CosPlay – Costume Play

The CosPlay idea comes from Japan, where it’s a pretty popular thing for people to dress up like their favorite anime characters and there are stores that sell costumes and products to make and design them. At EPHS, the students in the CosPlay Club create costumes for Halloween or Japanese cosplay or otherwise just make new and exciting clothing.

CosPlay Club started in 2004. In its first two years, it has attracted the interest of about a dozen students, male and female, who are interested in the creative aspect of costume/clothing design, enjoy sewing or are at least willing to learn how to use a sewing machine to make their creations. Many of these same students are in Anime Club where they explore Japanese animation. Some of the students plan to attend the annual Anime convention (Anime Detour) held locally, and they use club time to create costumes suitable for wear at the convention.

Students meet in the sewing room at EPHS (room 168) where they turn their ideas into reality. One of the first few meetings includes an introduction to the sewing machines, but help will be provided by the advisor and other students as the weeks go along, so students who may have missed the first meeting can still learn what’s needed. The club is very informal, and students can come when their schedules allow. The atmosphere is congenial, creative and cooperative.

In 2005-06, meetings are held on most Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00 p.m., with some extended times prior to the convention in March.