Hi there!

Welcome to the rules for the brand new Supanova Cosplay Competition. Now, you’re here because you want to join in the fun, right? Awesome! We’re looking forward to it! But you will need to read all of the following rules. Breaking any of these rules may result in you not being in the competition. And we wouldn’t want that, right? If you have any questions after reading the rules, please contact Cosplay HQ via our contact page.

1 What do I need to do before the competition?

Now before the day of the competition arrives, there are a few things that you should do in advance. This is to ensure that you have as much of a stress free day as possible, as well as a smooth run in competing. Pre-registering will help in securing you a spot in the competition.

1.1 How do I pre-register?

Pre-registration is the preferred method of registration for the Supanova Cosplay Competition as the majority of the competition will be filled by pre-registered cosplayers, with minimal exceptions for those on our on-the-day reserve list. We wouldn’t want you to miss out, so if you can, always pre-register.

You will need to fill out the online form found on the Competition Registration Page for the event you’re attending.

Please be aware that if you do not fill out the form correctly, you may not be registered, so be sure to read it VERY carefully. Remember that you can only enter a costume once during a weekend.

1.1.1 – When does pre-registration open, and when does it close?

Pre-registrations for each tour generally open five weeks before the first event of a tour (April, June, November) and close two weeks before the first event, unless filled to capacity prior.

1.2 What categories can I win?

Our competition has various different prize categories, which will be decided upon by a panel of judges, including:

• Best In Show – Awarded to the one entry in the competition which stands above all the rest! There’s no specific criteria for this award, so give it your all!
• Best Craftsmanship – Awarded for quality of costume, this is for those that are serious about their costume making!
• Most Creative – Awarded for thinking outside the box, whether it be with use of materials, the concept behind your costume, or just old fashioned ingenuity!
• Best Group – Awarded for both quality of costume and character portrayal within a group entry.
• Best Performance – Awarded for the best skit that brings the character to life through a combination of an accurate character portrayal, well-choreographed performance, and a breathtaking setting.
• Judges’ Award – Awarded for an act that the judges feel deserves recognition, but isn’t quite at the level of the other categories.

1.3 What costumes can I wear?

Anything that complies with our Cosplay Guidelines and adheres to the following competition requirements is acceptable.

If you have worn your costume for any other competition at any convention and have won an award, you will not be eligible to win any category in this competition.

If you are unsure if your costume will be okay, or if your costume is not from a published series (i.e. original characters), please contact Cosplay HQ via our contact page prior to entering.

1.3.1 Can I buy my costume?

We prefer it if you make your costume yourself, or if a bought costume has been significantly altered. As an example, buying individual pieces and altering/assembling them to create a costume is generally okay, however purchasing an entire costume to wear with zero alterations is not. Please contact Cosplay HQ via our contact page prior to entering.

With the return of skits and dances to the competition, purchased costumes will be permitted to enter under the proviso that they are competing for Best Performance and no other category. Individuals and groups with bought cosplay will only be eligible to win Best Performance.

1.4 Will my weapons or props get confiscated?

As long as your props comply with our Weapons Policy, you won’t run into any issues.

Don’t be afraid to check your weapons or props in though, as you can take them out again to take photos or enter the competition. If you are still unsure if your weapons or props will be ok, please contact us.

1.5 What do I have to do for a performance?

You don’t have to do a performance at all if you don’t want to. If you are comfortable with performing, then this is a good opportunity to add to your cosplay. Performing in character will always reinforce your cosplay and make you more believable in your portrayal of your character!

1.5.1 I want to do a performance. What do I need to know?

In 2024, we’re changing things a little regarding performances. The main things you need to know is that if you want to do a performance, you will need to have audio/video media as an accompaniment. Performances will not be allowed without supplied media and microphones will not be provided for on-stage performances.

Media files for performances (see section 1.6.2 for technical requirements) will need to be submitted online by the due date for screening. When you sign up for the competition, you’ll receive further information on how to submit these files. Please note that this also means that on-the-day signups will not be able to do a performance as no media will be accepted on the day.

