Hello girls! Jun, here.
Welcome, and I hope all of you have been enjoying 2013, thusfar! We'll be kicking off the new year with a few updates, including our first available try-out dates!
- - -
First off, here are the basic requirements for volunteering for Fanimaid Cafe:
1. You must be a girl, and at least 16 years of age by FanimeCon.
2. You need to provide your own registration, transportation, and approved uniform.
What kind of girls are we looking for?
Well, while we're fairly easy-going and open about the girls we invite into the Fanimaid Cafe family, we do have a few things we look for! But don't be shy! We don't bite. (This is a volunteer gig, and being a maid is completely NON-SEXUAL.)
1. You love anime/manga/games and have an interest in maid cafes, moe-kei, and Akiba culture!
2. You want to learn how to be a maid, dress up in a cute maid uniform, and meet people!
3. You're willing to sit with patrons and partake in fun conversations and games
4. You're willing to dedicate at least 4+ hours per day of FanimeCon (except Monday) to Fanimaid Cafe
5. You're willing to be on a team with a bunch of cute maids and give it your all to make Fanimaid Cafe 2013 as awesome as ever!!!
And a PLUS would be (but not required nor do they affect your eligibility for joining):
1. You have serving experience in a restaurant (We are also looking for people with California-registered Food Handlers cards!!! They're extremely easy to get, if interested.)
2. You're interested in performing on Stage Zero with your fellow maids
3. You've been to a maid cafe in Japan and are knowledgeable related subjects
4. Are in fluent in Japanese, though not required
Edit: Also, I forgot to mention, but when you become a volunteer at FanimeCon and work up to 20 hours related to Fanimaid Cafe, you may be reimbursed for a full-weekend badge! But you still need to purchase your registration first, and ask about volunteering by contacting the volunteering department, or upon pick-up.
- - -
We'll be hosting try-outs fairly soon, and we need you to pass ONE try-out in order to volunteer. (Please show up to only ONE try-out.) Upon passing, we require you to keep up on e-mail updates and announcements, as well as attend a mandatory meeting on Friday evening of FanimeCon.
This year's try-out dates will be in 2 locations:
San Francisco Japantown: The courtyard across the street from the Pagoda. We'll be meeting in the round stone seating area in front of Shabu-sen. (Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/Lt99B The street in between is Post St.)
San Jose Convention Center: We'll be meeting in the San Jose Marriot. Please meet us in the lobby, and be punctual! It is important that you arrive on time, as we will not allot for more than 15 minutes of tardiness before we move on.
Dates:
San Francisco:
February 16, 2013 @ 1:00PM during AOD (We are not affiliated with AOD, but are holding it there for your convenience. Feel free to be in cosplay! Though it is not required.)
March 10, 2013 @ 1:00PM
March 16, 2013 @ 1:00PM
San Jose:
March 9, 2013 @ 1:00PM
** PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer doing the public mailing list. If you would like to try-out, please show up to one of the try-out dates. However, if you need a special negotiation, feel free to email us your circumstances. Thank you!
- - -
Fanimaid Cafe is a fun experience, and many of us have made irreplaceable memories and experiences making friends and growing together, as well as found many opportunities through our event. We welcome many of you to join our family, make friends, work hard, and most of all, have fun! Our staff consists of knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive people here to make Fanimaid Cafe a great team to be a part of. Being a maid is a lot of hard work, but if you're willing to give it your all, we promise you that it'll be a memorable experience.
We hope to see you there!
Let's go Fanimaid! Get Hype!
