Q. Does your group charge or ask for anything in return for appearances?
A: Our group exists as a non-profit organization so we do not charge for our appearances. We simply ask for access to an event and a place to change and store our costumes.

Q. If I would like a branch of the 501st to participate in an event, whom do I contact?
A: If you would like our group to participate at an event, please PR Officer, Mark Chu-Lin (mchulin@yahoo.com)

Q. Can Minor's under the age of 18 join?
A: You must be at least 18 years of age to join the 501st legion. Under no circumstances will an exception ever be made. A minor is someone under the age of 18. Minors are considered children by the law and are not responsible for themselves. Once someone reaches the age of 18, the law recognizes them as adults. Under the law, minors are not responsible for their actions. The commanding officers of the Fighting 501st Legion consulted several lawyers on this matter and were advised to bar members due to the fact that the 501st does not have the insurance or financial resources to help its commanding officers defend themselves in a lawsuit. Even if we are the victor in such a lawsuit, the costs involved in defending ourselves will financially devastate our commanders and as a direct result, would cripple our organization for months if not years.

Q: I really like your costumes. Where do I buy one?
A: The costumes displayed are the result of careful research, fabrication and a lot of hard work. The majority of our costume components are hand built and assembled in our spare time. Certain talented artisans across the country provide limited kits and other scratch built pieces for those components that are relatively difficult to fabricate. Given that the likenesses portrayed by these costumes are copyrighted images, however, it must be stressed that there are no businesses that sell complete Star Wars costumes. Also, it must be further noted that the 501st Legion does not provide or manufacture costumes for purchase. The most common available item is the stormtrooper "kit", which contains all the hard plastic armor components necessary to assemble a stormtrooper costume. This item was once sold through various providers. However, due to the potential liability associated with selling such an item, it is no longer in production. Kits do turn up privately on eBay and other costuming boards. A little persistence online is usually what it takes to get started on a great costume. Potential members seeking armor, props or other associated costumes feel free to contact our Prop Master, Ryan Goff (jrgoff_2000@yahoo.com). He'll be happy to direct you to whatever sources that are currently available.

Q: What are the guidelines regarding my costume?
A: Membership requires an appropriate Imperial themed costume and is based on the following two criteria:

1. AUTHENTICITY: It is essential that your costume represent canon in regards to the films. In essence, the costume you wear must be screen accurate and readily recognizable in regards to the Star Wars films. Although such off screen concepts as a "Sith Witch" or a "Mandolorian Commando" are visually appealing and provide some wonderful costume opportunities, they are usually unrecognizable to the average fan during 501st events. Similar modifications to canon based costumes, such as adding decals, stickers or a modified paint scheme also poses a similar problem. It is imperative that the costume used for public appearances can be easily identified with the films. Staying true to film canon facilitates that process.

2. QUALITY: Although the 501st is a fan-based organization, we pride ourselves in our professionalism regarding the quality and authenticity of our costumes. In an effort to stay true to film canon, all efforts must be made regarding the materials, construction and presentation of one's costume. Although there are no concrete guidelines regarding what constitutes a quality costume, a potential member must make a solid effort in providing a superior costume for public appearances and events. It's the quality of our costumes that delineate the 501st from other fan-based organizations. On another note, the pursuit of the "perfect" Imperial costume lends itself towards learning various costume fabrication techniques.

Q. What memberships requirements does the 501st have?
A. Costumes must be authentic, canon Imperial costumes from the movies or licensed media (games, books, etc.). Costumes must be devoid of stickers, ornamentation, or any other decoration not found on the original costumes. Costumes must be complete, containing all the parts in good working order and appearance. Note: please refer to a detailed list of costumes on this page for more information.

Q. How do I make contact with a local affiliation of the 501st?
A. The Central California Garrison covers the Central Valley from Fresno to Redding. Please refer to our contact page on this site to contact the appropriate personnel. If you live in another area> and wish to locate your local garrison, please visit www.501st.com and follow the Garrisons link. Click the state or area within a state for local Garrison contacts.

Q. How do I join the 501st and whom do I contact for membership?
A. Visit the 501st Legion website at www.501st.com and follow the link "Join Us" on the homepage. Please refer to the gallery page on the same site to locate your nearest local Garrison, you will be assigned there. You will be contacted by your Garrison's Commanding officer once your membership has been approved. Note: To register and use the database you must have an email address, as it will eventually be your login name.

Q. Is your group in anyway affiliated with Lucasfilm Limited?
A. The 501st Legion is a fan-costuming group inspired by the Star Wars saga. It is in no way endorsed by or affiliated with Lucasfilm, Ltd. or any if its affiliates or licensees. The Star Wars name, logo, trademarks and characters are all property of Lucasfilm, Ltd.