Performing as a costumed character is a unique and demanding role beyond simply wearing a mask and outfit. From battling heat and humidity inside bulky costumes to mastering non-verbal interaction, performers must navigate various obstacles while maintaining high energy and captivating public members.
This article explores the highs and lows of performing as a costumed character.
Positive Experiences of Performing as a Costumed Character
Spreading Joy to People of All Ages
One of the most significant aspects of being a costumed character is the ability to spread joy across generations. Whether a child’s face lights up with excitement when meeting their favourite character or an adult has a moment of nostalgia, character costumes create an atmosphere of fun and wonder, making the world a little brighter for everyone they encounter.
Being Bold and Outgoing
The anonymity of wearing a full costume often encourages shy performers to step outside their comfort zone, adopting larger-than-life personas to immerse themselves in the role entirely. This allows them to confidently exaggerate movements, embrace silliness and be entirely carefree, heightening the costumed character’s sense of playfulness.
Engaging in Playful Interaction
A core part of performing as a costumed character is interacting with the audience in a playful and fun manner to promote a brand. They ultimately act as ambassadors, making the brand more approachable and relatable to the public.
From theme parks to local events, the ability to make people smile, take photos and momentarily escape reality adds to the job’s satisfaction, creating connections beyond ages and reinforcing brand loyalty. This can range from high-fiving kids to performing exaggerated gestures that evoke giggles, all while handing out flyers and samples.
Developing Performance Skills
The job often requires thinking on one’s feet and reacting to public behaviour. Therefore, a performer will, over time, develop creative skills that enhance their acting abilities.
Since many of these roles require nonverbal communication, performers become experienced at conveying emotions and stories through exaggerated body language and gestures. This can help performers gain greater confidence in their ability to entertain, which can serve them in future performance or acting careers.
Negative Experiences of Performing as a Costumed Character
Heat and Humidity Can Become Unbearable
Some performers must spend hours entertaining inside a costumed character without proper ventilation. Excessive sweating can cause exhaustion and dehydration, leading to performers experiencing physical strain.
Dehumanising Behaviour From the Public
Unfortunately, the downfall of anonymity provided by the character costume sometimes leads individuals to treat performers as mere objects of entertainment, ignoring basic respect and boundaries. Public misbehaviour, such as teasing, pushing and pulling the costume, can cause discomfort or injury to performers. Verbal abuse can occasionally occur, making it stressful for performers to stay in character.
In the wrong environment, this behaviour could cause the performer to be seen as less deserving of respect, adding to the emotional toll of the job. One way to reduce this risk is to have a great costume loved by all.
Limited Visibility and Mobility
A poorly designed costume can significantly affect the performer’s visibility and mobility. This can result in accidental trips, collisions with objects or even unintended contact with members of the public. Generally, easy movements, like hugging or high-fiving, can become challenging and require heightened focus and effort.
Physical Fatigue and Strain
Heavy costumes that are poorly designed and not balanced or supported well can force performers into awkward postures, putting pressure on key areas such as the neck, back, and knees. Over time, this strain can build up, leading to chronic pain and fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential for costumes to be designed with both comfort and performer well-being in mind.
Liz Johnson is the owner and lead designer of Promotional Props and Costumes, a Nottingham-based company specialising in creating bespoke props and costumes for marketing, advertising, and promotions. With a particular flair for puppetry and walkabout costumes, Liz has been bringing her designs to life since 2000.
Liz studied Theatre Design, Puppetry and Prop Costuming at Nottingham Trent University. After honing her craft at a puppetry company post-graduation, she embarked on her entrepreneurial venture, bringing her unique vision to life.
Today, Promotional Props and Costumes are at the forefront of creating mascot costumes, puppets, and one-off props for stage, television, and the advertising industry. Liz’s expertise extends beyond her business; she shares her knowledge as a sessional lecturer in Costume Design and Making at Nottingham Trent University, inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.
