Spa-Con’s Burgeoning Cosplay Reputation Brings Two Globally Acclaimed Experts, Evil Ted and Avera Cosplay, To Hot Springs September 19 – 21

DATE: AUGUST 17, 2025

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Spa-Con’s burgeoning reputation as a venue for world-class cosplay celebrities has attracted two globally acclaimed cosplay experts to the Hot Springs comics and pop culture convention September 19 – 21.

“Evil Ted and Avera Cosplay will join Cowbutt Crunchies and Extreme Costumes as cosplay guests at Spa-Con 2025,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said.

“Cosplay has become such a big part of Spa-Con, and makers like Evil Ted and Avera Cosplay really show that,” Hampo said. “Both of these artists are so talented and have really honed their craft. We are so excited they will be coming to share their knowledge at Spa-Con.”

VHS Marketing Director Bill Solleder said a documentary series that included Spa-Con as it followed professional cosplayers “put us on the international comics convention map.”

“Remember when Spa-Con was featured in the six-part docu-series, ‘Alter Egos’?” Solleder said. “That series showcased a collection of cosplayers, from professional veterans to up-and-comers, and brought Spa-Con into the spotlight for attracting craftsmanship in cosplay.”

Spa-Con tickets — $35 for weekend passes and $150 for VIP passes — can be purchased at www.spa-con.org.

Evil Ted, real name Ted Smith, worked in the movie industry doing visual effects, prop, and model making for 30 years. He worked on films and television shows such as “Fifth Element,” “Guyver,” “Titanic,” “Hunger Games,” “Xena Warrior Princess,” and “Criminal Minds.’

He’s known around the world for his YouTube tutorials teaching cosplayers how to make foam armor and props.

After working in Hollywood, Evil Ted decided to make take all the tips and tricks he learned over the years available to the everyday builder.

At Spa-Con he will host a foam demonstration, judge the Cosplay Contest, and will be set up in the Convention Center Expo Hall.

Avera Cosplay is an award-winning creator known for her stunning craftsmanship, detailed armor builds and imaginative character mashups. She’s won cosplay awards at conventions such as Dragon Con, Blizzcon, MegaCon and San Diego Comic Con.

She will host a discussion called “My Kid Wants to Cosplay . . . Now What?” And will judge the Cosplay Contest and will be set up in the Expo Hall.

Evil Ted and Avera Cosplay will join a large roster of previously announced guest celebrities including:

Laurie Holden, the star of such hits as “The Walking Dead,” “The X-Files” and “Dumb and Dumber To.”
Voice actors from the popular “Sailor Moon” television series: Terri Hawkes, Susan Roman and Ron Rubin.
Peelander-Z, the Japanese action comic punk band from outer space.
World-renowned costume creator Thomas DePetrillo, famous for his Extreme Costumes developed for Hasbro, Power Rangers, Intel and others.
Cosplay duo Cowbutt Crunchies, who specialize in complex couture cosplay and incredible pop culture based designs.
Zeno Robinson, the award-winning actor who voices Hawks in the “My Hero Academia” anime series.
“Spa-Con is going on its ninth year in Hot Springs, so of course it’s going to be a good one,” Hampo said.

For more information contact Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.