Cosplacon Contest Rules & Info

Friday: Cosplay Skits

A Cosplay Contest with a Focus on Performance

  • Only 15 slots available! Online sign-up is required so we can pre-screen your audio or script.

  • Self-made costumes are not required, but they can qualify for special awards or be used to break a tie.

  • You cannot enter a costume/skit that has already won an award at a larger event in Missouri or a neighboring state.

  • All skits must be 5 minutes or less.

  • You cannot have more than 5 people on stage during your skit.

  • Do not throw anything at the audience, or do anything that would require heavy clean-up (such as glitter or confetti).

  • Content must be family-friendly, and costume/s must follow Cosplacon’s costume/props policies. 

  • Rehearsal is Friday @ 10:00am - 11:30am. Before the convention, you will be emailed a time slot assignment to practice on stage. Failure to show up for your rehearsal time will result in disqualification.

  • Cosplay Skits will take place on the main stage on Friday from 5:30pm - 6:00pm. Please arrive 20-30 minutes early so that you can be seated before doors open to the public.

  • Award List*

    • 1st Place -

    • 2nd Place -

    • 3rd Place -

      *Awards are subject to change

  • We can only provide up to 4 prizes to a single group. For groups of 4 or more people it will be up to you to determine the division of prizes between participants.

Saturday: Cosplay Royale

Runway style Cosplay Contest with a focus on craftsmanship.

Use this guide to pick your category. Below are suggestions to determine which category may be most appropriate for you.

Please Note: The judges may move you to into a different category if they believe it is appropriate. You must have handmade at least 50% or more of your costume to qualify for the Beginner, Intermediate, or Master categories.

Exhibition - You purchased your costume, it was made by someone else, or it was assembled with thrifted pieces/items from your closet.

Beginner - You’ve only been crafting costumes for a couple years or less and have never won a craftsmanship award before.

Intermediate - You’ve been making costumes for a few years, or have won a couple awards previously.

Master - You’ve been making costumes for many years, or have won numerous awards.

  • Online sign-ups are for craftsmanship slots (Beginner/Intermediate/Master) only. Closer to the event, you will be receive an email confirmation of your submission and be assigned a time slot for craftsmanship judging on Saturday before the show. Failure to show up to your time slot may result in disqualification from craftsmanship awards.

  • In-person sign-ups for craftsmanship (Beginner/Intermediate/Master) will need to select a time slot for craftsmanship judging from the remaining slots available. Failure to show up to your selected time slot may result in disqualification from craftsmanship awards. These spots will be very limited so please arrive early if you plan to sign up in person. All remaining slots will be first come first served once online sign ups have closed.

  • Exhibition entry slots will be available for sign-up on Friday of the convention near the registration tables. You will not be assigned a craftsmanship pre-judging time, but you must show up for Rehearsal at 1:00pm.

  • You cannot enter a costume that has already won an award at a larger event in Missouri or a neighboring state.

  • You’ll have 30 seconds to perform your walk-on and poses on stage. 

  • No more than 5 people will be allowed on stage at a time.

  • Do not throw anything at the audience or do anything that would require heavy clean-up (such as glitter or confetti).

  • Presentation must be family-friendly, and costume/s must follow Cosplacon’s costume/props policies. 

  • Online applications can submit audio requests, which will be pre-screened by Cosplacon staff. In-person sign-ups are not eligible for custom audio and will have audio assigned to them by convention staff.

  • Rehearsal begins at 1:00pm on Saturday. You must arrive at this time for walk-on practice and seating before the doors are open to the public.

  • The Cosplay Royale is estimated to run between 1:30pm - 2:30pm on Saturday.

  • Awards List*

    • Best in Show

    • Best Master

    • Best Intermediate

    • Best Beginner

    • Best Exhibition

    • Open category (Could be Best Prop, Audience Favorite, etc)

    • Judge’s Choice (x3)

      *Awards list is subject to change without notice

  • In the event of a tie, the cosplay that fits most closely with the conventions theme for the year will earn the award.

  • We can only provide up to 4 prizes to a single group. For groups of 4 or more people it will be up to you to determine the division of prizes between participants.

Shirts have been ordered.

A Letter to Participants:

With a heavy heart and a mix of emotions, we must share some news that will undoubtedly leave a bittersweet taste in our mouths. After a decade of unforgettable experiences, we regret to inform you that this year will mark the final installment of the convention we hold so dear, Cosplacon. It has been an incredible journey, filled with creativity, camaraderie, and the celebration of all things. However, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

Over the past ten years, Cosplacon has grown from a modest gathering of enthusiasts into a vibrant and cherished event, cherished by cosplayers, enthusiasts, and fans alike. We have seen an astonishing array of mind-blowing costumes, jaw-dropping performances, and an unyielding passion for bringing beloved characters to life. Cosplacon has become a haven for all who appreciate the artistry, dedication, and sheer joy that Cosplacon embodies.

The decision to conclude Cosplacon was not an easy one, as we understand the special place it holds in the hearts of our community. However, we believe it is important to honor the legacy of the convention while also looking towards the future.

As we prepare to bid farewell to Cosplacon, we invite you all to join us one last time for an unforgettable final gathering. Let us commemorate the memories we have created together and toast to the friendships forged within these walls. We will ensure that this farewell edition is a fitting tribute to the remarkable ten years we have shared, a celebration that will echo in our hearts for years to come.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have contributed to the success of Cosplacon over the years. It is because of your unwavering support, boundless creativity, and infectious enthusiasm that Cosplacon has flourished as a beacon of inspiration within the community.

Let us embrace this final year of Cosplacon with open arms, cherishing the magic it has brought to our lives. And as we say goodbye, let us eagerly anticipate the dawn of a new era, where the spirit of cosplay will continue to thrive in ways yet to be unveiled.

With sincere gratitude and a hint of excitement for what lies ahead,

Rodney Hussmann

On behalf of the Cosplacon Team