Vision
We recommend reading our mascot vision blog to get a feel for what a performer can and cannot see. Understand that many costumes have little to no peripheral vision vertically or to the side. This can mean your performer sees nothing except what is directly in front of them. Unfortunately, objects, people, or changes in terrain come in at all angles. Tell your mascot what is happening around them. Some examples may include…
“Hey Porky, you got a little one behind you.” (Referring to a child approaching the mascot to the rear)
“Careful in front of you Ernie, there is a tripping hazard followed by a downward slope, I will hold your hand to guide you down it”
“Ok Porky, we are going to pose for a picture, turn your head slightly to the left to look at the camera.”
“Ok Ernie, we’re headed up some stairs now, I will put your hands on the guiding rails, and will tell you when you’ve reached the final step.”
For the most part, the performer can see enough to complete high-fives, walk around, and interact with people without a handler needing to intervene. A performer certainly isn’t walking around blind, but it’s those close encounters that you need to watch out for as a handler. Even though we maximize performer visibility in the suits we produce, it’s always a good practice to over communicate obstacles rather than assume they can see them.