Ask the Theme Park Character

[Improv Geek]

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a theme park character. Not just any character though, I am Universal Studio Orlando's Mickey Mouse - Shrek.

I'm still fairly new at the job, only on it for about 4 weeks, but if you have a question I'll be more than glad to answer it.

So here is what I look like in costume. I'm of course on the right and that is the Ogre Fiona on the left. The costume for her was only used in the grand opening; now in the park we have human Fionas.

So... ask away -
Patrick

[Really Not All That Bright]

Hahahaha...say hello to the girls in the wheelchair and stroller office for me

[isthatsowrong?]

How many kids have kicked you in the nuts?

[dantheman]

How do you breathe in that thing?

Do you have to take it off to make wee-wee?

Has a kid yet seen you with your head off?

[Phlosphr]

I've always wondered in the middle of the summer how do you guys cope with the humid sultry nastiness in Florida?

Is there really a built in cooling system, if so what is it?

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

Originally posted by isthatsowrong?
How many kids have kicked you in the nuts?

How many kids have you flattened by "patting the child on the head" by way of retaliation for getting kicked in the nuts?

[GuanoLad]

Is it heavy? Do you have to be built like Shrek or is it all padding? Can you speak in a Mike Myers scots accent?

[Philster]

Dude, take the costume off, you'll be able to see the posts and free up your hands to respond.

[Zebra]

Do you have a 'handler'? If so do you have special signals for bathroom break or I'm about to pass out?

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by dutchboy208
Hahahaha...say hello to the girls in the wheelchair and stroller office for me

Yeah she's cute - I'll pass on a good word

Originally posted by isthatsowrong?
How many kids have kicked you in the nuts?

None yet, but I've had ears pulled, feet stepped on, hands nearly pulled off, punched in the gut by an adult (thought he was play fighting but got a little rough).

Originally posted by dantheman
How do you breathe in that thing?

Do you have to take it off to make wee-wee?

Has a kid yet seen you with your head off?

Well the suit is designed for some ventilation, the head has holes for inflow and the back of the neck has some foam to let the air move through. So I breathe normally but the air isn't always refreshing.

As for wee-wee-ing I go before every set whether I have too or not. The suit takes 10-15minutes to put on and around 3 to 4 to take off. So if I'm on set and my bladder sends emergency signals I'm in deep trouble because in addition to the suit time, I'm also away from the breakrooms and thus would also have a hike back to the room.

As for traumatizing kids - not to my knowledge. With the suit designed as it is, the head doesn't come off. The torso comes off as a whole with the head on. So I'm "in costume" the entire time I'm outside the breakroom. If a kid saw me off set they would only see human hands, since we take the gloves and ogre hands off while walking.

Originally posted by Phlosphr
I've always wondered in the middle of the summer how do you guys cope with the humid sultry nastiness in Florida?

Is there really a built in cooling system, if so what is it?

For most suits, there is no cooling system. For Shrek and Barney, they both have fans inside. I don't use the fan in Shrek because it is positioned over the head and not even down onto it, it's designed to encourage the air flow but in truth the air flow isn't worth the noise which it puts off and thus interferes with my hearing (the main sense I use in the suit).

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by GuanoLad
Is it heavy? Do you have to be built like Shrek or is it all padding? Can you speak in a Mike Myers scots accent?

The suit itself weighs 20 to 30 pounds depending on which torso it is and the different sets of pads which we use... and if it is dry or not.

As for being built like Shrek, it's padding - we have to be tall. The audition required 6'2" and up. As for the Scottish Accent, they used to have people play Shrek's with prosthetic heads and use their own face and talk and interact with the guests but this suit is full outfit so we can't talk. We are allowed to burp, and make the kissing sound. We had to get special permission to burp, normally the only allowable sound is the kissing sound.

Originally posted by Philster
Dude, take the costume off, you'll be able to see the posts and free up your hands to respond.

Hey you're right! It is much easier! Thanks!

Originally posted by Zebra
Do you have a 'handler'? If so do you have special signals for bathroom break or I'm about to pass out?

