Cosplay

Short for "costume play", cosplay goes back almost 100 years. It grew out of science fiction fandom but has grown to include anime, video games, and other popular culture fandoms. Costumes may either be faithful reproductions or creative interpretations. Some important cosplay rules are below:

• Cosplay is for everyone: Cosplay is for people of all sizes, abilities, genders, and races. Even when creating a cosplay that is similar to the original media, anyone may portray a character as long as they are respectful. 
• Cosplay is appreciation, not appropriation: While someone may cosplay any character, they should be respectful of ethnic differences and not participate in blackface, brownface, or yellowface. 
• Cosplay is NOT consent: A movement started in 2013 to raise awareness and decrease sexual harassment at conventions.

HIGH PLAINS COSPLAY (2024-2025)

This a free cosplay series is geared towards beginner to intermediate cosplayers of all ages (younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult). Both ENMU and community attendees are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to come to all sessions but may pick and choose the topics they prefer to attend. Let's build a cosplay community together!

• Introduction to Cosplay: September 27 (Friday), 4:30-5:30 pm in GSSC Presentation Room

What is cosplay? Learn about the history and culture of this fun hobby. We will talk about character idea brainstorming. Draw inspiration from character descriptions and popular media portrayals to sketch out your ideas. [PowerPoint located at bottom of this box.]

• Basic Sewing: October 11 (Friday), 4-7 pm. Meet in the lobby of the University Theatre Center

Learn basic hand and machine sewing techniques and learn how to read a commercial pattern. Sample fabric will be provided, or you can bring fabric you plan to use to gain experience with your project. 

• Project: Use basic skills learned to make a wrist pin cushion to use on your future projects.
• Topics: Fabric types, basic stitches, machine sewing, and how to read a pattern. We'll also answer your questions!
• Costume Design: November 19 (Tuesday), 5:15-6:45 pm in GSSC Presentation Room

Lecture on costume design followed by discussion on individual projects and ideas. Bring reference photos of your character ideas (digital or printouts) for specific advice. 

• Armor, Props, and Accessories: January 24 (Friday), 5:30-7:30 pm in GSSC Presentation Room

This session will start with a presentation on materials and fabrication for cosplay and include a display table with various cosplay pieces, including chainmaille, pirate costume, medieval costume, and steampunk costume pieces. Learn safety information and techniques to bring armor, prop, and accessory elements of your cosplay to life. 

• Hair and Makeup: February 7 (Friday), 4-7 pm. Meet in the lobby of the University Theatre Center

Demonstrations of hair and makeup techniques. Discussion will include wig manipulation and how to keep makeup applied longer, particularly for convention or contest situations. Bring your own makeup to practice techniques.

• Get in Character: February 27-March 1, 6-7 pm; March 2, 1-2 pm at the University Theatre Center

Stop by our table before the performances of She Kills Monsters to roll a D&D character. Consider who your character is and what they might look like. 

• Troubleshooting Work Session & Soft Open for Production Services Makerspace: March 3 (Monday), 4-6 pm at the GSSC Production Services Makerspace

Bring your costumes, unfinished projects, and/or your questions to get help moving past a trouble area in your work. Learn about the amazing resources in the new Makerspace, such as 3D printers, Cricut, and other tools. 

• Con Etiquette & Photography: April 4, 2025 (Friday), 5:30-6:30 pm in GSSC Presentation Room

Con etiquette: How cosplayers should act and can expect to be treated/advocate for selves at conventions. [Special guest Becky Courington: @housecourington]

Photography: Come in costume to take pics with a green screen!

Did you miss this session? You can watch the recording of guest Becky Courington speaking about convention etiquette and photography considerations based on almost 25 years of cosplay experience at the following link: https://youtu.be/QOHwrtjhc8Q

• Jack Williamson Lectureship Cantina Carnival: April 10, 2025, 5-7 pm in Campus Union Building, Greyhound Lounge (downstairs)

Show off your finished cosplay at the student organization event related to the Jack Williamson Lectureship. Costume parade at 6 pm followed by judging and awards.

• 1st place: Liam as Detective Harry Du Bois
• 2nd place: Grandma Wolf
• 3rd place: Sophie as Eowyn 

You've got your cosplay finished and ready to roll. Now what? There are many opportunities to show off your hard work, from casual situations to cosplay contests. Below are cons and events within a 4-hour drivetime of Portales, NM. 

• ENMU Jack Williamson Lectureship: This is an annual event taking place on campus in April in Portales, NM. Enjoy the Cantina Carnival on Thursday night and wear your costume. 
• Bubonicon: Bubonicon is a science fiction convention that takes place annually in August in Albuquerque, NM. Make sure you read the rules and fill out the entry form. 
• Roswell Galacticon: Science Fiction convention with a film festival and Steampunk programming held annually in July in Roswell, NM. 
• Lubbock-Con: An annual event that is usually held in February in Lubbock, TX. Lubbock-Con holds two cosplay contests: an adult contest for ages 13+ and a kids' contest for ages 12 and below. 
• Anime Lubbock: An annual event that is usually held in February in Lubbock, TX. It includes a cosplay photo booth and a costume contest. 
• Hub City Comic Con: An annual event that is usually held in August in Lubbock, TX. Cosplayers may enter the cosplay contest or sign up to be a cosplay guest panelist. 

Willing to travel further? 

• Comic-Con Masquerade: Comic-Con is the largest comic and popular culture convention in the United States. Be sure to read the rules for entry into the masquerade. Even if you do not compete, many people attend the event and take pictures for and with attendees.
• Fancons.com: A searchable database for fan events worldwide. Search by map, date, guests, and more. 
• Animecons.com: A searchable database for anime events worldwide. Search by map, date, guests, and more.