Mascots – How to Become a Mascot

Here are some general ideas on how to prepare for your mascot auditions this year!

1. Go to a game where the mascot is performing. Check out what things the mascot is expected to do, whether it is flips, dunks, skits, dancing, or just posing for photographs. See what kind of “personality” the performer is expected to convey – tough, docile, goofy, silly, calm, or footloose. Observe how the mascot interacts with the crowd, cheerleaders, band, on-field promotions, and “canned music.”
2. Ask the audition advisor what he or she expects out of the mascot. Find out what the advisor thinks the present mascot should improve on or any new direction the advisor sees the mascot going.

3. Practice the physical skills required in the audition. Some may want you to dance. Others may want specific physical stunts. A prepared skit may be required, working with the cheerleaders on a dance or cheer or even being part of a pyramid. Try and find a full-length mirror to practice in front of to see how your gestures look. Videotaping your practices also helps. Develop emotions that the costume would most display. Use these emotions to develop a personality for your audition performance.

4. Skit Development: Come up with a theme YOU are comfortable with, as well as something appropriate to the personality of the costume. For example, a muscle-bound Spartan probably wouldn’t do ballet to Swan Lake, and a cuddly teddy bear probably wouldn’t break out the wrestling moves on a dummy. Choose music you feel the character would be good working with. Obviously, if your character is sporting hip hop clothes, then Clint Black is out of the question. Choose dance moves/physical stunts you are comfortable with, and practice them to the point of perfection. Don’t go into a tryout cold. Keep an eye out for new movies, new television shows, and current news events to use in your skits. Take care to not cross any controversial lines!

5. The Interview: Some schools like to see the performer’s goals and interests. Depending on the size of the school and popularity of the character, some mascots are filled by “teams” of performers. Others are a one-person position. Some mascots are expected to be a main entertainer at each game, while others are asked to take a low-key approach. The interviewers will seek to find performers who can meet the roles asked of the program and be cooperative with the advisor ship of the mascot.

6. Be positive! Be ready to have fun, even if you don’t make the cut. Show the judges that this opportunity is something fun, something great, and something you want to be a part of!

7. If you didn’t get the part – Keep your cool! Remember that the impression you make in your first tryout may not come out with a job but could show judges that you are a future talent in the making. Consider being a part of a support team for the mascot, and learn to improve your skills for the following year with the present mascot.

8. If you get the part – Congratulations! Remember that everything you do represents the school, so show the world whose number one!
Here are some general ideas on how to prepare for your mascot auditions this year