A special role-play initiative for teenagers in which they dress up as a character from a book, film or video game is being organised by Wicklow Town Library.
Cosplay was a new venture for Wicklow Library and it went down a treat with teenagers when Wicklow Town Library hosted a teen Cosplay Pageant on Thursday 28th July.
The pageant featured the young people wearing amazing, handmade costumes. These were the end result of a month-long series of workshops aimed at helping a group of teens create character costumes from their favourite books, comics, movies, manga, and television series.
They learned sewing and make-up techniques, as well as how to build props. They also gained confidence in public speaking as they had to explain to the audience who their character was. The pageant drew an enthusiastic crowd and afterwards the young people won prizes including tickets to Dublin Comic Con.
Due to the positive feedback from the teens and parents, a regular monthly Cosplay Club is being organised in the library with 15 teens already signed up. To register an interest in joining, please contact Loretta by email at Wicklow Library wicklib@wicklowcoco.ie
Deputy Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Michael Nicholson, is very enthusiastic about the initiative, saying: “This activity is a winner for teens; it’s a chance to express their individuality, socialise and build friendships while learning practical and valuable skills.”
Echoing this sentiment, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley, said: “It’s refreshing to hear about a new venture such as Cosplay, young people having the opportunity to develop a new hobby and learn hands-on skills such as sewing, making props and applying make-up sounds like a very resourceful way to put in a couple of hours”.