We have one main action which is a signal for get me the hell off set, we use it as an all purpose escape. If your suit is messed up, if you're feeling dizzy, if you're hurt or anything.

Universal calls our handlers "escorts" and we aren't allowed on set without one.

Thanks for all the questions! Keep them coming!

[DocCathode]

What signs do you look for to see if somebody is intending on harassing you?

I'm 28. But there are certain characters I love to have my picture taken with. I treasure the pic of me and a certain square-panted dude. How do I make it clear that my interest in wandering characters is of the friendly sort?

[dantheman]

Just remember, DocCathode, they're as scared of you as you are of them. Approach gently, perhaps with an offering of some kibble or a slice of wildebeest.

[h.sapiens]

I know you've only been at it a short time, but what's the most obnoxious thing a kid or parent has done to you?

[chaoticbear]

Originally posted by dantheman
Just remember, DocCathode, they're as scared of you as you are of them. Approach gently, perhaps with an offering of some kibble or a slice of wildebeest.

Weapons are also generally bad when one needs to get across benevolence... I'd approach with some cheese. I'll bet all theme park characters like cheese.

[dantheman]

Give him a ginger ale, preferably one with Shrekervescence.

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by DocCathode
What signs do you look for to see if somebody is intending on harassing you?

I'm 28. But there are certain characters I love to have my picture taken with. I treasure the pic of me and a certain square-panted dude. How do I make it clear that my interest in wandering characters is of the friendly sort?

Well I haven't had someone approaching me with obvious intent to harm. But if you want to get the character to play with you, play with them and go along with them. If I'm on set and I take your hat, then I am teasing you into interacting.

As for your love for the Sponge, I can only console you.

Originally posted by h.sapiens
I know you've only been at it a short time, but what's the most obnoxious thing a kid or parent has done to you?

Well it really bothered me when a kid came up to me and began maliciously stomping on my foot, while the mother looked on and just giggled thinking it was just Sooo cute.

It's also rather annoying when people take photos overly serious, such as the people who carry a camera on a tripod, or the ones who have a 7 person group and take singles then different pairs and then a group photo, then decide that one of the kids wasn't looking at the camera.

Yeah - be responsible and don't act like this is Olan Mills.




And in general they ask you don't feed the park characters. We're not supposed to touch guests' food in any way.

As for Shrek, he's partial to ear wax.

[UncleBeer]

Have you ever read Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen? If so, is your job anything like what's portrayed there? And goddamn, I really hope not.

[jackelope]

Do you get breaks? How is that set up? What do you do on your breaks?

(OK, actually I know the answer because the OP is my little--er, younger--brother. But I think it's pretty interesting.)

[twickster]

What is this "set" of which you speak? Do you perform in a show or walk around the park? (and do I hit "submit reply" if I'm asking a question?)

[Eve]

For how long are you on duty, and how do you stay perky for that long? No matter how much I was paid, I could take it for maybe three minutes before I'd have to go off in a corner and Get The Hell Away From People.

[White Lightning]

Originally posted by ronincyberpunk
Universal calls our handlers "escorts" and we aren't allowed on set without one.

I've never heard about this before. What do they do other than keep an eye on you for a panic signal? Not intercept obnoxious and violent kids, obviously. Do they go undercover in the crowd, or what? Their whole job is just to watch you?

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by UncleBeer
Have you ever read Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen? If so, is your job anything like what's portrayed there? And goddamn, I really hope not.

No I've never read it but I'll add it to my list of books to read.

Originally posted by jackelope
Do you get breaks? How is that set up? What do you do on your breaks?

(OK, actually I know the answer because the OP is my little--er, younger--brother. But I think it's pretty interesting.)

Hey Bro - yeah I was wondering why you were asking... then I saw your note.

In any case for those of you who don't know. Sets are maxed out at 30 minutes, if the heat index is below 90 then sets are 30 minutes. Heat index comprising temperature and humidity. As soon as the HI hits 90 we go on 20 minute sets. Disney is different, they're a lot rougher on the characters. 95 is their HI mark.

