Cosplay Central
Whether you’re a cosplay pro or just starting out, Cosplay Central has something for you!
Cosplay Central is the area of C2E2 devoted entirely to the art of costumes, crafts, and characters. At the Cosplay Central Stage, you’ll find workshops and panels where you can learn new tips, brush up on techniques, and meet fellow cosplayers. In case you’re in need of some cosplay repair or a quick change, Cosplay Central comes fully equipped with a repair station and changing area. When you’re ready to strut your stuff, we also have fun photo backdrops so you can take an awesome photo solo or with your squad.
What’s Happening In Cosplay Central?
Cosplay Central Crown Championships at C2E2
The Cosplay Central Crown Championships is a spectacular competition of the best cosplay in the world. This year the global finals will be held right here at C2E2!
We will choose one last regional winner, who will compete against the cosplayers selected at Florida Supercon, New York Comic Con and Emerald City Comic Con, and decide the overall US Champion for 2023 who will go head-to-head with the international finalists later in the global final.
Come root for your favorite local, national, and international Champion on Saturday at 7:30 in the Main Stage!
Cosplay Repair Lounge
We can handle all kinds of costume crises and prop palavers!
Costume, Wig & Makeup Repair Booth
The Theatre School at DePaul University is thrilled to be on hand with complimentary costume, wig, and makeup maintenance and repair throughout the weekend at C2E2 as well as hosting costume exhibitions, demos, and meet-and-greets with cosplay creators.
HDC will be providing a full spectrum of repairs if your cosplay just happens to need it. Be it a pulled stitch, wig mishap, electrical short, or trouble traveling in as a Cosplay Central Crown Championship competitor, the HDC team has years of professional fabrication experience to get you back on your feet and ease the stress so you can enjoy the con. If you’ve got questions about techniques or cosplay in general, HDC has the answers. Stop on by!!
Cosplay Showcase
The Cosplay Showcase is where fans and cosplayers can showcase their craftsmanship in style. Taking place on Sunday, this event is open to all cosplayers with hand made costumes and is an opportunity for fans of all levels to strut their stuff on the main stage.
Register at the Cosplay Central administration desk during the show. There are prizes (for over 18s only) but cosplayers are free to take part just for fun if they do not wish to be judged. Family Groups and Juniors (13-17) are also welcome to take part just for fun with any costume.
Cosplay Panels and How To’s
From advice on taking part in competitions and getting started with wigs, to getting that perfect cosplay picture and tips to make your cosplay even better, the Cosplay Central stage program will be a celebration of all aspects of cosplay, directly from the community!
Who Will Be in Cosplay Central?
League of Enchantment
We aim to spread smiles to kids in need by bringing their favorite characters to life.
The League of Enchantment is a 501c3 nonprofit with the mission to work together with local hospitals, community organizations and events to bring hope and smiles to kids and kids-at-heart. Whether it is a smile, hug, photo or conversation with a child, we are here to make a difference in their lives through the power of cosplay. For more information, please visit www.leagueofenchantment.org/chicago.
Trashgoblins
The Trashgoblins are a Chicago-based community cosplay collective with a mission to support and empower cosplayers and creative-types, but especially those who are just starting out or have limited means to support their passion. Their creative process stems from storytelling, with a preference toward collaborative projects. The Trashgoblins also open their home and workshop (Trashgoblins HQ) to anyone in the community that needs a space, a tool, some help, some feedback, or just some company.
Website: TrashgoblinsInc.com
Instagram: @trashgobs.inc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trashgoblins.inc/
YouTube: @trashgoblinsinc.646
Podcast homepage: https://www.trashgoblinsinc.com/podcast ("YuckMouth Media Presents: Talking Trash" - also available anywhere you get your podcasts)
Erica Fett, Lua Stardust and Camp Cryptid Podcast
Camp Cryptid Bio:
Campcryptidpodcast.com
Instagram.com/campcryptid
Twitter.com/camp_cryptid
Camp Cryptid Podcast is a horror podcast by Lua Stardust and Erica Fett that dives into the world of horror, oddities, cryptids, the paranormal and beyond!
Lua Stardust:
Lua Stardust is an Alternative Model, Cosplayer and Internet personality based in Connecticut. Her love for comics, video games, horror & anime has allowed her to create incredible costumes. Lua has a passion for gaming which includes her favorite TCG Magic The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons and various other tabletop games. When Lua is not attending many events & conventions all over the USA as a cosplay guest, judge and panelist you can find her on Twitch streaming weekly!
Instagram.com/lua.stardust
Twitter.com/luastardust
Twitch.tv/luastardust
Erica Fett:
Erica Fett is an American model, cosplayer and internet personality. Erica started modeling in 2010 while finishing her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Since 2010, she has amassed millions of followers worldwide while traveling as a guest to comic and gaming conventions. She applies her love of horror through cosplay and was the variant model featured on Dynamite Comic's 50th Anniversary Vampirella Comic. Her cosplays have also gained her traction with being the cover model for both Camp Out Magazine's Tales of Terror Issue 13 and Cosplayzine's Halloween issue in 2017.