You’ll need to give us details on what your performance is about, including any planned acrobatics (jumping, flipping, etc.), which will need to be approved by Cosplay HQ prior to the event. If you wish to do a performance, your entry into our competition will only be eligible for the Best Performance award and no additional categories.

For everything else, read on!

1.5.2 How long can my performance be?

We have a limit of two (2) minutes per performance. If your performance runs longer than two minutes, you will be cut off without warning and will be disqualified from the performance category.

You don’t have to perform for the entire duration of the two minutes. We suggest that you keep your performance to be as brief as possible. This will ensure that your performance is punchy and highly entertaining, and most importantly, impresses the judges.

If you do however need more than two minutes for your performance, please contact Cosplay HQ via email with a detailed description of your skit and why you need more than the allocated two minutes. Only if you are granted an exemption will you be able to perform for longer than two minutes.

1.5.3 Can I do a performance about anything?

Your performance is only limited by your imagination, whether you deliver a deep reflective monologue, a comedy routine, or a song and dance routine; however, please be mindful that Supanova is a family-friendly event so please keep any content to a PG level. If it wouldn’t be appropriate for a 10-year-old or your nan to watch your performance, please rework your performance accordingly!

We want you to have entertaining performances that surprise the judges and audience, but don’t surprise us. If you are planning on something that’s different, please provide those details in the skit registration form when signing up.

Things such as explicit nudity, sexual activity regardless of gender, gratuitous violence, drug use, unauthorised advertising, etc. are considered inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behaviour on or off-stage will result in disqualification from the competition and you may possibly be removed from the convention without refund.

No fire, flash powder, lasers, explosives, smoke, or open flame of any kind will be allowed. If your performance has flashing lights that could cause seizures or sensory issues, please contact Cosplay HQ via email prior to the convention, as the wellbeing of all of our entrants and audience members is paramount.

Please also realise that people will be watching your performance and may not understand or appreciate your sense of humour. The best way to have a positive impact on the judges and audience is to ensure your performance can reach everyone, whilst remaining true to your character.

1.5.4 What about the stage?

As a rule of thumb, our stage sizes are around eight (8) metres wide by four (4) metres deep; however, things can change from venue to venue due to available resources, space, and other ad hoc restrictions. If you’re planning on utilising space for added dynamics to your performance, we suggest trying to keep it as tight as possible.

Not every venue we use is lucky enough to have a permanent stage fixture, so there’s a good chance that the stage has been built for the event. These temporary stages may not be rated for excess movement.

Make it your mission to swing by the Cosplay Theatre during the day and have a look at the stage yourself to see how large it is and find out what other restrictions it has. It is your responsibility to do this and entrants won’t be reminded to do so on the day.

1.5.5 Can we perform as a group?

Yes, group performances are permitted. Group performances must still adhere to the guidelines set out in section 1.5.2 and 1.5.3 and have a strict limitation of no more than four (4) individuals per group to adhere to stage safety requirements.

If your performance absolutely requires more than four people on stage, please contact Cosplay HQ via email with a detailed description of your skit/dance and why you need to exceed the maximum on-stage allowance. If your performance is deemed to be safe in accordance with our stage requirements, your group may be granted an exemption to the rule on a case-by-case basis. Please note that additional prizes may not be provided should your group size exceed the maximum number of four.

1.6 Do I need music or video with my performance?

As noted in section 1.5.1, all performances must have audio/video accompaniment.

All performance dialogue must be pre-recorded, as no live microphones will be handed to cosplayers. Then just lip-sync it like all the pop stars do! Don’t forget to practice a couple of times beforehand so you look your best on stage.

This also ensures that the judges and audience can actually hear what you’re supposed to be saying, which provides a much more entertaining performance. For recording of performance audio, Audacity is a free program to start with if you’re stuck for one, otherwise most mobile devices will have some audio editing capabilities.

