I would like some feedback on what you think of stage names vs. real names

Seth Kotkin.

Phill Goldstein.

Not much pizaz. Say as compared to a name like, oh I don't know...David Copperfield or Max Maven.

Then there's always Joey Lepore...ever hear of him?

My thought is call yourself what ever fits. Just leave off the superlitives.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both, if your own name is difficult to pronounce or remember or is too similar to some other major entertainer or other celebrity, you probably would find a stage name working better for you. I've used both my own name and stage names, I found the stage name worked best for me when the character I created for on stage personna fit the stage name better than my own name.

Hindsight is always 20-20 but if you study history you will find that some changed their name (and/or stage name) multiple times before finding one that worked.

I would think a stage name would be a bit awkward with the people close to you. Do you actually change your name or do you just start using it at engagements?