- Jun
My intention of attending the maid cafe was to make new friends since I had moved from another state. To make this short, you will most definitely make some of the most wonderful friends ever! These girls are all so very kind, supportive, caring, and awesome, I dearly regard them as my own sisters. The cafe itself requires you to be moving about, so be sure to have enough energy! You will definitely have a blast meeting and chatting with new people! Hope to see you at one of the tryouts!~ Ganbatte <3
When I joined Fanimaid Cafe, my intentions were to gain a few more friends and to find a group that I could feel I belonged to. Of course when I did the tryouts, I didn't believe I was going to get accepted, but when I got that email, I literally cried tears of joy because I had such high hopes for this cafe. When I also agreed to perform on Stage Zero with the rest of girls and getting so involved with this amazing convention, I felt special. Getting on stage and preforming Maji Love 1000% on stage, I didn't feel nervous because I was surround with people who worked really hard to learn this dance and people who were there to support us. When the convention was over, I felt really sad that I won't be working with them until another whole year. But of course I got to see some of them after the con and reconnected with them and it was so pleasant. I have never meet an awesome group of girls before and to those who want to join Fanimaids, please try your best. It is a great experience and I know you will love it~
Hope to see everyone there at the cafe!
- Miki
Eto, last year, 2012, was my first year at the Fanime Maid Cafe. I was excited for the tryouts since my friend and I were eager to try out since 7th grade~ When I went to the try-outs I was pretty scared and felt like I messed up ^^; But when I was accepted I was overjoyed, but a bit scared to work with people I have never met. When I first met everyone I was pretty timid, however, as I worked with others at the tables I got closer to a few. I hope to be able to work again this year and become closer friends with the maids and new people ^^ I want to welcome them and make them feel comfortable so they have a fun time. I hope to see you all again soon ^^
I joined Fanimaid Cafe, for two reasons, to make friends and to step outside of my comfort zone. I really consider myself an extremely shy person who is a bit unsure of myself, but when I went to Fanime in 2011, I wanted to become part of this community that I felt would embrace me for me. But to be honest I didn't think I would make it after my audition. So when I got the congratulations email letting me know I made it into the Cafe I was overjoyed and knew that I had to give 110% of my energy to make this the best experience possible and contribute back to the Cafe. For this reason I decided to join some of the other girls in a Fanimaid Live performance! I was super nervous since I'd never done anything like this, but gave it my all to make my fellow maids proud. Then through serving our goshujin-sama and Ojou-sama's I found myself having a lot of fun getting to know new people and playing fun games! I also tried really hard to practice my Japanese phrases and bow to make my senpai's proud!! After Fanimaid, I got to go to other maid hangouts to get to know some of the other girls better. I learned that they were just as moe in real life as in cosplay. I even got to go to another Con with the fabulous Miki!! So domo arigato Fanimaid Cafe for the wonderful experience and for the opportunity to show myself that I can be braver than I previously thought!
-Izumi
I've been doing Fanimaid since 2010, and it's /amazing/ how much this group has grown.
You really do get an amazing experience volunteering as a maid. You're able to create smiles on patron's faces, and create an enjoyable, memorable atmosphere for people who normally aren't able to get this sort of experience. Some of the best experiences I've had at the con was being able to listen to a patron's story about their day at the con, or even just a snippet of what they're doing in their real life. But along with that, you get to meet some amazingly real and and talented ladies. And they really help you grow and become a better person.
Last year at Fanime was hard for me, as I was barely there and was traveling back and forth from and to my home over an hour and a half away for another organization's event. But the staff and the other maids understood my situation and really helped me out. And it was because I was barely at the cafe this year that I realized how much Fanimaid Cafe makes my experience at Fanime better.
Please consider trying out, even if you're tentative about it Most of us, in fact, all of us were nervous in making that first step. But once you do, you'll be greeted by warm people. And for those who haven't made it previously, please try again if that's what you really want to do! Trust me, they will notice your vigilance!
- Enju
As a longtime patron of Fanimaid Cafe (been there since day one in 2007!) I look forward to yet another wonderful time!
Keep up the good work girls! :)
I was a maid back in 2008, I plan to try out again this year since I miss the fun of being a maid again!
Don't want to write anything long so heres the summary of my experience...
I joined Fanimaid Cafe in 2011 because I loved the maid cafe experience I got in Japan. I also love performing so I decided to try out. I had no self esteem and not much friends that were into otaku culture so I thought it would also be great to know people that did. To my surprise, I got in, made a lot of friends, got to experience a wonderful time at Fanime and even got to see Momoi Halko. Since then I've loved the cafe and the people... I joined Fanimaid staff last year and even if it was a lot of work, I was happy to see so many girls wanting to join the cafe and the great result at the end. Because of Fanime and Fanimaid Cafe, I have life long friends and have experienced many things.
