Frequently Asked Questions


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Joining


I want to perform! How can I join?


Send us a video of the act you'd like to perform! Due to the overwhelming response of people wanting to perform, we're going to open a spot or 2 per performance to people wanting to give it a try. These spots will be filled on a first come/first serve priority to people that are ready - act, song, and costume complete. We will give some leeway on costumes if they are either ordered or are almost finished but spots won't be held for someone with no prep work done. To reserve a spot, you will need to send us a message with a video of the act and what show you would like to perform at.

Notes on acts:
  • Prior to performing you will need to provide proof that you are over the age of 18.
  • We are a cosplay troupe. Your acts will need to represent a recognizable character related to the genre show we are doing. We realize that not everyone is a master cosplayer but we do expect you to be recognizable and stay in character for the duration of the act.
  • Our shows are rated 'R'. We only strip to pasties and a g-string (some venues might request bikini)
  • Acts do not have to be striptease. We would love to see slapstick, comedy, sideshow, magic, music, etc.
  • Try to keep acts around the 3-4 min mark. If you can fill 6 mins with an amazing act, we can talk.
  • We will not accept acts that are the performer and a bunch of friends - it's too much to organize on the troupe's end. Duets & small groups are a possibility but will need to be cleared.
  • Yaoi/Yuri acts are not generally accepted. If you have an amazing idea, you can submit it for consideration.
  • Certain props need to be cleared with the con itself before we can use them - swords, guns, water, food. If you are unsure, its better to ask early than to be cut last min.
These performances are a trial period. If we like what we see and believe you are a good fit, we'll ask if you'd like to join as a cast member. Cast members are required to perform at multiple shows a year with new acts periodically. If this is too much to handle please let us know.


Booking


How can I book Cosplay Burlesque?


Cosplay Burlesque is always looking for new places to perform and new fandoms to tear up. Contact our troupe leader Victoria Belmont with any questions you have or to request a demo reel.

What can I expect from a performance?


Cosplay Burlesque is prepared to put on a full show including striptease, comedy, dancing, and music. Our shows are 18+, non-nude but can be toned down according to any restrictions the event or locale has. Our normal show runs 2 hours, although we will work with available time slots.

We are set apart from other burlesque troupes by our love of Cosplay and all things geeky. We are happy to work with your event's themes - anime, manga, video games, comics, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, fetish, etc. as long as we are given enough time to prepare costumes/acts. Most of our current acts fall under the anime/manga theme.

Check out our Youtube for examples of our work.

Are you available for any other con activities like panels?


Since our core group of performers is made up of fans that have been participating in either cosplay or burlesque for years, we are also available to run panels/workshops. Some topics we'd be happy to cover: Cosplay basics, preparing costumes for contests, creating a burlesque/cabaret costume, information on or performing burlesque, information on or performing bellydancing, or webcomics. Let us know what we can do for you!

What does Cosplay Burlesque want in return?


  • Passes of some sort to the event. We generally have 8-15 people involved, including performers and stage staff.
  • A 'stage' with a sound/lighting system (including microphones), seating for a decent sized crowd, and a nearby, secure changing area. The stage for the average convention's 'Masquerade' or costume fashion show is perfect, but a riser in a large panel room can accomidate us nicely.
  • A few event security members to check ID and police the crowd.
  • A hotel room for the performers for the night of the performance.
  • A travel stipend, a tip hat, and/or permission to set up a table to sell items such as dvds, shirts, and pasties. Travel and costumes are expensive!

Do you do smaller events such as parties?


For smaller events or parties, contact us with a description of the event and what you're looking for form us and we will be happy to work within your budget.

I'd like to see you perform at [insert show here]. How can I make that happen?


Contact that event and let them know you'd like to see us. We're happy to expand our show list.


Other Frequently Asked Questions


Why do you have a no camera policy? CPB posts stuff up after shows.


This is for your safety as well as ours. On our side, it allows us to control what gets posted to the public. Some of our performers love to perform but do not want to be identified by family or employers that might give them a hard time about it.

On the audience side, you would need a signed performer release with proof of age to post any images or videos that you took. Cosplay Burlesque will not cover for you if you post without our permission and are contacted by the authorities.

How much do your performers get paid? You asked for tips/donations at [insert show here].


Our performers are not paid for performing. We are compensated with badges and a few other guest perks by the cons themselves. Any money we make via tips or selling merch is to cover our personal costs - costumes, travel, food, etc.

I have an act suggestion. Will you use it?


Send it to us! We can't guarantee we'll use it but it can't hurt to ask. Please don't be hurt if we say we can't use it - most of our acts come from our personal favorites and its hard to do a good job with an act that you can't get behind.

How can I contact an individual performer?


Most performers has an Facebook page (linked on their cast pages). You can also email cosplayburlesque@gmail.com and the email will be forwarded to the cast member.

I have costumes that I don't use any more. Can I donate them to your group?


We'd love them! It's sometimes hard for us to get the money/time for a new costume every show so donations like this are a big help!