Anime Boston 2008 will be is hosting a variety of cosplay programming:
- Masquerade
The Masquerade is the must-see event for most Anime Boston attendees. Dozens and dozens of different costumes are brought on stage to present in front of an audience of thousands. The best of these costumes and performances will win awards. The Masquerade is fun to watch and fun to participate in.
- Hall Costume Contest
Anime Boston's Hall Costume Contest allows cosplayers to enter their costumes in a competition without having to appear on stage. Cosplayers can sign up for the contest and will receive a scheduled time when our panel of judges will review the costume.
- Cosplay Human Chess
Everyone knows what chess is, but have you ever seen it played using people dressed in anime costumes as the pieces? Apply to be a chess piece or just come to watch and see which side wins!
- The Anime Dating Game
In this fan-favorite game show, cosplaying contestants will compete in-character to go on a "date" with another lucky cosplayer.
- Catch the Barrel
A cosplay rivalry competition game played in the halls of the convention center all weekend, in which rival teams of cosplayers compete to score points by challenging rivals for control of prop "barrels" and the treasures and prizes hidden within.
- Cosplot - Continuing Cosplay Plotline
Anime Boston's "Cosplot" is a role-play storyline that connects our major cosplay programming into one continuing adventure. Last year Alchemist and Shinigami cosplayers fought it out to see which team would replace Pirates as the Ninjas' official rivals. Keep up on which of this year's events will feature new Cosplot action, or apply to participate.
- Emergency Cosplay Repair Station
We realize that things can always go wrong at the worst times. To help you out when disaster strikes, our Masquerade Headquarters will have a selection of emergency cosplay supplies on hand and free for everyone's use.
- Staff-Vote Costume Contest
Some of Anime Boston's staff members will be roaming the halls and handing out ribbons to cosplayers they like. If you're in costume, you're automatically entered!
- Cosplay Panels
Every year, Anime Boston presents a number of cosplay panels about topics such as wig styling, prop creation, and more. If you would like to run a cosplay panel, feel free to submit a panel application form.
What is the difference between the Hall Costume Contest and the Staff-Vote Costume Contest?
The Hall Costume Contest has competitive judging, a finite number of registered participants, fewer awards given out, and the prizes are likely to go to very elaborate and difficult costumes. The Staff-Vote Costume Contest is very informal, and is judged in the halls by various Anime Boston staff members. There is with no registration required-- every costume seen in the halls automatically qualifies. There is potential for more than 100 winners, and ribbons can go to elaborate costumes but also simple ones, including store-bought costumes, clever or original ideas, good acting, bad puns, cute kids, anything that catches the judges' fancy. Everyone is welcome to participate in both contests, using the same or different costumes.
Can I sign-up for both the Hall Costume Contest and the Masquerade?
Not at first. Masquerade registration fills up very quickly, and the Hall Costume Contest is intended in part to increase the number of people who get to participate in costume judging by providing a second venue. So at first you will not be able to register for both contests and must choose to register for one or the other. However, if you are interested in both, you may first register for the one you prefer, then submit a registration to the other stating that you are already registered for the first, and we will put you on the waiting list for the second contest. If there are still any spaces open on February 1st, then we will fill the remaining spaces with names from the waiting list.
May I wear the same costume in both the Hall Costume Contest and the Masquerade?
No. You are welcome to win Staff-Vote Costume Contest ribbons for costumes you have entered in the Masquerade or Hall Costume Contest, but you may not enter the same costume in both Masquerade and Hall Costume Contest. .
May I enter these contests wearing the same costume as last year?
In the Staff-Vote Costume Contest, of course you can. In the Hall Costume Contest and the Masquerade, you may not enter costumes from previous Anime Boston Masquerades unless you have made substantial changes to them and have secured special permission from the Masquerade Manager to re-enter the costume. In applying for special permission, you may be required to submit photos to prove the costume has changed substantially. If you want to do the same character you did last year but make an all-new costume this year, that's fine.