So break time is dependant on set length since we have set times, ours usually run every hour for three hours, then approx an hour for lunch and then every hour after lunch. For example it might be, 10am, 11am, 12pm and then 1:45pm, 2:45 and 3:45...

But because of health risks for heat stroke and such we aren't allowed outside for more than 30 minutes without super highups wanting it and then we have to agree to it.

Originally posted by twickster
What is this "set" of which you speak? Do you perform in a show or walk around the park? (and do I hit "submit reply" if I'm asking a question?)

By "set" I mean time out on "set." I personally don't do the shows, they just started new shows in both Univ Studios and Islands of Adventure but Shrek is in neither of them.

Shrek has two different "set" locations. One is with a face Fiona (meaning she is just in costume, not in a full body suit or anything, and she talks to guests), and we take photos outside one of the stores. The other is a photo shoot outside the new Shrek 4d attraction.

But in truth it is a show of sorts, I don't have a script or anything, but I'm portraying the character at all times. So, while I don't sing I do dance on set, and while I don't follow a skit I have set routines I do to play with guests.

Originally posted by Eve
For how long are you on duty, and how do you stay perky for that long? No matter how much I was paid, I could take it for maybe three minutes before I'd have to go off in a corner and Get The Hell Away From People.

My shifts normally run 8:30 to 5:30, with an hour lunch time scheduled. And 6 sets during that shift. It will either be 3 sets, lunch, 3 sets or 4 sets, lunch and 2 sets.

As for being perky. I know it sounds dumb, but I love playing with the guests. I truly do. Granted guests will drive me up the wall, and I can begin to get an attitude with them. Being Shrek we have a bit of leeway, Shrek is an ogre, we can be gross and disgusting. So I'll start farting on guests or whiping ear wax on them.

If a kid wears a Mickey Mouse hat I'll usually take it off his head and then toss it a few feet away. My escorts are usually aware enough to make some comment about "Weed Rat Stew" or "He doesn't like that rat." Etc..

But I haven't really answered your question. I stay perky because I know that there are kids out there who come screaming down the street to see me, or the kids who are in a wheel chair and come to the park to enjoy some of their last days, and I can brighten their day. Knowing I made one kid's day is enough to satisfy me for the day.

If you go read my blog Ronincyberpunk.com I have a category called "Shrek" devoted to stories from work and you can read some of the stories of kids who I remember from my day.

Being Shrek is also a good bit of physical comedy, I take autograph books and rub them on my butt. I pick my wedgie, I fart, I dance, and so before every set I get my blood flowing and heart pumping so I'm now lethargic.

Wow. I think I'll copy and paste that answer onto the blog since it was so long. Thanks for the question Eve!

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by White Lightning
I've never heard about this before. What do they do other than keep an eye on you for a panic signal? Not intercept obnoxious and violent kids, obviously. Do they go undercover in the crowd, or what? Their whole job is just to watch you?

No no, they're dressed in a uniform of sorts, tan golf shirt and cargo khaki pants/shorts. They carry a radio, and in my case, a Stamp.

Shrek's hands are too big to sign so they stamp the books for the kids.

Their duties include watching the line and the crowd trying to keep order as people come and try to get a photo with their character.

They watch the weather and make calls whether to go in or not.

They are also our mouths, since we can't talk they will often interpret our actions and tell the guests what we're saying.

Also, they're there to watch our time and cut the line off for us or take the heat for having us leave people without photos or autographs. Good escorts will announce every five minutes how much time is remaining and explain that I will be leaving set soon, that everyone won't get a photo blah blah blah.

Also for me they help dress me, I get 65% of it done on my own but the suit is physically impossible to do completely on your own. So they help get me in and get me out of costume.

[Kalhoun]

Do your friends give you an endless rash of shit about your job? I was a "restaurant clown" for a brief period. My friends came to the restaurant and teased me to no end.

Restaurant clown pays pretty good, if anyone's interested.

[Improv Geek]

Originally posted by Kalhoun
Do your friends give you an endless rash of shit about your job? I was a "restaurant clown" for a brief period. My friends came to the restaurant and teased me to no end.

