The MTAC Risque Cosplay Contest Submissions are NOW CLOSED! Thank you for your interest. Check out our rules below to prep for the contest.

Learn about the Risque Cosplay Contest

The MTAC Risque Cosplay Contest is an 18+ adult burlesque event where we accept more revealing cosplay than can normally be worn during the convention or regular Cosplay Contest. Contestants will submit music and perform a short routine on stage in which they may remove pieces of their costume while following the rules set forth below and during a pre-contest costume check. 

Due to a limited block of time at the event, contestants will be notified of their acceptance by email from the contest coordinator after applications have closed. Submitting an application does not guarantee you will perform.

ALL RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, INCLUDING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE EVENT. PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR THIS.

Disclaimers

NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOGRAPHY MAY BE TAKEN BY MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE, ONLY BY PRE-APPROVED CONVENTION STAFF. To ensure this, staff will post signs and make announcements prior to the contest, and Access Control will confiscate any devices seen in use during the event. Pictures and videos taken by staff will only be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to have your image used for promotion, please contact a member of the contest staff. Regardless of your choice, you may request copies of your photos be sent to you for your personal use by emailing mainevents@mtac.net with your request.

THIS IS A CLOSED EVENT. Once the doors are shut, they will not be opened to anyone trying to enter the event. No re-admittance will be allowed for any reason, even for contestants. This is for safety and legal reasons. Only necessary convention/event staff and security are allowed readmittance.

NO FOOD OR DRINKS OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM. However, contestants are allowed to have water backstage for their health and safety. Medical staff will also be on standby for their safety.

Every applicant must read these rules and be familiar with them prior to their performance. Failure to comply with these rules will result in immediate removal from the stage and the convention. Their badges will be revoked without a refund, and banning from the convention altogether may occur at the discretion of MTAC personnel.

Every applicant that signs up agrees to submit themselves to multiple costume checks to ensure that they stay in compliance, which will include—but is not limited to—right before going on stage. All costumes will be checked by the contest staff regardless of gender. You may request that another member of staff or authorized personnel (of any gender) be present during this check if you are uncomfortable with a one-on-one inspection. Anyone found out of compliance will be asked to modify their costume and/or performance in order to follow the rules, and then the contest staff will perform another check.

You will be performing on a stage. Prior to the event, contest staff will notify you of where any cautionary areas lie, what areas are off limits, and what areas are deemed safe. As such, by registering for this contest, you release MTAC and its parent organization from any liability should any physical harm come to you during your performance on stage, getting onto stage, and getting off of the stage.

Divisions

This contest is divided into Novice and Master Divisions. Each division will be judged separately and have its own winner. When you register, you will choose which division you wish to compete under. Note that contest staff reserves the right to change your division at their discretion. Newcomers to the contest will generally want to compete as a Novice. Register for the Master division if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • You have won first place in any division of any risque cosplay contest or similar event in the past.
  • You have ever performed or taught burlesque, drag, or similar dances in a professional context.
  • You have been determined by the contest staff to be experienced enough to compete at the Master level.

Contest Rules

  • Completed applications must be received by March 31, 2023.
  • No one may apply to the contest after the deadline except under extenuating circumstances as determined by contest staff.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age on Friday April 7, 2023. No exceptions. You must show a valid photo ID with proof of age. Bring it with you to the designated meeting room and keep it with you during the contest.
  • The maximum time limit for a contestant’s performance music is 3:30 (three minutes and thirty seconds). This applies to all contestant performances, but not to the host or special guest performances that are not judged. If your music exceeds this time limit, it will be cut off abruptly at the 3:30 mark.
  • Submit your music through the online registration form. You may change your music up through the application deadline date, but not once the deadline has passed or on site, except under extenuating circumstances as determined by contest staff.
  • For partner and group performances, each member must register separately and indicate who they will perform with in their application.
  • Provide a valid email address and phone number where contest staff can reach you prior to and on the day of the contest.
  • All completed applications that meet these guidelines are accepted unless contest staff contact you to say otherwise via the methods provided.
  • MTAC staff, SEPOP organization members, and contest judges are not allowed to compete, but they are permitted to make exhibition performances during the contest if they submit an application with music.
  • A Master Division winner of this contest, no matter if they win as an individual or as part of a group, may not compete in this contest at the next MTAC held after their win. Instead, they will be given the opportunity to judge and/or perform an untimed exhibition in this contest at the next MTAC. Once a Master Division winner completes the rule-imposed one MTAC hiatus, they may compete again at the following MTAC.
  • A Novice Division winner of this contest will be given the opportunity to perform in the Master Division, regardless of meeting the Master Division criteria, if they so choose.

Costume and Performance Regulations

  • Nipples on feminine breasts must be fully covered and extend to cover the entire areola. Coverings may not be flesh colored. Coverings must be completely secured before arriving for costume checks and will be checked for stability.
  • Genital areas for both men and women must be covered in full and cannot be revealed in any way during the performance. Thongs are permitted but must be secured so that nothing can be revealed. Underwear must be completely secured before arriving for costume checks and will be checked for stability.
  • Simulating sex acts (i.e. humping the floor or another performer) during the performance is not permitted and will result in removal from the stage and potentially the convention.
  • Kissing (that is not pantomimed) is not allowed.
  • Routines with props, chairs, and major floor usage (i.e. twerking while on your knees repeatedly) pose a safety hazard, and it is strongly recommended not to use them. (Floorwork is also difficult for the audience and judges to see.) Contest staff reserves the right to inspect all props, chairs, and floor-use plans to decide if they should be allowed or not for safety reasons. If not allowed, you will be given the option to change your routine or withdraw from the contest.
  • Performers may not jump off of the stage for safety reasons. Leaving the stage as part of your routine must be approved by contest staff prior to your performance. This applies to all performances, whether judged or exhibition. Failure to obtain approval to leave the stage during your performance may result in disqualification from the current contest and/or rejection of your application for future contests.
  • All contestants are required to sign a hold-harmless release form prior to the contest or they will not be allowed to perform.
  • Contestants will meet in a designated location at 10pm on the night of the contest for costume checks and orientation. Contest staff will call performers with the meeting location on the day of the contest. Due to privacy concerns, we will not advertise the meet-up time or location on social media or within MTAC public schedules. If you are not at the designated room at the designated time and/or you have not spoken with contest staff on the day of the contest, you will be removed from the lineup.
  • No drugs or alcohol are allowed in the rooms. If a contestant appears to be intoxicated or under the influence, they will not be allowed to perform.
  • No photography or videography of any kind is allowed by anyone other than pre-approved convention staff. This includes the prep time before the contest starts.
  • If you know prior to the convention you will be unable to perform, please email contest staff as soon as possible. If you become unable to perform on the day of the contest, please notify contest staff as soon as possible or when they call with pre-contest meeting details.
  • Only the contestants and approved staff are allowed in the prep room and backstage during the contest. If you need someone with you for medical or costume help reasons, please email adult@mtac.net for approval or speak with Robyn Cavender at the convention.

ALL RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, INCLUDING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE EVENT. PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR THIS.

If you have any questions about any of the rules and/or regulations, please contact mainevents@mtac.net.

The MTAC Risque Cosplay Contest Submissions are NOW CLOSED! Thank you for your interest. Check out our rules below to prep for the contest.