Should You Use A Costume?

Magicians often wear costumes; however, this is not a universal requirement. In fact, more and more you are seeing magicians that either opt for a very simple form of dress or will dress much as any normal performer would. The decision as to whether or not you should adopt a costume depends on a wide variety of issues that you need to think through well in advance of performing magic tricks in public. Let's ponder a few of the issues one should consider when contemplating dress.

Your Type of Magic

The type of magic that you are performing may not lend itself to a very elaborate costume. For example, if you are moving around a great deal, it may not be highly practical for you to have certain types of dress. A magician, like any performer, needs to be able to move freely. However, much like a dancer or a high-energy musical performer, a magician, depending on the type of magical tricks being performed, may need to move quickly. Keep this in mind when deciding on a costume.

Also while a tuxedo might be the perfect outfit if you are performing magic for a holiday party or corporate event, the same clothing may seem out of place if you are performing magic at the birthday party for a 5 year old. The context of where you are performing definitely needs to be factored into the picture.

Consider Your Persona

Of course, your persona is a very important part of your magic act, and that means you need to take it into consideration when you are deciding on a costume. One of the worse decisions you could make is to select a costume that doesn't fit with your persona. This will negatively impact your act as a whole, as your audience will likely pick up on the incongruity between your persona and your dress. This may seem like a small point, but it can impact your ability to main your audience's attention.

Your Personality

Being a great performer of any kind means being comfortable. If you are wearing a costume that makes you feel awkward or self-conscious, then you are likely making a poor decision. In short, your costume should reflect who you are as a person. Audiences are great at sniffing out insincerity, and you want your audience to like you. After all, if your audience likes you, then you have essentially won half the battle!