Cosplay - The Show

The worldwide phenomenon known as "cosplay" is a Japanese portmanteau of the English terms costume and play. With millions of people both participating and interested in the subculture and the varied themes such as superheroes, cartoon characters, video game characters; Cosplay The Show embraces cosplay with a Las Vegas flare.

The 70 minute production is set to perform in a major showroom on the Las Vegas strip featuring some of Las Vegas' most talented performers and a dizzying number of custom costumes and sets and props designed specifically for this production.

The Creator & Producer, Pete Housley, is no stranger to Las Vegas production shows and showrooms he's been the Director of Operations for Planet Hollywood's Sin City Theatre for the past four years, the Executive Producer of the Award Winning Sin City Comedy & Burlesque; as well as the marketing and creative consultant for Crazy Girls and Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream.  As a huge fan of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Gaming, Housley has developed a Live Las Vegas show true the nature and culture of Fans and Cosplayers alike featuring many of his own favorite characters re-imagined for the Glitz and Glamour of Las Vegas.

Contributions to this campaign will be specifically used to increase production value of costumes, set pieces and props of the show as it is built and to develop a strong marketing campaign through Advertising and Social Media.  Cosplay - The Show will also participate in the growth of the community with special guest appearances from the actual actors who played in favorite television programs and movies, Cosplay Celebrities, as well as participation in conventions, events and charities.

Two potential venues have been selected for this production which cannot be announced at this time; however both are located on the Las Vegas strip in highly recognized properties and will have the support of these properties.

The sizzle reel here is just a sample of some of the many Cosplay costumes we've been designing; there's a lot more to the show itself from set pieces, choreography, script and music -- but it's true to it's essence and foundation that it's all about the Cosplay.

About Cosplay - The Show

Cosplay - The Show is a 70 minute fun roller coaster of vignettes featuring custom made costumes from your favorite fictional characters from television, movies, books, comics and video games.  Don't Panic! While Cosplay - The Show is created by fans you won't need to be a total geek to enjoy this show. But, there will be some insider jokes and fun crossovers that true fans will enjoy.  It's a Las Vegas show so there's a sexy feel to the show; and it's geared for a PG-13 audience.

What about the Perks?!?!?!

Developing a live stage production in Las Vegas comes with its fair share of costs; especially when developing a show that will be scrutinized by some of the most detail oriented fans on the planet.  The purpose  of this campaign is to raise capital for advertising, marketing, production, venue, staff, cast as well as costumes, props and sets.  The goal is to insure that we have an appropriate budget for 6+ months should ticket sales fail to match projections.

We're fans too! So we've created what we think are some awesome and unique perks around our launch that we hope will gain in value as we're successful; or will just make cool additions to collections.  Check out all the perks available at all kinds of levels; each item will be numbered and some signed by the producer, cast and crew. The 2001 perk includes all other perks and a Lifetime VIP Access Lanyard which gives you VIP complimentary tickets to shows and includes post-show Meet & Greet with the cast for photo opportunities.

Like any good Science Fiction and Fantasy we will fight the good fight; we know what we think it will take to get this production to work perfectly - but if we fall short of this goal we're prepared to patch up the ship and make a valiant effort; against all odds because we believe!

We'll be offering a series special "secret" perks throughout this campaign for contributors only; there will be some one-of-a-kind items and very limited edition items -- we'll offer these to all levels of contributors but not the general public - so please contribute early.

Risks & Challenges

Dozens of Las Vegas shows open and close every year; 2016 saw a huge number of large production shows close due to cast and labor costs combined with smaller paid audiences. Creator & Producer, Pete Housley, has been working in the Las Vegas entertainment and nightlife scene for more than 15 years. Housley has developed a number of shows over the years including the longest running Comedy Show in Las Vegas.  He's also had a show fail to connect with audiences; which was a strong learning opportunity.  Bring both success and failure experience to the table Housley is uniquely qualified to insure audiences get an amazing show for a reasonable ticket price that also is balanced with a budget to insure longevity.

Cosplay - The Show will remain true to classics, but not be afraid to grow and morph as new classics are made and fan-base increase. We've been careful to develop a show that's accessible to the mainstream while being fun and funny to the bigger geeks in the world. It's also important when developing a parody to both not be too silly and at the same time not take yourself too seriously.  We believe we've struck a balance there and will continue to change and flex the show based on audience feedback.

About the Creator / Producer

Pete Housley, creator and producer of Cosplay - The Show, owes much of his love and interest in Science Fiction and Fantasy to his brother Chris Golash who was an avid J.R.R. Tolkien reader and introduced him to Star Trek, Space 1999, Doctor Who and writers like C.S. Lewis, Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison.  In 1984, the brothers  attended their first ever Fan Convention together at Dixie Trek just outside Atlanta, GA which became an annual tradition into their adulthood. It was while attending the 2001 Creation Events Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas that Pete first learned of his brother Chris' untimely death.

"My love of Science Fiction continues today", said Pete Housley. "I think I'm most passionate about Doctor Who, both the Classic episodes with Peter Davidson and Tom Baker; as well as the more current David Tenant and Matt Smith years.  But Star Trek is a pretty powerful influence too -- Sisko and Janeway are two of my favorite characters."

Housley, 48, lives in Las Vegas with his loving partner and mother to their 3 young children; plus their dog (Toshiko) and cats (Captain Jack and Aladdin).

"Movies, television, and books have always offered me both an escape and hope for the future", continued Pete. "It started as me wanting a connection with my brother when I was little and has turned into a passion that I hope my children will embrace. The concept of Cosplay - The Show comes from these years of love of the genre and the people I've met along the way."

Want to be cast in the show or make Guest Appearance?

Cosplay is as much about the Cosplayers as the costumes and we're looking for the best of the best to join us as part of the cast or even as special guest appearances.  If you're a Cosplayer who wants to be a part of Cosplay - The Show in Las Vegas (or you know someone we should be casting or booking for special appearances) Tweet and follow us on Twitter @CosplayTheShow; message us on Facebook your Cosplay photos are welcome; or email us.

Other Ways You Can Help