Cosplay Events

Join an event: Nom-Con's Next Top Cosplayer | Maid Cafe | MC Nom's Whoomp!

NOTE: All rules and details below subject to change. Expect some changes for nom-con 2012

There's a pretty wide range to choose from when you're considering a cosplay. You could start early and dedicate a whole year to getting the look of an 18th century ballgown perfect, including taking up lessons on the French method of pleating and dying your fabrics in tea. On the other hand, you could also grab a cardboard box from outside a department store on recycling day, write the word 'GUNDAM' across it and get a few cheap laughs. Here at Nom-Con, we don't mind as long as you have fun.

Our cosplay catwalk event, 'Nom-Con's Next Top Cosplayer' is open to all contestants, regardless of what the costume is. Heck, you can walk on wearing a staff t-shirt and say you're cosplaying a gopher. Actually, somebody please do that.

What you do need to do is register for the event. Just like last year, there'll be a rehearsal and you could choose to register then, but it'll take time when you could be enjoying the rest of the con. The best way to register is online, and if you do it quick enough you could be first in your category to go on. There will be a registration form up here soon, but for now send the basic information (as in, costume, from where, and your name)

Entries into the Eurocosplay competition will be judged after the catwalk rehearsal, and they adhere to Eurocosplay's rules, but the most important rule is that the costume MUST BE HANDMADE. Anyone can take part in the catwalk regardless of where you got your costume.

Just like last year, the show will be divided into categories. This year, instead of character types we're going to work with genres, which are as follows:

ROMANCE

ACTION/ADVENTURE

HORROR

SUPERNATURAL

FANTASY

HISTORICAL

Categories are open to interpretation but will have an influence on the music we play for the walkers. Pick and choose as you see fit.

As for cosplaying rules, they haven't changed much since last year but they bear repeating.

* Any props that are large, unwieldy or have sharp edges may be checked and possibly confiscated by con staff to avoid injury. Please keep this in mind when making/buying a prop. If a prop is confiscated you may be able to get it back for the catwalk show/photoshoots. If you want to check the suitability of your prop, contact the cosplay co-ordinator and describe the prop in detail.

* While in costume and/or body paint, be aware of other attendees. If someone has spent the best part of a year building a costume from several hundred layers of pure white silk chiffon, they have every right to be furious if you smear bright red face paint on it. This goes for fake tan and heavy make up too.

* Even if bare feet are a part of the character you're cosplaying, it's not appropriate to have bare feet in the hotel. You may slip off your shoes for photoshoots but that's it.

* Due to the con being open to all ages, skimpy and revealing costumes have to be carefully monitored. If your costume covers less skin that the average bikini-cut swimsuit, it's too revealing. If in doubt, contact the cosplay co-ordinator for help.

* Even if your prop has passed through con inspection, please don't swing it around or otherwise mess with it in a way that could hurt someone. If you are caught doing this it could result in a ban from the convention.

* If you want to be part of 'Nom-Con's Next Top Cosplayer' or 'MC Nom's Whoomp! There It Is!' you must attend the rehearsal. The only exceptions allowed are for maids working in the maid cafe who will be given a preliminary rehearsal. If you don't attend rehearsal, you'll be crossed off the list.

MC Nom - Whoomp! There It Is!

Like last year's successful 'Uncle Nom's Super Special Awesome Variety Hour', 'MC Nom – Whoomp! There It Is!' is Nom-Con's very own variety show! MC Nom will be presenting some of Ireland's finest talent with his voluminous parachute pants and his smooth rap moves, which is open to anyone who has something to show off. Sing, dance, act, mime, moonwalk badly, play the spoons, the stage is yours!

What do you need to do to take part? It's easy peasy lemon squeezy! First of all, you must register. You could register at the rehearsal, but it's highly recommended to register before the con to save time and, if you're quick enough to register, your rehearsal could finish quickly so you can go enjoy the rest of the con until performance time. Just like last year, there is a mandatory rehearsal. If anybody does not make this rehearsal, they will not be allowed to perform on stage. No exceptions.

If you have media you would like to use, such as audio and/or video, you must provide this material to the skits coordinator along with your registrations. Please provide your media in a typical file type (i.e .mp3, .wav etc. for audio files and .avi, .mkv, .divx, .mp4 etc. for video files) and have it ready and edited in whatever way you wish – Nom-Con cannot do this for you.

All entries will be judged for two prizes; Best Solo Skit and Best Group Skit.


Rules:

The rules from haven't changed much since last year, but they're still just as important:

*As mentioned above, you must attend the rehearsals. No rehearsal show means you will not be allowed on stage. No exceptions.

*The time limit is 5 minutes per performance. If you wish to do more than one performance, you must discuss this with the skits co-ordinator. Do this before the con weekend, or at the very least before rehearsals.

*Safety first! If you wish to use props of your own on stage, they must first be inspected by staff to deem if they are safe enough to use on stage. If we feel that they are not safe, we will not allow you to use the prop on stage. The same goes for your performance; the skits co-ordinator will be judging if your skit is safe to do on stage or not. Also, you must wear shoes on stage. Sorry Detective L, but rules are rules.


Skits registration form is linked at the top of the page.

Your Real Name, Badge Name, Names and Badge Names of other performers(if applicable), An Outline if your Skit Details, Props Used(provided by yourself), Props Needed(provided by the con, such as tables and chairs - be reasonable please!), Media(audio/video - describe what it is and attach it to an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send the link to your file on a file sharing website that does not require log in. Alternatively, provide the media on a CD/Flash drive at the con ASAP.)

Good luck future performers!