Pre-judging will be from 12 PM - 3 PM CST on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.

The Cosplay Contest will be from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM CST on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.

 

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Craftsmanship Categories - (13 and up)

Advanced - (13 and up)
Criteria:

-This category is for competitors who compete at the intermediate and master level.

-Has won multiple major awards at previous RetroCons or in Intermediate and Master categories at other conventions.

-75% of your cosplay is handmade, crafted, or modified.
 

Beginner - (13 and up)
Criteria:

-This category is for our first-time crafters, or for crafters who compete at the Novice level.

-Has never won a major award at Louisiana Retro Con or other conventions.

-50% of your cosplay is handmade, crafted, or modified.

Runway Category (13 and up)
This category is for our non craftsmanship competitors

-Cosplay can be bought or less than 50% handmade, crafted, or modified
-Competitors will be solely judged on stage presence
 

Kids Category (12 and under)

-Cosplay can be made or bought.

 

GENERAL RULES:

1. Costumes must be from Anime, Fantasy, Gaming, or any fandom genre. Original character designs are also allowed.

2. Contestants must have shoes on at all times.

3. No projectile props/weapons or throwing objects at the audience during skits and walk-ons that could cause harm to someone else. Props will be rechecked before going on stage.

4. No metal/live/real weapons on stage.

5. Keep it PG. This is a family-friendly event! No NSFW conduct/nudity/profanity allowed.

6. No running into audience during performance.

7. All forms of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning and then disqualification.
 

Walk On Rules

This is your time to shine and show off your cosplay!

1. Walk Ons are no more than 30 seconds.

2. No custom audio music.

3. Groups can be no more than 4 people.
 

Kids in the Contest:

Any child 12 and under may enter this division whether cosplay is handmade or not.

-Kids must be supervised by an adult!
 

Craftsmanship Rules
(Designated by category) Beginner and Advanced

-You will be judged based on the craftsmanship of your cosplay.

-You will receive a designated pre-judging time for the Saturday portion of the con.

1. Bought cosplays are not allowed in these categories!! All bought cosplays will be put in the Runway category.

2. You MUST show up for your designated pre-judging time! This is so the judges can look at your work and craftsmanship. Not participating in pre-judging will disqualify you from craftsmanship awards.

3. Build books and reference photos are not required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

This helps the judges to see your progress further, and how you built your cosplay.

4. Louisiana Retro Con has the right to deny your entry depending on if you have continually entered competitions with the same costume, which has won awards already. This is called sandbagging, and is at times frowned upon in the cosplay community.

5. During pre-judging, you will have up to 5 minutes to show your work to the judges and explain your craftsmanship. We will let you know when your time starts!

 

Craftsmanship Awards: (13 and up)

Trophies provided by: Drop N Roll Miniatures

Best in Show - $100 cash prize sponsored by our emcee Kettlebriar’s Workshop, a guesting spot at a future event, and 2 tickets to a future event.

1st Place in Advanced - $75 cash prize sponsored by Sweet Tea Heroes, guesting spot at a future event, and 2 tickets to a future event.

2nd Place in Advanced - 2 tickets to a future event, an autographed metal anime print sponsored by Creators Con, and a Louisiana Retro Con t-shirt.

1st Place in Beginners - $50 cash prize sponsored by Sweet Tea Heroes, 2 tickets to a future event, and a Kawaii Box with Decoden accessories sponsored by JWo Design Studio.

2nd Place in Beginners - 2 tickets to a future event, an autographed metal anime print sponsored by Creators Con, and a Louisiana Retro Con t-shirt.

Kids Awards (12 and under)

1st in Kids - 4 tickets to a future event and a plushie.

2nd in Kids - a Louisiana Retro Con t-shirt and a plushie.

Runway Awards (13 and up) Non-Craftsmanship Awards

Best Runway - 2 tickets to a future event and an 8x10 custom Louisiana Retro Con metal print sponsored by Marie's Handmade Crafts.

People's Choice- 2 tickets to a future event and an 8x10 custom Louisiana Retro Con metal print sponsored by Marie's Handmade Crafts.