Your mascot performer is going to be very talented and energetic. They will also need to be very physically fit. It is a demanding job and you need to make sure that they are protected as due to the heat that is generated inside the suit and the need for occasional acrobatics. There are some basic precautions that you need to keep in mind when you are planning to have your mascot performer do their thing.
1. Design the right mascot costume
You should make sure that when you are in the process of designing or purchasing your mascot costume that you know exactly what it is that you need to be doing. If you are planning to have the mascot run, jump and do backflips, you probably don’t want the costume to have a long tail and heavy headpiece. If you are going to expect them to be carrying objects that you need to make sure that the arms are functional and the hands have adequate grip.
2. Every mascot needs an escort.
The vast majority of mascot costumes will afford the performer very limited peripheral vision and mobility. You would be surprised how much you rely on your peripheral vision to perform simple tasks such as walking up stairs or opening doors. The escort can be the eyes and ears of the performer and even keep them safe from unwanted advances from fans. The escort should also be properly trained as they can aid the performer in communicating what their gestures mean to fans and children.
3. Practice makes perfect
As with any performance, it is essential to ensure that the mascot is given time to practice what they will be doing. This is vital to ensuring that they have an idea about the environment that they are in and how to best use the space. Even something as simple as walking down a set of stairs is important to practice. The escort should also be present at this practice session as they should work out a few signals ahead of time.
4. Don’t get overheated
There is some additional mascot equipment that can make a huge difference to the comfort of the mascot. Cooling vests or fans can make a massive difference to not only the comfort of the performer but also extend the amount of time that they are able to perform for. The escort will be keeping an eye out for any signs or signals from the mascot that they are uncomfortable or that they need a break.
5. Schedule regular breaks during the performance
Even if the performer doesn’t say that they need to take a break you should force them to take a few minutes at a scheduled time. This gives them a chance to cool off and drink some water. These planned breaks will allow you to check in with them to make sure they are okay and also extend the amount of time that they are able to perform for.
6. Have a backup performer
The amount of training and practice time that you put into an event can all count for nothing if on the day of the event the performer is unable to deliver for any reason. This is why you should have a backup performer ready to go at a moment’s notice. Even if they aren’t able to perform the full routine, they will be able to fill the shoes and put on a show so the audience will not even notice.