1.6.1 How do I give you the file for my performance?

When you sign up for the cosplay competition online, you will receive instructions on how to submit your media files for screening.

As part of this process, Cosplay HQ will be pre-screening performance media for suitability (see section 1.5.3), and your media may be rejected if it is not suitable for the Cosplay Competition.

Please note that these files need to be submitted by the due date provided in your registration email in order to be accepted. No media will be accepted on the day.

1.6.2 What are the technical requirements for the files to submit?

For audio:
Codec/Container: .mp3, .wav
Channels: Stereo
Bitrate (MP3): 128-320kbps
Audio files must be normalized, you can find this option in most audio editors under ‘Volume’ or ‘Compression’ effects. This will ensure your audio doesn’t jump from super quiet to ultra loud and sound awful through the speakers as a result.

For video:
Audio: See above
Codec: H.264
Bitrate: Max 15mbps
Container: .mp4
Preferred Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1080p
(For exporting in Premiere or other editing software, the ‘High Quality 1080p HD’ preset is more than enough)

2 What do I need to do on the day?

So you’ve now completed your awesome costume, trekked from home to the con, finished the line ride, and you’re now ready to rock. Huzzah! Now what do you do?

You will need to make sure you head to the Cosplay HQ as soon as possible to complete your pre-registration for the day’s competition by checking in. This will make sure you have a spot in the competition. You will have to check in before 12 noon. If you arrive later than this time you will forfeit your spot and not be accepted into the competition. No Exceptions.

2.1 How do I check in on the day?

You will need to check in at Cosplay HQ on the day of the competition. Head over to Cosplay HQ (please check the event guide for the location) to line up, and the team will check you in and give you the details for marshalling.

2.2 I haven’t pre-registered. Can I register on the day?

Supanova recommends that cosplayers pre-register online (see section 1.1) in order to secure a spot in the competition.

There may be a limited amount of spots available on the day for additional entries into the competition. Please head to Cosplay HQ to add yourself onto our reserve list. Please note that this does NOT guarantee you a place in the competition. The team at Cosplay HQ will use the reserve list to fill these additional ‘on the day’ places if available, along with replacing any entrants that have dropped out or withdrawn from the competition in order of entries received.

The team at Cosplay HQ will display a list of reserve list entrants that have made it into the competition approximately one hour after registration closes at 12PM, along with further instructions regarding marshalling times and location, please listen to the instructions given by the team at Cosplay HQ.

2.3 My weapons and props are awesome, why can’t I swing them around?

Because you will hit someone. And that’s no fun. As you can imagine, the convention gets rather crowded, and any big or sharp weapons and props can potentially poke someone’s eye out, or do some damage one way or the other. We have a Weapons Policy and any large weapons or props will need to be checked in at the Weapons Check in desk.

Don’t worry though, as long as your props haven’t been declared as unable to be brought on site, you can check out your weapons at any time for photos or when it’s time for the competition. If you think about it, it’s better for you as you don’t have to carry around something huge and can enjoy the convention.

3 What do I do during the competition?

It’s time for the competition! There are a few things you should know to make your competition experience as enjoyable as possible.

3.1 Where do I go for marshalling?

You will be told when and where marshalling is when you check in at registration. Be sure to arrive for marshalling on-time, as no-showing will forfeit your place in the competition. When marshalling begins, please listen carefully to and co-operate with the marshal so you can be ordered quickly, and then you can chat with each other.

3.2 How do I make sure I don’t hurt myself? Or others?

Since you will have your weapons and props, please make sure you don’t swing them around or poke anyone while waiting to get on stage. Supanova accepts no responsibility for any injuries you may sustain.

Please also make sure if you use any props to take them with you once you’re heading off the stage. Do not use anything that will create a mess on the stage that you can’t clean up swiftly.

3.3 What actually happens on-stage?

Once you’re marshalled backstage and our judges have had a chat to everybody, the show will begin!

