Cosplay

Rules for Cosplay Showcase

• The Cleveland Asian Festival reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and request the wearer to make modifications at our discretion. Violation may result in removal from participation in the cosplay showcase or ejection from the premises.

• This is a family friendly event, the costume should be gender neutral. Garments must fully cover breast, genital, and buttocks area. Visible underwear is not permitted. Any clarification questions can be directed to info@clevelandasianfestival.org

• Any bodysuits worn must be opaque or be worn over opaque garments.

• Participants cannot wear explicit content on their body or display explicit content on any props they carry (e.g., depictions of violence or sexual material).

• Participants cannot wear costumes that can be construed as discriminatory (e.g., racist, sexist, ableist, transphobic, homophobic). This includes clothing that emulate hate groups such as Nazi or Neo-Nazi.

• Participants are required to wear footwear covering the entire sole.

• Please note that there will be a final inspection to ensure all costumes follow the rules before the participant is allowed on stage. If you have any questions about whether your costume follows the rules, please contact us at info@clevelandasianfestival.org before signing up.

Rules for Props/Weapons

• Real weapons are NOT allowed. Props of firearms are also NOT allowed. CAF has a no firearm rule and even fake firearm can cause misunderstandings and mishaps. (Let’s not make the job of CAF security more difficult than it already is.)

• Props that can be used as a real weapon (eg: metal/wooden bats, whips, glass, floggers, and batons) are NOT allowed.

• Props of any weapons must be checked by festival staff. If you are carrying any such prop when entering the festival grounds, please proceed to the info booth first when entering to have your weapon props checked. Any prop considered dangerous will be confiscated or asked to be removed from the premises. Storing the dangerous prop in your vehicle is fine. Violating this rule may result in confiscation of violating item. If you are unsure whether your prop is acceptable, please email info@clevelandasianfestival.org in advanced or consult the info booth before bringing the prop onto festival grounds.

• Props of any weapons must remain sheathed. Please keep in mind, the festival and security staff will assume all drawn weapons or props are functional, and will act accordingly. In the event of a mass shooting, you should immediately drop and abandon your props to prevent confusion.

• Props of any weapons without sheathes (e.g., bow) that are a part of the costume may be worn if properly secured to the costume but must never be drawn (see rule above on what security staff assumes about drawn weapons).

• Props must NOT be made of heavy material. If CAF staff judge the prop to be use-able as blunt force object, it may be ejected from festival grounds or confiscated.

• Props with hard material (including metal, paper-mache, plastics) must NOT have sharp edges. If you can pop a balloon or slice paper with it with little force, do not bring it.

Rules of Behavior

• Rules on behavior applies to all attendees of the festival, not just participants of the cosplay showcase.

• The Cleveland Asian Festival is non-profit. Monetary exchange in relation to the cosplay showcase is NOT allowed. For example, participants or any other attendees are not allowed to post videos of this cosplay showcase for the purpose of monetizing them online. (Filming for personal use is allowed.)

• Cosplay is not consent. Always ask before taking a picture or touching someone’s costume or props.

• Please be respectful of other attendees and their personal space.

• Aggressive behavior, fighting, or harassing other attendees is prohibited.

• Use of profanity or inappropriate language is prohibited.

• Any behavior that endangers or causes harm to other attendees is prohibited.

• Please respect the venue and its facilities, and do not cause damage to any property.

Cosplay Photography and Videography Guidelines

• Participants consent to photos or videos being taken of them when they are on the CAF Stage. Participants further consent to the Cleveland Asian Festival and its representatives using the on-stage photos for promotion and marketing purposes.

• Always obtain consent before taking photos or videos of any cosplayer when not on stage. Respect the wishes of those who decline to have their picture taken.

• Dedicated Photo District/ Areas will be setup for pictures/impromptu photo-ops and cosplay participants are encouraged to use them.

• Avoid using flash photography near people with light sensitivity or epilepsy.

Violation of any rules may result in expulsion from this event and/or the festival grounds.