Greetings From Seattle, WA

Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I am looking into the possibility of joining the Saber Guild here in the Emerald City. I had my first Jedi costume approved with the Rebel Legion earlier this month, and I'm hoping to be able to make something suitable for Saber Guild as well.

I've got an original Jedi in the early planning stages that will definitely eventually meet the Saber Guild standards. However, before trying to rush that costume into production so I can get started with you folks as well, I would love to figure out if the one I have might possibly be reusable as a first costume. My current Jedi costume is a screen-accurate Depa Billaba. She is, of course, a Prequel Era Master, which would seem to fit the overall spirit of the guidelines. I also have an old Parks saber that would almost certainly meet the standards for combat readiness. However, there are several features of Depa's canonical outfit that would not fit the stated general standards. She does not canonically wear a belt, obi, or tabards (which also, of course, means no pouches, food capsules, or clip for her saber). Her tunic, rather than being of the standard wrapped style, is a long T-shaped tunic similiar to medieval styles, extending approximately to ankle length. Her robe is also notably different from standard Jedi robes, having a much larger hood and sleeves, a closure in the front, and an extra loop of fabric extending down past her waist over her robe. All of that being said, I have checked, and I am definitely capable of moving freely in the costume, and had no difficulty doing basic katas while wearing it.

So, what do folks think? Is there any chance of Depa being approved, or shall I just go ahead and push forward with my original Jedi?

Greetings from Strafe Plains!
At first blush Depa should be fine. Provide as many photographic examples of  the character that you are able along with your submission design. Since she was a screen used character, as you mentioned, the guidelines aren't applicable with proper references. That being said submit the costume and see if there's something that might have to be changed up. Does she have a specific saber as well? If she does then you'll need that for trooping though your Parks can be used for performances. Your trooping saber doesn't have to operable at least, just look the part and hold a blade.
Good luck on your submission!

Hi Caitlin, welcome! I'm a member here in Seattle. We have a strong relationship with Rebel Legion in Washington. We just finished ECCC where we had 501st & Rebel Legion members make some special cameo appearances - so you'll be a step ahead in getting involved in shows already.

Whichever costume route you go, hope to see you stop by rehearsal on Thursday nights at Seattle Unity (by Denny Park). You can try out choreography as you decide. The Local Costume Consular, Amanda, can also help answer questions and make the approval process as smooth as possible.

Best Regards,

Anne

Thank you SOOOO much to all the Saber Guild folks who waited patiently on my work schedule, and then helped me through the submission process. I am thrilled to say that I am now OFFICIALLY SG-379 (and, apparently, the first Depa in Saber Guild, so yay for doing a sufficiently obscure face character!). Definitely excited to do my first show next month.