Restaurant clown pays pretty good, if anyone's interested.

No, surprisingly they all think it's pretty cool. I think Orlando is different because any teen can get a job at the parks, the key is where you get hired. Entertainment (the canopy dept for Animated) is the better paying job section of jobs for people my age.

My best friends think it's cool though they worried for my sanity while I watched Shrek many times and even watched it muted.

[White Lightning]

Well it sounds like a great job and it's clear that you take it very seriously. And also clear that other people notice your performance and think well of you for it. Congrats on having such a cool job.

[Eve]

Now, that sounds like fun. I'm calling "21" and The Four Seasons and applying!

[Improv Geek]

Thanks White Lightning, I love the job.

One thing I forgot to mention about the characters being perky.

We're trained to be perky. Girls are trained to be manly. And guys are trained to be feminine. It's an interesting fact but usually girls make better guy characters, and vice versa. The theory being when you're in costume and you're a guy playing Popeye, then you think, "Hey, I'm a guy, he's a guy - I can just be me." But when you're a girl in Popeye you go, "Alright, can't stand like that, gotta keep legs from crossing, can't flirt with the guys." So you're forced to think about your actions and don't just fall into the "let's be me."

Any more questions? I'm more than happy to answer them.

[White Lightning]

Here's a crass one, how much do you make?

Do you plan to stay at this job very long?

[Improv Geek]

Well I only make around $8 an hour, but while I'm paid for 8 hours of work I'm only on set for at most 3 of those hours. The rest are off set, but may be that I'm putting the costume together or getting dressed.

Well I'm doing this as a Summer job while in school, I plan to finish out the summer, this winter and possibly spring. I don't plan to be in Orlando next Summer.

[Improv Geek]

Well with the Tigger in the news thred, I'm going to bump this thread and see if anyone has any new questions.

So let me know!

[FairyChatMom]

What do you wear under the costume? Swimsuit? Shorts and T? Is there a special undercostume?

How often do the costumes get cleaned? My daughter used to have to don an outfit at the roller rink and she said it was vile and smelly.

[liirogue]

Are you still planning on leaving the park?

And now that you've been there longer, share some horror stories!

[Improv Geek]

As Shrek we were required to wear a t-shirt and shorts, all cotton and as light as they could make them. When the costume first game in the clothing was much stricter because they thought the sweat would have more of an effect on the costume. So we wore tights and work gloves as well.

Other costumes have different under costumes. Scooby guys have to wear a dog suit to give their chest a closer resemblance to a dog rib cage, and that is also where the tail attaches. In addition to that they are also wearing black face masks to make sure you can't see them through Scooby's mouth or nose.

Many of us wear sweat bands or caps to keep hair out of our face and try to keep sweat out of our eyes since we obviously can't whipe our faces. But those aren't required.

As to cleaning. There is a very large staff at Universal which handles costuming so our costumes are almost always cleaned before we use them. Though for Shrek it was as simple as using an alcohol spray and whipe down the suit with it. They washed all our underclothes nightly. And if they didn't we let our managers know and hell was raised.

Thanks for the question

[Improv Geek]

Originally Posted by liirogue

Are you still planning on leaving the park?

And now that you've been there longer, share some horror stories!

Well I've gotten an internship here for the summer. I may pick up a week here or there during the summer and will probably go work with them over Winter break (if they'll still have me.) But I doubt I'll be moving back to Orlando for any length of time.

Horror stories...

Well let me reiterate the lack of vision some of us have. Since Shrek is a tall character and our vision is very limited (take your pointers and thumbs and put them pressing the opposite finger, thumb to thumb and pointer to pointer, and look through it - that's what we see.) And when it's time for us to go we're instructed to get out of guest view as quickly as possible for our own health because of the heat, and so when my handler says Go, I begin to march. Sometimes, if there is a big crowd we'll say "Shrek has to go use the Crapper." And we'll do a very unShrek like thing and do the cliche hands in between our legs and run. Well people think that we can see perfectly and that if they get in our way we have no choice but to stop. And that simply isn't the truth. If you shove your kid right in front of me, out of my line of sight I may very well run him over - and I have knocked kids over before. Usually they're alright. I just wish people understood that point.

