Method and system for articulated character head actuation and control

A wearable apparatus for enhancing control of an articulated head that includes an actuator for moving an animated device portion of the head such as the mouth or eyes, comprising:

• a wireless receiver receiving show control signals including time synchronization data;
• a data storage device storing show data;
• a driver adapted for driving the actuator;
• and
• a control module processing the show control signals to operate the driver based on the show data to operate the actuator to perform a set of prerecorded movements synchronized with the time synchronization data.

A system for controlling operation of costumes and props with mechanized or other remotely drivable portions, comprising:

• a performer-worn control assembly including:
• a use input device for providing performer signals for operating an actuator adapted to drive a drivable portion of a costume or a tethered prop;
• memory storing a prerecorded series of motions for the drivable portion;
• a driver for the drivable portion;
• and a controller adapted for selectively operating the driver;
• and
• a remote control assembly including means for generating timing signals, means for providing control signals based on user input, and means for generating wayside control signals in response to the timing signals or the user input-based control signals, wherein the controller processes the generated wayside signals and operates the driver based on the processed wayside signals and wherein the performer-worn control assembly operates to drive the actuator based on one of the performer signals and the generated wayside signals.