A talented mascot performer builds excitement into any event. But even people who are the most natural performers take advantage of training and careful planning to hone their craft. Especially if  you’re just starting out with mascot performance, here are some of the most important planning tips and tricks to consider in order to make your performances stand out.

Improve Communication With Your Audience
Communication is key to any successful mascot performance, because the first rule for mascots is: never speak. Therefore, you must become an expert at communicating using only physical gestures.
Every mascot needs to know how to wave, blow kisses, hug, and generally exude emotions like shyness or joy that must be expressed with physical gestures rather than facial expressions, words and tone of voice. For example, mascots wave using their entire arms to make a grand gesture unless they are up close to little children, in which case a hand-only wave is appropriate.
Hone Your Skills for Big Sporting Events
During your mascot training, you should learn how to use big waves and a lot of energy to get the crowd going, or to keep them pumped up for the home team.
Practice moves ahead of time for when your team scores a goal – plan a few gestures that keep it fun for your fans, but never disrespect the opposing team’s players, or fans. Also prepare for a half-time show, or a solo performance during a sporting event.
Prepare for Parade Performances
Do some research into your role as a mascot both on and off the parade float. Most importantly, pay attention to how to keep yourself safe in your costume, and how to keep up your performance flowing while on the float or working the crowds.
Master the Meet and Greet
At a meet and greet, when you are up-close with the public, and the face of the brand your custom mascot is promoting, learning how to adopt different mascot personalities is key to your success.
You’ll have to adjust your personality to the crowd that you are greeting. For example, over dramatic gestures with adults and older teenagers, like giving a big hand shake or a hug is appropriate. With little children, however, a more subdued approach, with slower movements are the physical gestures work best.
Brush Up On Safety Rules
Perhaps the most important rule should learn is to keep yourself, and the people around you, safe during your performance. It is possible to fall, or to become too close to children and inadvertently harm them, so relying upon your escort is a critical aspect of your safety. And of course, familiarizing yourself with your costume and trying out your costume in many different scenarios is important.
Interested in learning more about mascot training and get great tips on planning your next performance? Check out our performance tips and stay tuned to our Blog!