Being a children’s entertainer is more than just wearing a costume, performing a few tricks, and leaving with a cheque. It’s a job that requires creativity, energy, patience, and an incredible amount of preparation. While it may seem like a simple role from the outside, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that every event runs smoothly and every child has a memorable, safe, and fun time.
In this article, we’ll dive into a day in the life of a children’s entertainer, from the initial planning stages to the last wave goodbye at the end of an event. This behind-the-scenes glimpse will reveal the complexities, challenges, and rewards of the job, as well as the key responsibilities that make a children's entertainer an expert in creating magical experiences for kids.
1. The Pre-Event Preparation: Planning and Organization
The first step in a children's entertainer's day starts long before they arrive at the venue. The day’s event starts with weeks, days, or even hours of planning and preparation to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
a. Communication with the Client
The day typically begins with a series of conversations with the client. These conversations are critical to understanding the specific needs and expectations of the event. A children’s entertainer will ask for the following information:
- The event's theme: Whether it's a birthday party, a school event, a holiday gathering, or a festival, understanding the theme is key to tailoring the performance.
- The age group of children attending: Different age groups require different kinds of activities. For example, toddlers may enjoy simpler games, while older children may prefer more interactive challenges or even magic tricks.
- Any special requests: Some parents might want specific characters or activities, such as face painting or balloon animals. These requests help the entertainer plan their routine.
- The number of children: The size of the group affects the type of entertainment and the overall flow of the event.
- The venue details: The entertainer must know whether the event will take place in a small home, a large hall, or an outdoor setting. Each environment has different requirements for lighting, sound, and setup.
Once this information is gathered, the entertainer can start making specific preparations.
b. Packing and Preparation
Packing for a children's entertainment gig is an art in itself. Entertainers need to ensure they bring everything required to keep the kids engaged, as well as all the necessary safety and emergency items. Typical packing might include:
- Costumes: Whether it's a clown, magician, or pirate, costumes are an integral part of the performance. They need to be clean, intact, and easy to move in.
- Props and Materials: Depending on the show, entertainers will pack items such as magic wands, juggling balls, balloons, face paint, and arts and crafts supplies. For each item, the entertainer must ensure it’s in working condition, safe for children, and age-appropriate.
- Sound Equipment: If the event requires music, a microphone, or other audio equipment, the entertainer will check that the sound system works and that all the necessary cables and batteries are ready to go.
- Safety and First Aid Kit: Entertainers need to carry a small first aid kit in case of minor injuries like scrapes or falls. This kit may include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications if children have special medical needs.
- Refreshments and Hydration: It's essential for the entertainer to stay hydrated and energized, especially if the performance involves a lot of physical activity.
c. Traveling to the Venue
After everything is packed and ready, the entertainer heads out to the venue. Depending on the location, they may need to travel a significant distance, which means factoring in time for travel, potential delays, and early arrival to ensure everything is set up in time.
2. Arriving at the Venue: Setting Up and Getting Ready
When the entertainer arrives at the venue, the real work begins. The setup phase is crucial to ensure the event goes smoothly and that there are no surprises.
a. Venue Inspection
The first thing an entertainer does upon arrival is inspect the venue. This step is necessary to check for any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the children during the performance. The entertainer will look for:
- Obstructions or dangers: This includes checking for any obstacles or items that could cause tripping, such as loose wires, furniture, or clutter.
- Adequate space: If the entertainer needs space for games, a stage, or physical activities, they must ensure that there’s enough room for children to move freely and safely.
- Power sources and lighting: Ensuring that any equipment requiring electricity (like a microphone or music system) has access to power outlets and that the venue’s lighting is suitable for the show.
b. Setting Up the Equipment
Once the venue has been inspected, it’s time to set up. This includes placing props, laying out materials for games, setting up audio equipment, and ensuring that everything is easily accessible during the performance. A children’s entertainer needs to be efficient during this phase, as they often only have a short window of time to get everything in order before the children arrive.
c. Rehearsing and Final Adjustments
Once everything is set up, the entertainer may take a moment to rehearse key parts of their performance, particularly any new tricks, songs, or games. This gives them a chance to work out any kinks before the show begins. This rehearsal time also helps the entertainer feel more confident, ensuring that the flow of activities will be seamless.
3. The Performance: Engaging with the Kids
Now comes the fun part: the performance itself. This phase requires high energy, great communication skills, and the ability to keep children entertained and engaged.
a. Welcoming the Children
As the kids begin to arrive, the entertainer will usually introduce themselves in a friendly and enthusiastic manner. For younger children, this may include simple greetings or icebreaker games to help everyone feel comfortable and excited for the show.
b. Starting the Entertainment
Depending on the event, the entertainer might begin with a magic trick, a funny skit, or a sing-along to kick things off. The key to a successful performance is to keep the children’s attention while making them feel involved in the action. For example, a magician might involve the kids by asking them to help with a trick, or a clown might engage in funny antics to make everyone laugh.
c. Maintaining Energy and Focus
The entertainer has to maintain their energy throughout the performance, often working at a high intensity for hours on end. This can be physically demanding, as they may be dancing, moving props, and interacting with children in active ways. The entertainer has to read the room—if the children are getting restless or distracted, they must be able to switch gears quickly and introduce a new game or activity to regain focus.
d. Adapting to the Situation
Children’s behaviour can be unpredictable. Some may be shy, while others are extremely energetic or may even misbehave. The entertainer must be adaptable, using their experience to manage the children’s varying energy levels and personalities. They may need to use humour, gentle discipline, or a change in activity to redirect the children and keep things running smoothly.
e. Keeping the Event on Schedule
Time management is an essential skill for any children’s entertainer. Most events will have a set schedule, and the entertainer needs to keep track of time to ensure all planned activities are completed. Whether it's a 30-minute performance or a full day of entertainment, the entertainer must pace themselves and the activities to avoid losing momentum or running out of time.
4. Post-Event Wrap-Up: Goodbye and Reflection
Once the event is coming to a close, the entertainer’s job isn’t quite over. There are several important steps to take to finish the event professionally and ensure everything is in order for the client.
a. Thanking the Children and Parents
Before leaving, the entertainer takes a moment to thank the children for their participation and the parents for inviting them to the event. This is a key moment to leave a lasting positive impression, as the entertainer’s demeanour and professionalism play a big role in how the event is remembered.
b. Cleaning Up and Packing Away
After the performance, the entertainer needs to clean up their materials and equipment. This includes packing away props, cleaning costumes, and ensuring that all personal items are collected. It’s also important to make sure the venue is left in good condition, ensuring no props or materials are left behind.
c. Reviewing the Event
After leaving the venue, the entertainer may take some time to reflect on the performance. This can include reviewing how certain activities went, whether the children enjoyed themselves, and any areas for improvement. It’s also an opportunity to think about how the day went logistically, including travel time, equipment setup, and the schedule.
d. Follow-Up with Clients
After the event, the entertainer may follow up with the client to express their thanks, ask for feedback, and potentially discuss booking future events. Some entertainers also send thank-you notes or photos from the event to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
The life of a children's entertainer is filled with hard work, creativity, and constant adaptation. Behind the scenes, it’s a job that requires not only talent and entertainment skills but also careful planning, organization, and flexibility. From the early morning hours of preparation to the late evening post-event wrap-up, children’s entertainers ensure that every event is not just fun but safe and memorable for everyone involved.
It’s a career that blends imagination with practicality, and while it can be physically and emotionally demanding, the joy and excitement that children experience during an entertainer’s performance make every ounce of effort worthwhile.
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