Archives

Five Things Every Parent or Event Organizer Should Know When Booking a Children’s Entertainer!

  1. Try to speak directly with the performer. If you are booking through an agency, many agents have not seen the show being marketed. Also, agencies do charge from 10%-50% commission in addition to performer fees, which translate into higher costs to the customer.

  1. Specialization can be an indication of skill. Ask the entertainer what type of shows he/she performs the most. Entertaining children requires an entirely different set of knowledge, experience, and presentation then adult performances.

  1. Top quality performers invest in their art. Ask the performer if they are part of any clubs which promote their trade such as magic clubs, clown clubs, etc. Entertainers improve themselves through studying new ideas within their field and then discussing their knowledge with other, like-minded individuals.

  1. Recommendations are one indication of a performer’s skill. Quotations, letters of referral, or phone numbers from satisfied clients are ideal.

  1. Pictures qualify an entertainer’s ability to be entertaining. Ask the entertainer if they can provide photos showing themselves AND their audience’s reaction to their performance.

When Booking a Clown for Young Children, why is Minimal Make-up the Preferred Choice?

  1. Light make-up is more kid-friendly. A clown with minimal make-up creates a fun and friendly environment for young children so that they can fully enjoy the comical world of clowns.
  2. Personality defines a clown more then paint. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a clown is essentially one “who jokes and plays tricks”. Character and presentation go much further in entertaining children then heavy make-up.
  3. Light Make-up is the popular choice of many, modern entertainers. Many contemporary, clown entertainers are moving away from the 1950’s perception of the heavily made-up clown in favour of lighter, kid-friendly make-up schemes.
  4. Clown Make-up should highlight rather then hide features. Clown Make-up was always meant to accentuate the facial features of the performer, not completely hide them behind a mask.
  5. Entertainment is more important then tradition. Since clowns are entertainers, minimal makeup allows everyone (including young children) to feel entertained and after all...isn't that the whole point?

How to Host a Stress-Free, After-School, Weekday Party

 

  1. Hire a great entertainer! For tips on finding quality entertainment, check out our "Five Things Every Parent or Event Organizer should know when Booking a Children's Entertainer!"

  1. Make A Flier. Print out 35-50 invitations and give them to your child's teacher(s) to distribute to the class(es). Generally, about one-third of the parents will respond to your flier. The information on the flier should include:

    • A: The child's name.

    • B: The date of the party with the month, the day, and the year.

    • C: The party location with the exact address with the closest, major intersections.

    • D: Two contact numbers so that parents can reach you.

    • E: The drop off and pick up times for the children

    • F: Mention that parents should call in advance to confirm that their children will be coming.

    • G: Mention that a Comedy Magician will be coming to entertain the kids!

    • (If you don't have time, we can put together a flier for you for a nominal fee.)

  1. The ideal start time for an after-school party is around 5:30 P.M. That way, the children have plenty of time to arrive at your event!

  1. Get some light, party food. Chips and juice are popular or you could go the pizza route. For kid’s events, finger food is more popular and less messy then cake.

 5.  Have some entertainment options available. Short movies or console games will keep the children occupied until the entertainer arrives.