1. To: Morris White, Assistant Athletics Director of Marketing & Game Experience
From: Alex Koss
Subject: Spring Mascot Tryouts
Objective:
To assist cheerleading and the NIU athletic marketing by organizing and overseeing
upcoming spring mascot tryouts. As a graduating senior, Joey and I recognize the need to
find young, talented replacements to take over the role of Victor E. Huskie and would
like to assist in the process.
Reasoning:
 Both current mascot performers are graduating and will not return next semester
 With experience in playing the role, we know what to look for in a candidate
 Having a well-trained, skilled mascot improves fan experience for students and alumni
 We deeply care about the mascot program and wish to see it prosper
Process and Timeline:
 Create flyers and announcements advertising a “mascot tryout informational”
o Flyers to be posted in all resident’s halls and theatre department buildings
o Begin social media advertising campaign starting March 1
 Host mandatory tryout informational on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 18-19 at 5pm
 Conduct official mascot tryout the following Saturday
Informational Timeline:
 Thank those in attendance for coming, begin slideshow presentation
 Explain background of Victor E. Program, requirements, benefits, and our experiences
 Describe tryout process and criteria we are judging on
 Clarify characteristics of our ideal candidate (energetic, witty, animated, photogenic)
 Sign up for an audition timeslot
Audition Process:
 Visual observation: Candidate tries on costume to test height and size requirement
 Animation: Candidate performs a series of emotions on a scale from 1-5
 Impromptu Dancing: Candidate reacts to a series of 10-15 second sound bites
 Scenario: Candidate acts out a series of game day or fan experience scenarios
o Interview: Only necessary if three or more candidates remain in contention
Goals:
 Create mass awareness and excitement about tryouts and next season’s sporting events
 Hit 1,000 twitter followers benchmark by May 1st
 Advertise awareness with the Northern Star Newspaper
 Set the precedent for annual tryouts with current performer participation
 Grow the Victor E. program by 3 performers to progress long term sustainability