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 (2025-2026)

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!

• Costume Design: September 10 (Wednesday), 6:15-7 pm in Studio Theatre (University Theatre Center, map coordinates)

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

• Drawing: October 2 (Thursday), 5:30-6:30 pm, Presentation Room (Golden Student Success Center)

In this session, you will learn how to draw a croquis of your own body from Professor Britta Urness. A croquis (crow-key) is a sketch used in fashion to draw out a fashion concept. You can use this as a base for designing your own cosplay designs. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own. 

• Otherworldly Orienteering: November 6 (Thursday), 4:30-6:30 pm, start at Presentation Room (Golden Student Success Center)

NOTE: 2 sessions (4:30 pm and 5:30 pm). If you come after the first session has already started or the first session is full, you may be asked to wait until the second session. Each session will have a door prize for one lucky winner's very own compass!

Come explore other worlds! At the beginning of this session, you will learn how to use a compass for orienteering. Then, you will either strike out on your own or in teams (depending on group size) to explore science fiction and fantasy themed stations. Each session will finish within an hour, so no need to stay warm in any nearby tauntauns.

Want to learn more about orienteering? Visit Orienteering USA's website and YouTube page for instructions.

• Hair and Makeup: December 4, 2025 (Thursday), 5:30-6:30 pm, meet in University Theatre Center lobby

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.

• Intermediate Sewing: January 22 (Thursday), 5:30-7:30 pm, meet in University Theatre Center lobby

Learn intermediate sewing techniques such as altering a purchased pattern. Beginners welcome! (We will have some handouts for introductory sewing.)

• Armor, Props, and Accessories: February 12 (Thursday), 5:30-6:30 pm, Presentation Room (Golden Student Success Center)

Lecture and slideshow by Professor Aiden Juge about all the little details to help your character come together.

• Photography: March 26 (Thursday), 5:30-6:30 in the Art Annex classroom and greenscreen room

Tentative Description: We will be discussing the best way to take photographs of your cosplay. Wear your cosplay and bring your camera or phone to take pictures in front of a green screen and learn how to edit the background!

• Jack Williamson Lectureship Cantina Carnival: April 9, 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. [rubric below]

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.