Idol Showcase 2024 - Questions

[Cycrino]

Learn more about the event here: https://www.animeboston.com/activities/idol_showcase
Apply through Cosplay HQ: https://www.animeboston.com/cosplayhq/
Event rules and application guidelines are posted here: https://www.animeboston.com/activities/ ... ents_rules

If you have specific questions, you can post on this thread or you can contact the Idol Showcase Coordinator through the Contact Us form: https://www.animeboston.com/contact

[ArtemisNerdsOut]

So I’m trying to apply but when I’ve been going to the thing that says sign up it just continues to say error 404 page not found. I have everything all set to go but I go to apply and it doesn’t allow any signs up so idk if anyone else is having this issue

[ritakk]

The page is also 404 for me, idk why.

[Nyuu]

So I’m trying to apply but when I’ve been going to the thing that says sign up it just continues to say error 404 page not found. I have everything all set to go but I go to apply and it doesn’t allow any signs up so idk if anyone else is having this issue

The page is also 404 for me, idk why.

Applications are opening at 9pm ET tonight.
"My Events" / "All Events" should be showing a "Sorry there aren't currently any events to apply to" message until that time.

We thank you for your patience as we work with the new website. Typically a 404 means a few things:

• Forum password needs to be updated

• Cosplay HQ "My Profile" needs to be updated/accepted for the current year

• Cosplay HQ "My history" may need to be updated/accepted

Can you try resetting your password and then clicking "Update" on both "My Profile" and "My history"?

Thanks!

[ArtemisNerdsOut]

I just updated my info yesterday so I’m unsure why it’s giving the error. I updated my name and such and emergency contact as well as updated my password for here as well so idk why it’s giving the error

[Nyuu]

I just updated my info yesterday so I’m unsure why it’s giving the error. I updated my name and such and emergency contact as well as updated my password for here as well so idk why it’s giving the error

As far as updates you made, this also includes the "My History" tab in Cosplay HQ? If not and you go to that now, you may see a message indicating it needs to be updated (even if there was nothing to change). Scroll all the way to the bottom and simply hit the Update History button.

[hanaperi.studio]

Speaking of the My History tab, it looks like I need to make an update to the 2023 lineup, but I’m blocked from changing anything. Should I contact someone about this or wait for something to be resolved?

[ritakk]

Hi, what does leader character name and series? For example, I want to perform a song from lovelive!. So the leader character name should be Honoka Kosaka， right？This is the first time I apply for it, so I am pretty confused.

[Cosmic Lune]

Hi everyone!
With the new year just around the corner, it’s that time of year again to get your idol gears turning. The Idol Showcase is now officially accepting applications for Anime Boston 2024! 

If this is your first time applying for the Idol Showcase, thank you for your interest!
I’m Roo, and I’m the Idol Showcase Coordinator.

In this post I’ll do my best to address some of the most common questions we receive, but if anything is unclear, please don’t hesitate to reach out with further inquiries.


Anime Boston’s Idol Showcase: Overview
The Idol Showcase is an exhibition held at Anime Boston that provides idol-cosplaying dance groups and individuals a chance to perform on the main stage. Our event is an opportunity for performers across all experience levels, from first-time debuts to seasoned groups, to showcase their idol charisma. The Idol Showcase is not a judged contest. Our event gives idol performers a platform to shine bright on the main stage while exhibiting their cosplays and dance skills alongside a passionate community.

Selected participants are offered a time slot (either 4 or 5 minutes depending on group size) to perform a choreography routine (covered or original) to the corresponding song of their choice.

* ( Note: As per Anime Boston rule of thumb, the Idol Showcase consists of performances derivative of Japanese idol anime, mobile/video games, or manga series. Non-Japanese based entries will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but are not generally accepted. )


⎯⎯・⎯⎯・Requirements: Cosplay・⎯⎯・⎯⎯ ・⎯⎯ ♪♪
As a Cosplay Event, cosplay is required to qualify for a performance.

Q: Does cosplay need to be handmade?

While applicants with homemade costumes are more than welcome to apply, craftsmanship does not influence selections. Performance is our basis of our evaluation process. Homemade, purchased, and commissioned costumes all qualify for the Idol Showcase.

Q: Should I be in cosplay in my audition?

Applicants are welcome to record their audition videos in their performance-designated cosplays, but it’s not a requirement. However, please be sure to indicate which costumes you will wear in the event of acceptance. If your cosplay/s have an identifying set name or associated song, please include that somewhere on your application.


⎯⎯・⎯⎯・Requirements: Songs・⎯⎯・⎯⎯ ・⎯⎯ ♪♪
* IMPORTANT! = Applications containing a song MP3 file that exceeds the time limit at the time applications close will not qualify for acceptance.
‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ 4 or less members: 4 minutes max
‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ ‏‎ 5 or more members: 5 minutes max

Please submit the highest quality of your audio file possible, do not add any audio filters.
( Tip ! . . .Try listening to the song file both with headphones and over your speaker, or on multiple devices to ensure there are no notable sound issues. )

Q: Is it ok if my song is a few seconds over the time limit?

