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Ten questions to ask before hiring a party entertainer

Ensure you’re hiring the right person for your child’s big day


Entertainers laughing with children at a party. Colourful decorations hang in the background. Kids wearing face paint look joyful.
Hiring the right entertainer can create incredible memories at your party

Hiring an entertainer can be a saviour for your party, they bring specialised knowledge and skills with the sole intention of making your child’s birthday one to remember. But how do you know you’re hiring the right person for your party?


Here are ten questions you can ask to get a rounded picture of what they offer and if it matches your needs:


 

Check their experience and skills


  1. How do you work with the theme of the party? -  If your party has a theme, check in with the entertainer about how they conduct the party within that theme. It might be a costume and character running the activities, or maybe they do a full performance or interactive experience that matches the theme.


  1. How long have you been doing birthday parties? - While your entertainer may be very seasoned, even an entertainer who hasn’t been doing parties for long can be quite experienced. Many have backgrounds in acting, dancing or teaching which means they have a lot of experience working with children. Plus, in six months an entertainer may do anywhere between 50 and 200 parties so experience compounds very quickly.


  1. We have children of different ages and abilities coming to the party, can you adapt the activities for them? - A good entertainer will be able to adapt activities for children of all ages, and for a party of mixed age children. They will be able to include children of all abilities and disabilities, too. Parties are for fun and joy and connection and a good entertainer will focus more on facilitating these things than any activities that might leave some guests behind.


  2. Will you sing/ dance/ do acrobatics as this character? - Let’s face it, if you’re hiring Elsa, you’re going to want her to sing ‘Let it Go’. It’s okay to ask your entertainer how ‘in character’ they are going to be. If you aren’t hiring a character and more of a general entertainer or a ‘clown’, a ‘fairy’, or a ‘rainbow sparkle’, you might be wondering how the entertainer will come across. To answer this question an entertainer will probably tell you about their acting/ dance/ singing/ circus training, or at the very least, the many years they have given their soul to community theatre. 


A parent on the phone with laptop sits on grass; child plays with toy truck nearby. Sunny day, lush garden, building in background.
It's okay to ask your entertainer questions before you hire them
 

Asking about safety and insurance


  1. Are you insured? - All entertainers should have insurance covering the activities they offer. If your entertainer doesn’t have insurance, ask if they are covered under the policy of the agency or company they are contracted by. If they aren’t, choose someone else. For peace of mind you want your entertainer to have public liability insurance which would cover them for activities like running games, balloon twisting, bubbles, face painting. Whilst these activities are generally very safe, random accidents can occur. 


Are the face paints/ glitter you use safe for children’s skin? - If you are hiring a face painter make sure they are only using cosmetic grade face paints and glitter from a reputable company. The pigments in these products are FDA/ EU and Australian Standards approved, they are skin safe and will wash off with soap and warm water. If you are really concerned, ask what brands they use and download the safety sheets from the manufacturers website. If your entertainer can’t provide this information, perhaps skip the face painting.

Hands holding a pen above an open notebook with beige question mark cutouts on green background, suggesting contemplation.





 

Understanding what’s included in their package


  1. What time will you arrive? - Most entertainers will arrive at the time you have booked them for, but some may need to arrive early to set up. For example a magician, puppet show or disco DJ might arrive ten minutes before start time and use that time to set up props or equipment before starting the entertainment.


  2. What is included in the time frame we have booked? - It’s good to understand ahead of the big day what the entertainer offers, and in the time frame booked. For example, an entertainer may not offer face painting and balloon modelling in a party less than 2 hours long simply due to time constraints. Or if there’s something you are particularly after, they could organise to do that instead of a different activity, but it’s good to be on the same page ahead of the event.


  3. Do you have any add-ons? - Some entertainers offer to supply invitations, decorations or lolly bags to match the theme, to take some of the party prep off your plate. If this is something you’re interested in, ask!


 

Ask how you can work together


  1. Do they need anything from you? - Usually an entertainer will need very little, perhaps access to a power outlet for disco equipment, or maybe access to an outdoor tap for giant bubbles. Often they will have a back up plan for if these things aren’t available, but it helps everyone to know in advance.


 

And remember, a good entertainer will make you feel at ease and comfortable to choose their services. They will have a good knowledge of what they offer and how it will contribute to your child’s special day, as well as being able to adapt to any special requests or needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before hiring your party entertainer. Equally, if you just don’t mind what they do as long as it keeps the kids happy - trust their judgement and experience and have a fun time at the party.


Children wearing party hats blow colorful noisemakers in a party setting. They appear joyful and excited, surrounded by bright decor.




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