferred (and essential if you wish to provide your own music). You must report to the desk on the day to sign in and be pre-judged.

 

All entries in the adult category (over 12 years of age) must provide a reference picture. This should be emailed in advance. If it is an original costume that you are entering, a drawing/sketch or concepts will be accepted. You should also provide your own music, attached with your registration or emailed shortly after.

 

Entries made on the day must have a reference picture. We don't accept music on the day, even for pre-registered entries.

 

 

5. JUDGING

Costumes will be judged in three areas - the quality of the costume and how well made it is; how much of a resemblance the costume and contestant have to the original; and how well you present the character's movements/mannerisms.

 

Pre-judging will occur on the day. If you are entering to win a prize (ie. you have made at least part of your costume), the judges will ask questions, take a closer look at the costume etc. This is compulsory if you wish to score any points in the "craftsmanship" category. The masquerade will take place in front of an audience and a panel of judges.

 

6. MISC

You may be filmed or photographed during the masquerade, and Showmasters or its associates may wish to use your image. By entering the masquerade you agree to this.

Edited May 31, 2011 by TurkFox

[FuriePhoenix]

HI, i read all through the information but I was wondering when the registration and forms will be put up for masquerade and skit entries??Also, where will it be put up?

[TurkFox]

I took the old ones down as I was getting entries in my inbox still, even though I've stepped down.

 

I'll see if I can find out who's in charge now and get them to post things up.

[FuriePhoenix]

great thank you!

 

By the way, do you HAVE to be judged? Or can you choose to not be judged? Even if you're doing a skit?

[TurkFox]

That'll be a question for the new person - they may have changed things around.

[FreeSaiyan]

I can confirm that for this LFCC we will be keeping to the existing ways of doing things, so no big-changes this time around. We should have new forms up very shortly. Again, for the sake of convenience they will be similar to the old ones.