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Costume Advice

CIRCUS & CARNIVAL ROLES

Step right up! Whether you're the ringmaster of the show or a mysterious fortune teller tucked behind velvet drapes, circus and carnival characters offer bold, vibrant, and delightfully over-the-top costume possibilities. From strongmen to sideshow acts, clowns to aerialists, these roles are larger-than-life and dripping with theatrical flair. Perfect for players who love a little drama, a splash of whimsy, and plenty of room to play a character with style.

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EXAMPLE LOOKS OF CIRCUS & CARNIVAL COSTUMES.

TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS

Ring & Stage Roles

  • Ringmaster – The flamboyant host who controls the chaos with flair

  • Carnival Barker – Loud, fast-talking hype man outside the tent

  • Stage Magician – Smooth, mysterious, always ready with a trick

  • Assistant Magician – Glamorous and graceful (and probably more competent)

  • Emcee of Oddities – Oversees the sideshow attractions with dramatic

 

Performers & Acts

  • Clown (Classic or Sad) – Goofy, over-the-top, or heartbreakingly tragic

  • Acrobat – Flexible, poised, and probably mid-cartwheel

  • Tightrope Walker – Elegant and balanced (mentally… maybe not)

  • Juggler – Always has something in the air (literally and socially)

  • Fire-Eater – Fearless and hot-headed

  • Contortionist – Mysterious and twisty in every way

  • Strongman/Strongwoman – Muscles, bravado, and bold mustaches

  • Human Cannonball – Daring, slightly frazzled, always ready to launch

  • Mime – Silent, expressive, maybe suspiciously good at sneaking around

 

 Sideshow & Mysterious Characters

  • Fortune Teller – All-knowing… or just really good at guessing

  • Bearded Lady – Iconic and fierce

  • Tattooed Wonder – Covered in ink, stories, and maybe secrets

  • Two-Headed Twin – A duo act that might just be one player with great improv skills

  • Living Statue – Still one second, dramatic pose the next

  • Snake Charmer – Slithery and smooth

  • Flea Circus Trainer – Tiny talent, huge ego

 

Behind-the-Scenes

  • Roustabout (Carnival Hand) – Rugged, rough around the edges

  • Ticket Taker – Sharp-eyed, suspicious, and all about order

  • Concession Vendor – All about the popcorn, corndogs, and overheard gossip

  • Animal Trainer – Dressed like they’re wrangling tigers—even if they’re not

  • Costume Mistress/Master – Knows every secret and every ripped seam

Classic Aesthetic

What’s in Your Closet:

You don’t need to run away with the circus to build a costume—start with what you have!

  • Bright or mismatched clothing (think stripes, polka dots, sequins, bold prints)

  • Tuxedo or blazer jackets for ringmasters

  • Suspenders, bow ties, vests, or corsets

  • Colorful skirts, fishnets, leggings, or circus-like trousers

  • Leotards or dancewear for acrobats and aerialists

  • Anything with fringe, ruffles, or dramatic silhouettes

 

Hair & Makeup:

  • Go theatrical! White face, exaggerated eyes, and painted-on features for clowns

  • Glitter, bold eyeliner, and gemstones for fortune tellers or aerial performers

  • Bright lipstick or face paint for carnival flair

  • Messy buns, teased curls, or slick top hats for ringmasters

  • Colored wigs or hair chalk can take it up a notch

 

Accessories:

  • Top hats, mini hats, or feathered headpieces

  • Canes, juggling pins, tarot cards, fake mustaches

  • Gloves, oversized sunglasses, clown noses, hoop earrings

  • Pocket watches or magic wands

  • Capes, shawls, or boas for flair

 

Character Quirks, Behavior, & Voice:

  • Ringmaster: Commanding voice, grand gestures, lots of pointing and booming introductions

  • Clown: Goofy movements, high-pitched giggles, pratfalls or exaggerated body language

  • Fortune Teller: Slow, mystical speech with lots of pauses and eyebrow raises. Speaks in riddles.

  • Strongman: Deep voice, flexes constantly, humble brags often

  • Magician: Mysterious tone, dramatic pauses, may constantly “reveal” silly tricks

  • Carnival Barker: Talks fast, energetic, sales-pitch style delivery—“Step right up!”

 

Whether you go glittery glam or spooky sideshow, circus and carnival characters are a free pass to go bold, theatrical, and unforgettable. Just remember—if you feel like you're overdoing it, you're probably doing it right.

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© 2006. My Mystery Party, LLC. All rights reserved. Games created by Dr. Bon Blossman.

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