Q: Do I need to do anything for the performer coming to my child’s party?
Short answer: Do you NEED to do anything? No. Are there things you SHOULD be doing? ABSOLUTELY.
Long answer: I truly think that all of my birthday party clients mean well. They are generally considerate people who just are trying to make their child’s birthday a special day to remember. Often times, the party entertainer a mom or dad hires is a big part of that special day. So the real question is: what can you do to make it easier for your party entertainer to do a spectacular job for you and make your child’s birthday the most special day that is can be? The answer lies in the little things that make a big difference. Here are a few examples of things you can do:
Example # 1: “Fun, sweat & tears”…Try not to put your party entertainer outside to do their show. If you have no choice (it’s a park…there’s not enough room inside…etc.) then make sure they have ample shade. I don’t mean under a tree. I mean a tent or back patio with a roof or large awning. Why? Think of it this way: Could YOU do a high energy, interactive birthday party show in a full costume and keep 25 4-years olds completely engaged if you were outside in 90 degree weather with perspiration coming out of every pore on your body? And think about the kids- if they are uncomfortable, do you think they will be more or less able to enjoy a show? If you are having your party outside during a warm time of year, make sure your entertainer and their audience has ample shade. Maybe even place a fan nearby. Just think: what would YOU want if you were them?
Example #2: “Nothing wrong with a little gossip….or is there?” … So your birthday party performer arrives, you set them up in your living room and sit the kids down to enjoy the show. The show starts, the kids are engaged, laughing and having fun. After 5 minutes, the parents in the room start chit-chatting. Gradually, the adults get louder and louder. What is wrong with a little chit-chat? Nothing if you are just standing around at a birthday party and nothing else is going on. Now think about what is really happening as a result of your chit-chatting parents…. The show has started, and the kids at the party are struggling to hear the performer because the adults are not realizing that they are talking so loudly. Aunt Liz has just GOT to tell Aunt Selma about what happened at the grocery store, but do they really have to do it while the performer is trying to make your daughter the star of the show??? In addition, you are wasting your hard-earned money because the performer is unable to do the job you hired them to do.
One of the best birthday party performers in the industry summed it up beautifully to me yesterday, “The most important courtesy that an adult can show a performer is to take all their conversation to another room while the show is going on. Loud conversation in the area where the young audience is gathered is not only disruptive, is not fair to the child who is trying to enjoy the show, the performer who is trying to do a great job or the parent who paid for it.” PERFECTLY said. So what can you do? BEFORE the show starts, please tell your guests that if they want to talk, they should leave the room. If you find your guests talking during the show, quietly and politely ask them to step out of the room if they wish to talk. Your child will be happy you did, and your performer will be able to do what you paid them for.
Example #3: “The kids have gotta eat”… but not during the show please. Why? Again, I will quote that incredible performer above, “Please do not feed the children when they are sitting down in front of the performer to watch the show, especially in the middle of the performance. A great show relies on 95% audience participation which requires the children to stand, clap their hands and and follow along with other hand and body movements. Is very hard to do so when they are holding a drink or popcorn.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Example #4: “The beauty of a drink of water” …OK picture this… so you HAVE to put your entertainer outside, but it is perfect weather. They are performing and working up a sweat, doing a great job and the kids are having so much fun. What can you do to help them do an even BETTER job? The answer is simple. Just offer them something to drink. In this scenario, the beauty of a simple drink of water goes far beyond the water itself. Yes- the performer will be grateful and their body replenished with fluids. Far more importantly, this sends a message to your performer that you value them as a person, as a performer, and you are acknowledging that they are working hard to make your party a success. There is value in that gesture.
It’s the beauty of a drink of water. ’nuff said.
Tags: birthday party, children's birthday party performer, kid's birthday party tips, parents throwing a party for their kids.