I hope to see a good turnout this year as well~ If you're trying to decide because you don't have the confidence or you're not sure, just tryout! You won't regret it!
-Tiffany
I was hoping something like this would pop up this year. I hope I can try out, and don't chicken out at the last minute. The whole thing sounds really fun!
This (hopefully) will be my first time going to a con. If you had a Butler section I'd volunteer, but as it is I'm looking forward to coming as a guest.
Hey guys,
What do the tryouts consist of? Is there any sort of dance or skill we should practice?
Also, where do the dresses come from? :U Do we buy them on our own?
Quote from: octorok on January 31, 2013, 09:39:03 PM
Hey guys,
What do the tryouts consist of? Is there any sort of dance or skill we should practice?
Also, where do the dresses come from? :U Do we buy them on our own?
The tryouts consist of us asking questions about yourself. Its easy questions, nothing to be afraid about.
As for the dancing and such, thats not needed for this tryout.
The dresses you have to buy on your own and it has to be approved by Fanimaid Staff after you get into the cafe. All these things will be discussed at the tryout as well~
Oh, and make sure to come in the clothes that you like or think that describes you. Theres no real need for a super proper suit or anything (unless thats your style).
I can't wait! It is such a cool part of the weekend.
Out of curiosity, what is the age range of the maids? Can one be too old to sign up?
I am going to be SO shallow right now... but as long as you look good who cares???
Quote from: TravelingPumpkins on February 01, 2013, 11:05:32 PM
Out of curiosity, what is the age range of the maids? Can one be too old to sign up?
You can't be too old to tryout. You just can't be under 16.
Really? From what I remembered from the last couple of Fanimes the age restrictions were 16-25.
26 is a good age
Quote from: TiffanyF on January 31, 2013, 11:01:15 PM
Quote from: octorok on January 31, 2013, 09:39:03 PM
Hey guys,
What do the tryouts consist of? Is there any sort of dance or skill we should practice?
Also, where do the dresses come from? :U Do we buy them on our own?
The tryouts consist of us asking questions about yourself. Its easy questions, nothing to be afraid about.
As for the dancing and such, thats not needed for this tryout.
The dresses you have to buy on your own and it has to be approved by Fanimaid Staff after you get into the cafe. All these things will be discussed at the tryout as well~
Oh, and make sure to come in the clothes that you like or think that describes you. Theres no real need for a super proper suit or anything (unless thats your style).
Thank you so much! It sounds really fun. I think I'll likely come to the SJ try out!
Sorry to keep pushing this, cause you did just say it gets discussed at the tryout, but can anyone give me a ballpark number of how much the dress will cost? I think a deciding factor for me might be whether I can even afford a new dress or not :X
Thank you!
The age has changed from then. We have had maids that are over 26. As long as it doesn't affect serving the patrons, I think its fine.
Quote from: octorok on February 02, 2013, 02:48:44 PM
Quote from: TiffanyF on January 31, 2013, 11:01:15 PM
Quote from: octorok on January 31, 2013, 09:39:03 PM
Hey guys,
What do the tryouts consist of? Is there any sort of dance or skill we should practice?
Also, where do the dresses come from? :U Do we buy them on our own?
The tryouts consist of us asking questions about yourself. Its easy questions, nothing to be afraid about.
As for the dancing and such, thats not needed for this tryout.
The dresses you have to buy on your own and it has to be approved by Fanimaid Staff after you get into the cafe. All these things will be discussed at the tryout as well~
Oh, and make sure to come in the clothes that you like or think that describes you. Theres no real need for a super proper suit or anything (unless thats your style).
Thank you so much! It sounds really fun. I think I'll likely come to the SJ try out!
Sorry to keep pushing this, cause you did just say it gets discussed at the tryout, but can anyone give me a ballpark number of how much the dress will cost? I think a deciding factor for me might be whether I can even afford a new dress or not :X
Thank you!
