Clowns or Announcers?

[Mr. Tatorscout]

Don't Be, Just Don't Be!

[synth3tk]

[JaneYoung]

There are teams in FRC who spend a lot of time helping to create a team image of fun and excitement during the competitions. They spike their hair and color it. Some have wonderful 'costumes' to enhance their image. The emcees understand and help celebrate the spirit of fun at the competitions.They also work very hard to help keep the matches on time and the event running smoothly, and part of what they bring to the event is their showmanship. If they wear a vest or coat covered with buttons that the teams have enthusiastically given them and if they share in the fun and excitement of the event by dressing up and/or coloring their hair, more power to them. For many, an FRC competition is an opportunity to share the joy and the fun of being involved in a robotics event and to celebrate what it took to get there. What it took to get there involved problem solving, learning to be a part of a team working towards a common goal, and meeting a challenge. The emcees are well aware of what it takes to arrive at the field, ready to play. Jubilation and celebration have nothing to do with condescension but they have everything to do with fun. Some of the hardest fun at the competition.

Maybe some day it will change but I hope that day doesn't come anytime soon.

Jane

[BobC]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Maybe some day it will change but I hope that day doesn't come anytime soon.

Jane

Jane I am with you I hope that day never comes.

[Andy Grady]

Ya know, years ago we only had 1 or 2 emcees because there was only one or two regionals a weekend. Now we are getting to the point where there is about a dozen regionals in one week. Planning committees have to reach for people that have experience of any sort to take that role. Despite what it may seem, emceeing an event is not an easy task. An emcee needs to convey a message clearly, be the face of FIRST, and occasionally provide entertainment during downtime. You cannot just take the average person, give them a microphone, and say GO...BE AN EMCEE! Most people would lock up in that situation. As a result, committees reach for people who have some sort of outgoing personality and no fear of a microphone. The number of people who meet that criteria and are willing to take a try are rising. They are getting opportunities because of the large demand for talent with the growing number of regionals. We are now in an age where emcees or announcers are gaining "FIRST Fame" and as a result everyone has their shtick in order to try to get a piece of it. Fact of the matter is that everyone likes a different thing. Personally, I enjoy the humor and entertainment that Blair brings, or the storytelling capability of Karthik or Dave Vebrugge. However, I can guarantee you that there is someone out there who can't stand them either. Fact of the matter is that students and mentors have different tastes.

I recommend that if you have an emcee or an announcer that you really are annoyed by, just talk to a member of your regional committee. If enough people complain, I'm sure they will do something about it. As hard as it can be for those committees to find talent, they certainly do not want to drive you away either. Just be patient...its not easy finding people to fill those roles.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Andy Grady

Ya know, years ago we only had 1 or 2 emcees because there was only one or two regionals a weekend. Now we are getting to the point where there is about a dozen regionals in one week. Planning committees have to reach for people that have experience of any sort to take that role. Despite what it may seem, emceeing an event is not an easy task. An emcee needs to convey a message clearly, be the face of FIRST, and occasionally provide entertainment during downtime. You cannot just take the average person, give them a microphone, and say GO...BE AN EMCEE! Most people would lock up in that situation. As a result, committees reach for people who have some sort of outgoing personality and no fear of a microphone. The number of people who meet that criteria and are willing to take a try are rising. They are getting opportunities because of the large demand for talent with the growing number of regionals. We are now in an age where emcees or announcers are gaining "FIRST Fame" and as a result everyone has their shtick in order to try to get a piece of it. Fact of the matter is that everyone likes a different thing. Personally, I enjoy the humor and entertainment that Blair brings, or the storytelling capability of Karthik or Dave Vebrugge. However, I can guarantee you that there is someone out there who can't stand them either. Fact of the matter is that students and mentors have different tastes.

I recommend that if you have an emcee or an announcer that you really are annoyed by, just talk to a member of your regional committee. If enough people complain, I'm sure they will do something about it. As hard as it can be for those committees to find talent, they certainly do not want to drive you away either. Just be patient...its not easy finding people to fill those roles.

Speaking of being behind the microphone *cough, where were you at BAE? I heard you in at least one of our matches and really liked it! My family and grandfather noticed it too about how you were much better than some other people and we (GSR in the stands) really miss you out there with the microphone! No one does play by play better in New England IMHO!

Don't know if that is a bit off topic from the costumes, but Andy Grady has a balance of professionality, humor, and team history much like Karthik and Paul Copioli.

