ADDITIONAL TIPS & QUESTIONS WHEN HAVING US AT YOUR PARTY:
- HOW MANY CHILDREN SHOULD I INVITE? HOW LONG? ALL BOYS? ALL GIRLS? BOTH BOYS & GIRLS? WHAT AGES?
- How many people to invite?
Fun Filled Entertainment has performed for groups as large as 5,000+ and even as small as 2-3. So we can handle almost anything you throw at us.
Most Birthday Parties consist of 20 children on average. Although It seems that the younger the child, oftentimes, the larger the party.
If you’re handling the party all alone, we suggest one guest for each year of your child’s age. If you can get some of the other children’s parents or family members to help, you could easily handle twice as many children. Of course, “help” doesn’t mean the grownups all go to another room and leave the children and entertainer(s) to fend for themselves please.
- How long should the party be?
Unless you’re having an all-day event for for many, many families, We’ve found that 2 to 3 hours is the most you can “stretch” a party for most children… unless, of course, you’re planning on renting one of our bounce houses and/or activities also… if so, you can normally stretch it another hour or two depending of how many attractions you plan on having; but remember to have plenty of drinks and snacks.
- Boys Only? Girls Only?
Also, we’ve find that children get along better when there are mix of both boys and girls at the party in most cases.
That being said, although an all boy party is typically louder and more rowdy, it can work too. Be sure to have lots of food and a few balls outside though for right afterwards while waiting for parents to pick them up. A football or soccer ball will work well. Trust us, you’ll appreciate it.
- What ages will the show be for?
All of our shows are enjoyable for all ages but are typically custom-tailored for the individual age groups of the majority of the party guests. So if there are 15 preschool children and 2 teenage siblings, the teenagers probably will not be chosen as assistants but are always welcome. Oftentimes, the children will be happier when you and/or parents join them so they can show off for you too during party… especially younger children. As for “bigger kids” (around 10 years old or so) maybe not sitting with them and their friends or trying to join in, but at least within eye shot in case they need you! They’ll still enjoy showing off for you and will probably ask you what you thought later. Be sure to take LOTS pictures.
- SHOULD I PLAN GAMES AND ACTIVITIES?
In most cases, one of Fun Filled Entertainment’s shows is all you need. We will have your guests pretty well occupied for the full length of our visits, and after that, they’ve usually had all the structured activity they’ll care for — they typically would rather just run and play for a while.
With a few exceptions: Crafts involving food work well after the entertainment, unless you make them prior but wait to eat until after the show. Party games work best before the entertainment. Pinatas are great after the show and cake.
Since most of Fun Filled Entertainment’s birthday party shows run approximately 1 hour in length, most parents opt for a two hour party. Most 2 hour parties have the entertainment start about 30 minutes after the party “begins” (what the invitations state) and are followed with cake, ice cream and/or presents.
Example:
- 2:00pm Party Starts
- 2:30pm Magic Show Starts
- 3:00pm Balloon Animals
- 3:30pm Cake Time
- 3:45pm Presents
- 4:00pm End Party
- HOW DO I KEEP FROM GOING CRAZY?
Just relax and have some fun! The entertainer’s job is to make it possible for you to enjoy your child’s special day! Your child will never be this age again, and this day will be full of special moments you can share with them, but only if you’re not too busy to join in the fun. So be sure to have some help available if needed. Also, be sure to check out some of Fun Filled Entertainment’s options for birthdays. Additional helpers and staff are available for hire as well.
- WILL MY CHILD BE IN THE SHOW?
Yes. In Jason Frame’s shows, he will ask your child (if 3 or over) to be a “special guest star magician” as the most exciting magic is happening! If he or she is too shy, we welcome you to join us. Jason will try to help him or her feel at ease “on stage.” But if they really don’t want to be “in the spotlight”, we’ll let them enjoy the show in the way they are the happiest.
- DOES YOUR MAGIC AND ILLUSION REALLY FOOL PEOPLE?
Jason Frame’s magic and illusions are VERY magical! He has been performing at hundreds events and parties each and every year for almost 20 years now. Of course, anyone of reasonable intelligence can make pretty good guesses as to how tricks are done. But if you choose to believe in magic, you’ll be enchanted by the stories, charmed by the children’s laughter, and maybe even fooled a bit yourself! However, if you decide to play “catch the magician”, you may win, but you’ll miss all the real fun.
- MAGICIANS MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY, RIGHT?
Only in fairy tales and movies. One-year-old’s will pay no attention at all. Twos and threes are usually entertained in larger groups and/or when mixed with older children, parents, and siblings. The entertainer’s job have to create excitement and keep order at the same time, but they can’t do it all alone. We always depend on having you there to reassure the more timid little ones, and to let them have fun in the comfort of your familiar presence or to handle unruly children.
