Introduction - What is it like being a Cosplayer?

In the past year or so, it's become surprisingly stressful. I don't like this new competitive edge that's getting put to it and the flame wars that start between cosplayers. I just want to express my love for a character or whatever and meet other like minded people. I don't do it to show off or pick up guys (since I'm married). I'm also an actor and have always loved making costumes. Cosplay lets me do that year round and whatever I'm in the mood for.

What are your next goals?

I specifically picked Slave Leia to get myself in shape. I'm a very active Pole Dancer and lost over 30lbs over the past year doing it and wanted to keep my momentum going. Pole Dancing is another fun way I cosplay. I'm hoping to make it into competition with an Iron Man themed routine. nypoledancing.com!

Cosplay Characters

I'm a member of the NYC Ghostbusters which does a lot of charity work (http://nycghostbusters.com). I've also performed with the Minions of Gozer as Janine Melnitz from Ghostbusters in their live shadow cast and cosplayed as her as well. Also, the TARDIS, the 10th Doctor, Gozer the Gozerian, a Pin-Up styled Xwing Pilot, and Marcelline from Adventure Time. In the works for this fall's New York Comic Con is a new TARDIS dress and Slave Leia.

What does Cosplay mean to you?

It's a fun way to get my creative juices out.

Who have been your biggest influences/role models/mentors?

I don't know. Mostly the characters themselves or the show/movie whatever I'm cosplaying is from.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for upcoming Cosplayers?

Be thrifty and creative. My mom was an aid at my school during my pre-school to 2nd grade years and came up with lots of arts and crafts projects for us using really simple items. I've spent many weekends with her wandering Michael's craft stores and JoAnn Fabrics going "Hm...what could this be used for". Sometimes I'll see something interesting and just get it even though I don't know what I'll use it for yet. The clear bubbles on my Gozer costume were clear plastic Christmas ornaments I got from Michael's on clearance for $1 a box that sat around forever before I used them. I mean, don't be a hoarder about things, definitely pace yourself, but when you see items like that, grab 'em. If all else fails there's always ebay.

What is the most negative experience you've dealt with while cosplaying, and how did you handle it?

I actually got assaulted at NYCC last year and they did very little about it. They never found the guy who yanked me by my hair to show me his "Exhibitor" badge. It's definitely made me a little paranoid. There can very often be a flame war between Ghostbuster franchises which I don't understand. One guy said in a forum he was going to rape all the female members of our group. I just hate how disgusting men can be at times. I know #notallmen but definately #alotofdouchebagmen can ruin an experience for anyone.

Any final remarks or shout-outs?

NYCghostbusters.com erynroberts.com minionsofgozer.com nypoledancing.com