For many, childhood parties and events create happy memories that last a lifetime.
Having the right entertainment at a children’s event can create a magical experience, for adults and kids alike. You can book a musician, clown, makeup artist, acrobat – there are so many options out there!
With all these options, how do you find the right entertainment to elevate the experience?
Know Your Audience
There is a vast difference between a group of kindergartners and a gaggle of 8-year-olds. When you’re younger, tastes and attention spans change drastically as you age.
Look for an entertainer that fits the age range you’ll have at your event. Are they younger kids who need constant engagement to grab their attention? Are they older kids who would prefer to experience the fun at a bit of a distance?
Consider the adults in attendance as well. If this is a family affair, you’ll want to find a form of entertainment that speaks to a mix of age ranges, like a magician.
If the adults will be more hands-off throughout the affair, hiring someone like a clown that involves the kids directly may be your best bet.
Look to the Professionals
There are many entities out there who have a database you can tap into for live entertainment booking.
They will have curated a specific list of talent that runs the gamut from comedians to magicians to balloon animal artists. They will be able to offer recommendations and reviews, as they truly want to hire out their talent.
They are the ones who know children’s entertainment landscape best, and can easily connect you with the right act for your party.
Look at the Event Format
Do you need an entertainer that will be the center of attention for a fixed period of time among many other events happening that day? Or could you use someone who will walk around and engage guests throughout the whole event?
Consider your timeline for the event coupled with the audience, and you will come up with the best entertainment format for you.
Venue Type Matters
This goes along with the event’s format. Look at your venue to see if it aligns with your entertainment. If it’s a loud area with many things happening at once, you’ll want a space that can provide amplification of sound for musicians and comedians.
If the party is happening in your backyard, look for an entertainer that fits that space and doesn’t require much extra equipment that needs to be brought in and out of the party.
If the venue is not your own you might even ask the staff at the venue who they suggest as the perfect entertainment.
Get A Clear Picture of What They Include
When reaching out to an entertainer you want them to clearly outline what they will be bringing to the event.
Make sure they specify how long the entertainment portion itself will be, and how long they might also be on premise outside of that.
Do they charge one rate for the group, or per child? Do they need anything like stage space, microphones, or lights?
Knowing exactly what you’re getting will alleviate any possible surprises the day of the event.