Finn-Con@MDC: Anime & Gaming Expo at MDC North

Below is last year's contest information. Save the Date for the next Finn-Con@MDC, which is on 6/21/25! Stay tuned for more information.

Dress up as your favorite anime or game character! Come show off your skills, perform a skit, or show off your costume to the tune of your favorite song on YouTube. Top participants will win a prize! Have questions about what you can cosplay? Send us an email at Finn-Con@mdc.edu or ask us at the Cosplay Contest Registration Table located in the Lehman Theater on the day of the event!

Cosplay Contest Judges: @paladinmabel, @s15costuming, @suchbrute, @victors_pictures, and @znducos

Cosplay Contest Registration Form

• You must register using the form linked above. Afterwards, you must also physically check-in at the cosplay table located inside the Lehman Theater lobby on the day of the event, which is on Saturday, June 15th, at the Lehman Theater. The table opens at 1PM and closes at 7PM. All participants must registered before 7PM on 6/15/24.
• The contest will begin immediately right after the Video Game Concert at 8:00 PM. Please make sure you report to the Lehman Theater Green Room no later than 7:45 PM!
• All performances must not exceed 3 minutes. Media may be submitted online if you register ahead of time by emailing the media to Finn-Con@mdc.edu. If you sign up on the day of the event, you will have to have the media readily available via a YouTube link.
• If you are under the age of 16, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to enter, and you must also be accompanied by your parent or guardian during judging and the contest.
• The Cosplay Contest adheres to the "PG‐13 rule" and is a community, family-friendly event. Judgment on the appropriateness of the costume is left to the discretion of our cosplay staff. Violation of this rule may cause you to be disqualified from the competition.
• Contestants are not allowed to throw anything off the stage, nor use projectiles or use anything on stage that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter, and confetti.
• By participating in this event, you are also agreeing to being recorded and photographed by anyone participating in the event.
• No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, or similar special effects can be used during the competition; this includes smoke/smog machines and flash paper/powder. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and be asked to leave the convention area depending on the severity of the incursion.
• Be respectful to other cosplay entrants and the judges. Unruly or disruptive behavior backstage or during the contest is not permitted and entrants associated with this behavior will be disqualified.
• No climbing or leaping onto or off the stage.
• No live animals are allowed on stage or as part of the cosplay entry.
• All federal, state, city, and local laws/regulations must be adhered to in addition to the rules listed above. If you can’t wear it on the street or do it in public legally, you can’t do it at Finn-Con either.

• Coverage – Cosplay and costumes must cover the area of your body that is universally acceptable swimwear (bikini or trunks) would cover in all public situations. Cosplay with open and/or exposed backs are permitted. Body-paint costumes are not permitted!
• Dance Belts & Underwear – Please cover your bits (including the contours of your bits) and avoid a very awkward conversation with our security team. Dance belts, underwear, and body suits are highly recommended for cosplay and costumes that are especially revealing.
• No Sharp Edges – No part of your cosplay or costume should be able to cause injury to someone who accidentally runs into you. Make sure all sharp edges and pointy bits have been capped, taped, or are appropriately dulled!
• No Real Weapons – These are NOT PERMITTED on the college premises. All props must be made with safe, family-friendly materials and be peace bonded or obviously disabled.
• Oversized Cosplay – If you have an exceptionally large costume or cosplay, you must have at least one handler to assist you in navigating the event. These are typically cosplay or costumes that involve things such as wings, large pieces that extend beyond your arm’s reach, parts that are difficult to retract, or pieces that might impair your vision. Think of yourself as a titanic leash child - it’s for your safety too!
• Glitter – Is glitter pretty? Yes. Is glitter messy? Also, yes. Is glitter a curse? For the cleanup crew, it most definitely is. Any glitter or glitter spray used on your body, cosplay, or costume must be sealed in order to prevent incidental transfer or excess shedding.
• No Bondage – No accessories that attach two or more people together, even temporarily, are permitted. This includes but is not limited to: handcuffs, leashes, and ropes.
• No Hate Symbols – Any signs or symbols that can be characterized as hate symbols or signs of discrimination may not be displayed. This includes any symbol that is widely accepted as a symbol of oppression, hatred, or violence towards a specific group of people.
• Signs – May not contain hate speech, solicit personal contact, or attempt to provoke arguments, fights, or conflict with the general public, other attendees, staff, or guests.
• Official Personnel Uniforms – This town (and venue) ain’t big enough for the two of us. Cosplay or costumes that intentionally impersonate those of local law enforcement, safety personnel, venue personnel, staff, or security are strictly prohibited.
• Things on Wheels – Skateboards, bikes, roller skates, roller blades, and unicycles are not allowed in outdoor areas around the venue or in crowded areas for the safety of other people.
• Right of Refusal – We reserve the right to refuse or restrict any cosplay or costume for any reason. This means that we may ask you at any time to change out of or put away parts of your cosplay or costume. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s for a good reason! Failure to comply with this policy could result in your removal from the event!