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Now that you have your mascot, it's time to bring it to
life! The performer is as important to the mascot's character as the costume
itself! Know what kind of audience you are performing for. It is a big
game? A Parade? A casual meet & greet?
- The primary thing to
remember, Mascots DON'T TALK! Practice movement with your chaperone.
Get feedback. While practicing, figure out your hand signals, as mentioned
in Perfomer Safety.
- The Performer with
a new mascot has to define the personality of that mascot. Once this
is done, then the job of operation becomes a lot easier as each gesture
and reaction of the mascot will then have a reason. This is what separates
a mascot from a person in a costume. What is your mascot's personality?
Are you tough? Are you a jokester? Are you shy? What sort of an image
are you expected to portrait? The more you know your mascot's character
and your audience, the more fun you'll have. As you learn how people
react to your actions, you can develop a character that really "speaks"
for your company or school. Remember that you represent your company
or school while in costume. Mind your behaviour.
- One of the best ways
to develop a mascot's personality is lots of practice, both at non critical
events and in front of a mirror, in full costume. Operating a mascot
is a very physical occupation. All gestures need to be larger than life
to communicate to large crowds. Arm and hand gestures are very important,
don't leave them out.
| "Here
I am" wave |
Use to get attention of large audiences. Use your whole arm with
large sweeping gestures. Stretch out your hand and fingers. Make
yourself as big as you can get. |
| "I'm
a little shy" |
Use for relating
to small, shy children. Open and close your hand in a child-like
wave. Shy and giggling body language and games like peek-a-boo
will make you more approachable. |
| "Thumbs
Up" |
Works great
with pre-teens and teenagers. This lets you acknowledge the person
in a fun and positive manner. |
| "High
Five" |
is a great
way to greet a teenager or an adult. Most teenagers find a hug
or a handshake too -- UN-cool! A high five allows them to be a
part of the fun while still remaining "Cool". |
- If the mascot is to
play a sport, it is important to practice that sporting discipline out
of costume to at least a competent level before attempting it in costume.
A sporting club mascot can be one of the most satisfying type of characters
to operate, but can be one of the most demanding. React to your surroundings.
Cover your eyes and shake your head when the opposing team scores. Be
the life of the party. Joke around, flirt, dance, make your presence
known, but always be respectful.
- You must know the rules
of the sport, and KEEP OFF THE PLAYING AREA while the game is in progress.
At the very least, this could cost your team points (or award them to
the opposition) through interference penalties. At the most, it could
cost you your job. As a general rule, treat officials with respect and
follow their instructions. Always remember to have fun!
- DO NOT remove, for
any reason, any part of your costume in public. Nobody should see you
getting into or out of your costume. Never, Ever, take your head off
in public.
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