Boston Clown Natasha Works Hard

We have all heard the saying: Work hard and play harder. Until now, that mantra usually meant separating life into working hard on the clock and playing hard during free time.

In the entertainment business, you can combine both work and play. Whether it is a school, library or museum party during the week, or a weekend full of birthday celebrations, being a clown is a profession that is as rewarding as it is fun.

With an average day consisting of 2-3 parties, you may catch a glimpse of me driving in full make up and costume on my way to another venue. Grabbing a cup of coffee or just getting some gas becomes a celebratory event for onlookers. People often ask questions like; “Are you always dressed like that?”  To which I reply; “Only when I’m shopping.”

Tiger Face Painting is one of the most popular designs for kids in Boston area

If you catch one of us at a red light and you have your children with you, it is safe to say they will not only have the excitement of seeing a clown behind the wheel, but a funny face and a wave will brighten up the day. I may not were clown shoes, mask-like make-up and a wig but I found that kids like a friendly, colorful looking person more than a clown in a full classical costume and it is so much easier when traveling.

After scheduling a party, I like to take some time to talk to my clients so we can discuss issues like:

• When shall I arrive at the party (1 hour after party start time is recommended)
• If there is a theme for the party

I suggest having me arrive an hour after party start time because it is a safe bet that some people will show up late. Having me arrive at the party an hour after start time will make sure that none of the children miss the fun. However, I will call the day of the event in order to confirm time and see if any changes need to be made.

I also like to know if the party is going with a specific theme. What I particularly love about theme parties is that I can spend time preparing the best face painting designs to compliment the entire atmosphere of the celebration. The attention to artistry is something that I uniquely bring to such a special event.

Birthday Party in Brookline MA

It’s best to decide what kind of party the child will be the star of to make sure that everything goes perfectly. A family party is an intimate and comfortable way to assure that the guest of honor receives the proper attention. A close-knit party filled with affection, memories of years past and honest wishes of happiness and love will make the birthday boy feel like the most important person in the world. A favorite meal, homemade cake and entertainment from Boston Clowns and Magicians will make this birthday one that is mentioned with every coming year.

Birthday Girl in Hingham MA

An older child usually wants to include some friends in the mix.  A party full of grade school children running around a house or venue can be overwhelming and this is where Have Fun Productions performers come in handy. With experience in how to entertain and perform for large numbers of children, the clown/magician will know how to maintain the attention of the children while keeping the spotlight on the birthday boy/girl.

A school party may seem a bit more organized, but these are still children and when given the opportunity to go wild and crazy, they will take it. It is only natural and we wouldn’t want them any other way. However, making sure the teacher understands that it is the birthday boy/girl(s) special day will go a long way to a wonderful experience. Here are a few ideas that will work with any of the parties in order to make the special guest, feel like a star:

Boy with Balloons sitting on the grass

• The first to get a balloon animal
• The first at waving the wand
• Lick the frosting off the candles
• Gets the first piece of cake
• The first to get the face painting
• Be the leader

Spending a few hours in the spotlight out of the entire year of normally being one of the gang will bring confidence and leadership to a child who may otherwise forget to shine. Let them lead the way as an audience or friends, family member or school mates hang on every moment.

Planning a birthday party in Boston, MA

Birthday parties for children are becoming more original and spectacular with each coming year. Simple parties just aren’t enough in the twenty-first century where themes and entertainment rule. Wanting to make a child’s party, a memorable event takes planning and commitment, but the result is one of such joy and celebration that the effort will be a labor of love, and of accomplishment.

Familiar, popular and always a pleasure is the backyard birthday party. A backyard party provided the comfort of home with the feel of a venue. The outdoor space makes spills a non-issue and the fun the central focus. Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a backyard party is renting a tent (if not owned) to provide a shaded area and shelter if a few raindrops try to spoil the day. Tables and chairs are also a welcomed addition to a back yard bash. The environment doesn’t call for elaborate decorations, but some balloons will add a celebratory flavor. An entertainer from Have Fun Production will provide balloon sculptures that make party favors and decorations one in the same.

Birthday Party Table set in the Backyard.

Not everyone has the availability of a back yard environment. Condominiums, complexes and apartment buildings don’t offer much yard space, but often have a function room. With the proper decorations and entertainment, a function room can be transformed into the perfect theme party location. If a rental location is a must, there are a number of restaurants and venues that offer space, although pricey they include food, service and clean up which too many parents and larger parties can be well worth the cost.

However, if willing to rent a location space, there are many interesting and unconventional options available. Museums, aquariums, planetariums and zoos are wonderful venue ideas for a child’s birthday party. A spectacular place and some amazing entertainment from Have Fun Productions will make this party an event unlike any other. Boston and many other areas in Massachusetts have so many locations that can cater to any style and interest whether it is a wondrous whale watch, a ball game bash, or a fossil filled day of fun.