As a character there isn't anything worse than having your head fall off while in the park. Shrek doesn't have to worry about this, his head is attached to the torso so I have no neck movement in character. But there are other heads which are basically big helmets (The rugrats for example) and if the chin strap comes unstrapped their heads are prone to fall off. So that is a horrible horror for us.

Shrek used to take breaks in an upstairs room, accessible by elevator but clearly marked as not for guests. And we're not shy about going up to our room and stripping to our skivvies and changing out of sweaty clothes. But on one such occasion I was just finished re-dressing (Shrek wasn't hidden, he was out in the open, lying with his stomach exposed) and a father and son come up the elevator. Right into our area and ask to take a photo with Shrek. I know that most kids don't really believe we're the characters, but regardless - we value our anonymity and there are kids who DO believe in the magic of it all. I was astounded at this guy and was polite to him as I said No and asked him to go back downstairs. I don't think he even came back when we were on set.

Another major fear with characters is double exposure, meaning Shrek is leaving set only to meet himself on his way back out. We rotate off, so the Shrek you see leaving probably isn't the one coming right back out. But we work hard to make it seem that way. Unfortunately stuff happens and suddenly Shrek is facing Shrek, usually the handlers have witty lines on hand to try and cover it up like "Oh no Shrek! It's your evil twin! Get him!" And then the "good" Shrek chases the "bad" Shrek. But if your handler is tongue-tied then you just get an awkward few moments until someone takes control and tries to cover it up.

Oh and for the Disney legend of there only being one Mickey anywhere in Disney, I can almost guarantee that's a lie. Only one in any park, I can believe it, but not in all of Disney property. He's too popular to only make one appearance at a time.

[screech-owl]

Are you assigned only as Shrek, or do you sometimes 'visit' IOA as other characters (Hulk, Dr. Doom [although I think he is on hiatus]), etc.)?

And why the orange socks? Or is that IOA only?

[Shirley Ujest]

This is so cool.

You know, Brad Pitt use to dress in a chicken outfit for some restaurant. He use to have a car named Run Around Sue, too.)

Maybe this is your big break.


I'm heading to Mickey Mouse World in June with the kiddies and inlaws.

If I walk up to a Shrek at Universal, what secret code word should I use to see which Shrek I am speaking too?

[Improv Geek]

Originally Posted by screech-owl

Are you assigned only as Shrek, or do you sometimes 'visit' IOA as other characters (Hulk, Dr. Doom [although I think he is on hiatus]), etc.)?

And why the orange socks? Or is that IOA only?

Ah! Someone who is acquainted with the park! The mythical, historical, endless orange socks.

Well before I worked in animated, I worked at IOA in Poseidon's Fury and I noticed that the actors who played "Taylor" the bumbling hero of the show wore orange socks and I thought it was hilarious. But when I got into Animated I found we had orange socks as well. It's all in theory that people won't steal the orange socks. That's the theory at least.

As for other characters, I did get hired for the Hulk, but as it turns out I was too big for the costume. Not height wise, but my girth was too much for his triangular torso and when they tried to zip me into the suit the zipper snapped. I've worked at IOA as a handler many times, mostly with Hulk because guests get more physical with him than any others and he's the least mobile or able to defend himself. Thankfully that costume has been retired.

Thanks for asking

[Improv Geek]

Originally Posted by Shirley Ujest

This is so cool.

You know, Brad Pitt use to dress in a chicken outfit for some restaurant. He use to have a car named Run Around Sue, too.)

Maybe this is your big break.


I'm heading to Mickey Mouse World in June with the kiddies and inlaws.

If I walk up to a Shrek at Universal, what secret code word should I use to see which Shrek I am speaking too?

There isn't any secret word for Shreks, the crew rotates since many of us are college students and in school. Just remember that if the character has to go right before you get to the front, PLEASE don't give them hell for it. The guy in the suit, especially in June, is dying of heat - even if he is in the shade.

