Cosplay in Libraries by Ellyssa Kroski

Author:Ellyssa Kroski [Kroski, Ellyssa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2015-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Backstage

Set up a backstage area, or, as the organizers for the New York Comic Con contest call it, a “cospitality lounge,” that will serve as a kind of green room with mirrors and supplies such as simple sewing kits, glue, and tape, that may be needed for last-minute costume malfunctions. This can be dedicated or reserved restrooms as well as other areas of the library where cosplayers can prepare and primp before their stage debut.10

Stage Setup

Create an off-stage area where cosplayers can line up as they get ready to go on stage. This will keep a large crowd of cosplayers from forming in doorways, by the audience, and so on, but also will make their grand entrance an “ahhh” moment for the participants and the audience. The off-stage area could consist of a nearby stacks aisle or a place behind a room divider.11

Libraries will want to have a simple audiovisual system set up, consisting of one to two microphones for the emcee and judges panel, as well as speakers for announcing contestants and playing background music, which can be played from an iPhone or other device. These systems can be purchased at most music stores as well as from online websites such as Sweetwater.com or Musiciansfriend.com if the library doesn’t already own such equipment.

The Event

At the time of the event, direct cosplayers to walk on stage and strike a pose or two while they are announced and then have them exit the stage area on the other side. If your library doesn’t have a formal stage area, clear out an area that can be used as such. While you may not be equipped to live stream your event as some of the mega-cons do, you can certainly have someone taking video, which you can upload later to the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Alternatives

Not all cosplayers want to take part in a competitive event such as this. Some are shy, while others just don’t want to be judged. Still others may be too young. So you may want to think of activities that these cosplayers can take part in as well, aside from the contest. Here are few ideas:

Host a cosplay parade following the contest that all cosplayers can participate in and enjoy as a group.

Allow “walk-on only” entries for those who want to show off their costumes and have a walk on stage but do not want to participate in the judging component.

Host a Hallway Cosplay Contest at which contestants can register and be evaluated by the panel of judges separate from the public cosplay contest.

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