Due to time constraints, we cannot make exceptions for applications with songs that are over time. If your song is too long, we suggest cutting out the amount of exceeding time at the beginning or end of the song and adding a fade in/out. If you have more experience with audio editing, mid-section removal is also acceptable if transitions are seamless and don’t disrupt tempo.

Q: Can I change my song later if I change my mind?

The MP3 file uploaded with your application MUST be the same song you intend to perform. We cannot accept song swaps/significant structure changes after applications close.

Q: Do you accept original songs?

While existing songs from idol games, animes, and other series make up the greater majority of the show, original songs and personal covers of high production quality are permitted. However, with our current tech requirements, original songs and self-covers are subject to high sound standards more intensive review.

Q: What about live singing?

Live singing is not supported by the Idol Showcase at this time. Performances may only utilize songs that have been pre-recorded and approved by staff.


⎯⎯・⎯⎯・ Requirements: Audition・⎯⎯・⎯⎯ ・⎯⎯ ♪♪
Applications must include an audition video to be considered for selection.

Please use the “A/V file upload” function to upload your song’s MP3 file, and for your audition video, attach a link to a shareable file in the “Other Info” field.
We encourage uploading videos to a personal Google Drive, setting the share access to “Anyone with link”, and including this shareable link in your application.

Auditions MUST reflect the song and choreography which the participant intends to perform if accepted. Videos of different performances are not accepted.

Q: Can I edit my audition video?

Auditions should be one uncut, continuous take. You're welcome to edit the video in terms of assembling individually recorded group member auditions side-by-side, but there shouldn't be any jump cuts.

Q: Does everyone in my group need to be in the audition video?

It's not a requirement, but we strongly encourage auditions to contain as many of the individuals listed on the application as possible. The more members present in the audition video, the better the application will be received and the greater the chances are of acceptance.



APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1st, 2024

Applications are open from 12/15 - 2/1. All applicants will be able to edit/update their application through Cosplay HQ until 2/1. Please make sure that your application contains all the necessary requirements by then.

Please review the event rules page before applying.

Application link: https://animeboston.com/cosplayhq/events
If you get a 404 error or a redirect back to Cosplay HQ home, please see staff replies above and update your account settings.


Good luck everyone!

[Cosmic Lune]

Hi, what does leader character name and series? For example, I want to perform a song from lovelive!. So the leader character name should be Honoka Kosaka， right？This is the first time I apply for it, so I am pretty confused.

Thank you for checking! The "Leader" is actually referring to the person who is submitting the application on behalf of the group.

So, if you're the one submitting the application and you will be cosplaying Honoka, you'd put Honoka for "Leader character name". But for example, if you're the one applying and you will be cosplaying Umi, you'd put Umi's name for leader character instead, and Honoka's in the additional group member's section respective to the member who will be cosplaying her.

[ritakk]

Thank you!

[Cosmic Lune]

Speaking of the My History tab, it looks like I need to make an update to the 2023 lineup, but I’m blocked from changing anything. Should I contact someone about this or wait for something to be resolved?

You can only updated your participation history once per year, so if you clicked "Update History" initially without making any updates (like I did) to regain application access, unfortunately I don't believe you'll be able change anything further on your own.

If this is the case for anyone - you can send me a message (select 'Idol Showcase Coordinator') and I'll make the update for you. Please include the following in your request:

• forum name
• associated email address
• event(s) you participated in that you need added and for which year(s)

[hanaperi.studio]

Thank you very much! I have just sent a message via the form that you linked.

[ritakk]

Hi，When can we know the result？Just want to prepare for the event and help my members schedule the time. Thank you！

[Cosmic Lune]

Hi，When can we know the result？Just want to prepare for the event and help my members schedule the time. Thank you！

Acceptance notifications will start going out as early as February 9th. All applicants can expect to hear back from us within 3 weeks after the application deadline.

Acceptances will be sent out in waves during this time. If you don't hear from us at the beginning of this period in the first wave of acceptance emails, that doesn't necessarily mean you won't be accepted. We ask applicants to wait until hearing from us before assuming they've been waitlisted or denied.

Everyone will be notified of their results via email - whether accepted, waitlisted, or denied by 2/23. We kindly request waiting to hear from us by this date before reaching out with update inquiries. Thank you!

[nicoshairbows]

Hi! Quick question as it's my first time applying, when I click view full application it gives me a 404 error. Not sure if this is normal or not so I just wanted to double check just in case. Thank you!

[Nyuu]

Hi! Quick question as it's my first time applying, when I click view full application it gives me a 404 error. Not sure if this is normal or not so I just wanted to double check just in case. Thank you!

We thank you for your patience as we work with the new website. Typically a 404 means a few things:

• Forum password needs to be updated

• Cosplay HQ "My Profile" needs to be updated/accepted for the current year

• Cosplay HQ "My history" may need to be updated/accepted

Can you try resetting your password and then clicking "Update" on both "My Profile" and "My history"?

[nicoshairbows]

Hi! I tried doing that and it's still giving me the 404 error. I can access everything in the cosplayHQ fine and I'm able to edit my application fine as well, it's only when I go to view application under current applications that it gives me the 404 error. Is there anything else I should try to fix this? Thanks!

