Cosplay EVENT Rules
It is each attendee’s responsibility to read the conventions policies beforehand and to enquire with Q-Con staff directly if any problems, confusion or misunderstanding occurs regarding the following. Failure to comply with these policies may result in attendance being revoked, with serious breaches potentially leading to permanent exclusion. These policies are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all of our attendees and ignorance of them can’t be accepted from anyone cosplaying at the event.
To participate in Cosplay Events at Q-Con attendees must clearly display their wristband from Q-Con 2024 at all times. It is convention policy that all attendees must visibly display their wristbands at all times whether in or without cosplay. Failure to do so will result in delay or rejection of you being signed up for Cosplay events throughout the weekend. This also applies to someone who is in possession of, but not wearing their wristband.
Q-Con 2024 is an all ages convention and Cosplay events will have an audience of both children and adults alike. Some material may not be suitable for children or make some people uncomfortable, so please be aware and moderate your behaviour and language at all times. Q-Con event organisers reserve the right to moderate submitted material if required.
Participants Under 13 must have their adult guardian present with them at the cosplay desk and event orientation if they are applying for any cosplay event participation, to confirm they are happy for the child in their charge to participate in cosplay events (subject to event age restrictions), and must be present during the event to supervise them.
Acrobatics are not permitted on stage, regardless of the performer’s skill level. Such examples being front flips, backflips etc. This is due to the inherent risk of injury from acrobatics and the height of the stage. Any act that includes such stunts in their performance will be disqualified from any cosplay competitions and asked to immediately leave the stage.
Use of fire or substances that could accidentally cause injury or damage if spilled, even if it is used in a stunt, is NOT Permitted and will lead to immediate disqualification.
All entrants who have signed up for ANY cosplay event that involves a stage performance must participate in a mandatory safety orientation prior to the event. This orientation will take place at a predetermined time and will not be repeated for any late entrants. Failure to attend or be punctual will result in immediate disqualification from event participation.
Cosplay Masquerade
The Cosplay Masquerade is taking over Mandela hall. Show off your hard work on the stage in front of your friends and be in with a chance to win prizes!
Please ensure you read the event rules beforehand to ensure your best chances of doing well:
Entry into the Newcomer category of the Cosplay Masquerade requires that at least 15% your Cosplay must be your own work and not made or commissioned for you by someone else. Allowances can be made in special circumstances at the discretion of the Cosplay Manager.
Entry into the Intermediate category of the Cosplay Masquerade requires that at least 30% your Cosplay must be your own work and not made or commissioned for you by someone else. Allowances can be made in special circumstances at the discretion of the Cosplay Manager.
Entry into the Artisan category of the Cosplay Masquerade requires that at least 60% your Cosplay must be your own work and not made or commissioned for you by someone else. Allowances can be made in special circumstances at the discretion of the Cosplay Manager.
If you are not eligible to enter the competition for awards and prizes, you are still able to take part in the Masquerade as a Non-Judged performance.
Participants must follow the instructions of the event staff at all times during the Cosplay Masquerade, including stage directions such as how and when to proceed onto the stage and where the boundaries of the stage are. Failure will result in disqualification and any further actions deemed necessary by the Q-Con 2024 Cosplay Manager and/or Venue Security, up to and including attendance being revoked.
There is a maximum of 60 seconds of stage time per person for Masquerade Catwalk entries. For timekeeping reasons there can be no exceptions to this rule.
You may still take part in the walk-on Masquerade or the Performance category if you didn’t make your cosplay yourself; your cosplay itself won’t be judged however.
Only a signed and fully filled out form will allow entry into the event. A Masquerade sign-up form must be completed fully for anyone looking to participate in cosplay masquerade both for showcase and competitive entry and talent show sign-up form must be completed per group if you wish to do a performance skit.
All performances and Cosplays must be tasteful and appropriate for a general audience. Any activity on stage must be within the boundaries of the stage as shown by the Cosplay manager and must not involve rowdy play. Failure to comply with these will result in disqualification and any further actions deemed necessary by the Q-Con 2024 Committee and/or Venue Security, up to and including attendance being revoked.
Any breaches of the above rules may result in disqualification from the cosplay competitions. Severe breaches may incur any further penalties deemed necessary by the Q-Con 2024 Committee and/or venue security, up to and including attendance being revoked.