How To Hire A Kid's Entertainer

Hiring a kid’s entertainer can create a magical experience for children. The tricky part is knowing how to hire a kid’s entertainer who is the right fit, especially if it is your first time booking. How can you be sure the entertainment suits the audience and offers good value for the price you pay?

>> Hire a Kid’s Entertainer

To help you hire a kid’s entertainer with confidence, we have pulled together the key things to think about. These simple tips will make your planning easier and help you get the most out of your booking.

1. Who’s the audience?

Before you hire a kid’s entertainer, think about who the entertainment is really for. There are two broad audiences, kids and families. Each group needs a slightly different style of entertainment, so it is worth taking a moment to decide which one suits your party best.

Kid’s show

If you are booking a kid’s show or activity, the parents are welcome to watch, but the focus stays firmly on the children. These shows usually work best for ages three to eight, depending on the entertainer and the activity. If the age range is not clearly mentioned on the entertainer’s profile, double check it is suitable for your group.

For example, you might hire a princess entertainer for a fifth birthday party, or book a balloon modeller or face painter for a younger crowd.

Family show

A family show is designed to entertain everyone at the party, children and adults included. This is often a better fit if the kids are older than eight, or if you have a wide mix of ages. It keeps the energy balanced and gives everyone something to enjoy.

For example, you might hire a magician for a family celebration or a corporate family day (you can find lots more ideas for corporate fun days here).

2. What is the format of the entertainment?

When you hire a kid’s entertainer, the style of the show can vary quite a bit. Here are the most common formats so you know what to expect:

Stand-up shows

The entertainer performs a thirty to sixty minute show, a bit like a mini festival set filled with audience participation. This is the format used by many clowns, circus acts and puppet shows.

Mix and mingle shows or activities

As the name suggests, with this format the entertainers mingle with the audience. For a kid’s show, the entertainer might bring all the guests together for activities. On the other hand, for a family show, the entertainers may move between groups, making sure everyone enjoys the fun. Magicians are great at this kind of format.

Entertainer stands

Some entertainers work from a designated stand or table. This could be a simple set up in the corner or a separate room, depending on the venue. Face painters, balloon modellers and glitter artists often use this format as it gives guests a space to queue and enjoy the activity.

3. Does the venue fit the entertainer?

If you have a small house, you can always book a function room for the party. As a rule of thumb, look for the venue first and then the entertainment. This allows you to consider, how well the performer fits in with the venue.

Performance space

Each entertainer will require a different amount of space. Hands on activities usually need more floor space, while something like a balloon modeller can work in a smaller area. It is worth checking what your entertainer needs so you can plan ahead.

Noise

Think about how loud the performance area will be. Are there other activities happening nearby, or is the entertainer the main focus of the room? At home, this is less of a concern, but some venues do have volume limits. It can also be helpful to ask if the entertainer uses an amplifier.

Distractions

Look around the room from a child’s perspective. Are there any distractions, such as a television, mirrors or loud music? This is especially important for stand up shows, as children are more likely to lose focus. Try to remove or switch off anything that might draw attention away from the performance.

4. Quality of the entertainment

Verifying the quality of an entertainer is always tricky. Watching them perform, is obviously the best indicator. If this isn’t possible, try to find videos of them performing online.

Reviews are also a great indicator. On PartyWizz you can read genuine reviews on each entertainer’s profile, which makes it much easier to see what other parents thought. If you are hiring someone outside of PartyWizz and there are no reviews available, try asking other organisers for their experience or recommendations.

5. What’s included in the fee?

Take the time to understand what is included in the entertainer’s fee. Entertainers will generally have different packages, which will include different features.

A few basic questions to ask:

How long will the entertainer be there?
What is the show format?
How long will the show last?
Do they charge per kid or for the show?

It’s also important to also understand what ISN’T included in the fee! Some performers offer additional services, which you might not be aware of. For example, some magicians also make balloon animals, or a face painter may offer glitter tattoos at an additional cost.

A few further questions to ask:

Are there any additional charges?
Are traveling costs included?
Do you have any special requests?

If this information is not clearly listed on the entertainer’s profile, simply get in contact with them to confirm the details.

6. Availability

Once you have decided who you want to book, check the entertainer’s availability as early as you can. Calendars fill up quickly, especially around holiday seasons and popular party months. If the entertainer is already booked, ask if they can recommend someone with a similar style.

On PartyWizz, each entertainer’s availability is built into the system, so when you search for a specific date you will only see entertainers who are free. It is an easy way to save time and avoid back and forth messages.

7. Have a contract or agreement

Once you have made your booking, professional entertainers should provide you with a contract or agreement. This contract, or written agreement, is important as it contains all the details. It will also spell out what happens in unforeseen events.

On PartyWizz, a general agreement is created between the performer and the organiser when you confirm your booking by accepting the terms and conditions. It keeps everything simple and protects both sides.

8. Get in contact before the show

Once you’ve booked an entertainer, get in contact before the day of the event. This is helpful for making final arrangements and checking details. Plan how the entertainer fits in with the rest of the party. A quick message or phone call is often all you need.

A few questions to ask:

When will they arrive? Typically, 15-30 minutes beforehand allows time to set up.
How much space will they need?
Will the entertainer need anything specific? For example, do they need a parent to volunteer at one point?
How will the entertainment fit in with the meal if served? Or around other planned activities?

9. Have a back-up

Having a back up plan, even a simple one, is always a good idea. Unforeseen events do happen, whether it is a performer’s car breaking down, a child feeling unwell or bad weather affecting travel.

Check whether the booking service or entertainer offers a back up option. For example, will they send another entertainer if the one you booked cannot make it? If you need to cancel, can you get a refund, or move the party to another day?

Knowing this in advance gives you peace of mind and keeps the party stress free.