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by Rachael Faught
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Is there any pressure on you to "top" your performance from previous years? Lynleigh: Of course. We feel like our costumes need to be better and we need to portray our alter egos better on stage. More than just kissing each other, we need to look the part too. We need to make our kiss better and display our love for each other as Uranus and Neptune better.
What about you Wayne? Wayne: Not really. Chances are, no one is going to remember what last year's performance was. We're lucky if people can remember the group itself. It depends on the convention too. We'll tailor performances for conventions in accordance with the general trends and fashion at the time. Also, whatever happens to be convenient at the time, we'll try to make something work out.
There is a myth out there that all returning cosplay groups are out to win, win, win. Would you care to respond to this rumor on behalf of returning cosplay groups? Ashley: Well, while winning is nice, we proved our talent last year. We got a huge reaction when we walked out on stage as Uranus and Neptune and when we kissed. To me that is just as good as winning. We also proved our talent again at Ani-Magic where we received an honorable mention for Novice Craftsmanship award and the Steve Bennett award. I don't need an award to prove we are talented. In my opinion you're talented whether you win or not. So I believe that the myth is just a myth, there is no truth behind it.
Wayne: Let me ask a question in response to your question. When was the last time you heard a cosplay group say, "I'm competing to lose, lose, lose!"? We only speak for ourselves, since AGSMA does not and should not speak for other established cosplay groups. AGSMA cosplays and completes in the masquerades for fun. Part of that fun is the masquerade itself. Competitions are quite thrilling; it's something about the adrenaline surge when you're on stage. A lot of our friends are in the competition too and it's a chance to spar, learn new techniques and surprises. If we win, that's great, and if we don't, it's no big deal. There will always be someone better.
What are important ethics for cosplay groups to keep in mind? Ashley: Well I would have to say manners, because it's all on how you present yourself. If you have good manners people think you're nice and will cheer for you more; however, if your rude, if you don't listen to your coordinators or cooperate, people will remember you in a bad light, you'll have to work with these people again. So, in my opinion, manners are most important.
Wayne: Have fun. This is a hobby after all. Make friends, not enemies. And play nice.
Though these two groups differ, when it comes to competition and performance, they both have the same final message: it's all for fun, and etiquette rules. Akadot encourages fans from across the anime spectrum to chime in with a report on what they're up to. If you wish to contribute, please email Akadot at editor@akadot.com.
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