- HOW LONG ARE YOUR BIRTHDAY SHOWS?
Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours long.
Economy Birthday Party Packages last 30 minutes long.
Choose between ONE of the following:
30 Minute Magic Show Only
30 Minutes of Balloon Animals Only
30 Minute Mascot Only
One of the most common shows is called the BASIC Birthday Party. It runs for one hour and consists of a 30 minute audience participation, comedy magic show and followed by 30 minutes of balloon animals… it even has with a live rabbit in it!!
For ages 7 and up, the most popular show is the Deluxe Birthday Party Package” since it has larger “cooler” tricks and even a floatation! (Yes! Jason will make it look as though someone FLOATS during the show! – What an awesome photo opportunity!) The Deluxe Birthday Party Package also has 30 minutes of balloon animals, a magic kit for the birthday child, and gift bags for your guests. (8 Included FREE! – Magic & Toys – Ages 3+ – Approx $9+ value each) This show runs just under 90 minutes in length.
Another option, especially for parties containing mostly girls, is the Basic PLUS Party Show”. It is another 1 hour show but has magic, balloon animals, and air brush face painting too! The balloons and face painting happen simultaneously after the magic show so the kids can jump back and forth in the lines. This package is 60 minutes long with two entertainers.
For outside events, spring, summer, and fall events, and/or parents that just want to go-all-out their kid(s), the Fantastic Birthday Party Package is definitely the way to go! It has magic, balloon animals, face painting, choice of snow cones, popcorn, or cotton candy, AND a bounce house castle too!!
Included:
30 Minute Magic Show
30 Minutes of Balloon Animals
30 Minutes of Air Brush Face Painting
2+ Hours Concession (Snow Cones, Popcorn, or Cotton Candy)
4+ Hour Bounce House Castle
Most
- CAN YOU PERFORM OUTDOORS?
Yes… Weather and conditions permitting … BUT that means LEVEL, DRY ground, comfortable temperatures, and GOOD SOLID SHADE both for me and the children. I can’t keep up my energy in the direct sunlight for a long length of time; plus, the kids get fussy and more tired quickly. If temperatures are in the 90’s or more, we’d all be better off and safer indoors, and occasionally, sorry, but we find that we must be (pleasantly) firm and insist on it. Also, when children, especially little ones, are outside, it is sometimes difficult to try to compete with unexpected noises (lawn mowers, traffic, etc.) and also insects, etc. Inside is typically better for the entertainment.
- DO YOU NEED TIME TO SET UP?
We prefer to have about 15-30 minutes or so to get things set up. We only need a little time to make a few “secret” last-minute preparations for most magic and illusion shows.
The Deluxe Magic Show takes approx. 1 hour to set-up and another for take-down.
DJ shows take approx 2 hours for setup and another 2 hours for take-down. (But Half of that time is for loading and unloading, so with a few helpers, it can be done much faster, if needed)
Bounces Houses and Slides take 30-45 minutes for EACH individual unit for set-ups and another 30-45 for take-downs.
In addition, how close we can get our trailers to the actual setup areas are a big determiner. In other words, if we have to unload in front of the house and our setup is behind the house, extra time and assistance may be needed.
HOW SHOULD I ARRANGE THINGS BEFOREHAND?
As far as space, all I need is enough room for the children to sit on the floor, and a place to stand far enough back that we don’t accidentally step on anybody. It works bests if the children sit in front, not behind us and too far around the sides. Most living rooms or bonus rooms will work. We prefer to have our backs against the wall. Also, we will bring everything I need, so no tables or chairs will be necessary.
- MAY I PHOTOGRAPH OR VIDEOTAPE THE SHOW?
Yes and No. And, by the way, tape is cheap … keep the camera running or you’ll miss some precious moments. At the end of your child’s star turn(s), he or she will always take a big bow … don’t miss it! However, Fun Filled Entertainment asks that NO part, or any portion, show, etc. get shared and/or sold on social media and/or for other purposes. The performance(s) and show(s) are for YOUR personal use only! In addition, we ask that a copy be send to us of all video recordings and LOVE pictures!!
In addition, if you’re taking still photos, we’ll be glad to pose with your child for a few special pictures after the show if you wish.
- HOW DO I KNOW THE SHOW IS REALLY THIS GOOD?
We know people enjoy our visits because most of them say a special “thank you” and show their appreciation with a gratuity after the show, although it’s not required. Also, since we have performed around hundreds of shows and events each year for close to 20 years, we typically book 1 to 3 more shows from other guests in attendance at every event.
On top of that, many of our clients have us back again year after year. Plus, we have yet to have anyone ask for a refund, ever… knock on wood!
We hope this list of hints and tips have been helpful in making your decision to hire Fun Filled Entertainment for your upcoming event(s). If you have any other questions, please contact us. We are happy to help.