Good Mascot Video!

This YouTube video has some great examples of how you should act in a mascot costume. Check it out to see some good examples of how to communicate with people while doing meet and greets.

Signing Autographs

While not necessary, having your mascot sign autographs is an added treat for children. In the eyes of a child, a mascot character is a big deal- basically a celebrity! They love to be able to take home any memory of their visit with the character, and what’s more personal than an autograph?! However, if you decide to have your mascot character sign autographs at events, it’s important that all actors who will wear the costume have identical signatures for the character.

First of all, the signature should not be a basic, plain old signature. Your mascot character is a larger than life cartoon- that is what the signature should portray as well. Make the signature fit your character in some way….if it’s a dog, perhaps it should incorporate a drawing of a paw, etc.

Once you come up with a creative signature, have all of the people who will be wearing the costume memorize the signature (and practice signing it with the costume on). Be sure they all look the same. That way, no matter who is wearing the costume, the autograph will always look the same. After all, there is only ONE character, right?! Imagine if a child got your mascot’s autograph at two different events and they looked nothing alike. That would ruin the illusion of the character.

Check out a couple examples of how to make creative autographs for your mascot:

Posing For Photographs With Mascots

One of the most common activities you will be doing while wearing a mascot costume is having your photograph taken. Children and even adults love to capture a memory with the character. While many would assume this would be a simple job that requires no preparation, they are incorrect. Sure, anyone can wear a mascot costume and simply stand in one spot and have people take photos with them, but that won’t portray any life in the photo.

You never see a Disney character simply standing with their arms at their side for a photograph. They always have some form of ‘movement’ or ‘life’ (ie: arm(s) in the air, foot out to the side, etc). This brings the photo to life and can transfer an emotion or mood through the photo.

Look at the photo we found online... simply waving creates life in the photo, or the mouse on the right has his hand up to his mouth which makes it seem as though the character is laughing!

These costumes can be purchased at this site

Practice different creative poses in front of a mirror and figure out what works best for you!

Mascot Preparation

If your school already has a costume, ask if you can use it to practice. It’s important to get a feel for what being in costume is actually like. It’s NOT the same as performing out of costume! It would also be smart to practice at whatever location the actual event will take place. This is important so you can get a feel for what the temperature will be like inside the costume. You’ll be surprised to find that even if you’re in an air conditioned arena or gym, you’ll still get very warm (especially if you’re being extra energetic like a good mascot should!)

You may find that the temperature inside the costume limits the amount of time you can stay in costume. If your costume doesn’t already have a cooling system, you should definitely look into investing in one. They are rather inexpensive and can extend the amount of time you’ll be able to perform in costume by at least 45 minutes! Not to mention, you’ll feel a million times more comfortable in the costume. This will reflect in your performance.

If you’re hot and uncomfortable in the costume, chances are, you won’t be overly energetic or in the mood to be jumping and running around getting the crowd pumped up. This site has a great selection of quality cooling systems that can be used. If you’re currently looking to invest in a new mascot costume, you can also purchase a costume that comes with a built in ventilation fan in the mascot head. This company has a large selection of ventilated mascot costumes.

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.

Show Emotion INSIDE Your Mascot Costume!

A great tip that can help you show emotion in a mascot costume is to use facial expressions inside the costume even though no one can see your expressions. Practice facial expressions in front of a mirror for various emotions (happy, sad, excited, etc).

Once you figure out what your facial expressions would look like if you were mad, sad, happy, etc, translate that into your mascot head. Chances are, the face of your mascot head will not move, so you must find ways to use your body to show the same emotion.

However, making your facial expressions while wearing the costume will help you 'feel' the emotion you're trying to express. For example, if you're trying to make your mascot character look like they're sad, hang your head and slouch your shoulders. If you want to look fierce, jump onto a block and pound on your chest.

You'll be amazed at the difference it will make if you actually make the facial expressions while wearing the costume. This is just one more way for you to become the character!

Click Here To Check Out Some Great Mascot Costumes!

How to Prepare Yourself to BECOME a Mascot

As we discussed earlier, it is important for the person acting in the mascot costume to have a lot of energy. It is also important for the person who will be wearing the costume to have a high level of stamina. To build stamina, it is important to incorporate cardiovascular training into your weekly routine. This will help build the endurance you will need to keep moving throughout an entire event. For example, a college football or basketball mascot will have to be out for a good portion of the game. Building your cardiovascular endurance will help you maintain your energy for an entire game. Your cardiovascular training can include running, walking, elliptical training, biking, etc. Choose something that you’re comfortable with and push yourself!

In addition to cardiovascular training, it is also important to incorporate strength training. Some mascots are required to perform acrobatic stunts. It is also fairly common for college sports mascots to do pushups at certain points in the game, whether it be when the team scores, etc. You’ll obviously have to be capable of doing pushups out of the costume before even attempting to do so in costume.

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Taking at least a couple of dance classes will help give your mascot that extra zip it needs to keep patrons entertained. You can even check your local library for various dance instructional videos to aid in this department.

And most importantly, practice in front of a mirror (IN COSTUME!!!). There is a HUGE difference between practicing your mascot routines out of costume and in costume. You will be amazed at the temperature difference. While you can purchase cooling systems for the costumes, you still want to rehearse in costume (we do recommend you invest in a mascot cooling system- especially if your mascot will be performing in a warm area). There’s nothing worse than getting out in front of a crowd and realizing you’re not comfortable in the costume.

When practicing in front of a mirror, pay close attention to how you ‘come to life.’ Are your movements exaggerated enough? Are you animated enough? Are you able to portray emotions or messages without being able to speak to the crowd? Experiment! This is your time to figure out what does and doesn’t work!