construction:introduction:performing

Performing

You will have to develop a persona for your character. A persona is role that one assumes or displays in public or society; one's public image or personality, as distinguished from the inner self. For instance a person who is insecure and lacking self confidence may don a wolf fursuit and assume the positive characteristics of the wolf. He may thus become self assured, confident, even aggressive.

A persona is more than this, it includes body language–how one walks and acts and gestures. One may walk with a exaggerated swagger indicative of a virile male character, or swiveling the hips demurely indicative of a feminine character. One may act virile and give aggressive handshakes, one may act demurely and give hugs. Since one should not talk in costume, pantomime and gesturing becomes important to express the performers actions.

If you are hired by a company or theme park to be a costumed performer, you will have a ready made persona and you will have certain responsibilities. You may be shown a video of that character appearing in a feature film or on a TV program. To conceal the wearers identity, mascots are not supposed to talk, so body language is important and you may be taught certain actions. You represent the company and must act level headed at all times. If you don't like kids and adults touching you, poking you, pulling your tail, then you should not be a mascot. You must walk carefully and not make any sudden turns or moves, you may knock down a kid walking to you from the back or sides. You should have a spotter or escort that can come to your aid. You may even wear a headphone or ear piece and the spotter can talk to you via “walkie-talkie.” You must remain cool, calm, collected at all times.

In hot weather, you will be given breaks to prevent heat prostration. You will go to a non public area so you can remove your head and cool down and drink something to rehydrate your body. It is best to drink lukewarm water or non-caffeinated sodas or sports drinks; try to avoid really cold drinks as they can shock your system. Try to avoid going from a hot and steamy costume to very cold winter air, that can also shock your system.

/home/furryfursuit/faq/data/pages/construction/introduction/performing.txt · Last modified: 2011/08/11 12:01 (external edit)

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