So you want to join the Empire? That’s great! 501st Legion has members all over the world. The local chapter in Norway is called Norwegian Garrison. We are a diverse and fun family who love Star Wars and costuming
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Supporter
If you haven’t decided on a costume yet, perhaps becoming a supporter might be the thing for you.
When we are on a mission, we have help from supporters. Without them, doing such events would be much more challenging.
A supporter assists with dressing and many other tasks at events.
Supporters may not be members of the 501st yet, but get to join in on all of the fun.
As a supporter, you get an inside look at how do events. In addition, you get to know us better and we get to know you. You will also learn more about what is required to get your own costume.
We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or want to try out being a supporter!
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Membership
1. Requirements for membership
In order to become a member of the 501st Legion you must meet the following requirements:
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
- You need to own a high-quality «bad guy» Star Wars costume.
There is no fee to become a member.
If you live in Norway you will become a member of Norwegian Garrison. If you live in other countries, see 501st.com/members/displayUnits.php to find your closest unit.
And if you’d rather join the Light Side of the Force (with costumes of jedi, rebels, princesses and so on), we can suggest Rebel Legion Nordic Base.
2. Choose a costume
On the 501st website you’ll find the Costume Referance Library (CRL). This is an overview of all of the approvable costumes in the 501st and a list of requirements for each costume.
Also concider the following when you choose your costume:
- Budget: A quality costume is an investment. Make a budget and find a costume that fits.
- Skills: Many of our costumes demands different skills. Painting, sawing, leather work, electronics. What are you able to do yourself, and what do you need help with?
- Fitness: Some of our costumes could be taxing to wear after a while. if, for example, you are easily exhausted, you should propably not choose a hot and heavy costume. Some costumes are more easy to wear.
3. Do your research
When you have found your costume, you can sign up for the relevant Detachment. Here you’ll find help and advice and get to meet other costume builders who can help you with the parts you need.
Take your time, do your research. This is half the job.
Be careful when you start buying parts. We generally advice against buying on markedplaces such as eBay. If you have questions about the quality and level of detail on a costume part, please feel free to ask the Detachment or contact us.
4. Start building
The building process is fun and exciting, but all the details could be daunting. Here’s some advice:
- Have the CRL document at hand. This document defines the requirements for your costume.
- Ask the Detachment if you’re stuck. You’ll find people that specialize in even the smallest detail on a costume.
- Read the build threads on the forums. There’s much to learn from these threads. Why don’t you make your own? It is fun to follow along!
- Measure twice, cut once.
- Enjoy the build!
5. Submit your membership application
When your costume is done you need to take pictures of yourself in the suit. Take six images of yourself in full figure:
- Front
- Right side
- Left side
- Back
- Do a pose
- Do a pose without helmet
If your costume is very detailed, more pictures might be necessary. All of the details described in the CRL document must be visible in the pictures. If a detail is difficult to see in your full figure images, take a close-up of this detail.
The images are used to evaluate your costume. Make sure that you’re standing in front of a plain background. Also think about the contrast. Darth Vader in front of a dark wall is not ideal. Take the pictures in sufficient lighting.
Fill out the form on the website https://www.501st.com/members/join_form.php.
Our Garrison Membership Liaison will follow up on the application and tell you if your costume is approved or if it does not meet the requirements for the 501st Legion standard. You might get feedback on areas to improve or correct. This is a normal part of the process. Do the adjustment and submit new pictures if needed.
6. Start trooping
Congratulations! Your costume has been approved and you have recieved your 501st member ID. You can finally start trooping at our official events!
All events in Norwegian Garrison is announced on the forum, so make sure you are registrered there.
Welcome to the 501st Legion!