open division
Open Division Information
The Open Division of the Page to Stage Costume Contest is open to any competitor who has made a significant portion of their costume (as defined by their skill category) and wishes to compete in a costume based on a character from a literary source or it's media adaptation. This includes fiction, non-fiction, plays, manga, comic books, graphic novels, etc and their media adaptations in film, television, animes, streaming media, video games, theater, musicals, etc. Original concepts based on literary characters are allowed and encouraged. Show us your creativity!
Open Division registration begins on June 1st prior to Labor Day of each calendar year. Registration will remain open until all available contest spots are filled. There is a cap on the number of entrants for the competition, based on space available backstage, so register early to avoid missing your chance to compete.
Prizes vary each year and have included cash prizes, VISA gift cards, Dragon Dollars, merchandise, books, trophies, certificates, sewing machines, and other amazing goodies. Prizes will be announced on the Facebook page prior to the contest each year, though prize announcements may not occur until registration is closed.
If you have any questions, please contact fantasy@dragoncon.org to reach the Costume Contest Coordinator.
Open Division Schedule
Registration opens: June 1, 2023 at 12:01am
Registration closes: When all competitor slots are full.
Documentation Deadline: August 23rd, 2023 at 11:59pm
Stage Presentation Audio Deadline: August 23, 2023 at 11:59pm
Contest Day (August 31st, 2023) Schedule:
Contestant Check In & Photos: 5:00pm - 5:30pm in Hyatt Regency Ballroom V
Contestant Pre-Judging: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Hyatt Regency Ballroom V
Technical Rehearsals: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Hyatt Regency Ballroom VI - VII
Stage Performance: 8:30pm - 10:30pm Hyatt Regency Ballroom VI - VII
Awards Presentation: Immediately following the Stage Performances
There will be no exceptions to the schedule, so please plan accordingly.
Open Division FAQ
Can I compete with a group?
There is no group division for the Page to Stage Costume Contest, however, competitors who wish to enter as a group should enter in the skill category that applies to the most experienced costumer in their group and must include the names of each group member and their costume on the registration form.
Can I leave early to participate in another event at Dragon Con?
No. While this has been allowed in previous years, it has created logistical issues for Dragon Con staff and other departments and contests. Much like everything else at Dragon Con, you'll have to choose.
Can I compete with a character from my favorite <insert anime, tv show, film, video game>?
Maybe. If the character has a literary source or has appeared in literature (before or after the anime, tv show, film video game, etc, came into existance), then it is eligible to compete. Please contact the contest coordinator with any questions.
Can I enter a costume that I've won in previously?
Yes, under certain conditions. If you won in the costume and it has not been altered in any way, it is not eligible to compete. The costume must be modified at least 50% from the state that it was in during its previous win to compete in the Page to Stage Costume Contest. Please contact the contest coordinator with any questions.
Open Division Rules
Please review the Open Division Rules in PDF form for easy viewing here.
Please read and confirm that you will abide by the contest rules prior to pre-registering. If you are found to be in violation of these rules, you may be disqualified or removed from the costume contest.
The Costume Contest Coordinator, Track Director, Dragon Con, and the contest sponsors may add or amend rules as necessary from time to time. All decisions made are final. Judges decisions are final and cannot be changed after the results are announced.
In the event that an advertised prize is unavailable, a suitable replacement will be offered of like value.
Open Division Registration
If you've read everything and agree to the rules, and want to come have a really fun evening with great people and put on a show, then click here to go to the Google Form to register. Remember to save the link to your entry so you can go back and edit your emcee statement or other information if you change your mind later. The costume contest coordinator cannot make changes to your Google Form.
Open Division Documentation
Any contestant who wishes to submit documentation of their costume build, materials, and methods may do so by submitting a PDF with imbedded images to fantasy@dragoncon.org with the subject line: Page to Stage Costume Contest Documentation. Please include your real name and costume name with your documentation. You may bring physical documentation to the competition instead, including samples of materials and fabrics. Due to the format of the contest, the Page to Stage Costume Contest team cannot guarantee that these samples or documentation will be returned, so please only bring what you are comfortable with leaving behind. Please make sure any written documentation is in at least 12 pt font and double spaced for ease of reading. Documentation may be submitted through the Pre-Registration Form during your pre-registration or emailed to fantasy@dragoncon.org by the deadline, August 23, 2022 at 11:59pm EST.
Open Division Audio Submissions
Contestant Audios must be emailed to fantasy@dragoncon.org by August 23rd, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Contestant audios must follow the criteria below:
1. All audio must be pre-recorded. Audio may not be longer than 60 seconds in length.
2. Audio must be clear and cannot contain excessive reverb.
3. Audio must be PG-13 in nature and cannot contain obscenities or vulgar language.
Contestants will enter the stage after the emcees read their introduction. Once the emcees are done reading the description of your character, you will be given one minute to perform a skit or musical performance as the character on stage. No microphones will be permitted, all audio must be pre-recorded and provided to the Contest Coordinator via email (fantasy@dragoncon.org) no later than 11:59pm EST on August 23, 2023. Feel free to embrace the character when planning your performance! Entertaining the audience and judges will bring big scores in this area. If you require assistance in creating an audio for your stage performance please contact the contest coordinator at fantasy@dragoncon.org.
