As someone who has been both staff and performer, here’s a few things you might want to pass on the next time you’re putting together a cosplay skit.
1. Messy Substances
What comes on your person must stay on your person. That means nothing sticky, slimy, or runny, including components like stage blood. You can always as the event runner if you can use a tarp, but be prepared to be told no.
Conventions have to pay extra in cleaning fees if anything gets on the stage or equipment.
If it can’t be sealed, skip it.
2. Scattered Props
If you can’t pick it up in less than 3 seconds, leave it off the stage. This may or may not refer to glitter, flower petals, and loose confetti.
If you want a scattered effect, make sure all the elements are secured to a point with string or fishing line. Streamers with the palm ties are an excellent alternative because they can be reeled in quickly.
3. Surprise Weapons
Many conventions, cities, and/or states will have specific policies or laws about items that might look like a weapon – even if they’re not particularly realistic.
Make sure your props adhere to all rules, but also remember to inform your event coordinator to avoid a call to convention security or the police.
4. Surprise Anything, Really
Surprise the audience – not the staff.
You never know what the stage and staff might or might not support. If something goes sideways during your performance, the staff need to be prepared to handle the situation.
5. Unpracticed Maneuvers
Stage combat, acrobatics, and other tricks can take a turn for the worse if they are attempted without practice. The cosplay contest is not the time to see if you’re able to stick that backflip.
Practice all maneuvers before the event and request a run-through or rehearsal at the event (if possible) to make sure you’re comfortable in the space and on the stage surface.
6. Flame, Smoke, and Pyrotechnics
Nearly all indoor vendues will prohibit any form of flame, smoke, or pyrotechnics due to fire safety regulations unless operated under very specific conditions that involve special safety precautions, liability waivers, and insurance. Assume these elements will be a no-go.
Some events may be able to support fog-based effects in small quantities, but always check with the event runner first!
7. Mic-Endangering Actions
If you are granted a live microphone during a cosplay skit, treat the mic with respect! Don’t eat or drink near the microphone and definitely don’t do anything risky like swinging it by the cord or doing a “mic drop” – you might just owe the convention several hundred dollars for a replacement!
8. Proposals
Everyone loves to see a proposal, but when you’re stuck on stage in front of hundreds or thousands of attendees, it may not be the magical moment you or your partner were hoping for. Consider alternatives like during the post-event green room time, in a cosplay photo area, or maybe somewhere scenic near the convention.