COSTUMES 101
So you've just been selected to be a mascot.  CONGRATULATIONS!  Here are a 
few basics most mascots share so you won't burn out the first time you give this 
craft a try... 
                                                   
Preparation:
If you can see the costume before the event try it on and practice.  Figure out how
the costume is put on, sometimes there are instructions.  
Put the head on and adjust any chinstraps or headstraps.  Wear light clothes.
A t-shirt, shorts, socks, and a sweatband/bandana are needed to change into and 
change out of.   Make sure you have dry clothes for after the event!

BE AWARE OF:
...any part of your body that might be peeking out of the costume. 
...any part that seems ready to fall off, a tail, a torn arm, a ripped ear. 
...Every hook has an eye!  If you look long enough you'll find the clasp! 
...If there are holes in the costume or  dirt/stains on it make sure you notify the 
owner BEFORE you put it on. 
...If there are holes or stains AFTER the event make sure you know whether 
you must clean 
it or if you may be billed for the damage.

BE AWARE OF WET COSTUMES
Viruses and diseases are passed through bodily fluids.  Costumes are breeding 
grounds for viruses. If you can't get a dry costume spray it down with End-Bac 
or another anti-bacterial agent.  Febreeze is good for trapping smells, but it 
does not kill germs that humans can pass to one another.   Once you spray a 
costume down give it a chance to air out the chemicals 
before you put  it on, so you don't asphyxiate.

DO NOT COVER YOURSELF WITH ANTI-PERSPIRANT
You need to sweat in the costume to regulate your body temperature.   

DO NOT LET ANYONE SEE YOU CHANGE!!!  Part of the beauty of this 
craft is the mystery of the actor.  Before your event seek out a clean private 
room where you can change and store your clothes, keys and wallet.  You 
should be able to retreat there in the case of a possible emergency!!

Adjustments:
My costume head falls off: If there is a collar on the head then tuck the 
collar into the shirt.   If there is no shirt use safety pins to secure the collar 
to the body.   Some costumes have helmets and chinstraps.  Make sure 
they are adjusted to your needs.   If there is no collar and no chinstrap try 
and change your motions to keep the head from losing balance.
My hands slip out of the costume gloves: use rubber bands at the wrist, 
or sweat wristbands (that match the color of your shirt) to give you a snug fit.
My hands are too big for the costume gloves: you can probably supply 
your own gloves in this case.  Batting gloves add a nice grip. Top them off 
with a wristband to hide human skin.
The costume legs are too long: Large safety pins can be used to hem the 
length of the pants.  Pin from the inside! 
The costume legs are too short:  Wear knee-high socks  OR find a pair of 
hockey socks and slouch them to cover the bare skin.
The costume feet too big for my feet: Layers of socks OR try inserting
your own sneakers into the shoe. 
WOMEN TAKE NOTE: 99.9% of costumes are made to fit men!!! 
The character's feet are too small for my feet: Don't squeeze your feet 
into them.  Simply wear a comfortable pair of sneakers with the costume.  
I simply cannot fit into the costume body! Talk to the owner about 
wearing a sweatsuit with the costume head, hands and feet.

When you're done:
Pull the costume inside out.  Hang the costume (from a shower curtain 
bar). If you have one, place a fan on the costume overnight.   Wipe out the 
inside of the head  with a soft cloth and warm soapy water (or a fifty-fifty 
solution of water and alcohol) to keep the head smelling fresh. 
Do not use perfumes or deodorants on the mascot costume.  These 
substances can damage or discolor the fabric and irritate other performers, 
(who also may have to use the costume), with allergies or sensitivities. 

Mascot Acting 101:  The Elements

The most important thing to remember when you're first starting out as a 
mascot is that your human identity will be set aside.  Therefore you 
have the  opportunity to act as something or someone you're not.   This
is not a suggestion for causing trouble, but it is a chance for you to 
portray an ideal character, devoid of faults.  Remember that every act, 
even small, will be watched by every age,  whether you realize it or not.  
Make sure your act doesn't get you in trouble!!!

The Three E's of Mascotting (from some old UCA training):

Entrance: Set your mark, whether it's at a football game or a store 
opening, with a big entrance.  Let people know that you've arrived 
in style.  Huge flags, confetti showers, series of  flips, or setting off 
a noisemaker grabs attention.   If your budget or environment 
doesn't lend itself to that consider banging on the door you enter 
before opening it.   Stomping on the floor, or letting your shoes rap 
hard andloud against the tiles.  Wave your arms.  
Most of all, grab that attention!

Exaggeration:  You're in a huge costume, wearing huge feet, 
a huge head, and  needing a huge ego to fill out the costume.  
You need to double or even triple the actions you would normally 
do so  your costume doesn't hide what you're doing.  Walking is 
usually suggested as a march, try not to drag your feet, but pick them 
up off the ground.  A smooth wobble, a jump in your step, a fluid 
angry prowl, or even a child-like  bounce adds character to your 
steps. If you're waving to thousands make sure the guy in the 
upper row can see you. Use your whole body.

Emotion: Think about how emotional sporting events can get. 
Practice a number of emotions- happy, sad, angry, scared, excited 
in front of a mirror with your head on.  Learn where the facial 
features of your costume are and use them the way a human 
(or animal) would.  Once you've gotten down some emotions 
using your head and arms try and use the rest of your body as 
well.  Shivering, slow motion, trudging feet, tantrums, kowtowing,
jumping up and down, skipping and elation are great emotions to 
try.  And remembering that the costume will hide a lot of your 
gestures, make sure you exaggerate!

Erin's Two E's (Just an added touch!):
Elevation: Mascots are expected to be larger than life.  But the 
person making them animated should  remember that differences 
in elevation will be more effective than one who uses slight 
variations in elevation.  Rocket science? No.  This is what it 
means: to get higher elevation, try some things on your toes.  
Peer down at children.  Jump.  Climb on something (sturdy, 
of course.)   To get lower elevation, slide. Kneel.  Lay down. 
Lunge. Fall unexpectedly.  If you keep in mind that you are 
doing a little of both it will add to your animation.

Energy:  Mascots aren't expected to run out of gas before they're
done.  if you're starting out DON'T GO CRAZY.  Pace yourself.
 If you do run out of breath and 
you can't get to the changing room, move to a chair or a bench 
and use your arms to keep your motions going while you catch 
your breath.  Don't feel like you have to be Daffy Duck
(high-strung) throughout the game.  Remember, Bugs 
Bunny got credit for keeping cool and he had the last laugh!
                                                   
MOST OF ALL:
Treat people with respect. You can't win everyone over, and 
you should never expect to.  
Remember  everyone has a different reason for being at a store, 
a game or a promotion.  
Sometimes respectfully walking away makes a bigger impression 
on a "non fan" than pressing the issue.  
The more respect you give the more respect you get back.