2019 Cosplay contest rules are posted below!
Rules for All Cosplayers
1. All costumes must be suitable for a family-friendly event. Suitability is determined by library staff. If you have questions about your costume's appropriateness, please email ndavis@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
2. Nudity or the illusion of nudity is not allowed.
3. Profanity (including messages on clothing) is not allowed.
4. Obscene or offensive costumes are not allowed. Suitability is determined by library staff. If you have questions about your costume's appropriateness, please email ndavis@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
5. All prop weapons must adhere to the library's weapons policy. If you have questions about your prop's appropriateness, please email ndavis@ebrpl.com prior to the event.
Library staff reserve the right to ask anyone to leave or change at their discretion.
"Cosplay is an expression of fandom for a character, which is why many cosplayers will create characters from outside their own race. Many westerners who cosplay anime characters partake in this practice, as well as cosplayers portraying alien races from films such as Avatar. Race-bending in cosplay is generally accepted as long as costumes are respectful. But it is important to be aware that when cosplaying outside of your own race, it is essential to be sensitive to elements of your costume that could be considered offensive. For example, it is never acceptable to use blackface or brownface when cosplaying, even if you are trying to be as authentic as possible. When the race is fictional, for example, the Na'vi race of Pandora (Avatar) or Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, you can feel free to alter your skin to blue, green, and so on. Don't forget that cosplay is supposed to be fun. You should cosplay characters that you admire and identify with, regardless of race; just be considerate of others."
-Excerpt from Chapter 7 of Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library by Ellyssa Kroski
All patrons must abide by East Baton Rouge Parish Library's Rules of Behavior for Patrons, which you can read here, along with our other library policies. These rules state, "Physical, verbal, or sexual harassment of library patrons or staff will not be tolerated."
The cosplay community has spoken out against issues of harassment and poor etiquette at cons. You can learn more about the movement and how to avoid harassment and breaches of etiquette at Geeks for CONsent or Cosplay is Not Consent. Here are some general rules to follow:
Cosplay Criteria & Guidelines
Overall Guidelines
Participants for this contest do not have to meet a certain percentage of craftsmanship to enter. However, crafted costumes, props, etc. are highly encouraged.
Judging is done on a first-come/serve basis. This is a hallway costume contest, meaning there will be no on-stage judging. Participants will approach (or will be approached) by judge(s) for presentation.
Judging Criteria
Categories/Awards
Categories may be combined to reflect participation.
Registration
Procedure
Judging: (12:45pm – 2:00pm)
- Character(s) Name
- Series of Origin
- Items made /bought/modified
- Materials used
- Time-frame of crafted items
Awards: (4:45-5:00 pm)
Notes
*Rules adapted from Chapter 6 of Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library by Ellysa Kroski
Ninja YoYo Cosplay
Cosplay Contest Coordinator and Judge
Bio:
Ninja Yoyo Cosplay (more commonly known as Cheri) is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana based cosplayer originally from Mississippi. This Southern Miss and LSU alumna is a Graphic Designer by day, Cosplayer by night, and has been cosplaying for just over 5 years, and her looks are generally influenced by anime and comics. During her spare time, Ninja Yoyo is a moderator for the Extraordinary Journey of a Black Nerd Facecbook group, where she helps organize its #28DaysofBlackCosplay project, and she has also contributed articles for the EJOBN and Gathering of Geeks blogs in the past. In addition to this awesome con, she has plans to attend: Louisianime, MomoCon, Big Easy Con, and MechaCon.
Cajun Moon Creations
Worskhop Presenter, Wig Demo; Cosplay Contest Coordinator & Judge
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cajunmooncreations
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovelyLadyLuna4
Bio:
Lady Luna Loveless is an award winning cosplayer and owner of Cajun Moon Creations. She is a professional seamstress and wig stylist from Lafayette Louisiana.
Tubbi
Website: https://thenerdybirdsite.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TheNerdyBirdSite
Bio:
A supporter of all things creative, she fell in love with music passionately watching her father flourish as a percussionists growing up! Music, as it stems deep within the heritage of her family has become a large part of her life. She is no stranger to the fashion world as she uses bold styles to express her own creative views on a daily accord, capturing them one photo at a time. In her own right she appreciates all things considered art and is working to showcase all of the local talent she can, all while sharing her fitness journey! She is a Nerdy Bird trying to spread the word about local upcoming artist!