[nazo400]

Hi! I tried doing that and it's still giving me the 404 error. I can access everything in the cosplayHQ fine and I'm able to edit my application fine as well, it's only when I go to view application under current applications that it gives me the 404 error. Is there anything else I should try to fix this? Thanks!

I got the same issue and already tried everything

[Nyuu]

Hi! I tried doing that and it's still giving me the 404 error. I can access everything in the cosplayHQ fine and I'm able to edit my application fine as well, it's only when I go to view application under current applications that it gives me the 404 error. Is there anything else I should try to fix this? Thanks!

I got the same issue and already tried everything

I will try to dig into this and see what I can find out. Thank you for your continued patience!

[kekicosplay]

Hi! My group and I originally had 4 members but one person just left. the remaining members already have our cosplays and choreography can we still submit an audition if we modify the original choreography to work for 3 dancers?

[Cosmic Lune]

Hi! My group and I originally had 4 members but one person just left. the remaining members already have our cosplays and choreography can we still submit an audition if we modify the original choreography to work for 3 dancers?

Yes, choreography adjustments can be incorporated at your own discretion, so long as they are reflected in the audition video and the on-stage performance does not significantly deviate. Thanks for the question!

[nazo400]

I will try to dig into this and see what I can find out. Thank you for your continued patience!

Ok! Thank u!

[Nyuu]

Hi! I tried doing that and it's still giving me the 404 error. I can access everything in the cosplayHQ fine and I'm able to edit my application fine as well, it's only when I go to view application under current applications that it gives me the 404 error. Is there anything else I should try to fix this? Thanks!

I got the same issue and already tried everything

This should be fixed now and should properly link to your application. Thanks again for your patience!

[rawrdice]

hi!! just to confirm, is the idol showcase on the saturday? and if i don’t have tickets by the time i apply, will that hinder my application? traveling to boston is tricky and i can only go one day that’s why im asking ^^

[Onesadcatto]

Hoi!

I am looking at the Idol Showcase application and I have a few questions on what some sections are asking...

1. Is "Stage Name" is the name we would like to go by? (ie. my username "Onesadcatto")

2. Would "Performance Title" be the name of the song we're performing or would it be the name of OUR performance that we would like for it to be called? (ie. "The 2nd step.")

3. Can the "Other Info" include other information that may seem important? (ię. I submit a panel and if
both my submission for the panel and showcase get accepted, I hope the times don't conflict with one
another.)

Sorry if I am asking a bunch of questions. I have never really used to AB forums and I really don't want to screw
anything up when applying here. . _.

[Cosmic Lune]

Thank you for reaching out! Happy to clarify, but please feel free to follow up or shoot us an email if anything is still unclear. ◡̈

1. Is "Stage Name" is the name we would like to go by? (ie. my username "Onesadcatto")

Correct! This is what our emcees will use to introduce you at the show. It could be a group name, cosplay alias, username, or whatever name you'd like to be credited as at the time of your performance.

2. Would "Performance Title" be the name of the song we're performing or would it be the name of OUR performance that we would like for it to be called? (ie. "The 2nd step.")

The title is up to you! Some folks may simply use the name of the song they are performing, while others may come up with an original title for their performance specifically - all based on personal preference. However, if your title is not the name of your chosen song, we just ask that you include it in the "Other Info" section.

3. Can the "Other Info" include other information that may seem important? (ię. I submit a panel and if
both my submission for the panel and showcase get accepted, I hope the times don't conflict with one
another.)

Absolutely! This section can be used to note any other info/notes that weren't applicable in another section. We'll be looking for your MP3 audio file, audition video link, song title, and/or intended cosplay outfit set (if applicable) to be listed here (if not elsewhere), but if there's anything else you'd like us to know, feel free to include it in "Other Info"!

I hope this helps! We're looking forward to reviewing your audition, good luck!

[Cosmic Lune]

hi!! just to confirm, is the idol showcase on the saturday? and if i don’t have tickets by the time i apply, will that hinder my application? traveling to boston is tricky and i can only go one day that’s why im asking ^^

Hi there! We are finalizing the details around event scheduling, so we can't officially confirm the time/date of the Idol Showcase quite yet. That said, our show has been scheduled for Saturday (early PM) for the past three con years, so historically, the Idol Showcase will more than likely be on Saturday afternoon again this year.

Additionally, pre-registration status of the applicant/s will NOT have any effect on applications. However in the event of accepting a performance offer, the applicant is expected to obtain a badge to attend at the time of the show, and any unforeseen absences may affect future participation eligibility.

Once the schedule has been confirmed, we will announce event times on the site and through our social media channels. We're hoping to get those details out soon!

[Sora_Idols]

Hiii, So i cant add that my group preformed in the 2022 showcase on my history on this account? is there a way for me to do it?

We preformwd as Liella start true dream in 2022

[ksmurf]

Hiii, So i cant add that my group preformed in the 2022 showcase on my history on this account? is there a way for me to do it?

We preformwd as Liella start true dream in 2022

If you need to make a change to your Cosplay HQ history, message the Cosplay Events Manager via the Contact Us form on the website.