Frequently Asked Questions

Have no fear, answers are here
Still have questions? Email Drea!

What’s Included?

Any activity CAN be included!  Just remember that activities take time 😊 

Whole group activities are the most popular – so parents can relax!

🎪 SHOW – 30 mins

🤸‍♀️ GAMES – 30 mins

 

Individual activities are recommeded as an add on! 

🖌FACE PAINT – 1.5-5 mins each

🎈BALLOONS – 1.5-3 mins each

 

Book the amount of time to meet your needs. After booking we will have a phone call to help you design your party for the most giggles per minute ✨  

How to plan a kid’s party

Find most of the answers to your questions right here!

What’s the secret to a successful kid’s party?

I’ll let you in on the secret! You are planning not 1, but 2 parties: one for the kids… and a secret party for you and the adults! Here is the trick: have 2 party areas that are separated by a wall. Maybe the kitchen or patio for the adults, and a cleared-out living room for the show and games where kids can be KIDS. We will entertain the kids and get all their wiggles out. Your friends will thank you when their kids are calm and tired at the end of the party!

Where should I host my party?

Birthdays are great at your home or a park! Living rooms and backyards are great! Clear out a space for the show and games. I’ve found the best way to engage a group of party kids is to bring them together with a magic show in a quiet neutral room. This allows kids to use their imaginations, their voices, and their BODIES! If they can get out their wiggles and giggles in a safe, clear space, it allows YOU and the other parents to completely relax! Also, when the show is over, they will be all tuckered out and easier to manage. Go ahead, turn off that music and TV! Clear the area of chairs, balloons, toys, food, presents, party favors, crafts, etc. Acoustic separation is best as the kids will be laughing and screaming with delight! Otherwise, dividers help—or, at the very least, the farthest quiet corner is recommended. You won’t even need chairs! It’s best if kids can sit on the floor. If you are planning this at a restaurant or a venue besides your home, let them know an entertainer will be coming: they can often help facilitate a great space for a show.

What if it rains?

If your party is outside, have a plan in case of extreme weather, either rain or shine! For outdoors, have a shade plan! Entertainers and kids need to be in the shade for the show. Direct sun is damaging to our bodies, costumes and supplies. No one wants to sweat through a magic show!

How should I schedule the party and entertainment?

I recommend entertainers arrive at least 30 minutes after the starting time listed on the invites for your party. This allows guests to arrive, say hello, and stragglers to arrive in time for the show. It’s best if the entertainer starts with the show—not balloons or face paint. Food can be served after the magic show (and games). If you intend to serve lunch or dinner first, then I strongly recommend you schedule entertainment for at least 60 minutes after meal time.

What space do you need for a magic show? What do I need to provide?

Clear out a space for the show and games. I’ve found the best way to engage a group of party kids is to bring them together with a magic show in a quiet neutral room. This allows kids to use their imaginations, their voices, and their BODIES! If they can get out their wiggles and giggles in a safe, clear space, it allows YOU and the other parents to completely relax! Also, when the show is over, they will be all tuckered out and easier to manage. Go ahead, turn off that music and TV! Clear the area of chairs, balloons, toys, food, presents, party favors, crafts, etc. Acoustic separation is best as the kids will be laughing and screaming with delight! Otherwise, dividers help—or, at the very least, the farthest quiet corner is recommended. You won’t even need chairs! It’s best if kids can sit on the floor. If you are planning this at a restaurant or a venue besides your home, let them know an entertainer will be coming: they can often help facilitate a great space for a show.

How should I decorate?

Here is my best tip: Put ALL of the food and presents where the adults are so they can feast and chat and help their kids get food. Put your decorations around the CAKE table where we will take a fantastic group picture and the decorations won’t get in the way of the magic show or the kids playing games!

How much time should I book with you?

I recommend booking the amount of time you want / fits your budget. Once you choose the amount of time you want I’ll recommend the best activities to maximize the joy per minute – custom for your party depending on your setting and your group! We can chat either before or after booking. 

How are your parties COVID safe?

Drea and Skip are fully vaccinated. For added safety, have an outdoor party! Masks can be worn for all activities except it is not recommended that Drea be masked during the show.

