Do you have what it takes to be Rowdy?
Colorado Mesa University is looking for a few good mascots.
Mascot performers can receive up to $10,000 in scholarships. Join us at auditions for your chance to win scholarship money that will go towards your tuition and fees, along with an hourly wage for each performance you attend. The chance to grown and learn in an interactive scholarship program is a unique opportunity for the truest of Mavericks!
Job Descriptions
A mascot performer exudes CMU's most core values: love, dignity, courage, humility, resilience, curiosity and power. Embodying the Rowdy character in the suit requires performers to represent CMU's brand, mission and vision, while making events fun and engaging for all Maverick fans. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Represents Colorado Mesa University as the Rowdy Mascot at campus, athletic, and community events.
- Greet people of all ages, cheerlead, stage premium giveaways and entertain CMU audiences.
- Be available for a range of community and campus events throughout the school semester.
- 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, relying on nonverbal communication and gestures to interact with audiences.
- Create comedic and entertaining routines for appearances.
- Continuously work to perfect the craft and identity of Rowdy mascot.
- Assist with maintenance and costume upkeep.
- Be able to fulfill the physical requirements of the job, maintaining a workout and conditioning regimen.
The primary responsibility of the mascot handler is to protect the mascot and performer during events. Responsibilities of the mascot handler include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring the health of the performer against fatigue and dehydration
- Overseeing the physical security of the mascot in the face of fans or hazards at venues.
- Be the mascot spokesperson, speaking up for the mascot when the need arises.
- Carry 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].
Judging Criteria
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
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.