Before reaching out, take a moment to browse through our FAQ. We've gathered the most common questions we get—from registration to hotel info and everything in between. Chances are, what you need is just a quick scroll away.
For any Kalahari-related questions or feedback, please refer to the Kalahari's website.
Cosplay
Craftsmanship
Yes! OCs and Original designs are welcome in both the craftsmanship and Cosplay Circuit competitions.
While this process began due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we discovered that the video judging process was a very effective way to allow our contestants a full, uninterrupted 5 minutes to discuss their work. This also allowed the judges to get a bit more insight into some of the behind-the-scenes processes of our contestants. This, on top of the in-person judging, really gives a very thorough judging process.
Yes. This is a required part of judging your costume. If you do not show up, you will be disqualified.
We require at least 70% of the costume to be constructed by the contestant.
Yes. The judges would like to see you in your full competition costume at the time of your meeting
If this is your first time competing, you may technically enter at any level that you feel is appropriate for your quality of work. However, if you are unsure, always start with the Novice category. There is a full breakdown of the categories on our rules page.
We always suggest that you create a build book/portfolio for your costume. Also, make sure you have some water, and a small bag with snacks, meds, or anything else you may need. If you need some moral support and wish to have a friend join you for judging, they are more than welcome to join you as long as they do not interrupt the judging process.
A build book is a recap of your construction to present to the judges for in-person judging. This will be a physical book that includes references, in-progress photos, swatches, and any other information you would like to include. (We always love pictures of pet helpers!) Even though you do have a video, we strongly encourage you to still create a build book. It doesn’t have to be very fancy, but it can really help the judging process.
We will be making sure that all books will be returned to their owners during the Green Room time before the Masquerade.
Like any convention, make sure you freshen up, eat a full meal, keep hydrating, and get as much sleep as possible. Make sure you budget your time to get dressed and prepared beforehand, as you should be on time for your slot.
The fashion show during the masquerade is reserved for our craftsmanship contestants only. If you register for judging and do not show up for your in-person appointment, you will be disqualified and will not be permitted to walk in the show.
Video
Contestant submissions should be no longer than 5 minutes MAX. This would be the same amount of time you would have in an in-person judging session. Therefore it should be perfectly acceptable for your videos.
Most computers do have some very basic programs available to use without installing a new program. However, if you are looking for a program, here is a list of some of the best free video editing software:
- VSDC (For Windows)
- Movie Maker 10 (For Windows)
- iMovie (For Mac)
- Vimeo Create (For iOS and Android)
- OpenShot (For Windows, Mac, and Linux)
- Lightworks (For Windows, Mac, and Linux)
- Shotcut (For Windows, Mac, and Linux)
- DaVinci Resolve (For Windows, Mac, and Linux)
Cell phone cameras are insanely powerful and high quality, these days using a phone should be just fine. If Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Lady Gaga can shoot full music videos on an iPhone, then your phones can do it too! Just take your time and ask for help if you need it.
Horizontal (or sideways) is the best method to film on any phone. This will give you a wider shot and fill the screen or “frame” more. Please make sure that everything is shot horizontally to make sure you are filling the frame. Here is a photo to help remind you:
If you are nervous about talking straight to the camera, maybe try a voice-over instead! You can script your notes and then record your audio to put over your video. Writing out your notes can also help you make sure you include everything you want to say to the judges. You can record your audio using the program Audacity. (For Windows and iOS)
You don’t have to have a huge lighting setup to create good lighting for your video. Natural light can be your best friend when you are looking for a well-lit area. Try shooting your video outside if you can. Windows are your best friend when finding the best lighting for videos indoors during the daytime. Make sure the window is generally in front of you when filming. This will give you the balanced lighting you’re looking for.
If you have access to something like a ring light, then please feel free to use it to shoot your work.
If you have access to something like a ring light, then please feel free to use it to shoot your work.
You can use programs like Dropbox, Google Drive, or even the cloud to upload your clips to a computer. It can take a few minutes to upload, but it can be the most effective method.
You can have music in your video, but please do not make it so loud that we cannot hear you talk about your costume. We want to hear you talk about your work and this is your time to shine!
No. This is about showcasing your costume and construction. Any other visual effects will pull from your work and we just want to see you and your amazing costume.
We request that you do not share the video until after the convention is over. These videos are meant for you to give your judges an in-depth description. Once the competition is complete, you may share your video with the world.
To help ease nerves and keep your mind calm when discussing your costume for your video or any in-person judging, start from the top of your cosplay and work your way down. So discuss your wig/hair accessories, then go down to the shirt and jacket, etc. Focus on the parts of your costume that you are proud of! I promise that our judges will not bite and are all very nice.
Performance
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our masquerade event, we will have an application process moving forward. This means that there will be acceptances and a waitlist. If your skit is waitlisted, there is still an opportunity to perform if another skit does drop. A staff member will reach out to you if that is the case.
The biggest thing we can tell you is to relax and have fun. Our masquerade community at CCE is always incredibly supportive of each other. Practice, practice, practice! And if you still need to chat about your skit, please feel free to find one of our staffers during rehearsal. We will gladly talk to you about any concerns you may have!
This is to help with time management and to ensure that the audio does not run over. It also allows us to ensure the quality of your audio. We no longer accept live musical performances.
The time limit is in place to keep the show on its time frame. Unlike in previous years, we will not be making any exceptions.
The masquerade rehearsal is on Saturday at 10am. We ask that you plan accordingly to schedule things like shoots afterward as we run practice to help figure out the run time. We ask that you have respect for your other constants while they work through their skits. You are free to leave once you are finished and you pick up your stage badge.
Stage combat swords are not permitted at the convention. Even if you are professionally trained, we ask that you follow our rules and use an alternative weapon.
All intense levels of combat do need to be cleared by the Directors of Cosplay before being performed. If you can verify your training and uphold the safety measures to ensure that no one will be hurt, then we will gladly approve it. However, this can be subject to very intensive screening from our staff and video proof of safety may be requested.
Skits must be registered to match the highest-ranked contestant. If you are a Master and your partners are Novices, you must compete in the Master division.
Our stage size is 16×32 feet. We will be having a runway attached to the stage as well. Please plan your performances accordingly.
In-Character
This event is part of our family-friendly content block. Usage of overly explicit language will result in instant disqualification.
Yes. If you have not placed in previous years with this character, we welcome you to give it another go with your character of choice.
Currently, we do not offer music or lighting options for the In-Character event.
IdolFest
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our IdolFest event, we have decided that moving forward, we will be having an application process. This means that there will be acceptances and a waitlist. If your set is waitlisted, there is still an opportunity to perform if another set drops. A staff member will reach out to you if that is the case.
The biggest thing we can tell you is to just relax and have fun. Our Idol community at CCE is always incredibly supportive of each other. Practice, practice, practice!
We will take updates to video and audio up until August 30th at 11:59pm. We will not accept any changes after this date as all the video and audio must go to tech. Changes on-site can cause complications and could cause for your video/audio to be incorrect for the performance.
This is to help with time management and to ensure that the audio does not run over. It also allows us to ensure the quality of your audio. If you want to perform live, please let us know on your application.
The time limit is in place to keep the show on its time frame. Unlike in previous years, we will not be making any exceptions.