Professional Mascot: Work as a Performing Artist

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Category

Visual and Performing Arts (includes Creative Writing; sculpture, painting, video, dancing, music, reading, etc.)

Abstract/Artist Statement

Professional mascot work has a complexity and depth of storytelling ingrained in the work. Although typically viewed as a silly hobby, when held to a high standard being a professional mascot can be lucrative successful career path for a performing artist. The profession of mascot demonstrates strong skills in acting, dancing, and storytelling. The University of Montana’s Mascot program in particular has been a spring board for several U of M alumni to go on to pursue this career professionally as;Benny the Bull for the Chicago Bulls, The Cyote for the San Antonio Spurs, as well as the current mascot for the Houston Rockets, Clutch. My research in this field from roughly 800-1000 hours of performing between 2009 and 2014, suggests that the development of a mascot character as a performing art in a non traditional performing arts space can advocate cross-cultural understanding and exchange in local communities. My continued exploration of this field will allow the utilization of immersion theater in an unconventional space with an unconventional audience as further investigation into this concept. With this in mind, the work can bring attention to critical social issues that need addressed while simultaneously rallying support for these issues.For instance one could improve turnout at events involving fundraising for programs benefiting those in need, all while providing a unique perspective through performance as an instrument to call for social justice. This can be accomplished by using a developed character with undefinable traits (such as race, sexuality, and political affiliation,) to present performances that evoke empathetic emotional responses from an unconventional audience regarding these social issues.

Mentor Name

Bernadette Sweeney

Personal Statement

As Monte I have had the great opportunity to work with professional mascots and perform on the level of professional mascot. I have experienced the complexity and depth that goes into creating a compelling character that is used in a unique way of in depth storytelling. I have found through my research and experience that being a professional mascot can be a lucrative and successful career as a performing artist. Through my experience of over 800 performing hours, my research suggests that the utilization of a mascot in as a performing art in a non-traditional performing arts space can advocate cross-cultural understanding and exchange in local communities. My continued exploration of this field will allow the utilization of immersion theatre in an unconventional spaces such as sporting events, and local events with unconventional audience members allowing further investigation into this concept. My work as a the University of Montana’s mascot has been valuable not only to myself as an individual, but also to the University of Montana, the Missoula community, and the state of Montana. Furthermore I believe that this research will contribute to the field of professional mascotry.

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Feb 24th, 4:10 PM Feb 24th, 4:30 PM

Professional Mascot: Work as a Performing Artist

UC South Ballroom

Professional mascot work has a complexity and depth of storytelling ingrained in the work. Although typically viewed as a silly hobby, when held to a high standard being a professional mascot can be lucrative successful career path for a performing artist. The profession of mascot demonstrates strong skills in acting, dancing, and storytelling. The University of Montana’s Mascot program in particular has been a spring board for several U of M alumni to go on to pursue this career professionally as;Benny the Bull for the Chicago Bulls, The Cyote for the San Antonio Spurs, as well as the current mascot for the Houston Rockets, Clutch. My research in this field from roughly 800-1000 hours of performing between 2009 and 2014, suggests that the development of a mascot character as a performing art in a non traditional performing arts space can advocate cross-cultural understanding and exchange in local communities. My continued exploration of this field will allow the utilization of immersion theater in an unconventional space with an unconventional audience as further investigation into this concept. With this in mind, the work can bring attention to critical social issues that need addressed while simultaneously rallying support for these issues.For instance one could improve turnout at events involving fundraising for programs benefiting those in need, all while providing a unique perspective through performance as an instrument to call for social justice. This can be accomplished by using a developed character with undefinable traits (such as race, sexuality, and political affiliation,) to present performances that evoke empathetic emotional responses from an unconventional audience regarding these social issues.