Fanshows

Fanshows are performances created by fans for fellow fans, typically organized within fan communities or at fan conventions. They showcase talent and creativity and provide a live or online platform for expressions such as singing, dancing, comedy sketches, cosplay-driven skits, or fan-made musical numbers based on a shared fandom.

Most fanshows are organized as live stage acts during conventions, with auditions, run orders, and volunteer production teams handling sound, lighting, and stage management. Others are video-based, shown during panels or streamed online, sometimes as annual showcases.

Participants are usually amateur enthusiasts from the fan community, sometimes grouped into teams or acts; entries may have age limits or content guidelines; organizers specify rules, submission deadlines, and safety considerations.

Because works often rely on copyrighted source material, events typically emphasize non-commercial use, explicit disclaimers, and permission considerations. Laws around fair use and fan creations vary by jurisdiction; many organizers implement content guidelines and may avoid official endorsements.

Fanshows support creative skills, community building, and cross-fandom interaction; they can be entry points for performers and new writers, and occasionally attract wider attention online.

Outside in-person events, online platforms host virtual fanshows and collaborative projects, enabling remote participation.