It really depends where you get it. I get my maid outfits from Bodyline which is a Japanese company. Their dresses are roughly around $40-$80, but they have limited sizes.
I feel awks doing a combo break on the conversation since I'm about to write up my review :c
Well, as I'm sure everybody has gathered from reading the other girls' experiences, I'd really like to emphasize that being a Fanimaid is like no other! I've waited since the 6th grade to turn 16 to go in for an interview. When I got accepted.. well, here's a screenshot of my reaction. (http://i46.tinypic.com/2v34lu9.jpg) I've been 200% in love with maid culture and it was deff a dream come true.. To a lot of girls (myself included), it gives you the feeling of being a mini idol! There's both actually performing as well as just working hard for your goshujin-sama.
You really DON'T know what to expect when you first start out, but trust me, becoming a meido will be so much more than you can imagine. What you really get is a family of girls who will support each other non-stop. The fuwafuwa frills are just cherries and icing to the cake~ (WHY AM I SO CLICHE)
so sweet we'll give you cavities (♥ó㉨ò)ﾉ♡!!
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.tinypic.com%2F21oynft.jpg&hash=dd584a60fdad351f207cf0bc83b5bd4c99c9f9d3)
---
P.S: I also recommend bodyline! Shipping is $10 but it can always be split~ Be wary of eBay uniforms! You might end up getting a satin uniform @_@.. If you have experience, you can give taobao a shot too.
Do we have to only BUY the maid outfits?
I'm just wondering because I designed a maid outfit and I really want to sew it.
Quote from: Kotuea on February 04, 2013, 07:44:59 PM
Do we have to only BUY the maid outfits?
I'm just wondering because I designed a maid outfit and I really want to sew it.
My friend was a maid for two years and if I remember right one of the maids she knew did make her own dress. Sorry if I'm wrong about this! I think as long as the design is approved the same way they approve other dresses before you buy them they'd be okay with it though.
If the maid outfit is approved by staff, then it can be handmade. I myself have made (or got it made more like... haha) my own maid outfits and it hasn't been bought by anywhere. So if you get in, you can send in the design to get it approved.
Hi girls!
I'm just dropping by and saying hi and hope you all are excited for the first interview! I'm the Second of Maid Cafe this year, and I'm excited to catch up with my old friends from before, and meet our new girls too! I took a one year hiatus from Fanime activity, but I'm excited to be back and hope to have fun again this year like before!
Hey guys!
Thanks for answering my questions about the dresses and posting all your testimonials. I really want to try out!
Would you guys happen to have a date for the San Jose tryouts? It says tentative, but I thought I'd ask anyway because the San Francisco ones are coming up :X It'd be easier for me to make it to San Jose, but I can make it to San Francisco too.
Hooraaay! Can't wait~
Hey, we don't have an San Jose date yet, it most likely will be the next Fanime meeting staff can get to. So look out for that!
Yay! I'm so excited about the Maid Cafe! This year I want to join you because last year I had a lot of fun as a customer, so this year I want to have fun as a maid. I'm looking forward to meet new people and have a good time~! :')
I'm going to be working on the Friday that Fanime opens. I can't get time off. Does this mean I can't be a maid?
I'm very interested in trying out ^^
Do you have an approximate time the mandatory Friday meeting will occur and how long it will last?
There might be a schedule conflict so I'm trying to figure out if I'd be able to attend or not...
Thanks in advance!
Oh god I feel so like I might be one of the younger ones. I turned 16 a few months ago so finally I can tryout! I've gone to Fanime 2-3 times. Everyone trying out seems to be all experienced. T___T
By the way, I also would like to know when/how long the meeting are on Fridays since I still go to school. >.>''
Thank you!
Usually these mandatory meetings on the Friday is around 5 or 6-ish. They're not in the afternoon or anything since people are busy and have school or work. I have finals that day too so no worries if you're busy earlier. And if you have reasons like school or work and you really can't make it (but it has to be a good legit reason since this meeting is very important!) then if you tell staff, things can be arranged. The meeting last about... maybe 2 hours. Lots of explaining, calling out names to see who is there, stuff like that.
Thanks for the quick response!
