Performance Cosplay Contest

What Does Competing Look Like at the Con?

1. Check-In
   1. You will receive an indicator (sticker, badge, etc.) marking you as a contestant in the Main Cosplay Contest. This is your backstage pass to get into the Green Room. 
   2. You will be given instructions on where you need to report for the show.
2. Green Room
   1. You will go to the media team’s booth setup and get video and photos taken, with all performance members present and in-costume.
   2. We will be seating everyone in order for the show and organizing any pre-show needs.
   3. The beginning of Green Room is a time to be attentive to instructions, where the later part is to relax and hang out with your fellow contestants.
3. Main Cosplay Contest (Order)
   1. Performances (judged live)
   2. Craftsmanship and Circuit Walk-Ons
   3. (ONLY AT PRIME) Colossal Circuit Finals Presentations
   4. Half-Time Show
   5. Awards
4. Feedback
   1. There will be scheduled time to receive feedback, advice, and generally learn how to improve with the judges.
   2. Details will be emailed out prior to the convention.

Performance Contest Rules

1. You must be a registered attendee of the Colossalcon Event.
2. All costumes must meet the ‘Colossalcon Dress Code’. 
3. Colossalcon Staff are not permitted to enter any cosplay competition. 
4. Content and costumes cannot be obscene or offensive, including insensitive or unnecessary use of makeup, nor endorse any form of hate or hate group. Gore, graphic violence, or other objectionable elements may also be grounds for disqualification.
5. Please be aware that signing up does not guarantee entry. Acceptance emails will be sent closer to the date of the convention.
6. Performances are limited to 1-3 minutes to perform.
7. You do not need to make your own cosplay if you’re performing, you are not judged on that criteria.
8. What goes on-stage with you must come off.
   1. No glitter, confetti, etc.
   2. Please make sure to grab props and such left aside once your performance has ended
9. We do not allow improvised performances, all entries must be set/ rehearsed.
10. You aren’t limited to what you may present. Common performances are dance, skits, and singing. Bring your creativity.
    1. Please be aware that if you are planning on performing things like aerials or stunts, we will require and ask for proof of insurance.
11. If you have been waitlisted, please be available for contact at the appointed cut-off time for accepted performance check-in (this information will be relayed via email).
    1. When our initial acceptance emails go out to entries, waitlisted emails will also be sent out.
    2. In the event that someone drops or doesn’t check in by their appointed time, we will start reaching out to our waitlist.
       1. If you miss our attempt to contact you (to offer a spot in the contest), we will move on to another entrant.
12. There will be no changes made to your performance’s audio and tech needs once on-site. There will be no exceptions.
13. No Show/ No Contact= Disqualification. 
    1. Colossalcon’s staff is available through email communication before the show.
    2. You will receive your judging time, locations, and information through email before the event.
    3. If you need to drop out of the competition, please reach out to the staff so that another contestant on the waitlist can have the opportunity. 
    4. We ask that you respect your fellow contestants and the cosplay staff by appearing when expected (for example: Tech Rehearsal, Green Room, etc.).
14. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and can result in automatic disqualification.  Whether it’s your fellow contestants, guests, staff, or judges- all Colossalcons have a zero bullying and harassment policy. Please see the sportsmanship section below for more.
    1. This includes reaching out to the judges, or department heads, prior to the show for coaching or advice.
15. You cannot enter performances that have won a major award (Best in Show, Best of Division, etc.). Minor award-winners (Honorable Mention, Judge’s Award, etc.) are permitted. Please reach out if you are questioning any eligibility.

Contest Skill Divisions

A division is simply your placement and competition level. All entrants should enter at the division/ skill level they feel comfortable (within reason).

Novice Division: 

• New to performing and have not competed much.
• No more than 1 major award was won previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their performances. 
  • These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only.
  • At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered.

Journeyman Division: 

• More experienced with performing.
• No more than 2 major awards were won previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their performances. 
  • These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only.
  • At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered.

Master Division:

• Advanced experience with performing.
• More than 3 major awards were won previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their performances. 
  • These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only.
  • At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered.

*Note: The Cosplay Staff has the right to place a competitor in an appropriate division at their discretion.*

Sportsmanship In Cosplay Events

At numerous events across the country, displays of poor or unsportsmanlike behavior have been rampant. Like any competition, some will win, and others will not. At all Colossalcon events, any and all displays of Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated. 

Feedback sessions will be available with judges and you may discuss your questions there. However, this is not the time or place to blame the judges for your loss. You may ask for advice and feedback. If you are not prepared for any type of constructive feedback, this may not be the panel for you. 

AI-Generated Images and Audio

Colossalcon does not support the usage of AI-generated music, video, and images. Usage of these things for any of our cosplay contests is not permitted and usage of said things will result in being disqualified.