Mascots Should Use Their Surroundings!

Before wearing your mascot costume at a public event, you must become familiar with your surroundings. One reason, of course, is for your safety. When you wear the mascot costume, you’ll find that your vision will be very limited. Your peripheral vision will often times be nonexistent due to the large mascot head. Not only will your vision be limited, but your movement as well. Wearing the large costume, head and shoes will limit your movement. Of course, after a lot of practice and use of the costume, it will begin to feel like a second skin and feel natural for you- this is especially true if you are very familiar with the area you will be performing in.

You also want to become familiar with your surroundings so you know what kind of performance area you are working with. As we’ve discussed before, you need to be as animated and energetic as possible. If you are familiar with your surroundings, you’ll be able to locate surfaces that you could jump on to (and practice getting back down safely!). Utilizing multiple levels and constantly changing levels will give your mascot character more life and energy. It will also make you more entertaining.

Often times, you’ll find that the location you will be performing at doesn’t have any higher levels for you to utilize. If this is the case, you might want to consider creating your own- ie: wood boxes, steps, etc. If you do this, be sure that they are out of the way so the general public doesn’t get hurt.