Mascot Tips
Mascots are a larger-than-life representation of a team or company that engages participants. Creative and clever, mascot performers get spectators involved in the event by leaving personal traits aside and becoming the character. Even the most shy person can become a crowd-pleaser while wearing a mascot costume.
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Mascot Escorts
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It is crucial to have a chaperone with the costumed character at all times for safety. Each mascot costume is different; sometimes they feature large feet, leg and head areas, which can drastically reduce the wearer's peripheral vision or coordination. Escorts help the costume-wearer avoid dangerous obstacles and protect him from potentially dangerous spectators. Mischievous people may try to play pranks on a mascot; having an escort can alleviate this problem.
Gestures
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All mascot gestures should be animated and over-the-top in movement. Because of the size and maneuverability of some costumes, a large gesture to the performer may not seem so big to spectators. Mascots often appear to be giggling, waving or blowing kisses to the crowd. Shaking knees to show fear, kicking one foot forward to convey an "aw, shucks" feeling or creating a heart with the hands are a few gestures often used by mascots to individually engage participants.
Crowd Participation
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One of the main goals of a mascot is to get the crowd involved by cheering during sporting events and parades, participating in corporate events, attracting clientele and interacting with children at a theme park or youth-themed restaurant. Move around the field, restaurant, event room or parade area to ensure that a majority of participants are greeted.
At a sporting event, the mascot can start "the wave" to promote crowd participation. Involving a team mascot into a cheerleading stunt or pyramid formation can also pump up the fans. Mascots often tumble and dance in either a choreographed or spur-of-the-moment routine with school dance squads or cheerleading teams. Mascots can lead crowd participation cheers by pretending to use a megaphone and motioning the audience to cheer and often participate with spirit squads to distribute team-related merchandise, such as water bottles or t-shirts, by tossing them to spectators.
Aside from game time, mascots often greet participants with a handshake, hug or a small memento such as balloons, stickers or trinkets with help of his escort. A mascot may participate in a skit that promotes the message or mission of the sponsoring organization. Pep rallies and awareness festivals that promote involvement in the game or organization are also ideal events for featuring mascots.
Costume Tips
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Because mascot costumes are often oversized with exaggerated features, performing in one tends to raise the wearer's body temperature. Some costumes contain fans inside the head area to reduce the heat. Driving a vehicle, using large equipment or performing near dangerous elements such as fire and smoke are not recommended because a costume-wearer's vision and hearing can be hindered.
Before and after wearing the costume, wipe the head area with a warm soapy cloth to remove bacteria. Dry the costume completely after taking if off by turning it inside out, if possible, and placing it in front of a fan. Sweaty or wet costumes can be a breeding ground for viruses and harmful bacteria. Use an antibacterial spray when necessary, but be sure to adhere to manufacturer's instructions because some costumes are dry-clean only and may be compromised by sprays.
Interacting With Children
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Children can have a fear of mascots, which can stem from a variety of reasons including a costumed-person's size, masked identity or seemingly strange behaviors. Kids also can be shy, which makes interacting with them a difficult task at times. Slow the speed of your movements and have the mascot escort do the talking to promoting a comfortable environment. Young children may idolize a mascot and may welcome a hug or a handshake. Be aware of hand placement when getting close to children to avoid accidental inappropriate touching or making the child feel uncomfortable.
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References
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