An Adventure Through Time and Space: Cosplay Altavista Hosts Doctor Who Party

On Thursday evening, June 20, the Staunton River Memorial Library was transformed to take visitors on an adventure through time and space.

Cosplay Altavista held their much-anticipated Doctor Who party, an event open to the public attended by Whovians of all ages. Everyone who entered the library came face to face with beloved characters from the famous British TV series. They even saw the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space), the vessel appearing as a police call box in which the titular character, a time lord known as the Doctor, travels through time and space.

Cosplayers came dressed as various characters in the show, from Doctors, to companions, and other beings. Other attendees sported Doctor Who apparel and accessories. Smiles, laughter, and high spirits filled the atmosphere as fans mingled together in their collective love of the series.

Cosplay Altavista has been operating locally for just over a year, and has approximately 18 to 25 members at a time, according to Deb Reed and Donna Archambault, two of the group’s leaders and long-time cosplayers. The group’s age range is diverse, including some members 13 and under, and age 14 to adults. Monthly meetings bring these people together, where they share their creativity and passion for cosplay and pop culture.

Cosplay is a popular activity worldwide. Individuals use art and creativity to ultimately recreate costumes of characters from their choice of TV shows, movies, and books. These costumes can be extraordinarily intricate down to the last detail, or the cosplayer’s own stylization inspired by a character. Pieces of the costumes can be hand-made, found at thrift stores, or bought. They are often a combination of these elements. “You can do things small, or you can go real big,” Donna said. Often, cosplayers create props to accompany their costumes. Several Cosplay Altavista members who dressed as the Doctor made or bought replicas of the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver to go along with their apparel. A costume contest at the Doctor Who party allowed participants to show off their innovative handiwork and win prizes.

Creating the TARDIS was a “labor of love,” Donna said, gazing fondly at the replica. Made of cardboard and strong, supporting beams as a frame, group members banded together to construct and decorate it. At the end of the celebration, it was raffled off to one lucky member. Coloring stations, cookie decorating, button making activities, and more were included in addition to refreshments and a cake masterfully decorated as the TARDIS.

Cosplay Altavista has attended nearby conventions in the past, in addition to their own group parties and meetings. They have also participated in local parades.

The group thanks all the local businesses and individuals who supported and sponsored this event. Visit their Facebook page for more details and photos from this party!

As printed in the Altavista Journal