Since performance art uses the body of a performer as the medium of presentation, a performance artist needs to be dresses accordingly. Make up helps in amplifying the facial features, which is required for expressing emotions, without using words. Apart from ensemble and make up, the supporting cast of a performer is very important, and something that differentiates between a good performance and a bad performance. Dance performances such as ballet require a particular ensemble that leaves the part of the body that plays a major part in the dance.

In many classical dance forms, the dancer puts on heavy make up in order to exaggerate facial features. If drama, the performer need to be decked up in the kind of ensemble that the script calls for. The stage also has to be decorated according to that required by the script. In many cases the stage decoration takes up huge time and resources because of extensive remodeling and fixtures. Background casts are the people who make all the above possible. Background personnel such as those in charge of handling make up, ensemble and stage decoration need to be trained and also hold degrees in certain cases.

A lightning specialist is necessary to make the whole performance visually appealing. Choreography is needed in dance preparations and helps in preparing the required steps for a dance, which every dance must follow to the inch in order to get the magical effect.