General Info:
Plan well in advance! Most professional entertainers are booked from 3-8 weeks in advance; so to be sure you get some choices, call with plenty of time ahead.
Ask questions. What will be included, how long does the entertainment last, what are the space requirements, is there a choice of activities, can the time be extended if more children attend than expected, or any other concerns that you may have. These points should all be addressed and confirmed before the party date.
Do you need "extras" such as goody bags, decorations, photographer, or balloon bouquets? We can provide any of these services for additional fees.
If you have a favorite character or theme you would like to use, we have several available. We may also be able to create something just for you with enough advance time.
The more children you invite, the more time you will need for activities such as face painting or balloons as these are done one child at a time. Small cheek designs take at least two minutes per child. Larger designs over one eye or half a face take at least 5-6 minutes per child and full faces can be up to 10-15 minutes in creation. This is not your ordinary face painting, it is face art. Balloons are a little quicker, but if you want balloons like mermaids, superheroes, or cartoons for the children, you need to allow extra time. Many times the adults have asked to be painted or want a balloon too. We are happy to do that, but again be prepared for more time if this occurs. Group choices like the musical program, games, magic show, etc. will keep everyone together and busy at once so more activities may be possible.
Choose age appropriate activities. Very little ones are not really interested in face painting and should not be given balloons without strict adult supervision. When you are 3 or under, everything in life is magic. The concept of a formal magic show doesn't really work until about age 4. Sitting down quietly and paying attention are difficult things for toddlers especially at a party with lots of things going on. They would much rather be active and moving. They do love things like soap bubbles, story time with puppets, and music. We have games and playtime activities with hula-hoops, parachute, and stuffed animals that work well with the littlest guests also. The reverse is true for older children. They may be more excited to see a superhero martial arts demo, juggler, or have glamour girl make-up and nails done. Interactive shows, craft projects, and magic are great choices for the bigger kids as well.
Have a back up plan ready. Be prepared in case rain or weather forces the party inside. Got more (or fewer) guests than expected? Having extra things to do like coloring books, building blocks, or paper hat making can save you a big headache when outside circumstances alter your plan.
Allow extra time for your guests to arrive before scheduling the entertainment to start.