Costume Contest

What is the Costume Contest?

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The Comic Expo Costume Contest is a live event which allows individuals to display their costume in a live setting. Upon registering, contestants will have the opportunity to display their costume and give a short, (maximum 60 seconds) performance should they choose to in front of a live audience.

Those who wish to participate must be a registered attendee of the 2010 Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo (CCEE). There is a hard cap limit of 50 participants and time limits will be strictly enforced.

Rules

  1. Only individuals registered in the costume contest can participate in the costume contest. Costumes should have a theme consistent with the CCEE’s celebration – ie, from a comic, television, movie, animation, video game, etc.
  2. The costume contest will be open to any individual in costume; the costume does NOT have to be self-made (it can be rented or purchased), although there will be a separate award eligible solely for individuals who have self made their costume.
  3. The CCEE reserves the right to disallow any contestants on basis of appropriateness of costume – please remember that the CCEE is a family friendly expo, and follow the rules of common sense. A general rule of thumb is that if you are not comfortable with the idea of a picture of you in that costume appearing on the front page of a newspaper, then you should not wear it.
  4. Contestants will be judged mostly on the costume, with only minor consideration given to the entertainment factor of their presentation. This means that walk-ons are just as valued as performances.
  5. Judges will give their ratings based on (a) the qualities of the costume itself including accuracy, originality, fit, quality of constructions (b) fun factor of the performance, and (c) audience enjoyment factor. Please note that the judging is subjective and the scores given reflect the personal tastes of each judge.
  6. Performances are strictly limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. Should you go over the limit, you will run the risk of being disqualified from the contest, as well as being abruptly cut short by organizers. Contestants performing in groups will only have 60 seconds for the entire group.
  7. Contestants will be split into categories based on age and gender as follows:
    1. Men (Aged 13 and over)
    2. Women (Aged 13 and over)
    3. Boys (Aged 8 - 12)
    4. Girls (Aged 8 - 12)
    5. Younger Boys (Aged 8 and younger)
    6. Younger Girls (Aged 8 and younger)
    7. Best Craftsmanship (for self constructed costumes)
  8. Please note that each contestant will be judged by him or herself, even if he or she performs as part of a group.
  9. Background music will be playing in the background during your performance. If you have a music track that you would like to use specifically, please email it to me as part of your registration. Otherwise, CCEE will provide random, upbeat music for you.

Registration

Contestants can register via two methods:

  1. Pre-Registration

    Please send an email to Jenny Chan at costume@calgaryexpo.com . In your email, please include:

    1. Your first & last name
    2. Your email
    3. Your gender
    4. Your age
    5. The character you are portraying
    6. The series from which your character is from
    7. Whether your costume was made by yourself (to see if you are eligible for the Best Craftsmanship award)
    8. A short summary of what you intend to do as your performance. If you do not intend to perform, and only wish to model your costume for the judges and audience, then just note that you plan to do a ‘walk on’.
    9. If you wish to participate in a group, the details of your other members (ie, each person’s name, email, gender, age, character portrayed, series the character is from, and whether the costume was self-constructed)
    10. Note, if you are registering as part of a group, only 1 person from that group needs to write this email.
    11. If you have background music you would like to use during your performance, please attach the .mp3 to me in this email. Mp3s are the only format I can accept your music.  If you do not have background music please state, “I don’t have specific music I’d like to use and will use CCEE’s music”

  2. On Site Registration

    Please come to the [TBA] room on the date of the contest between 12:00 pm and 1:30pm. We will be accepting on site registration during this time.

Contest Format

  1. Contestants are encouraged to pre-register via email or onsite between 12:00pm – 1:30pm.
  2. At Saturday, April 24th, 2:30pm (90 mins before the costume contest is scheduled to run), all contestants must arrive at the [TBA] room for instructions and attendance taking.
  3. At 4:00pm, the costume contest will start, lasting for 1 hour, with an additional hour for awards and judging (over by 6:00pm):
    1. Contestants will be seated in order of appearance.
    2. When the Contestant’s name is called, you will enter onto the stage, salute the judges and audience, and perform your maximum 60 second presentation.
    3. After the presentation, the contestant will exit the stage and return to their assigned seat.
    4. After all contestants have performed, the judges will deliberate for approximately 15-20 mins. During this time, all contestants will be allowed to mingle with the audience. A ‘half time’ show consisting of interviews and picture opportunities with the audience and contestants will be held.
    5. After the judges have finished deliberating, winners will be announced.
    6. Contestants must be on hand to accept their awards.

Prizes

[TBA]

Other Items

  1. Microphones: Please note that there will be microphones available for use. Microphones are encouraged but not required
  2. Props: Contestants are allowed to bring props within reason. Please note that CCEE retains the right to remove props both from the contest and the CCEE site in any reason. CCEE’s primary concern is public safety, but we will retain the right to disallow any prop for any reason.
  3. Lighting: Please note that CCEE will not have any special lighting on hand.
  4. Music: Please see above. If you have music you would like to use, please ensure that you register into the contest using the email method and email me your .mp3. Mp3 are the only format I can accept your music in. If you do not have music you would like to use, CCEE will provide upbeat background music to you during your skit.
  5. Videos, Audio and Photos: Contestants’ images will likely be recorded. By entering the CCEE costume contest, you allow CCEE to use your footage for future promotional purposes without further authorization required.
  6. General behaviour: Contestants must obey all laws and by-laws governing the CCEE and the venue location. Those who do not obey will be removed from the premises and their pass revoked without prior warning. If the nature of the infraction is severe, authorities will be contacted.
  7. Change Rooms: There are no special change areas available for the costume contest. Please arrive in costume, or use public washrooms

Tips for a Successful Entry to the Costume Contest

  1. Have fun! Remember at the end of the day, the costume contest is for the fun and entertainment of not only the contestant, but the audience member as well. Do not enter the contest expecting to win but to have fun; no one likes a sore loser or a bad winner.
  2. Perform a walk-on or ensure you have rehearsed your presentation and that it is within the time-limit. Nothing kills a good contestant more than a long, non-entertaining skit. Short and Sweet are keys to success, and remember, just because you have a full minute does not mean you need to take the full minute!
  3. Take pride in how your wear your costume. Ensure that the costume fits correctly, is well made and flatters your body type. A simple costume that makes you look good works much better than an elaborate costume that does not.