Cosplay at PAC: an interview with Jeni Duschak

The biggest anime convention in New England is almost here: Anime Boston starts on Friday! Since many of PAC’s staff are also part of Anime Boston staff, most of us are gearing up for tomorrow’s arrival and set-up… and the PAC panel on Sunday! But before we grab that last full night of sleep, we have an interview with Jeni Duschak, PAC’s Costume Programming Manager, who explains along the way just how PAC’s cosplay events will be different:

What are your responsibilities as Costume Programming Manager?

Jeni: Organizing and running any PAC events that involve costumes. (Except for the Costume Expo, that event falls under the Art Expo.) I will be designing the format of these events as well as designing the registration processes and rules for said events.

We hear you’re a cosplayer yourself. How long have you been cosplaying and what’s your favorite out of all your costumes?

Jeni: Since I staff so many conventions and also have many other real-life responsibilities, I do not have a whole lot of time to devote to my own costumes. I try to get around to doing a new costume every year, but even that doesn’t always happen, although I still enjoy the hobby.

I made my first costume in 1999. A bunch of friends of mine were really into Sailor Moon at the time, so we made Sailor Scout costumes to wear to a college party. My favorite costume is probably Riza Hawkeye from FullMetal Alchemist. It’s hard for me to find characters that I can pull off, and she just kind of “works” well with my stature and personality.

You’ve made it clear that unlike most anime conventions, there will be no judged cosplay events at PAC. What’s your reasoning behind this policy?

Jeni: My goal is to emphasize that cosplay is all about having FUN. We cosplayers make costumes because we enjoy both the craftsmanship and role-playing aspects of the hobby. Eliminate the trophies, awards, and judging divisions and all of PAC’s cosplayers are at the same level—we’re out to experience an enjoyable time in a very unique convention atmosphere.

Let’s talk about PAC’s main cosplay events. First, there’s the Costume Fashion Show. Can you tell us more about that?

Jeni: The Costume Fashion Show is designed for cosplayers who have a spectacular costume that they would like to show off on stage without a skit performance. The idea borrowed heavily from sci-fi conventions such as WorldCon and costuming conventions such as Costume-Con. These conventions place emphasis on presentation of costumes in a walk-on fashion, as opposed to skit-type presentations that are commonplace in the anime convention circuit.

The Costume Fashion Show is planned as a closing event to the Friday night welcome reception and should serve as a perfect opportunity for cosplayers who would like to showcase award-winning costumes OR costumes that may be elaborate and difficult to move in.

And instead of a masquerade, there’s a Cosplay Skit Exhibition for cosplayers who want to perform…

Since skit presentations have become a staple, I did not want to leave them out of the programming lineup altogether. However, I wanted to eliminate the competition aspect. The Cosplay Skit Exhibition will be held Saturday, hopefully before the formal, and will give participants the opportunity to perform without the pressure of competition.

The Skit Exhibition will have a set number of spots, but entries will be pre-screened (not given spots on a first-come-first-served basis) so there is no danger of the event “filling up too quickly.” I would much rather the entrants take time to produce a well thought-out skit than submit an idea quickly in order to grab a spot before the event fills up.

Can we expect to see any other cosplay-related events or activities at PAC?

Jeni: Possibly. At this point, there are no new events to announce, but please stay tuned to the website forums for updates regarding all PAC Programming.

Now for the truly revealing questions: if you could choose any three characters to join you in a crack cosplay squad, who would you pick?

Jeni: I’d have to choose the three girls from Final Fantasy X2. Just look at all of the quick costume changes those chicks go through in that game! Oh my. It’s a cosplayer’s wildest dream (OR greatest nightmare… I have yet to see anyone dare tackle a Dark Knight Dressphere cosplay.)

And if you could nominate any one anime or manga (or game!) character to succeed you in your position, who would it be?

Jeni: My first reaction would be Misato Katsuragi from Neon Genesis Evangelion—actually, probably Yuri Sato from Otaku no Video. She’s definitely obsessed enough with cosplay.

Thanks, Jeni! And anyone who’ll be attending Anime Boston can check out the PAC panel on Sunday, March 23rd, in Room 309 at 1 PM. (Be sure to check the daily schedule updates to confirm time and location!) We’ll be making some important announcements; you can also ask us questions about cosplay or anything else at PAC. Just as importantly, preregister for PAC in person at our booth in the Anime Boston dealer’s hall and you’ll get the early bird $65 rate!

So here’s hoping that we’ll see you soon in Boston… but wherever you may be, have a wonderful, anime-filled weekend!