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Give us a call so we can work with you to ensure that you get the best entertainer and/or amusements for your party. Turn your party into something that will be remembered long after your child is bored with the presents. We have some tips to makeyou party a success....
KISS - Keep It Simply Silly * First the Entertainer
* Then the Food and Cake
* And Finally, Open the Presents
The ideal number of children for a clown or magician is 10-15. If the children are a little older have a few more, if younger a few less.
Book your Entertainer as early as possible. Circus Fun has some bookings six months out. We can, however, still accommodate you the next day but you may need to be flexible with the time.
Consider having the party at 11 AM. It is cooler in the summer at that hour and the kids are less tired. This way the show will end around Noon just in time for lunch and cake. Set the Stage Location: Indoors is best, outdoor noises and distractions can ruin a show. Add to that heat, glare, and a lawn to play on, and things can go awry. In order to make it easier for the entertainer to maintain order we appreciate having the kids sit on the floor or ground rather than chairs, this also affords the children the best possible view. Chairs can be a bother and lead to disruptions. Additionally, it is easier for you as you do not have to bring out the chairs.
Noise: Parental chatter is the single most difficult problem for a children’s entertainer. We ask that you provide a separate room for the adults and infants, or ask the adults to refrain from conversation during the performance. This will avoid the performer from having to interrupt the program. We do ask that an adult or two remain with the children during the performance to assist in maintaining order.
You are needed. Even though our performers are professionals it is usually difficult for a clown to be a disciplinarian. You do not want your child remembering a clown scolding another child. As well behaved as your child may be, not all children are. We ask that at least one of the hosts be present during the performance to help with that one child that will inevitably get out of hand and could potentially spoil the experience for everyone.
Other distractions: Turn off background music, and tuck toys out of sight. Send dogs and cats into temporary exile. Make sure there is enough light in the room and that it is not too stuffy. Feed the children after the performance if possible, if not at least 30 minutes prior. Performers Preparation: Ask in advance whether there is anything the performer will need. A magician may require an empty table or some time alone in the room to prepare.
Party decorations are great. Decorate to your taste; extravagantly or simply. But keep hanging and dangling decorations out of the performing area. The entertainer bumping into them and knocking them around as he performs will be a distraction and an annoyance for the audience as well as the entertainer. They could also block the audience view and in some cases be dangerous. Avoid surprises. Make sure you are getting a professional entertainer and not someone trying to make a few extra bucks. Ask these key questions:
 How long have you been entertaining? You will get a less expensive entertainer if they who has less experience. An experienced professional will not only do a better job, but can better handle those problems that clowns often face, making your party a success rather than a failure.
How long is your show? After years of experience we have developed a program that is tried and true. Our Shows typically run about 40 minutes for the clown or magic show, and another 20 minutes is set aside for balloon animals and other interaction with the performer. Children usually cannot handle much more than this. Times will vary a little based on the group of children at your function.
Is there a deposit? When is Payment expected? We do require a deposit as we are setting the time aside for you and your party. This often means we must turn others away. We also expect to be paid at the time of the performance.
What are your cancellation/rescheduling policy? We have probably turned away other shows to schedule yours, please try to avoid cancellations.
When should I pay the entertainer? Payment is expected when we arrive. Checks should be made out to Circus Fun. TIPS are not expected but when one of our performers does an exceptional job a TIP is always appreciated. Some things to consider before booking:
Most children under the age of 3 are afraid of heavily made up clowns or costume characters. We can provide a lightly made up clown to try to avoid this problem. You also may get a photo and put it on the refrigerator a week or two beforehand, so that the child is not afraid
if your 2-3 year old has a favorite character, remember that a life sized Clifford, Blue, Elmo or Barney that stands 6 feet tall can be overwhelming. We do not offer these characters as there are copyright issues that prohibit the characters from truly resembling the character. Additionally, the quality of the costumes available tend ensure that everyone is disappointed and that makes for bad business.
Magicians are not recommended for children under the age of 3 or 4. Children ages 3-7 usually respond to a silly magician, or even a magic clown. At this age many things in their lives seem magical as they do not yet understand the mechanics as to how things work. Children 8 and older will prefer straight magic or adult-style magic show. Our performers are experienced with all age levels.
Sample Party Schedule
When putting together a birthday party timing is important. In fact, it's crucial for a successful party as well as for maintaining your sanity. The question we are most often asked is what is the best schedule for a party. The following is time tested and proven! Naturally all parties vary to a degree but the basics really don't change. (The start time used here is just an example.)
11:00 AM - Start time (as per invitation)
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Free time allowing all the guests to arrive. This gives everyone a chance to get to the party without missing anything.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Circus Fun Performer Time. While the kids arrive the entertainer can set up with relatively no interference from the kids By placing the entertainment at the start of the party they will not be on that “sugar high” that comes with parties, nor at the low at the end of the party when they crash from all that sugar. This time also gives one or more of the adults the time to set up games and other activities.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch - keep it simple with hot dogs, pizza or any food that requires little effort on your part. You will be exhausted by the end of the party so use your energy wisely. If ordering pizza or other foods to be delivered please do so in a way that the children will NOT see the food arrive. This will cause a distraction and interrupt the performance. Have it delivered to a door away from where the children can’t see it arrive, and keep it warm in the oven.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Play time - Let the little ones run around, play with toys, or even organized games. They will be a little restless by now.
1:30 - 2:00 Present time! - The kids have played and need a little rest so now is the perfect time to open the presents. Make sure the birthday child properly thanks each giver I can't stress manners enough.
2:00 PM - 2: 30 PM Cake Time! - Time to regenerate the hordes with cake and lots of ice cream. This should be at the very end of the party. This cuts down a bit on the mess as you don't have cake and melting ice cream laying around for the entire length of the party. It also allows the party giver to clean up quicker. And most importantly you give the recharged sugar-filled darlings back to their parents. Some kids get sleepy after eating and this is a perfect time for them to go home. |
