- All Cosplay & Masquerade is done not for profit- and sometimes at a loss.
- To compete in Cosplay & Masquerade, all of the players MUST make their own costumes. If so much as one member buys a costume from someone- the entire group forfeits unless they buy from the same person, and that person must be present to answer questions during the Costume Judging.
- This isn't a rule... but it helps. If you do Cosplay to entertain people- and you want to do that- then you've reached your goal. But many of the best Cosplayers agree... you must have a love of Anime to do Cosplay. If your heart isn't into it- then you've lost it all.
SailorMoon America's Cosplay Arena
What is Cosplay?
So you've never been to an Anime or SciFi Convention... yet you see this area about Cosplay & Masquerade here and you're wondering, "What is this organization? Talking about Cosplay and Masquerade." Well- you're in for one heck of a pleasant surprise about what this organization's researched.
When you walk around a Fan Convention, you will find people there dressed as their favorite character- this, in essence, is known as Masquerade, and sometimes there are Masquerade Competitions at the conventions. The Masquerade is most prevalent at Anime Conventions- but they also do it at SciFi Conventions for shows like Star Trek.
Blend in the Costumes you use for Masquerade- or even different ones- with singing, dancing, acting and stunts... and do it while on a stage. This is Cosplay- and it is done near EXCLUSIVELY at Anime Conventions.
Sometimes, many people from one particular state join forces as a Cosplay Group and set a schedule of traveling to several Anime Conventions a year to participate in Cosplay and Masquerade Competitions.
Anime Conventions are also an import from Japan, but theirs are much more extravagant with some of the loveliest costumes on the face of the Earth. You will also find people not only Cosplaying Anime & Video Games there- but some will go all the way to do it as their favorite Tokusatsu (Special Effects) Characters. Among these are the characters of Sentai, out of which was born Power Rangers here in the U.S.
Anime Conventions are such a big business in Japan that they authorized stores that can sell you professionally crafted costumes of your favorite characters. For about ¥300,000 ($2,500 U.S. [est.]), you can get a costume of your favorite Anime Character- whether your fantasy is being Sailor Moon and fighting the forces of the Dark Kingdom, or helping those who have had stuff stolen as Saint Tail, the Mysterious Thief. Of course, costumes of Tokusatsu Characters will cost you more- about ¥1,000,000.
Here, you can find people cosplaying characters out of Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, DragonBall-Z and other Anime Series introduced here. But if you're a guy- and you're bold enough to do it- you can step across your gender and do what we call Cross-Cosplay. Most will think you're crazy to do this... but if you can pull it off, a man can become a woman, and a woman can become a man. Then, a man can play Sailor Pluto, and a woman can play Tuxedo Kamen.
But here in the U.S., there are rules to doing Cosplay and Masquerade...
If you are planning to attend an Anime Convention, with or without a costume for Masquerade & Cosplay, we keep a list of the Major Conventions here.
Cosplay Groups & Costuming Pages
These are but a few Cosplay Groups here in the U.S. Check their websites and profiles for more info on them... but enjoy them. Galleries will be included when we get opportunities and permissions.
Sailor Jamboree- Founded in 1999, this group of 20 cosplayers is the Original Sailor Moon Musical Cosplay Group here. Internationally renown- with interviews for U.S. & Japanese Television. This year, they've been guests at 2 Anime Conventions and the Guests of Honor at AnimeNorth 2001.
Profile | Website
Barbie & Kaie- Tada Kaie & Tsukino Barbie hail from Japan, and head up URAN Cosplay... to give this site an international feel, I had to include them. Friends of Sailor Jamboree, they deserve this kind of tribute- and you will enjoy their presence here.
Profile | Website
Francesca Dani- Cosplaying since 1998, she's an Italian Beauty who doesn't hesitate to use it for Anime Cosplay- including Sailors Moon & Venus on 2 different Occaisions.
Profile | Website | E-mail Her
Harmonic Cosplay- These friends have been cosplaying for a while, and their site is a testament to their efforts. Now, we pay tribute to this Cosplay Duo by offering a profile and gallery here.
Profile | Website
Cosplay Angel- Angel McLeod has been a fixture in cosplay since 1997. Go check out her website, gallery and profile.
Profile | Website | e-mail her
These websites are where you can find tips for Costuming your own Cosplay Group. If you feel lucky enough to afford it, they can assemble your costumes for the Anime Conventions... but I wouldn't recommend it. It cuts from the spirit of Cosplay.
JASPER Cosplay Closet's Tips Area
If you need patterns or other materials for your Cosplay Outfit, I recommend going to these sites- these are the exception to the rule when it comes to getting what you need to round out your outfit.
Patterns
Faerie Fingers- Well known in the Pacific Northwest for costume patterns, you can find costume patterns from all sorts of situations- and even patterns for making your own Martial Arts outfits.
Cross-Cosplay Needs
All About Dance- For men who want to Cross-Cosplay, make your way here to get what you need in the terms of tights and the Dance Belt for use in doing Costumes designed for girls.
River's Edge Dancewear- Come here to find what else you need for Cross-Cosplay.
Wigs
Baron Unlimited- Come here for all of your wig care necessities, as well as stuff you need to wear them.
Petting Zoo Wig Design- Bid your way to a wonderful Character Wig for your costume here.
All-Around Websites- These are sites that sell most of everything, including wigs and makeup for your endeavors.
Amphigory- This was the first website I've seen that does makeup and wigs for cosplay.
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