So, your little one has a birthday around the corner and you want to make sure the party is extra special. You are thinking clown, no magician, no balloon artist and you have no idea where to start. After fifteen years in the industry, I am here to offer you some help in planning your birthday party entertainment.
5 Tips on hiring kids party entertainers
1. Get a recommendation
It’s likely your friends and family have hired someone in the past who was wonderful. It’s worth asking around to find out if someone might have a lead on a good entertainer in your area.
2. Start Times
The kids will be late! They are always late. So it’s best to have the entertainer start the show 20-30 minutes into the party of later. This way you are not holding the show for those inevitable stragglers.
3. Minimise Distractions
No matter how good the performance you’ve booked for the party might be, kids get distracted. Do your best to make the experience a good one for everyone by making sure there are no bouncy castles humming away in the corner, no visible distractions and that no one is chatting too loudly among the grown ups while the show is going on.
4. Making sure your performer is Safe and Prepared
It is reasonable and recommended to ask your children’s performer for proof of insurance and a background check. Not only does this give you added peace of mind, it is an indicator of an experienced, professional full-time performer so you are likelier to get a quality show.
8. When googling for Performers
Anyone can put together a nice looking site in minutes these days. Look for lots of pictures and video of that performer doing their show in front of many different audiences. Look for awards and quotes, and make sure this is not their first rodeo. You don’t want to accidentally book a newbie for the price of an experience professional.