Park is a great place to have your kid's birthday party

Another option is an outdoor party in a park. This party option allows everyone to come and enjoy the festivities while being in an amazing atmosphere. The Emerald Necklace in Boston, MA is a chain of nine parks that connected through waterways and parkways, while linked by shared natural beauty. Playground areas, outdoor games and fun, seasonal food are a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday. For more information and ideas contact: www.havefunproductions.com.

Party for 1 y.o.

The Wonderful Number One

First birthday parties are among the most joyous occasions in the life of a baby – and, need we add, the life of the parents and grandparents. A first birthday a landmark. It should be treated and celebrated as such.

Remember, your baby does not have an expectation of what the party should be like. This party is for you, the proud parents, and for family and friends who come to “aah” and “ ooh” over your wonderful one year old!

Plan the entertainment well I in advance. Good Boston clowns, jugglers, and magicians get booked weeks in advance, sometimes months in advance. Pick the time for the party as early as you can; make it a time that is convenient for you and those you most want to attend. Select a time of day that takes into account your child’s sleep and nap schedule, so that the baby is rested and awake, to enjoy the party – and to be enjoyed by others.

Plan for late arrivals when planning the participation of any professionals. If you invite folks for 12 Noon, have the clown arrive at 1 pm, so that when he arrives all the other children whom you have invited will be sure to be there.

Birthday Party for 1 y.o. Princess

Choose a place. For a one year old, it is probably best to have the party in your house or in the backyard, in a familiar atmosphere. If you live in an apartment complex, perhaps reserve a common party room. Local park sites can be good sites, but assume the worst in terms of weather, and be sure there is a shelter available; you don’t want a downpour to ruin the event.

Create a guest list. Your one year old will get a lot of attention from the guests, other kids, and the clown, so do not invite too many people. Perhaps no more than ten other children is a good number, so your little one is not overwhelmed.

Get the invitation out at least one month before the event. It is unbelievable how busy some parents are on weekends, especially if they have more than one child. Doing the invitation in advance will improve the chance that your family and friends will attend. Creativity in the invitation is not essential, except that you will preserve a copy as a keepsake of the occasion. The important thing for the invitees is the date, time, and place. Include a sheet with directions (or at least the specific street address) for those who may be unfamiliar with the location. There are many free samples of invitations on the web.

Birthday Girl Holding Banner

You do not need too many decorations. Balloons and a “Happy Birthday” banner are probably enough. The subject of all those photos that attendees and you will take is the baby, not the decorations.

Keep the food simple, perhaps finger foods for the adults, fruits and vegetables on a platter, some foods that other children will enjoy and can consume easily. Try to keep the amount of sugar in the children’s food low; the cake will be enough of an extra charge of energy!

You do not need to plan any activities. The kids will arrive and acquaint themselves with the room and other kids. When the magician or clown arrives, everybody gets involved.

If Natasha the Clown is your entertainer, the event will begin with balloon art. That gives the kids time to meet the clown and understand that she is not a threatening person, but rather a very approachable and friendly source of fun.

Your one year old will get a balloon animal and a fun hat. Take a picture quickly; the hat may not stay in place long. If the parents get a hat, be sure to capture it in a photo.

Your child will likely want to stay near you at all times; guard against the event being too overwhelming and strange. Introduce strange new sights or sounds – music, balloons, decorations – slowly, so the baby does not become too excited. The clown will know to approach your child slowly, so as not to be a stranger surprise.

After all the children have received a balloon, we will start the magic show. We can begin with a “changing silk” magic trick together with your baby. Toward the end, we will do a “cake out of nowhere.” We can add the Happy Birthday song at a time of your choosing and we will work with you to plan when to serve the cake.

We will be sure to keep the other children entertained. The magic show involves much participation by all, and is a great time for pictures. If you have fewer than 15 children in attendance, everyone will get a chance to wave the wand and participate in the show. All children will receive small gifts for participating in the magic show.

We will do face painting during the time when the children are eating their cake, so that those who finish early will remain occupied. Your little one might agree to become a vey cute bunny, kitty, tiger, clown, or princess, unless you think face painting is a bit too much to introduce to a one year old, in which event we could paint the face of mommy or daddy. Older kids have a variety of face painting designs to choose from: amazing butterflies, sparkling fairies, playful kittens, brave Spider-man, gorgeous princesses, furious tigers, lovable puppies, the possibilities are endless.

After the paintings, the party is almost over. All kids like to get a party favor. They will also take home a balloon animal as a present from the family, great pictures, and tons of memories of a great party. You will be considered a great party planner and a wonderful host. Most importantly, you and your family will enjoy this special day, and you and your guests will have lots of fun!