Cosplay Chess applications are OPEN for HotaruCon 5 A-side from May 20th to June 21st!
♟️ What is Cosplay Chess?
Cosplayers apply to take the places of chess pieces on a life size chess board to battle it out for victory as directed by the Chess Hosts! It's a live (semi-rehearsed) show that promises hilarity and drama for the Audience. Cheering for both teams is highly encouraged!
Obviously this is a very serious, very realistic game of Chess between two sporting individuals and absolutely nothing untowward will happen.
This year features a show down between Cherry and Adam from 🛹 Sk8 the infnitity 🛹 portayed by Hosts Mariam and Andrew.
♟️ Who can take part in Cosplay Chess?
Everyone!
Cosplayers can apply to be Pieces or you can apply to help out with placing props/running mics etc.
Cosplays can be:
♟️ Canon or AU
♟️ Bought or made
♟️ From any media
♟️ Comfy or ...uncomfy?*
(so long as it conforms to our Cosplay and Weapons Guidelines)
* Chess involves a lot of standing and moving on-off the board. If
you need help moving in your cosplay or more opportunities to sit down
let the Hosts know when you apply
You can sign up as a solo or a duo. You can also plant friends in the audience to call on.
You can also sign up as a stage hand if you just want to see what it's like!
And finally you can let the Hosts know if you would like to be considered for a Large, Medium or Small roll in the overall game.
Successful applicants will be added to the Chess Discord ahead of the convention to meet the Hosts and other Players. You'll be added to unique channels for your battles or other interactions during the game to get to planning. There's typically 1-2 group calls ahead of the convention for questions and going through the Script. There'll be time set aside in the Activity Room at HotaruCon for you to practice your battles or interactions ahead of Sunday as well but these are optional.
Succesful Cosplay Chess Pieces cannot also apply for the Charity Cosplay Cafe unless it's with the same Cosplay due to turnover constraints.
♟️ When is Cosplay Chess?
Cosplay Chess is on Sunday morning of HotaruCon.
For Players:
The rehearsal starts at 10:00 am and runs till 11:30 am. Please make sure you've eaten breakfast before arrival and bring snacks
and
water to keep you energised! There'll be plenty of opportunity during
rehearsal to refuel or nip to the loo but there are no scheduled
breaks/interval during the actual game. Please be aware that you will be
required to attend the rehearsal in costume* and on time.
For Audience & Participants
The Game will start at 11:45 am and run to 13:15 pm. The audience will be seated between 11:30 and 11:45.
♟️ What happens during Cosplay Chess?
Chess starts with an introduction of the game to the Audience by the Chess Hosts.
Each Piece is then introduced and takes their place on the board.
The Hosts then instruct the Pieces on where to move.
♟️ Every time a Piece is taken a Battle ensues! ♟️
Battles can be:
♟️ Dance offs
♟️ Stage fights
♟️ A children's card game
♟️ Anything you can think of*
*Actual bodily harm not allowed obviously
Each Piece typically has 1-2 Battles but don't assume that because your Piece has been taken that you're out of the game 👀
There's typically 1-2 Turning Points during the game. These are dramatic moments that can change the whole course of the game and call on Players taken or not! So make sure you're paying attention!
The whole game builds up to a Finale. This is often top secret even to the Pieces (and sometimes even the Hosts).
Ribbing, teasing and banter between the teams is encouraged at all times!
Small roles are likely to just be 1-2 Battles.
Medium roles may involve a mix of Turning Points, other hijinks or at least 2 Battles.
Large rolls may end up in the Finale 👀
You can also request
to just be a Piece on the Board with none of the above if you just want
to experience Chess as part of one of the teams so there's something for
everyone!
♟️ Applications are not first-come-first-serve and will be considerred after applications close on June 21st.
BUT you do need a 🎟️ Ticket Code 🎟️ to apply so best grab your ticket ASAP 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
If this sound like you then ✨ sign up here! ✨