Instagram.com/erica.fett
Twitter.com/ericafett
Twitch.tv/ericafett
HDC
HDC will be back in Cosplay Central this year providing a full spectrum of repairs if your cosplay just happens to need it. Be it a pulled stich, wig mishap, electrical short, or trouble traveling in as a Cosplay Central Crown Championship competitor, the HDC team has years of professional fabrication experience to get you back on your feet and ease the stress so you can enjoy the con. If you have any questions about techniques or cosplay in general, HDC can help you with answers as well! Stop on by!!
Website: https://www.hdcfabrication.com/
SheProp
SheProp is a unique and vital part of the cosplay community designed to support female, non-binary, two spirit and transgender cosplayers, artists and makers of all skill levels across the globe. In the SheProp Community space, members of all skill levels and experience are encouraged to share work-in-progress images, ask questions, and fully engage with a robust maker community without fear of judgement. Topics surrounding sensitive social commentary are commonly discussed within the community, with an emphasis on education, understanding and empathy. Learn more at SheProp.com!
Website: https://sheprop.com/
Theatre School at DePaul University
The Theatre School at DePaul University is thrilled to be hosting the Costume, Wig & Makeup Repair Booth! Their booth in Cosplay Central will have faculty, staff, and students on hand for complimentary costume, wig, and makeup maintenance and repair throughout the weekend as well as hosting costume exhibitions, demos, and meet-and-greets with cosplay creators. The Theatre School is a Conservatory program in the heart of Chicago and offers nine BFA majors in Design and Technology, including Costume Design, Costume Technology, and Wig & Makeup Design & Technology.
Costumers with a Cause
Costumers With a Cause is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization of costumers, cosplayers, and photographers with big hearts and creative talents who choose to make a difference in the world. Our organization is 100% volunteer with five active branches across the United States. When we fund raise for an organization or cause, 100% of those funds go to that organization or cause.
Website: https://www.costumerswithacause.org/
Moorcroft Photography LLC
Moorcroft Photography LLC helps members of the LGBTQ+ and Military Veteran communities feel confident and not afraid to show their true selves. This year they will be stationed in Cosplay Central all weekend offering photoshoots! So come on by and have your cosplay photographed by a professional!
Website: https://www.moorcroftphotog.com/
TrisRex
Monster Maker TrisRex was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he was enamored by horror/sci-fi films, comics, and action figures at an early age. He’s most known for his dark and dramatic take on well-known DC Comics characters paired with horror elements such as his take on Swamp Thing titled “The Green” and 2021’s terrifying Red Lantern titled “Lord Atrocitus”. Through his exploration of practical FX paired with modern cosplay, his new Aliens Resurgence exhibit will dive into the Aliens expanded universe to give fans the true hive experience.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trisrex
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrisRex
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrisRexCosplay/
TooSweet
For over six years, Too Sweet Cosplay has had a presence at various pro wrestling events and pop culture conventions throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Founded by fans who became friends over shared passions, the mission has always remained the same: combine the pageantry and outlandish characters of professional wrestling, with the creativity and jubilation of cosplay, to the widest audience possible. Chicago remains one of the hottest wrestling cities in the country, with some of the loudest and most passionate fans. Be it WWE, AEW, Impact, ROH, GCW, New Japan, and beyond, one thing's for sure, we're taking over! Because stylin' and profilin' with your con stable, and livin' the boyhood dream dressed as your favorite 'rassler, is just too sweeeeeeeeeeeet!
Website: TooSweet Website
Chicagoland Cosplay Creations
Photographers and Cosplayers united to recreate our favorite moments in pop culture. We host themed cosplay photo shoots across the Chicagoland area.
Website: ChicagolandCosplayCreations.com
Important Information
Costume, Weapons and Props Rules
Cosplay is a welcome and important part of our shows; however, each show also has its limitations and guidelines so that cosplay can stay safe for everyone. Click below to read the rules.
Cosplay Is Not Consent
C2E2 has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind. Please read our full policy here.
Meet your Cosplay Co-host!
Jaremi Carey
Jaremi Carey is a TV reality personality, streamer, singer and transformation Artist.
He's been a host, judge, panelist & singer for many events throughout the world including New York Comic Con in NYC, Cosplay Expo in Las Vegas, Anime Blues Con in Nashville, Japan Weekend in Barcelona and more! He has also done collaborations with companies like Pokemon Intl., GrubHub, HBO, Fox TV and the list goes on!
He created and hosted a 10 episode series, in collaboration with gaming platform, Twitch, called cosSLAY, which had cosplay contestants from around the globe! Premiere episode alone had close to 300k viewers!
