A kid’s entertainer can be a magical and unique experience for your children. Booking one can take time and effort. The first time is always the hardest! How can you ensure that the entertainment you choose is appropriate for your audience and that the value you receive for the money you spend is good?
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We’ve listed some factors to consider when searching for the right entertainer. These tips can help you get the best value from hiring an entertainer.
Who is the target audience
There are two main audiences: families and kids. Each group needs a different type of entertainment. Consider which entertainment option will be most suitable for your event.
Kids show
Parents are welcome to attend a show or activity for children, but the kids will get the attention. These shows are usually aimed at children aged between 3 and 8, depending on what type of show they are. If the age range for the show is not specified on the website, double-check that the activity is appropriate for your child’s age. You might, for example, hire a princess to entertain your child on their 5th birthday.
Family Show
A family show is intended to entertain the entire family. A family show can be a good option if the children are older or mixed age. You might hire a magic show to entertain the family at a Communion party.
What is the format for the entertainment
The format of the show will vary depending on what you choose! Here are the most popular show formats.
Stand up shows
The entertainer will perform a 30- to 60-minute show. Imagine mini-festivals with audience involvement. This format is used by most clowns, magicians, circus acts, and puppet shows.
Shows or activities that mix and mingle
This format is a mix of entertainment and audience. The entertainer may bring the guests together to do activities in a show for children. For a family show, entertainers can move around the groups to ensure everyone has fun.
Entertainer stand
Some entertainers have their stand. The stands could be a simple table or even a room. Face painters, for example, will have a table where children can queue up to get their faces painted.
Is the venue right for the entertainer or the event
You can book a room for your party if you live in a small home. The venue should be the first thing you consider, followed by the entertainment. You can then consider how the entertainer will fit in with the venue.
Performance Space
Each entertainer requires a different amount of space. If you book an entertainer doing hands-on activities at your event, they may require more space than someone like a balloon modeler.
Noise
What is the noise level in the performance area? Will there be any other entertainment or just the performer? This is not a big deal if you’re having the show at home.
Second, how loud is the show? This is not a big issue for family and kids shows. However, some venues limit the volume. You should check if an entertainer is using an amplifier.
Distractions
Do the children have any distractions within their field of vision? This could include a TV, a loud mirror, or even a loud piece of music. This is most relevant to the format of a stand-up comedy show. See if you can eliminate these distractions.
The quality of entertainment
It is difficult to determine the level of talent an entertainer has. The best way to determine their quality is by watching them perform. Try to find online videos of the performers if this is not possible.
Check for reviews. You can find reviews of performers on PartyWizz.com’s profile pages. If reviews are unavailable for an entertainer you’re hiring outside PartyWizz, ask other bookers.
What is included in the fees
Understand what the entertainment fee includes. There will be different packages that include different features.
Basic questions to ask:
How long will an entertainer stay?
What is the format of the show?
How long is the show?
Does the price include all children or just one child?
Also, it’s important to understand what IS NOT included in the price! You might not know that some performers provide additional services. Some magicians may also create balloons.
Some additional questions to ask
Do you charge any extra?
Do you include travel costs?
Have you got any special requests for us?
You must contact the entertainer directly if this information is unavailable on their website.
Availability
Check the availability of the entertainer once you have made your decision. Early planning is key! The calendar of an entertainer fills up quickly, especially around the holidays. Ask the entertainer if they know of a similar entertainer that could be recommended if their schedule is full.
PartyWizz has the availability of each entertainer programmed in the system. This means that browsing for a particular date will bring up all the available entertainers.
Contact the entertainer directly if the booking service does not show availability. Most websites have a telephone number, email address, or contact form.
You should have a contract or an agreement
Professional entertainers will provide you with an agreement or contract once you book. The contract or written agreement is important because it has all the details. This contract will also explain what to do in unforeseen circumstances.
When booking a party on PartyWizz.com, the terms and conditions are accepted by both the performer and the organizer.
Contact us before the show
Contact the entertainer as soon as possible after booking. It’s a good idea to contact the entertainer before the event so that you can make final arrangements and confirm details. Plan how to integrate the entertainer with the rest. Email or text messages will work, but a quick call is sometimes the best option!
Some questions to ask:
When will they be arriving? It is best to arrive 15-30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.
How much space do they require?
Will the entertainer require anything specific? Do they require a parent at some point to volunteer?
What will be the timing of the entertainment about the meal?
Back up your data
It is best to have a backup but never need it. Unexpected events can happen. Your child may be sick, the performer’s vehicle might break down, or there might be a snowstorm that prevents guests from arriving.
If you booked the entertainment or through a booking service, ensure you have a backup plan. Will they send another entertainer if the one you booked cannot attend? Can you get a refund if you cancel the party? Can you change the date of the party?
