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Chomp Guidelines

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Chomp's Guidelines

Performer:

The performer’s height should be 5’10” – 6’2” with a size shirt (chest) no larger than an XL. Performers should dress in shorts, a t-shirt & thick socks.

Remember the following while performing as Chomp:

General Behavior and Interaction

  • No Talking: Communicate through body language and movements only. Avoid speaking while in costume.
  • Constant Motion: Stay active at all times. Even when stationary, look around or move your arms slightly.
  • On Your Feet: Always remain on your feet. Do not sit, crawl, or otherwise leave your feet during performances.
  • Child Interaction: Do not pick up or handle children. Hug with one arm around the child's shoulder while keeping the other arm visible. Avoid approaching children who appear scared or confused; let them come to you if they wish.
  • Stay in Character: Maintain consistent movements and gestures. Be attentive to young children and remain in character to provide continuous entertainment.

Costume Care

  • No Costume Removal: Never remove any part of your costume publicly. If adjustments are needed, find a private, secluded area.
  • Concealed Costume Changes: Only the mascot and handler should witness any costume changes. Use a large duffle bag to transport the costume discreetly.

Health and Safety

  • Hydration and Nutrition: Regularly hydrate, especially on hot days. Use electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or plain water to stay hydrated. Avoid carbonated beverages. Eat foods high in carbohydrates like grains, dried fruit, bread, and pasta to maintain energy levels.
  • Heat Management: Limit costume use to 20-30 minutes at a time. Take breaks in a private area and remove the headpiece if possible, to cool down.

Professional Conduct

  • Positive Image: Uphold a positive and family-friendly image. Ensure interactions are respectful and considerate of all audience members, regardless of age, ethnicity, or religion.
  • Entertainment Focus: Effectively engage with the crowd, providing comic relief and entertainment while adhering to the above guidelines.

By following these guidelines, Chomp will ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both the mascot and the audience.

Handler:

A handler MUST be with the mascot at ALL times.  The handler will assist the performer in getting dressed, walking, going through doors, watching the ground for obstacles, etc.

Performance Tips

Emotions

  • Happy – can be achieved by straightening your body up high along with your head, while giving it a little bit of a tilt or moving your body around in a “happy” manner, frolicking in a carefree way. “Hopping” is another way to show how happy you are.
  • Shy – put your finger or hands over your face/mouth area, tilting your head, while twisting your body just a little, away from the person or camera.
  • Sadness – can be portrayed by slouching your shoulders forward and down, while hanging your head in the same fashion. You can add a sad walk (using the same slouching technique) and give a look back at the person or camera after a few paces to sell it.
  • Stressed Out – can be done by putting your hands on each side of your face in a downward angle, while shaking it back and forth.
  • Exhaustion – can be achieved by resting up against a wall or tree (or even the person’s shoulder), and in a very relaxed body pose.
  • Sarcastic Respect for Authority – can be achieved by saluting with the left hand, pretending to be puffing out your chest insanely far. Then playfully mimic the one in charge.

Gestures (waving)

  • Hello – is a side-to-side, welcoming motion with your head held high, and position your body to appear “excited” to see them coming in or up to you. The bigger the wave, the better it can be seen.
  • Goodbye – is achieved by positioning yourself in a rather shy/meek stance, putting a hand near your eyes and make the “wiping the tear out of your eyes” motion, while holding your head in a downward position. Let them know you’re sad to see them go.
  • Blowing a Kiss – is just like it sounds, twisting your body slightly one way or another, and then twist towards the direction where you’re kissing, ending with your hand coming off your mouth and pointing towards the recipient.
  • Beckoning – someone can be done by squatting a little at the knees and waist, with your arms extended and motioning them to your chest. Use quick wrist and arm motions.
  • Tilting the Head – is an effective way to show a variety of emotions, such as: surprise, being inquisitive or showing disappointment (depending on the angle).
  • Tipping your Hat – (pretending to lift a hat off your head) is an age-old technique that is used to show respect to anyone, or being “chivalrous” towards women.
  • Mimicking – the person in charge or another patron is a great crowd pleaser. All eyes will be on you, so all you have to do is pick out someone and copy their stance, how fast they’re walking, arm movements (within reason). You have to be careful not to antagonize the person you’re mimicking or it won’t be funny, it’ll be rude.

Getting into the mascot suit

  1. Put cool vest over their t-shirt. Adjust to the body. Put the inner body inside the jumpsuit if it’s not already in there. The straps on the inside should be looped through the front & back of the inner body.
  2. Step into the body and pull the straps up over your shoulders. The body should remain low (keep the straps long) giving Chomp shorter legs. Do not pull the body up as high as you can!
  3. Slide the shoes on by grabbing the loop on the back of the neoprene bootie to help guide your foot inside. You will need to reach down into the boot to do this. Attach the legs to the velcro on the shoes.
  4. Put on the green arm shirt followed by the gloves, then the blue shirt.
  5. Put head on with collar on the outside. If the performer has long hair, it should be pulled back in a low ponytail.  Sweatbands can be warn to prevent perspiration from dripping into the performers eyes.