Make Your Mascot Talk!

Typically, mascot performers shouldn't speak while in costume. The main reason for this is because it is very difficult for your voice to be heard. Even when you're speaking loudly, the size of the mascot head and the insulation from the foam, etc will prevent your voice from being heard. However, if you'd like your mascot character to be able to communicate with people, there is a solution! You can invest in a mascot amplification system!

There are some great compact amplification systems that you can get that will make it easy for your mascot character to speak with patrons. They come with a headset including a microphone. But if you choose to purchase an amplification system so your costumed actor can communicate, it would be smart to have them use a special, cartoony voice. If your character just sounds like a regular person, it will be very boring and ruin the illusion of the character. Click here to go to a website that has different amplification options to use with your mascot!

Mascots Need To Do Their Research!!

Is this your first time wearing a mascot costume? Then you may want to do some research! Especially if you will be wearing the mascot costume for your school, you’ll want to find out what some of the previous mascots did and if they were successful. If you are unable to find those who wore the mascot costume previously, ask other people. If they attended games or special events, they may remember and be able to tell you how the mascots entertained the crowd.

Watch video of mascots in college and the pros! See what their routine is, how they manage to engage the crowd, and what makes them successful and entertaining. Youtube is a great resource, so use it to your advantage!

If you’ll be wearing the mascot costume for a school or university, chances are, you’ll be working with the school’s cheerleaders and pep band. Talk with both groups to see what kind of routines they are doing and if they’d be interested in doing any routines with the mascot. If nothing else, at least find out what songs the pep band will be playing so you can plan some routines yourself. Choreographed routines are always an added treat for spectators and add to the professionalism of your routine!

Fun Facts About Mascot Costumes

Check out this short article from RealSimple Magazine with some fun facts about mascot costumes! Click here

Be Careful Wearing A Mascot Costume!!

As we've discussed before, wearing a mascot costume is very different than moving around in everyday life. Mascot costumes restrict movement as well as vision. This is why it's important to practice your routines before going out for a 'performance' as well as being completely aware of your surroundings. When possible, always have someone who's not wearing a costumes act as your guide so they can prevent bad things from happening. This is very important- just watch this video and see for yourself!

Mascot and Costume Tip

Mascot tip of the day: It's important to determine what your costumed character will be doing before purchasing. Will the actor be sitting for photos? Will the actor be standing, walking around or running? It's important that you purchase a costume that has leg coverings that will be the appropriate length. For instance, if your mascot will be sitting for photos, you'll want a costume that has longer legs so the actor's ankles don't show. It's important not to ruin the illusion that the mascot IS actually the character!

Mascot Acting Tips #1

Acting in a mascot character costume is MUCH different than traditional acting. Mascot acting goes beyond theatre. In fact, it's bigger than theatre! In most cases, when you're acting in a mascot costume, you are in front of crowds of hundreds to thousands of people. Your typical movements will not bring your character to life. Now is the time to be larger than life!

Often times, unexperienced actors are put in mascot costumes and sent out in front of the public before learning anything about acting in this type of costume. This can result in a very boring, lifeless, and ineffective character.

Tip #1: BECOME the character

Once you put on that mascot costume, you have become the character! Leave your inhibitions behind. You must remember, to the public, you are the character. This is especially true with children. Don't be yourself- this is your time to shine and have fun!

Tip #2: Act Larger Than Life

Huge, exaggerated movements are imperative to bringing a mascot to life- especially when in front of a massive crowd, such as a stadium- you have to project the character to those directly in front of you as well as at the top of the stands! Remember- regular movements look like tiny movements when in costume (all that extra padding and fur diminishes what you would typically think are large movements). Stand in front of a mirror and you will see how large the movements must be to really bring the character to life.

Tip #3: Be Creative!

I can't tell you how many times I've seen a mascot character simply walking around and waving. How boring! Be creative with your character...what kind of character is it? If it's an animal, how would that animal move if it were real?

Tip#4: Use Your Body Language To Portray Emotion

Humans have one key tool to portray emotion that mascot characters don't: a moveable face! Mascots are all body as far as life- the character's head is not able to illustrate different emotions. Because of this, you must use your body language and movement to project the emotion of the character. And remember, big motions!

The following are two videos that exemplify good and bad mascot movement. Note how in the first video, the mascot is wandering aimlessly and the movements are not exaggerated. After watching the first video, watch the second and note how much more life the mascot has. This is due to the exaggerated movements and energy of the actor! Remember- this is VERY important to bringing your character to life!

That's all for this edition of Mascot Acting Tips- check back often for more tips!

How To Choose A Mascot

So, you've decided it's time to invest in a mascot. But there are so many different options- where do you start?

First and foremost, you must determine the purpose of the mascot. Are you investing in a college mascot, a business mascot, a special event mascot, a theme park mascot, etc? Does your college, business, or event already have an established logo, symbol, or character attached? If you already have one, you are one step ahead of the game. If you don't, you must first determine a suitable character that will represent your school, company or cause.

A simple internet search results in a plethora of mascot companies. With so many to choose from, many companies are often willing to produce low cost, low quality mascots just to compete with the competition. DO NOT fall into the low cost trap. A mascot is an important, long term investment. You will get what you pay for- so even though the low price tag will be tempting, chances are the costume is not made of quality materials, will not be comfortable for the costumed actor, and will not withstand the day to day wear and tear it will encounter.

Purchasing a higher quality mascot costume will result in a much longer life. Higher quality materials will last longer, look nicer, and reflect on your school, business, etc in a much more professional manner. Remember, your mascot will act as the face of your company or establishment- the quality and image it portrays will reflect the quality and image of your company or establishment in the eye of the public.

We have had tremendous luck with this mascot company. The costumes are top notch- not only in the material and workmanship, but in design as well. They have every kind of mascot costume you could imagine and also do a tremendous job on custom mascot costumes.

When choosing your mascot, it's important to look at all of the options you have. For example, say you're looking for a wolf mascot costume. What types of events will you be using the costume for? Is the mascot supposed to appeal to children? Teens? Adults? Don't simply choose the first wolf costume that you find. If you're looking for a wolf mascot that will be around children, you most certainly wouldn't want to choose a ferocious looking wolf, as it may scare the children. Or, say your football team's mascot is a wolf- would you want a friendly, cuddly wolf costume, or would you want it to portray a more tough, unbeatable attitude?

Don't be afraid to ask the mascot companies questions during your decision process. Remember, they have years of experience working with these specialized costumes and are there to help! The last thing you want is to get stuck with a mascot that will not fulfill your needs! We highly recommend utilizing companies that have a long history in the manufacture of costumed characters-chances are, they know what they're doing!

Mascot And Costume 101- Welcome!

Welcome to our brand new blog! The mascot purchasing process is a very important, and often difficult process. Choosing the right mascot for your business, school, show, or event requires a great deal of thought and consideration. However, most consumers don't know much about mascots! So that's why we've created this blog. We plan on posting new blogs each week about everything pertaining to mascots and costumes- whether it be how to choose the right mascot, how to act in costume, how to clean your mascot, or just general information about mascots. So check back often- and if you think of any questions you'd like answered about mascots and costumes, feel free to send us a message- we might be able to use your question as a blog topic!