Hiring an entertainer for a party or a function can really help to break the ice, create a fun atmosphere and take the pressure off the organiser. However, choosing the wrong entertainer could have disastrous consequences. This article will guide you through what to think about when hiring an entertainer so that you end up -- being entertained!

How do you find entertainers?
Adverts for entertainers can be found in yellow pages and of course on free advert websites such as classifieds which are a great place to start. These adverts will provide you with some information about the entertainers' repertoires as well as their contact details so that you can find out more about them before you even contact them. As with most professions, many entertainers now have their own websites which may include video clips, scripts and a biography. It is also well worth asking friends and family for personal recommendations. If you're looking for a childrens' entertainer than a chat with other parents at school could prove fruitful.

Things to think about when choosing an entertainer
  • Good entertainers are usually in high demand so book well in advance to make sure that you get the entertainer you want and don't end up with the only one who happens to be free that day. Indeed, be wary of any entertainer who seems to be free every weekend for the next year as this suggests that they may not be the most popular entertainer around!
  • If you do book several months in advance then keep in regular contact with them and check with them a few days before the event just to make sure that you are still in their diary and they haven't forgotten about you. Organisation and the artistic temperament don't always go together.
  • Consider your audience. If you are planning a children's party try to find out if any of the children have any particular dislikes. For example, if a child has a fear of men with orange curly hair and a big red nose then you should think twice about hiring a clown as the entertainment for your party! Or, if you are organising a party for a church group you should probably try to avoid a comedian that has a reputation for telling risqu� jokes.
  • Personal recommendation is vital for any entertainer that you are thinking of booking. If you can't find someone who has actually witnessed their act and would recommend it then you can ask to see a video or DVD of the act instead. However, remember that, while an entertainer can seem great on their video or DVD, this may not be a true representation of what happens when they are placed in front of a live audience. There are horror stories around of entertainers that lose their cool if something goes wrong with their act and swear or stomp off. Also, remember that, while someone may be a first rate entertainer, they might not get on well with children.
  • Look out for entertainers that are members of Equity or, in the case of magicians, the Magic Circle, as this will go some way to assuring you that they are at least experienced entertainers who should be capable of delivering a high-quality act rather than just someone who has 'done a bit of singing' or can manage to pull off a few magic tricks.
  • Find out how much the entertainer will charge and try to get a few different quotes so that you can compare prices. However, you clearly cannot choose based on price alone. Find out exactly what the price includes because, for example, some children's entertainers will provide party bags as part of their service. Check that the entertainer will provide everything that they need so, for example, make sure that a face painter will bring along all the necessary paints and brushes and doesn't turn up having assumed that you would be providing all of the materials.
  • Make sure that both you and the entertainer are in full agreement as to what is required from them. Make sure that the entertainer knows when you want them to start and to finish. You don't want your guests to be kept waiting for the entertainment to arrive and you don't want their act to take over your event leaving no time for cutting the birthday cake, giving out the prizes etc.
  • If possible, ask the entertainer if they will provide all details of the agreement between you in writing. This should include the price, the date, how long they will perform for and what they will provide. Be prepared however, in the case of magicians, for this to be signed in invisible ink!
An entertainer should make a valuable contribution to any event or party. There are many different types of entertainers out there ranging from magicians, clowns, face painters, singers, after dinner speakers, stripograms, comedians, jugglers, drag artists and balloon modellers, to name just a few. It is very important that you do your homework and choose the right entertainer. Get it right and you'll have a room full of smiles and laughter. Get it wrong and you may not have a room full at all.

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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 6 of 6 ads found )
18 August 2008
Writers wanted..
I am looking for people who have gone through experiences in their lives and can write about it. it is for a web based self help service which is free for those to read. i feel that help should not be charged at a premium. your writing will be fully acknowledged in a. .
03 August 2008
2 LEE EVANS BIG UK TOUR 2008 TICKETS..
Sheffield arena doors open at 7pm if interested call 07907684035.
£60
S75
31 July 2008
£100.00 for FLASH websites ***Summer Special***..
indywood entertainment is offering a summer special on amazing flash websites. ??? for the next 2 weeks we will do you a flash website for £100. 00, you wont pay a penny more, and for this you will get the following:?? - a free . co. uk domain? - free hos. .
DA15
26 July 2008
Fantastic Childrens parties and Pantomimes..
Are you looking for the new big thing in birthday parties for your little ones? why not try a pantomime at your home or local hall. your party will be talk of the playground for weeks on end. guaranteed! we offer a 1 hour pantomime that comes to you! we are fully . .
SE18
10 July 2008
Funky Faces UK Professional face painting..
Funky faces uk professional face painting for all events let us entertain the children at your wedding reception with our fab face painting fully insured crb checked first aid trained please take a look at our website www. funkyfacesuk. co. uk.
RM16
13 June 2008
RAT PACK / SWING / SINATRA SINGER..
Mickey fordola is a young, very talented and experienced vocalist singing in the rat pack / swing / sinatra style. you can book him for any function either: solo - with dj - or even with a 15 piece big band. this guy is the real deal, book now to make your event go wi. .
CB2
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