June is busy season so Shrek should be out there with Fiona, the Fionas are wonderful and they are actual face characters meaning they aren't in a suit, they're in costume. Those are the best photos.

Have fun

[screech-owl]

[quote=ronincyberpunk]Ah! Someone who is acquainted with the park!...[quote]

I ought to be: I also work there. And for awhile, I had to go to physical therapy at the character building behind the Horror Makeup Show. (contact me off-boards )

Long live orange socks! And blue jumpsuits! Free Boris and Natasha - I really miss them ["Just say 'NO!" to vegetables!", in that inimitable Rrrrooshian akk-sent.]

And I was there when Bluto/Brutus accidentally pulled a tampon out of a guest's purse.

So which other characters do not sign autographs? SpongeBob?

How do the face characters learn the voices and accents? Do they have classes and refresher courses? Dialect coaches? Tons o' videos to watch every night? - I have to say I was quite impressed with the Studios Olive Oyl's voice, right down to the nasally quiver - the ones we have at Toon Lagoon obviously do not speak.

[Improv Geek]

So which other characters do not sign autographs? SpongeBob?

Shrek, Spongebob and Hulk can't sign because of a lack of movement in their hands.

How do the face characters learn the voices and accents? Do they have classes and refresher courses? Dialect coaches? Tons o' videos to watch every night? - I have to say I was quite impressed with the Studios Olive Oyl's voice, right down to the nasally quiver - the ones we have at Toon Lagoon obviously do not speak.

Nothing nearly that impressive - they watch the material. Movies, cartoons, etc. They just have to pick it up on their own. And as with anything some go all the way and some do it half assed. We do a lot of comparing of notes and comparing of styles off set so when one actor comes up with something, it will often pass itself around us all pretty soon. And it's the same for voice characters.

[Really Not All That Bright]

Originally Posted by ronincyberpunk

Shrek, Spongebob and Hulk can't sign because of a lack of movement in their hands.



Nothing nearly that impressive - they watch the material. Movies, cartoons, etc. They just have to pick it up on their own. And as with anything some go all the way and some do it half assed. We do a lot of comparing of notes and comparing of styles off set so when one actor comes up with something, it will often pass itself around us all pretty soon. And it's the same for voice characters.

Is it a long commute from GA Tech to Orlando?

[Improv Geek]

Originally Posted by Really Not All That Bright

Is it a long commute from GA Tech to Orlando?

I sleep most of the way, though I have to admit I've never worked the day of arrival in town I have worked from arrival to departure.

[DocCathode]

Originally Posted by screech-owl

I ought to be: I also work there. And for awhile, I had to go to physical therapy at the character building behind the Horror Makeup Show. (contact me off-boards )

Blast them! They need 3 volunteers each show. They pick one person 3 times! I went twice and despite my enthusiastic hand raising never got the chance to be threatened by an audioanimatronic monster or bleed karo syrup.

[Bad News Baboon]

Do you, Hulk, Popeye, Spongebob and so on...

Do ya do drive bys on Disney's Turf?

You're like the Crips and the Bloods, aren't you?




P.S.
I used to be Wendy from the burger place. One of the hardest things to do was to host parties for terminally ill children.

[Bad News Baboon]

eeeeeeeek!

That smiley should not have been at the end of that sentence!
That most definately was not a but a

[screech-owl]

Originally Posted by Bad News Baboon

...Do ya do drive bys on Disney's Turf?

You're like the Crips and the Bloods, aren't you?

Heh. Don't laugh, I've seen t-shirts with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in 'gangsta' clothes (I'm not sure if these were authorized by Disney).

On the other hand, we (Universal) used to have a very popular shirt featuring Popeye, Olive, Bluto, Wimpy, Betty Boop, and Bimbo (Betty's dog) in a parody of a Bennetton ad - one where everyone is shirtless (except Wimpy). Actually, is you look very carefully, the ladies (who are covering their chests) are actually wearing very thin tank tops, since you can see very, very fine lines denoting shoulder straps.

Unfortunately, we cannot get that shirt anymore. And damn, Bluto has very well-defined abs in that one.