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Building Character--Part 1-- Personality

© Sue Ann Kawecki

Fall is in the air! With the scent of burning leaves and the sound of clamoring school bells, comes the thrill and excitement of a new football season. For mascots, the first football game is the crucial time to establish credibility and to build a solid reputation.

Of course, for those veterans who have charged the field a time or two before, the first football game might not be so nerve-wracking! Knowing what has and hasn't worked in the past, veterans can use their knowledge and experience to fine-tune their skills for the upcoming year! But for the novice, what is done and not done that very first game can set the tone for the entirety of a person's mascotting career as that particular character!

So how can you guarantee a successful start? Whether you're an experienced spirit rouser or a little wet behind the ears, you can't possibly be led astray by creating a solid character!!!

What is "character"?

Character is the sum of of a mascot's personality, walks, and emotions. Once in costume, it is merely not enought to act in character---to be successful, you must actively become your character! You are no longer you--the person on the Dean's List or the guy with the funny hair. You are Freddy that Ferocious Lion or Betty the Dancing Bear! You know nothing about grades and you have never visited a barber! You entirely give up the person behind the mask--you, as an individual no longer exist.

Personality...

Of all the components of character, personality is perhaps the most crucial. Personality is the set of traits, behavioral and physical, that make up a person, or in this case, a mascot. For instance, if you are an intimidating lion, and run around roaring and charging people, the crowd, and children undoubtedly will steer clear of you. That doesn't do or say much for your charisma! However if you're approachable and friendly, all will be drawn to you--even if you're donning the most hideous and frightening of masks! Remember, although you have the power to make or break a crowd's enthusiasm, the crowd has the power to make or break you.

Whatever personality you believe will work in your favor, the following four cues will always help the crowd to ascertain your personality:

What's in a name?? Apparently a lot! A name can determine the nature of your character and the gender. (i.e. Steve the Snake or Wanda the Wildcat).

Can you walk the walk? Do you strut , shuffle, or charge the crowd like a madman? The way you walk says a lot about your character!

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