Skip to main content

Do you have what it takes to be Rowdy?

Colorado Mesa University is looking for a few good mascots.

 

Mascot performers will receive a $1,000 scholarship ($500 each semester) for each academic year they are on the mascot team in addition to their hourly wage after they complete their audition and earn their spot on the mascot performers’ team.

crowched_rowdy.png

Job Description

 

Mascot Performer

A mascot performer is a general goodwill ambassador for the Colorado Mesa University brand and the person who wears the mascot costume and performs the role at different venues. The responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Greeting people of all ages, cheerlead, stage premium giveaways and entertain CMU audiences. To represent Colorado Mesa University as the Rowdy Mascot at campus, athletic, and community events.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism while at Rowdy performances.
  • Be available to perform at marketing and promotional opportunities.
  • Maintain Rowdy’s character and personality to present a consistent mascot experience.
  • While in costume, the mascot performer must never let their own identity be known to the public. This means they must never speak while in costume, relying instead on nonverbal communications and gestures. The performers may never appear in public partly dressed in the mascot costume.
  • To create comedic and entertaining routines for appearances.
  • They must continually work on perfecting their performance and embodying Rowdy's character.
  • The mascot performer will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the costumes. This includes simple repairs and cleaning/washing the costume weekly. This responsibility is to ensure the mascot costumes are in good working order to present a positive image for the brand, and that the costumes are properly stored when not in use.
  • Be able to fulfill the physical requirement of the job, and maintain a workout and conditioning regimen.

 

Mascot Handler

The primary responsibility of the mascot handler is to safeguard the mascot during appearances.

  • This involves monitoring the health of the performer against fatigue and dehydration, as well as overseeing the physical security of the mascot in the face of obnoxious fans or structural hazards at the venues.
  • In addition to protecting the mascot, the handler serves as the mascot’s public spokesperson when the need arises.
  • The handler is also responsible for carrying out emergency repairs of the mascot costume at venues.

 

Each student will be trained as a mascot performer and the handler. They will work together to cover the mascot appearances.

Audition Information

 

 Students will have to audition to become Rowdy Mascot Performers. Each performer should prepare a 2-3 minute routine that showcases their comedic and athletic skills. Performers will be responsible for their own props, costume and music.

Email [email protected] with your intention to audition. More information about the audition process and your time slot will be provided. Time slots are first-come, first-serve. You will be asked to sign a mascot audition waiver and release form.

A sound system will be provided. Music files should be provided as a MP3 on a jump drive. Music will be played on the ballroom sound system.

Because Rowdy does not talk, performers should demonstrate nonverbal communication skills during their routine.   

Performers will be allowed a spotter for assistance during their performance. The spotter can help in athletic maneuvers or prop management. The spotter should not draw attention to him/herself during the audition.

Performers should plan to do the audition in a costume. You should provide your own, but the official Rowdy costumes will be available on request. Changing/practice rooms will available for use in the University Center meeting rooms. There are also restrooms directly adjacent to the ballroom for use.

Auditions are open to current CMU students only. In order to gauge turnout, please RSVP your intention to audition to [email protected].

 

The judging criteria for the auditions are as follows. We recommend you incorporate each of the following six criteria into your routine:

  • Ability to interact with individual audience members
  • Effective use of props
  • Variety of body language gestures
  • Responsiveness to audience direction
  • A level of athletic ability
  • Ability to influence audience behavior (prompt, actions and emotion)

 

Sample Audition Video

This video gives an example of a mascot audition routine. It is meant for guidance in showing what the judges will be looking for. Please note how the performer has woven each criteria into a high energy, entertaining and memorable performance. 

So, good luck and come to the audition to win a spot on the mascot performing team and earn a $1,000 scholarship from the Rowdy Performer’s Scholarship Fund.

 

If you have any questions about the auditions or the Rowdy Mascot Program reach out to Jeremy Smith, Mascot Program Coordinator at [email protected] or 970.248.1371.