Would participating in another event be an acceptable excuse to (depending on the start time of the meeting) leave early/come late?
I think it would depend on what event but no matter what it is, if theres something conflicting with coming to the mandatory meeting, we would just ask that you give us an email or talk to Jun so it can be worked out. There are girls that come a bit late or leave a little sometimes though.
edit: Nevermind lol. I asked something but the answer was in the first post.
Quote from: Chihiro on February 03, 2013, 11:33:25 PM
LOLOL hi babes don't feel awks<3
p.s. i miss you<3333
I can't wait to meet all the new maids omg
Hey so if I mentioned at the tryout in SF that I wasn't going to take the California Food Handler test, but now I really want to, should I let someone know? :\ I changed my mind after thinking about it all day and I am willing to take the test/get the card lol.
Quote from: SilentHero13 on February 16, 2013, 11:26:39 PM
Hey so if I mentioned at the tryout in SF that I wasn't going to take the California Food Handler test, but now I really want to, should I let someone know? :\ I changed my mind after thinking about it all day and I am willing to take the test/get the card lol.
Hey, if you're accepted just let us know in an email, we'll probably send out an email for confirmation to anyone who does so. Like we mentioned at the meetings it isn't a determining factor that will make you pass/fail the interview, just a perk.
Hey girls that are interested, we're moving our next SF Maid tryout to the 10th, with our only San Jose tryout on the 9th on the Marriott side (It will be during Fanime staff meeting) at 1 pm.
So the next SF tryout will be on March 10th?
Thanks for the answer! We're only allowed to go to one tryout, am I right? If you make it onto the cafe, will you receive the email after all the tryouts have happened? Just curious >.<''.
Hi! This was the Youmu cosplayer from the auditions last weekend!
Have the emails about whether or not that you've been accepted or not been sent?
I feel like there was a typo or something with my email.
Quote from: Kotuea on February 19, 2013, 09:06:11 PM
Hi! This was the Youmu cosplayer from the auditions last weekend!
Have the emails about whether or not that you've been accepted or not been sent?
I feel like there was a typo or something with my email.
Hey! there isn't acceptance emails yet, that will happen after all the tryouts have finished.
Quote from: SilentHero13 on February 19, 2013, 09:02:45 PM
Thanks for the answer! We're only allowed to go to one tryout, am I right? If you make it onto the cafe, will you receive the email after all the tryouts have happened? Just curious >.<''.
Yeah. Only one tryout. No email after the tryout.
Quote from: HarukaRin on February 19, 2013, 08:36:31 PM
So the next SF tryout will be on March 10th?
Yep!
Hope to see more girls come to the future tryouts!
We appreciate that some girls came even though there was an event going on~
The emails and everything will be sent after all the tryouts are finished so while we're going through everyone, please wait patiently~ One of us will post when all the e-mails are sent out.
Good luck ~
I definitely want to try out next year! C:
Hello!
Just to verify, the SJ Maid tryout will be on March 9th at 1:00pm right? Would you mind clarifying the location more? Should we enter through the convention center or through the Marriott hotel?
Thanks!
Quote from: Hikalynn on February 20, 2013, 10:46:58 PM
Hello!
Just to verify, the SJ Maid tryout will be on March 9th at 1:00pm right? Would you mind clarifying the location more? Should we enter through the convention center or through the Marriott hotel?
Thanks!
Enter from the Marriot. The meeting is on the second floor. There should also be a sign (if I remember from last year..). You'll see a bunch of girls gathered in the lobby-ish zone to the left of the elevators (upstairs)
Its a bit different because last year it was near the Hilton, not the Marriott. However I think its better to enter the Marriott.
**EDIT, the dates were changed once again. Please disregard the previous update and refer below for the REAL dates.
Hey girls!
So we are making some changes to the upcoming try-out dates! I hope this won't be too confusing.
San Francisco try-outs: March 10th, and March 16th
San Jose try-outs: March 9th*
* For the San Jose try-out, PLEASE arrive on time and meet us in the lobby! We will re-locate as soon as we begin. We will not allot for more than 15 minutes tardiness.