Jaremi is looking forward to being a co-host for this year's C2E2 Cosplay Central Crown Championship & Cosplay Central Showcase on Sat. and Sun.!
You can see his latest transformation @Just Jaremi
Meet Your Judges
Ginoza Costuming
Brittani Ginoza is an award-winning costume and propmaker from Ohio. She is best known for her unique painting style and detailed costume construction. As a competitive cosplayer, Brittani has most recently won the Twitchcon 2022 costume contest and has also represented the United States multiple times in international cosplay competitions among many other Best in Show awards.
She is inspired by video games such as World of Warcraft and Borderlands and has even worked with blizzard, entertainment, and gearbox software on and has even worked with companies such as blizzard entertainment and gearbox software over the years. When she's not working on her next armor build Brittani enjoys talking shop and helping others learn about cosplay.
Casey Renee Cosplay
Casey Renee is an award-winning cosplayer focused on education, craftsmanship, and sewing. Casey is incredibly passionate about cosplay craftsmanship and creating educational content. In 2022, Casey’s first book, “Cosplay Foundations: Your Guide to Constructing Bodysuits, Corsets, Hoop skirts, Petticoats, and more” was published. Casey loves sharing her experience with others and helping the cosplay community as a whole learn new things and celebrate each other’s cosplay construction journey.
You can find Casey’s work on youtube.com/caseyreneecosplay and instagram.com/caseyreneecosplay and full galleries of her work as well as her patterns and embroidery files at CaseyReneeCosplay.com
Robin Careless
Robin Careless is a Toronto-based Costumer, Prop maker, and a founding member of Builders Anonymous, an FX Costume and Prop building company. Having been building costumes and props for over 15 years, Robin has worked on projects as What We Do in the Shadows, Titans, The Boys, SEE, Star Trek Discovery, and Suicide Squad to name a few, as well as the upcoming series Robyn Hood, from Director X. In addition to his costume and props work, Robin writes and directs, with his most recent short film "Escape: A Ghost Story" continuing to do well in film festivals around the world. And this past November saw the release of Light & Shadow which is Robin's first video game, which he designed and produced, and which is available on Steam.
Ian Campbell
Ian Campbell is a Toronto-based FX Costumer and Prop Maker Originally from the Prosthetics department, Ian worked on such shows as Man Seeking Woman, Defiance and Cardinal, among many others. But he found that as much as he enjoyed the work, his interests lay beyond the scope usually covered by the department. This led him to switch to making costumes and props, where he has spent the bulk of his career, and to the creation of the FX Costuming and Prop building company Builders Anonymous, of which he is a founding member. As a Sculptor and FX Builder, Ian has worked on such shows as Titans, American Gods, What We Do In the Shadows, The Boys, SEE, Star Trek Discovery, not to mention the upcoming Robyn Hood series from Director X.
Robin and Ian will be judging as a duo with one vote.
Cosplay Panel Highlights
True (Cosplay) Crimes – Friday March 31, 2023, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at Cosplay Central Panels
Are you guilty of committing cosplay crimes? We all are! Whether you’ve used hot glue to hem a garment, spray painted in your bathroom, dyed a sink bright pink, or “forgot to wear gloves”, this is the panel for you! Join the members of SheProp as we talk about some of their recent and memorable crimes, mistakes, short-cuts gone awry, and reveal some of our own worst moments. Come bond with us as we assure you that we are only human and even the most experienced makers are more than capable of making mistakes! Audience participation is highly encouraged.
Practical Cloning: Intro to Mold Making and Resin – Friday March 31, 2023, 11:45am – 12:45pm at Cosplay Central Workshops
Looking to get in to molding and casting 3d prints or sculpted items and not sure here to start? We will go over methods and materials for mold making and casting, tools used to improve your molds and touch on some multi-part mold information. We will also go over different applications to put your newfound knowledge to use!
Black Cosplayers Continuum Presents: Cosplaying While Black Chicago – Saturday April 1, 2023, 5:15pm – 6:15pm at Cosplay Central Workshops
This panel discusses the struggles and triumphs of a POC (person of color) cosplayer(s). We explore many topics such as race identity in the community, black/brown controversy, and the adjustments of the community after during and after COVID. We discuss ways to speak encouragement into the community making it more comfortable for future POC and NON POC cosplayers. This PANEL IS FOR ALL COSPLAYERS AND NON -COSPLAYERS both POC and NON-POC. If you are willing to be educated, we are willing to pass on the knowledge.
Educating Cosplayers: How to Turn Your Passion Into a Career – Sunday April 2, 2023, at Cosplay Central Panels
In this panel, educators from the Cosplay Community will discuss how higher education can help you turn your passion as a Cosplayer into a career. By sharing experiences and through a Q&A, attendees will discover opportunities and careers, relevant to their cosplaying skills that they may not have known existed, otherwise.