[jgannon]

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

This strikes me as a little condescending to our kids. Do they really think this is what they want to see at a competition? Our teams are made up of High School aged kids, young adults, not children. They are world-wise and sophisticated in 2010 and I doubt that they are impressed by such theatrics.

I am far beyond high school, and I am indeed impressed by such theatrics. I know that my students enjoy it too. I've seen more than a few very reserved kids come out of their shells in response to the zany antics in front of them on the field.

Originally Posted by Doc Wu

Or is it just a case of some adults once again completely out of touch with young people?

So far I'm only seeing one such adult.

[BrendanB]

Personally, there is a certain aspect of being fun and having a good time and remaining professional. I don't see emcees at FLL events get all decked out like some FRC emcees do.

[Andrew Y.]

its what a volunteer wants to do. its not illegal or dangerous in any way. Whats the problem?

[DarkFlame145]

Its all fun, I mean if there is a problem with the field, someones gotta entertain the crowd since they can last 5, 10, sometimes 15 mins. Plus after MCing for 3 days they gotta keep it interesting for them-selfs.

[Richard Wallace]

^ (Well said.)

One measure of the inspiration that FIRST generates is the curious fact that, during the delays brought on by technical difficulties, team members of all ages frequently dance and shout with expressions of joy on their faces. Emcees and game announcers pump that inspiration.

Volunteers who have their heads down working hard to clear a technical problem REALLY appreciate other volunteers who, with their eye-catching attire and engaging vocals, are working just as hard to maintain the energy level.

[George A.]

Originally Posted by BrendanB

Personally, there is a certain aspect of being fun and having a good time and remaining professional. I don't see emcees at FLL events get all decked out like some FRC emcees do.

Often times at FTC and FLL events the MC keeps it low key because there is so much going on that there is little down time. With 6-10 tables at a typical competition, there is usually action continuously.

However, at FRC regionals/championships, there is a LOT of downtime between the matches, and as such the MC has to ramp it up a few levels otherwise it would just be the audience sitting back watching a person in another volunteer shirt.

[Steve W]

I guess that it is all one perception. I am one who wears colorful shirts and hair to match. I also do the exact same thing at FLL, FTC and VEX events. I don't do it because I want to be noticed (but I do get noticed) but rather to give the kids a little fun. Mine started with team 48 wanting to do my hair at Championships and just "flourished" from there. At most FIRST events when I don't do my hair then I can go virtually unrecognized for a long time.

The benefits of coloring hair brings a lot of questions especially when I am not at the arena. It gives me the chance to promote the event. At the event people seem to know that they can ask me questions and I will find the answers. When touring the pits I can be found by anyone looking for me.

I guess there is a limit but I have worn pink ears and pig tail at the same time as some fairy wings so I am not sure were that limit is. As an EMCEE my goal is to make teams feel good about themselves and promote them as much as I can. Would I come to an event like a clown? No but a parrot on steroids, maybe.

Originally Posted by Steve W

I guess that it is all one perception. I am one who wears colorful shirts and hair to match. I also do the exact same thing at FLL, FTC and VEX events. I don't do it because I want to be noticed (but I do get noticed) but rather to give the kids a little fun. Mine started with team 48 wanting to do my hair at Championships and just "flourished" from there. At most FIRST events when I don't do my hair then I can go virtually unrecognized for a long time.

The benefits of coloring hair brings a lot of questions especially when I am not at the arena. It gives me the chance to promote the event. At the event people seem to know that they can ask me questions and I will find the answers. When touring the pits I can be found by anyone looking for me.

I guess there is a limit but I have worn pink ears and pig tail at the same time as some fairy wings so I am not sure were that limit is. As an EMCEE my goal is to make teams feel good about themselves and promote them as much as I can. Would I come to an event like a clown? No but a parrot on steroids, maybe.

You are correct that without the tri-colored hair you are totally unrecognizable, "some" costume and color is fun, maybe some go a bit too far and it ends up looking a bit silly although I have never seen that in Ontario.

I do hope they bring back the mascot dance this year at waterloo and GTR, they had that back in Aim high and it was great video for TV and now that we are back on carpet why not?

Hopefully the DJ plays all the right music to keep the crowd energized and on it's feet as well this year as well.

[pathew100]

Originally Posted by Mark Rozitis

I do hope they bring back the mascot dance this year at waterloo and GTR, they had that back in Aim high and it was great video for TV and now that we are back on carpet why not?

Shouldn't be a problem as long as you have a decent field crash or two.