Director: Jessica Merriman

The Anime and Animation tracks at Dragon*Con are proud to bring back the Cosplay Contest! The Cosplay Contest is a craftsmanship award show, with a pre-judging session and a catwalk display. 

Dragon*Con Cosplay Contest Rules & Guidelines

1. Contestants can only enter in one category, Individual or Group. Due to the unpredictable size of groups, a prize for each member cannot be guaranteed.

2. No skits during judging or catwalk.

3. No nudity. No costume is no costume.

4. No profanity allowed on stage. That includes messages on signs or clothes. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.

5. No political or religious statement during the catwalk. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.

6. Do not use any sort of projectile at all! Nothing must leave your person while you are on the catwalk. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.

7. No flashpots, explosive devices, or similar special effects are to be used. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.

8. All prop weapons must conform to the Dragon*Con Weapons Policy.

9. All applications must be submitted physically to the contest registration table before pre-judging; there is no online entry. An application may be obtained either from the website or from the Anime Track room before pre-judging.

10. To be judged for accuracy a visual reference, preferably a front and back color photo on paper, can be turned in with your  application. Electronic media (i.e. CDs) will not be accepted nor will bringing a laptop or video device (i.e.  iPods) to pre-judging. This is not required. However, you may not be eligible for accuracy points if the judges are not familiar enough with your character.

11. All judging will be done before the showing, off-stage.

12. Costumes must be self-contained.

13. Do not enter or exit the catwalk except at the designated points.

14. Each contestant may only enter one costume into competition.

15. Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. Dragon*Con will not be able to provide assistants.