San Francisco try-out locations will remain the same. If you're a maid from 2013, or have already attended a try-out, you do NOT need to attend another try-out.
Dress cute, and good luck, girls!
xoxo
- Jun
I would like to attend the San Jose try out, but I don't know if I can get there on time. I will be taking the SAT on March 9th and it will end around 1:00 PM. It would probably take 30 minutes to get to the try-out location. Can I still try-out?
So I've been going to Fanime since 2008 and I've always wondered about being a maid, so this year I might pluck up the courage to try out! My only question is: If I go to the March tryouts, will there be ample time to order a uniform online? I don't have any experience with Bodyline and I would hate to get accepted and not get a uniform in time (or, get a uniform but not accepted).
Quote from: kaemis on February 21, 2013, 05:55:46 PM
I would like to attend the San Jose try out, but I don't know if I can get there on time. I will be taking the SAT on March 9th and it will end around 1:00 PM. It would probably take 30 minutes to get to the try-out location. Can I still try-out?
Hey, just try to make it early as you can, someone can go over with you whatever you missed.
Quote from: rynsi on February 21, 2013, 08:37:12 PM
So I've been going to Fanime since 2008 and I've always wondered about being a maid, so this year I might pluck up the courage to try out! My only question is: If I go to the March tryouts, will there be ample time to order a uniform online? I don't have any experience with Bodyline and I would hate to get accepted and not get a uniform in time (or, get a uniform but not accepted).
The great thing about Bodyline, if you do order from them they ship their merchandise on Tuesday and it usually arrives the next week. Although it varies, and may take longer.
What times/dates is Fanimaid Cafe open? What times would we be expected to be working? Are the shifts 4 hours each?
Quote from: Kamonohashi on February 24, 2013, 12:53:19 AM
What times/dates is Fanimaid Cafe open? What times would we be expected to be working? Are the shifts 4 hours each?
Fanimaid Cafe is only open on Saturday and Sunday. I believe (and I hope I have the time right since I always go early/stay late) it opens at 11AM and 6PM. The shifts are about 3-4 hours each but theres a certain time that all the maids will be required to work which is around 12 or 1 since we need girls to work at the cafe while other girls perform at Fanimaid Live.
A question about Fanimaid live. For the maids who are doing the dancing, will there be days when we have to meet up to practice for routines?
There aren't mandatory dates to do so, usually the group leader of that performance schedules something but thats something more you guys do individually.
Quote from: Touya no Miko on February 23, 2013, 10:57:48 AM
The great thing about Bodyline, if you do order from them they ship their merchandise on Tuesday and it usually arrives the next week. Although it varies, and may take longer.
Okay, that's good! Thanks for the feedback :)
Hallo!
How long do the interviews usually last?
The whole process can take up to 2 hours at most, usually done though within an hour or a bit over... Depends on questions, girls trying out, etc.
A question to veteran maids, for the ones who wanted to do their own cosplays after their shift for the day did you guys have a place to store your costumes at the con or did you have to pick it up from your car/hotel?
There is actually a place we set up to put all our stuff. Not sure how the setup is this year but I'm pretty sure we'll have somewhere to put our stuff.
Hi girls at the meeting right now if anyone checks....
Tiffany will be there a bit late due to natural delays and will show up in 10-20 minutes. Sorry about the delay.
Would it be ok to request that a post be made here when acceptance emails get sent out?
Someone from staff will definitely post something when the emails are sent out.
This is a reminder that there will be tryouts tomorrow!
We will be at SF Japantown at 1PM across from the Peace Plaza and Pagoda where Iroha and the shabu shabu place is.
Don't be shy and tryout! Please spread the word to anyone that is interested.
Does anyone know around when or what date can we expect emails notifying if we got in of not? ^_^
In a couple of days
Hey everyone!
Mizuki has sent out the result emails to the girls who tried out!
Congratulations to the new maids and hoping for another great year!
What if we didn't get an e-mail?
I understand it's probably a bit early, but I was wondering if there have been any decisions made as to when the 2014 try outs might be? :) Thank you! Can't wait till fanime next year!