Hello,

For a while I have been performing my shows with a black pair of pants and a
t-shirt with the image of a tuxido on it. I figured since I'm performing for children and I am pretty goofy I should change my outfit. Anyone know of any websites, stores etc., of where to buy clothes that are wacky and colourfull?

Thanks in advance,
Zach

Listen kid, you are who you are, wear what you feel most comfortable in, these days you see "street magicians" in torn jeans and a tee shirt, but you also see top vagas performers in the tux or similar, so its also down to the occasion, I wear a nice jacket and black duds for my adult table hopping work, the jacket has to have the right pockets etc but it feels "right" for me, my kids act calls for something a bit "goofy" as you call it (see avatar) and it sets the atmosphere for the show, as a kid why not go for a "junior wizard" style? get an adult to take you to a local material shop, but the fabric that you like and get it sewn up to your design, pockets where you need them etc, you will find a seamstress/garment alteration shop in your town, are you uk bradford? just mail me if you like what I am saying and I might be able to help further.

Ok I see its canada!! but we had it first!! same shops there though.

Zach
There is colorful and there is classy. I suggest you wear a loud dress shirt with an equally loud tie, remember if you are doing kids parties you will be hired by the mom, paid by the mom, and mom's like young gentlemen. If mom like your style she will also tip you.
IMHO
Al

Thanks guys!

Zach

Zach
On another thread you asked "how much to charge". I took a look at your web site and if you want to get top dollar look like you are worth it, and wear real shoes. No one will take you seriously if you wear sandals to perform in.

Ok, thanks. But I'm not wearing sandals? Or was that just an example?

Zach

As Al said, loud shirt, loud tie. I prefer a bowtie, but that's just me. Nice shoes are a must, I actually just got some shoes with leather soles (real shoes). =)

However, I am currently looking for a bright red jacket for kids shows. I figured that would be pretty loud, although I heard Al has a purple suit, so you really can't compete with that. haha.

Just have fun and wear whatever makes you feel good, look good and do good.

Zach
Good luck, and I bought my purple suit on ebay.

Thanks again guys.

Zach

Hi folks...

I'm now reheasing my children show... and my character is like "14 - 16 years old guy, with some extra beard" my costume is based in the actual children cloths + little clown thing + colors ...

can some one give some opinion about it?

here is some pictures.

http://www.repolho.org/book/small/Robert......mall.JPG
http://www.repolho.org/book/small/Robert......mall.JPG

(im brazillian, so, sorry fot the bad english )

tkz all

Roberto
Welcome to the magic Café. Do you intend to perform in the clothes you are wearing in your pictures? It is hard to give you advise because I don't know what is acceptable in Brazil, but if you give me some more information I will try to help you. Go to my web site to see what I wear http://www.juggleral.com

Hey, I did a gig with Al recently. I privately noted that his attire was more attractive, professional and interesting than most entertainers I’ve seen.

If you’re in this thing for business, forget the comfortable clothing. Look like an entertainer.

Hi,

yes... this is my "magic' costume... I did a study in the "brazillian children´s world" before I decided this costume... in two weeks ill do my first children gig... ill put the results here...

Tkz..
Roberto Polini

Ken
Thank you for your kind words.

Roberto
You are performing as a character and you must be true to that character.
break a leg
Alfonso

Exactly Al,

is my character and I life the caracter during the performe... its really different of my "adult character"

Tkz all

Hi Zach,

Think of what you want to portray. Think of what your character or stage persona is. Then go from there.

Your costume can be anything. It can be wild and outrageous, or conservative. Loud colours or tuxedo. It all depends on what you want to be. There is no one right answer.

Pat and I have many different costumes. We dress according to the show and the audience. Something different for adults, children, family, dove act, etc....

Find something that you feel comfortable in and go for it.

I remember Doug Henning's Toronto agent telling me that he told Doug to cut his hair and buy a tuxedo if he ever wanted to make it in the business. Well, although Doug was well before your time, the older magi here will tell you that Doug was anything but a short hair and tux type of guy. He went with what he felt was him and the rest, is history.

Cris Angel is, well, Cris Angel. You won't see too many magi dressed like him doing a show in the local library or nursery school. Yet, it works for him and what he does.

Copperfield wears whatever. Usually something quite casual. But, he's Copperfield. As an unknown, walking into a corporate gig, it would most likely be seen as underdressed. Yet, he's making millions doing what he does.

So, the point is, there is no right answer. T-shirt, tux shirt, fancy shirt, ripped shirt, it all depends on what and who you are, what image you want to portray and what your clients expect.

Good luck in your search.

Rob

ps Pat and I have a couple of shows coming up in the Barrie area in the next couple of months. PM me if you'd like to come out and talk.

RJE,

I agree. I have a black suit/ cleaned shoes for formal shows and professionally-made polo shirts for other parties. I originally thought all magicians wore a suit, but living in 42+ degrees Celius have found this not to be the case all of the time. I normally ask the parents what they want me to wear before I turn up. Or have an ironed polo shirt ready in the car.

The black suit is useful as I know exactly which pocket has which trick. But if I'm going to be face-painted (some kids insist on it) the polo shirt works better. It's got my logo and contact details on it so parents just take pictures of the show, then get in touch when they've uploaded the images.

I did try home-made shirts (via the computer - Publisher/printer/iron-on transfers) but got no repeat business. When I changed to the polo shirts my friends finally admitted they were much better and generated lots of discussion leading to six bookings in a week.

Al,
Your wardrobe seems to mirror mine (except that I can't wear ties and I can't juggle).

A businessman in bright colors - that's the game. Business enough to look respectable, colorful enough to get kids to pay attention to you.

[quote]On 2008-05-23 02:16, themagiciansapprentice wrote:
RJE,

"I agree. I have a black suit/ cleaned shoes for formal shows and professionally-made polo shirts for other parties. I originally thought all magicians wore a suit, but living in 42+ degrees Celius have found this not to be the case all of the time."



Hello themagiciansapprentice,

For some summer outdoor shows or during the winter "Beach Party" shows, I wear a shortsleeved Hawaiian shirt, white tee, shorts and sandals and can still produce 3 doves from b*d* l*a*s. Your costume is whatever fits both you and the occaision.

All the best,

Rob