Mascots are the embodiment of spirit, enthusiasm, and entertainment at any event. Whether representing a beloved sports team or promoting a brand at a corporate event, delivering the perfect mascot performance is crucial.
This article will explore the dos and don’ts of performing as a mascot to help performers create memorable moments and leave a lasting impression.
Be Friendly, Respectful and Animated
Mascots are meant to entertain, engage and create a joyful atmosphere. Any signs of anger or frustration can alienate the audience, leaving a lasting negative impression. Maintaining a cheerful and upbeat demeanour reinforces a brand’s positivity and ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for the audience.
Therefore, engaging with each age group in a considerate and appropriate manner is vital. For example, a gentle and patient approach is essential when dealing with children who may be more reserved. Avoid overwhelming them with excessive animation in your efforts to make them smile.
In contrast, when entertaining teenagers and adults, you have more freedom to be animated and creative, such as engaging in lively dances or playful interactions. However, when interacting with seniors, respecting their personal space and opting for gestures like waving or blowing kisses from a comfortable distance is essential. This ensures a pleasant experience for all age groups.
Interact with the Audience
Mascots serve as influential brand ambassadors, for they can convey the brand’s personality, values and messaging in a fun and engaging way. This makes it more likely for people to remember and relate to a brand.
Creating a memorable and fun interaction between the audience and the mascot often leads to more extensive brand exposure through social media sharing, word-of-mouth and photographs. It also can help build trust and allow brands to gain valuable insights into their target audience.
Don’t Speak When in Costume
No speaking when in character is a golden rule among mascots. Silence is believed to maintain an air of mystery and whimsical curiosity. This is thought to encourage the mascots to express their character effectively through body language and movements that align with the brand’s persona. This also breaks all language barriers, making mascot performances enjoyable experience for all.
Never Remove Any Part of Your Costume in Public
Consistency and professionalism are expected from mascot performances at all times. Therefore, mascot costumes should never be removed in public as they can damage the illusion of the character for young children, who often view mascots with a sense of wonder and awe. Seeing a costume piece removed can shatter the magical experience they hold dear, potentially leading to disappointment and confusion.
Similarly, for adults and older audiences, removals can distract and undermine the brand’s image and messaging. Mascots are carefully designed to embody a brand’s values, and any disruption in their appearance can make it difficult for adults to engage with the brand’s promotional message effectively.
Don’t Neglect Breaks, Dehydration or Hygiene
It’s incredibly hot inside a mascot costume, especially during summer. Therefore, keeping dehydrated and taking regular breaks is essential. If not taken seriously, it can lead to overheating, fatigue or fainting, ultimately compromising the performer’s overall well-being and ability to provide an entertaining experience for their audience.
As sweating is expected inside a mascot costume, poor hygiene can be intolerable for the performer and the audience, for odours can create an unpleasant environment for all that come close to the mascot costume.
To uphold professionalism and a positive image of the brand, ensure the mascot costume gets cleaned between each use and the performer showers, sprays and wears an absorbent t-shirt and shorts while inside the costume.
