Schedule:  Typically……

                                      20 minutes on – 20 minutes off
                                      30 minutes on – 30 minutes off

        There are circumstances and exceptions where the schedule is longer but it is not
        recommended. (Consult with the Costume Animator  before the event about schedules
        that require longer times in costumes)

        Whatever the appearance schedule is, the rest period following must be equal. Why? Safety.
        It’s VERY HOT and the costume is HEAVY.  Proper breaks prevent injury and guarantee
        optimum performance.

        Time starts when the character leaves the dressing area and is in view of the public. Break begins when the character is back
        in the dressing/rest area. Please be aware that if our meet and greet area is a 15 minute walk, that counts as time in costume.

A professional Mascot or Character Animator NEVER takes off their costume in view of the public. There does need to be a  private and secure area for your animator to dress and undress and safely store their personal property.

NO! It is not acceptable nor hygienic for a Costume Character to change in a public restroom. EW!!

At minimum, water should be provided and readily available for the animator on breaks. They need to stay hydrated.

There does need to be a place to sit.

There does need to be access to a restroom.

A designated and professional Handler is necessary. Please see Why a Handler

There are always character, brand and safety considerations that dictate how, where and with whom a Mascot or Character will pose for photographs. i.e. Warner Brothers characters do not pose with Disney characters. In fact Warner Brothers characters that don’t exist in the same world, do not pose together.

Corporate Companies protect their Brand and do not want their characters promoting other Brands. Yes there is a licensing issue.
                  
                   
                    Characters will not pose in front of competing or unapproved logos.

                    Characters will not pose with people wearing profane or vulgar shirts.

                    Characters will not pose doing things antithetical to the character.
                    Yes we have studied the character and as professionals embody the integrity
                    of that character.


The Character DOES NOT SPEAK! (There are a few exceptions to this rule determined by the licensor)

NO! Characters will not hold your baby!, Limited vision and lack of full hand control make this unsafe. Not to mention if something spills or a child gets ill….. Moreover, the last thing you want is a photo on the internet with a screaming a baby in the arms of your Mascot!

SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY

        Did I mention a Professional Handler is necessary?

        Vision is always limited.

        Mobility in costume is restricted

        STAIRS? Depends on the stairs and how big the character feet are.

        Please don’t allow people to lean on the Mascot’s head. It’s already heavy and is supported only by a neck.

        Please don’t allow people to bang the back of the head.

        Please don’t allow people to pull the tail.

        Did I mention YOU REALLY NEED A PROFESSIONAL HANDLER?!

Hygiene:
 
        Costumes DO NEED TO BE CLEANED REGULARLY!!!! Especially if more than one person is
        wearing the costume.  And if there are elements that have direct skin contact: balaclava's, bodysuits,
        gloves... these items should/need to be laundered DAILY. No one wants to stand next to a smelly
        character.  And no performer wants to wear someone else's body fluids (EW!).
                                 

                                                     If you take care of your Costume Animator .....

                              They will deliver an awesome and memorable experience for your Event.