You’ll proceed one at a time as our MC calls you up on stage, and depending on what you’ve selected in pre-registration our MC will either have a chat with you or read out the notes you’ve given us about your costume, then you’ll stand at the front of our stage and strike your best pose for the audience (and our photographers!), and exit on the opposite side of the stage and take a seat in a designated section of the Cosplay Theatre for the rest of the competition.

3.4 What am I being judged on?

There are a few categories that you can win, which you’ll find up in section 1.2. Please note that the judges’ decision is final. The judges do not need to disclose how they arrived at their decision. Although there are prizes to be won, please remember that everyone is here to have fun. Please remember to have fun yourself, and to not ruin anyone else’s time at the convention.

4 Skit Performances

With the return of skits, it is important that you know the rules regarding their return and the expectations for the competition. Read on for more details!

4.1 I’m all ready to be super, but why doesn’t my file work?!

Did you follow the technical requirements in section 1.6.2? If so, it should work fine. If we’re unable to get it to work before the show, we’ll be in touch. If you did follow the requirements exactly and our team gave it the all-clear, then there may be a glitch with the system. But don’t worry, please be patient and we will restart the file if need be.

In the extremely unlikely event that we are unable to play your file on the day after giving it the all clear, please note that you will be unable to perform.

4.1.1 I have made a change to my file after submitting, can I submit a second file?

Changes to files will be permitted but must follow the same guidelines in section 1.6 to be allowed. Resubmitted files will still be pre-screened for suitability and to ensure it is usable on our systems.

Submitting a second file will not be permitted after the cut-off date (the Monday prior to the tour’s commencement date), or on the day.

4.1.2 I have a rehearsed skit and music ready to perform on the day, but I didn’t register in time. Can I be put on the reserve list?

As skit files need to be pre-screened and tested at our end, we cannot accept files on the day.

4.2 I have a prop that is a core part of my character can I swing it around during my performance?

You are permitted to swing your props during your performance, adding flair and dynamism to the character’s portrayal. However, it is imperative that you remain mindful of surroundings, participants, and spectators.

Swinging of props must be executed with caution to ensure the safety of all attendees and our MCs. Any deliberate or reckless actions resulting in harm to others will result in immediate disqualification from the contest, and may result in you being removed from the convention without refund.

Contestants are responsible for the safe handling and control of their props throughout their performance including the integrity of props’ parts, being mindful of parts detaching and flying across the stage and potentially into the crowd.

4.3 My performance was awesome and full of jokes and memes. Why didn’t I win best performance?

Humour is subjective, so while we have no doubt that your skit was hilarious, unfortunately not every performance can win on the day. Someone else may have performed a breathtaking performance that accurately brings their character to life, whle others may have worked on an intricately choreographed routine. Best performance is always awarded based on our judges’ trusted verdicts!

4.4 I did this awesome idol/K-Pop dance in my costume. Why didn’t I win best performance?

We absolutely love to see idols up on our Cosplay Theatre main stage! As with all other performances, dances are assessed based on multiple factors, including but not limited to choreography, enthusiasm of the performers, and the entertainment of both the judges and the crowd. While you and/or your group may have been absolutely spectacular, with only one award for Best Performance, we appreciate everyone’s understanding that not every entry can take home the gold!

4.5 I have rehearsed but am nervous. Can I continue rehearsing while waiting to go up on stage?

If there is room backstage during marshalling on the day (as the space available may vary), you may be allowed, and only with our team’s permission, to practice your performances backstage. However, depending on the time of marshalling, there may still be another panel happening on-stage or other staff and crew working backstage, so if permitted we ask you to be mindful of the noise you make while practicing, and to be aware that it may not be a perfect match for on-stage conditions.

5 What if my costume is busted on the day?

Supanova has a Cosplay Repair Station which can be found at Cosplay HQ. Our skilled team is able to assess and repair your costume, give you quality advice, and get you out and ready for your photo shoots and onto the stage for the competition.

Content updated on Thursday, 21 March 2024