When most people think of cosplay, they may think of anime, costumes and conventions. But there is actually a lot more that goes into a cosplay costume than you’d expect. While it may seem daunting as you sit alone in your dorm with only a rough idea of an outfit, the Cosplay Club promises to not only point you in the right direction but to stand by you throughout the process.

Drury’s first cosplay club

Hidalgo with another cosplayer. Photo via Chelsea Hidalgo.

While the Cosplay Club is still in its infancy, it was officially recognized as a club towards the end of October. However, it has been in the minds of its president and founder, Chelsea Hidalgo, and adviser, Dr. Elizabeth Nichols, for around two months.

The Cosplay Club was created to celebrate all forms of pop culture, not just anime, as well as teach its members life skills.

Hidalgo, who is a long-time anime fan and convention participant explained, cosplaying allows her to “avoid procrastination… and [to] also just having fun with it.”

Teamwork is another important skill Hidalgo wants to cultivate in the Cosplay Club.

“One of the major rules we’re having is not just working on your own cosplay, but to somehow be a part of someone else’s project,” she explained.

While one person may not have great sewing skills, they could be good at props or another facet of cosplay. Hidalgo hopes that this will cut back on the stress of trying to do a cosplay on your own.

“Our major goal is to learn about cosplay and kind of its little history,” said Hidalgo, “and seeing what each person wants from their cosplay.”

Plans for the future

Cosplayers. Photo via Chelsea Hidalgo.

Sometime in the next semester, Hidalgo plans to take the club and their cosplays to a convention. There are several she has in mind, but nothing is nailed down yet.

Until then, you can still attend meetings. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Hidalgo will be leading the first meeting of Drury’s Cosplay Club. It will be at 4 p.m. on the fourth floor of Pearsons Hall. For more information about the club, you can contact Hidalgo at chidalgo@drury.edu or Dr. Nichols at enichols@drury.edu.

Written by Afton Jagels.