As one would expect, my explanation made little sense to the party planner who has almost no knowledge of magic, even though he performs "magic shows" (- cringe -). On the other hand, his asking me to wear a costume makes absolutely no sense to me. Perhaps I'm clueless, but I don't understand why magicians wear character or other style costumes (wizard, pirate, clown...etc.) to shows and perform standard magic tricks. Here are my thoughts on the topic.
Lack of Character
First of all, I recognize the value of a costume in helping to create a character and support the entertainment and theme. But based on what I've seen, there are few kid magicians who wear costumes who even think about character.
I've seen "wizards" performing card tricks. Aren't wizards supposed to be working with spells and potions and such? I've seen clowns performing mentalism. (It’s news to me that clowns are supposed to be mind readers.) I've also seen a clown that was clearly not funny, in fact, snide and aggressive, for example, making kids on stage hold their arms up for an eternity for laughs.
I've seen a horrible entertainer in a "Sponge Bob" outfit who had his hairy arms hanging out the sides; stuck his face through one of the large eyes of the costume, effectively using it as a porthole to talk to kids in his normal voice and performing "coloring book." Here in Southern California, the theme at libraries this past summer was "bugs." I read in the newspaper about a magician who dressed up in a bug suit and produced coins from kids' ears.
By asking me to wear a vampire costume, just what was I supposed to do with my show? Should I produce vials of blood or live bats? The question wasn't whether I had a show with a Halloween theme, which I could do by adding some gory material. The only thing that mattered was the stupid vampire costume.
Theme and Character
I am in favor of costumes when they support a character. And yes, I've worn a costume and performed close-up magic. The gig was a Western-themed, after-hours event at a trade show a couple of years back and a cowboy outfit was a requirement. I admit that good money played a factor.
I tried to talk the event planner into allowing me to dress as a period gambler. Being of Asian descent, I thought I could be an old west gambler like a character that I once saw in the movie "Maverick." But I was told to dress like a cowboy so I spent $80 renting boots, chaps, hat, vest and holster. I was an Asian cowboy.
When I arrived, I was pleased to see that the entire area was dressed up as the old West and I'd be standing in front of a prop that looked like an old saloon bar. While I didn't attempt to act and talk like a cowboy, I performed poker and gambling themed tricks and a signed card to holster. While it was a bit of a stretch, the costume and tricks supported the event's theme.
Costumes, No Way
I'm convinced that there's a time and place for costumes. But why do magicians want to dress in cheesy costumes and perform tricks that have no relation to a character or theme? I don't get it.
Perhaps it's the low-end party planners and bookers who know little about magic and perpetuate this demand for magicians to dress up. I guess it's natural as these individuals are non-magicians but performers themselves - face painters and balloon artists - who have typically worn costumes to events and relied on them to gain attention. Contrary to this, they're not accustomed to establishing a presence through entertaining magic, which can be done.
If you're a character-based performer with a complete act that's filled with themed magic, I applaud you for taking the rare and higher artistic road. I know that there are a few of you out there and hope others will follow your good example.
If you're new to magic, don't be tempted to purchase a costume to make up for your lack of experience. Instead, use your resources and efforts to improve your magic so it's the best that it can be.
While I can't say that I will never wear a costume to a kids' party and perform my regular show. (Given the current state of the economy, it's hard to make any predictions.) But if I have my way, it's going to be darn chilly day in hell when I don a cheesy costume and desecrate my magic.
