News release
8 October 2013
ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they will hold open tryouts for the position of Blade on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m. inside First Arena.
The tryout process will consist of a skating test, an improvised skit, and a question-and-answer session with the panel of judges. The skating test and improvised skit will be done inside of the Blade costume while the Q & A session will be done face-to-face.
The skating test will mimic Blade's pre-game introduction at a Jackals home game. The improvised skit will need to be three minutes long and is limited only by the performer's creativity. It can range from a dance performance to a comedic skit similar to interacting with fans at a Jackals game. If the performer chooses to dance during the improvised skit, he or she will get a minute and a half to perform to a song of their choice, and then a minute and a half to perform to a song of the judges' choosing.
Performers should wear comfortable fitting athletic clothes to wear while in costume. Athletic shoes should also be worn while in costume and not on skates.
The Blade hopefuls will be evaluated and scored on skating ability, entertainment value, enthusiasm, improvisational skills, creativity, and leadership qualities.
A panel of celebrity guest judges will score each of the performers' tryouts. The panel is comprised of
Meghan Reed - Marketing Director of Arnot Mall
Laura Caso - Good Morning Twin Tiers Anchor on WENY-TV
Mario Sacco - Sports Anchor & Reporter for WETM-TV
Jean Bourbeau - Elmira Jackals forward and 2012-13 captain
Ray Schmitt - Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for Elmira Jackals and First Arena.
Interested performers are required to be 16 years old or older, be 5-6 or taller, and be able to provide their own transportation to and from Jackals home games.
To register for Blade tryouts please fill out the Tryout Registration Form and return to Ray Schmitt by fax (607-733-2237).