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
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Ringmaster – The flamboyant host who controls the chaos with flair
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Carnival Barker – Loud, fast-talking hype man outside the tent
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Stage Magician – Smooth, mysterious, always ready with a trick
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Assistant Magician – Glamorous and graceful (and probably more competent)
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Emcee of Oddities – Oversees the sideshow attractions with dramatic
Performers & Acts
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Clown (Classic or Sad) – Goofy, over-the-top, or heartbreakingly tragic
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Acrobat – Flexible, poised, and probably mid-cartwheel
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Tightrope Walker – Elegant and balanced (mentally… maybe not)
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Juggler – Always has something in the air (literally and socially)
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Fire-Eater – Fearless and hot-headed
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Contortionist – Mysterious and twisty in every way
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Strongman/Strongwoman – Muscles, bravado, and bold mustaches
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Human Cannonball – Daring, slightly frazzled, always ready to launch
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Mime – Silent, expressive, maybe suspiciously good at sneaking around
Sideshow & Mysterious Characters
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Fortune Teller – All-knowing… or just really good at guessing
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Bearded Lady – Iconic and fierce
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Tattooed Wonder – Covered in ink, stories, and maybe secrets
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Two-Headed Twin – A duo act that might just be one player with great improv skills
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Living Statue – Still one second, dramatic pose the next
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Snake Charmer – Slithery and smooth
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Flea Circus Trainer – Tiny talent, huge ego
Behind-the-Scenes
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Roustabout (Carnival Hand) – Rugged, rough around the edges
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Ticket Taker – Sharp-eyed, suspicious, and all about order
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Concession Vendor – All about the popcorn, corndogs, and overheard gossip
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Animal Trainer – Dressed like they’re wrangling tigers—even if they’re not
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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!
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Bright or mismatched clothing (think stripes, polka dots, sequins, bold prints)
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Tuxedo or blazer jackets for ringmasters
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Suspenders, bow ties, vests, or corsets
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Colorful skirts, fishnets, leggings, or circus-like trousers
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Leotards or dancewear for acrobats and aerialists
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Anything with fringe, ruffles, or dramatic silhouettes
Hair & Makeup:
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Go theatrical! White face, exaggerated eyes, and painted-on features for clowns
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Glitter, bold eyeliner, and gemstones for fortune tellers or aerial performers
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Bright lipstick or face paint for carnival flair
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Messy buns, teased curls, or slick top hats for ringmasters
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Colored wigs or hair chalk can take it up a notch
Accessories:
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Top hats, mini hats, or feathered headpieces
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Canes, juggling pins, tarot cards, fake mustaches
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Gloves, oversized sunglasses, clown noses, hoop earrings
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Pocket watches or magic wands
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Capes, shawls, or boas for flair
Character Quirks, Behavior, & Voice:
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Ringmaster: Commanding voice, grand gestures, lots of pointing and booming introductions
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Clown: Goofy movements, high-pitched giggles, pratfalls or exaggerated body language
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Fortune Teller: Slow, mystical speech with lots of pauses and eyebrow raises. Speaks in riddles.
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Strongman: Deep voice, flexes constantly, humble brags often
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Magician: Mysterious tone, dramatic pauses, may constantly “reveal” silly tricks
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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.