Booking Entertainment for Your Child’s Party
Posted on January 4, 2008
Filed Under Entertainment
Booking a children’s entertainer is easy… right? All you need to know is: is your chosen entertainer free and how much they charge. If only it were that simple!
Different children’s entertainers handle bookings and parties in different ways, so it is a good idea to have a checklist of points to go through when contacting a number of entertainers.
Here are our top points to remember when arranging the entertainment for your party:
Make sure you understand what the quoted fee does and does not cover.
Does it include VAT and traveling expenses? If extra children turn up at the party, will there be an additional cost? Are all the materials, such as presents and balloons, etc. included? Unexpected costs can bring a party to an uncomfortable climax!
Make sure you get a confirmation letter/ email or contract.
When you have agreed everything, make sure you obtain a confirmation letter or contract from the entertainer that lists all the details and costs. Most professional entertainers will do this as a matter of course and should also make all their terms and conditions available to you.
Check the level of supervision required by the entertainer.
Some performers have a specific adult/child ratio to ensure children are under control. You need to ensure you can meet these requirements and that you know what happens if the audience is larger than expected.
Confirm the booking well in advance.
Good children’s entertainers are book up quickly, especially on weekends in the summer months. If you definitely want a specific entertainer (if they come recommended for example), it is a good idea to have the flexibility of several potential dates.
Understand the performer’s requirements.
The entertainer will have certain requirements, such as an amount of space, seating and power depending on the type of performance. Make sure you can meet these requirements and check what happens if there is bad weather or change of venue. An experienced entertainer will want to check these details with you and may even include them in a contract.
Do you want extra’s, such as presents?
Quite a few entertainers include give-ways and presents in their show, or offer them as optional extras. These could be photo’s, balloon models, toys or other gifts. You need to ensure they are suitable for all the children at the party and determine if the cost is included in the fee.
Find out what the entertainers cancellation policy is and when payment should be made.
Some performers may require a nonrefundable booking fee and some might refund a deposit. Some may need the fee paid before the performance while others may be happy for it to be paid after the party. Find out how the payment should be handled and check it is clear in the contract.
Has the entertainer been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau?
Many professions who have regular contact with children (such as teachers) must have a CRB check. Although a self-employed children’s entertainer does not have to be CRB checked, most professional entertainers will be able to supply you with evidence that they have gone through the process.
Is the entertainer covered by insurance?
You should definitely ensure that the entertainer you book has Public Liability Insurance, and don’t be afraid to ask for evidence. If you are hiring a venue, you should also check insurance requirements with them. Many hotels and party venues now insist that entertainers have Public Liability Insurance.
Hopefully these tips will make arranging the entertainment for your child’s party a smooth and trouble free process.
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This article is provided by the UK Entertainer Directory (http://www.entertainerdirectory.co.uk/), which lists a variety of childrens entertainers and acts for kids parties, including face painters, clowns and magicians.
