Jenna

Carnival of Masks presents Nashua, NH based seasonal cosplayer, Jenna Deedy, as part of our Beyond the Carnival: Interviews with Costume Folks Around the World series.

CoM: Jenna, tell us about what you do.

JD: I’m a New England cosplayer, writer, and self-described “fandom steward” who brings stories to life through performance and critique. My work explores how pop culture, community, and responsibility intersect — both in cosplay spaces and the narratives we choose to protect.

CoM: What inspires you?

JD: Just the magic that Disney cast members put into bringing characters and stories to life for young kids.

CoM: How did your life in costumes begin?

JD: One of the most transformative experiences for me came from a Disney trip where I met Ariel in a grotto setting at Magic Kingdom. The cast member didn’t just wear a costume. She embodied the character. Children weren’t standing in Florida anymore – they were standing in Ariel’s world. That moment changed how I saw performance.

My first cosplay was May Maple (Haruka) from Pokémon in 2014. It began as a hobby–something creative and personal while I was transitioning out of my marine animal career because of medical realities. Over time, cosplay became a performance. I now do story times and character meet-and-greets as Anna, Belle, and Captain Marvel at libraries and bookshops.

Here’s what I’ve learned… Character acting isn’t pretending a fictional character is real. It’s creating immersive interaction. When a child asks a character: “Are you scared?” “How did you get your powers?” “What would you do if…?” They aren’t asking me. They’re asking the story. My role is to answer in a way that honors canon, reinforces positive values, and preserves immersion. That’s a narrative transition. And it mirrors my work in education – just in a unique form.

CoM: Do you attend costumed events?

JD: Yes, I attend: Boston Fan Expo, Granite State Comic Con, and Rhode Island Comic Con.

CoM: What's your favorite thing about costumes?

JD: Being able to embrace different characters and bring stories I love to life.

CoM: Who do you want to give a shoutout to in the costume world?

JD: Star Darling Cosplay and her incredible sewing projects based on various Marvel and Star Wars characters.

CoM: Thanks so much, Jenna!

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