I have been an enthusiastic participant in charity costuming for over 10 years. I began working with a super-hero group in Utah called Heroic. Today I primarily work with the various Lucasfilm recognized Star Wars groups: The 501st, Rebel Legion, Dark Empire, Mandalorian Mercs, and Saber Guild. These groups attend community events and visit hospitals in screen-accurate costumes in an effort to bring smiles to faces young and old. We also raise money for charity organizations.
Saber Guild
Local Director (LD) 2023-Present
Assistant Local Director (ALD) 2020-2023
Saber Guild is primarily a performance group. We use a broadsword-based martial arts system to develop choreographed, high energy lightsaber performances. Additionally, our group has an interactive element where we teach kids (and adults) the basics of our fight system. In a leadership capacity, my primary roles have involved event coordination, maintaining our rosters, developing digital media, organizing club purchases, inter-club relations, and supporting our costuming officer and local stage director.
Mandalorian Mercs
Costuming Officer 2019-2020
The Mandalorian Mercs are based upon the bounty hunters of Star Wars: Jango Fett, Boba Fett, and Din Djarin. Nearly all of our members make their costumes from scratch, including templating, cutting, shaping, and painting their armor. As a costuming officer, my primary role was to answer questions and help the members of our local chapter build their costumes.
In the 501st, Rebel Legion, and Dark Empire I primarily work in a volunteer role: I participate in events, interact with patrons, and answer questions about the groups and what we do. I love interacting with the public and putting smiles on kids’ faces. I also love that this pushes me to learn new things with each build: sewing, painting, leather work, wood work, prototyping, 3D print finishing, electronics, and weathering to name a few!
Erica Hawvermale 