Tell me more about booking my party

Booking your party

How far in advance do I need to book a party?

Generally 2-8 weeks ahead of time. We can sometimes arrange last minute entertainment, though it’s never guaranteed.

How do I book with you?

You can see prices, availability, and book instantly online for Drea, Melody or Skip! If you need more info, you can email me right here. All online bookings are tentative until confirmed within 72 hours by the company to make sure driving times are feasible.

What is your cancellation policy?

Client cancellations after confirmation period up until the party will retain deposit. Client cancellations within 100 hours of party will also require 50% balance payment. You can see all our booking terms and conditions here.

What is your service area? Do you serve my city?

Oakland, Berkeley, SF, and up to 1 hour from Oakland with the first 20 minutes free. I frequently serve San Jose, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Mateo, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Alameda, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Danville, Dublin and more!

Travel fees are as follows:

20 mins from Oakland FREE

20-40 mins: $30 

40-60 mins: $50 

One way GoogleMap calculation for event date + tolls from Oakland  

Are you insured?

Yes! Drea is insured. If you are specifically interested in your event being insured – be sure to ask for this feature in your booking request!

Tell me more about face painting and balloon twisting

Face painting and balloon twisting

How do you make face painting safe during COVID-19?

  • Due to the new safety measures, face painting may take a little extra time.
  • Entertainers will wear a mask during painting.
  • Children must wear a mask to be painted – all designs will be on the forehead / around eyes, or on the hands and arms.
  • We won’t paint anyone who appears to be sick.
  • Only 1 child may be in the designated painting area at a time.
  • Face paints and supplies will be sanitized between events.
  • Brushes are cleaned thoroughly between children using water and alcohol.

How long does face painting take?

About 4 minutes each. I use all non-toxic water-based paints so your little ones can become the fairy or superhero of their dreams! I do quick designs or elaborate faces to meet the needs of those squirmy little ones, to those older, more imaginative kids.

What kind of face paints do you use?

We use all professional, FDA approved, anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, non-toxic water-based paints so your little ones can become the fairy or superhero of their dreams! I do quick designs or elaborate faces to meet the needs of those squirmy little ones, to those older, more imaginative kids. We can paint on the arm if your children have sensitive skin, and we are always happy to avoid painting close to the eyes or mouth. We use cosmetic grade glitter which is non-toxic and round, safe for the eyes. Never use craft glitter on people. Craft glitters can be sharp and can irritate and damage eyes.

How do I remove face paint?

Baby wipes are a nice simple way. For best results, rub a gentle liquid soap into the painted area. Let that sit for a little bit and then rinse it off with a warm wash cloth. If any paint seemed to stain the skin, apply some lotion, wait 30 minutes, and wash again. All clean!

CLOTHING should be COLD soaked overnight with an oxygen activated stain remover before washing normally.

What are glitter tattoos?

Glitter tattoos are applied with alcohol based glue which is naturally antiviral. These are a great alternative if you are having a pool party, or want longer lasting body art! We use a wide variety of stencils for boys, girls and adults! We use alcohol glue and cosmetic glitter to create a shimmery tattoo that lasts up to 1 week! It can be rubbed or peeled off. Rubbing alcohol helps with easy removal.

How long does balloon twisting take?

About 2 minutes each. We entertain while we twist so the kids are engaged while they get a custom balloon creation!

Can I extend my reservation the day of the event if more guests arrive than anticipated?

This is best done ahead of time as entertainers may have somewhere to be afterwards. You are always welcome to ask your entertainer if they would like to stay later, and it is up to them.

What types of balloons do you use for balloon twisting? Isn’t that a lot of trash?

Our twisting balloons are 100% latex and sustainably harvested from rubber trees. The balloons decompose similarly to leaves. Latex harvesting discourages deforestation because latex-producing trees are left intact. A tree can produce latex for up to 40 years!
Latex Balloon Warning: Choking Hazard. Children under 7 years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once. Also, individuals who have an allergy to latex should not handle latex balloons under any circumstances.

Sounds great! Let’s book my party