Family Entertainment: Shows and Experiences

February 6, 2024 kscope

Although we love art entertainment like face painting and balloon twisting, we recognize that “art stations” aren’t right for every party.

Kaleidoscope is proud to offer a huge selection of shows and experiences for your upcoming event, no matter what your venue, guests’ age range, or entertainment goal.

Take a look at what we have to offer, and follow the links to learn more!

Magic Shows

Kaleidoscope is New England’s only creative entertainment agency that hosts it’s own variety of magic shows. You can take a look at all of our magicians here, and the shows that we currently have for you to choose from are:

  • 1h Kids Comedy Extravaganza with Kenny (ages 2-tween)
  • 30min Kids Comedy Magic with Kenny (ages 2-tween)
  • 30min and 60min Victorian classical magic with James (ages 2-102)
  • Santa’s Magic show with James (ages 2-102)
  • 30min Kids Magic Show with Dominique or Alexis (ages 2-10)

See all of our magicians here.

Get Magic Show Pricing

Science Show

If magic isn’t your style, our Silly Science Show with Kenny is an amazing alternative!

Created for elementary schoolers, the science show features just as many laughs and cool tricks as Kenny’s famous comedy magic shows, but uses the scientific method to inspire curiosity about how the world works.

For kids who want to get more hands’ on, the Silly Science Show also comes with a slime lab, perfect for ages 4-14!

Learn more about the science show here.

Get Science Show Pricing

Bubble Show

Can’t decide between magic and science? Our bubble show is a fantastic mix of both!

From the science of how bubbles are made to the magic of what they can do, our bubble show will captivate ages 2-teen with its hypnotic tricks and mystery.

Learn more about the bubble show here.

Get Bubble Show Pricing

Foam Parties

Foam parties are best described as “a dance party in an outdoor bubble bath!” From pre-schools to summer camps to huge corporate events to tiny birthday parties, they are truly one of the coolest and most unique types of entertainment we offer.

Foam parties are amazing for all ages, and our office would love to work with you to customize your guests’ experiences.

Learn more about foam parties here.

Get Foam Party Pricing

Paint Parties

Looking to show your employees, tenants, club members, students, or guests you truly appreciate them? Arty Party paint nights are one of our most elevated experiences. Ranging from 90min – 2hrs, our talented paint party instructors will come to any location in New England and host a custom paint night for you.

Guests will sit down as a group and paint together for the full duration of the class, with built-in downtime to socialize or grab a bite to eat.

Paint parties are perfect for tweens, teens, and adults! They also make a great alcohol-alternative party for your school or corporate event, or feel free to serve guests libations as they sip and paint. Either way, the event WILL sell out and be one of your most popular events of the year!

PLEASE NOTE: this is not a kids’ craft station or a babysitting alternative but is best suited for ages 12+.

Learn more about paint parties here.

Get Paint Party Pricing

Strolling Magic

Looking for a magical alternative to a seated stage-show? Our strolling magicians can wander through any crowd and entertain them one-on-one in a hands-on experience they won’t forget!

Our strolling magic options are:

  • Clowning-around with Kenny (magic, gags, and juggling–perfect for kids and families)
  • Victorian classical magic with James (cards, coins, ropes, and rings–perfect for all ages)
  • Enchanted magical objects with Alexis (precious metals, wooden boxes, and magical rings–perfect for all ages)
  • Mentalism and mind reading with Marissa (crystals, essential oils, and tarot–perfect for teens and adults)

See all of our magicians here.

Get Strolling Magic Pricing

Circus Camp Classes

Want something more educational?

Don’t let our artists have all the fun–let us teach your guests the arts of balloon twisting, juggling, and magic! From elementary schoolers through senior citizens, our circus camp classes will have everyone at your event clowning around.

Circus camp classes are best done in groups of 10-15 and can be done in “waves” for summer camps or libraries who want to stick to a schedule. Depending on the number of guests per wave, we may suggest longer or shorter time frames, or teach more or fewer concepts.

PLEASE NOTE: adults such as parents, camp counselors, or chaperones are welcome at all classes and should be available if needed as our creative experiences are not babysitting services.

Learn more about circus camp classes here.

Get Circus Camp Pricing
Step 2: a pair of hands holding small tie dye party spray bottles over a shirt

Tie-Dye Station

If you’re looking for a hands-on craft station, the tie-dye station is a great option for guests of any age to drop in, create something fun, and continue with the event.

A professional artist will help guests twist, tie, and spray-dye the apparel of their choice. Then we’ll help them bag and label their creations for a low-mess experience that keeps your event moving.

Unlike our more-structured Circus Camp Classes (all ages) or Paint Parties (tweens, teens, and adults), guests can drop in, get crafty, and continue to other activities in your event at any time. For camps, we recommend bringing campers in waves; for parties and events, we recommend having the station accessible for the duration of the event.

Learn more about our tie-dye station here.

PLEASE NOTE: this is a drop-in craft station that can accommodate 2-6 guests at a time, not a structured class.

Get Tie-Dye Station Pricing

Face Painting

January 9, 2024 kscope

Hire a face painter in CT, MA, RI, or NH! Not only are our face painters, balloon twisters, and other entertainers top notch, but they’re great with kids! Our face painters specialize in bring and colorful full-face designs, and our balloon twisters build sculptures you can’t believe! All of our party entertainment packages are built specially for your party and budget, but here are a few we offer!

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Springfield MA Face Painter and Balloon Twister: Didi!

November 15, 2023 kscope

Didi joined the Kaleido-crew as a face painter and balloon twister in 2023, and is available for events in and around Springfield MA.

Didi is not only a trained actress, but had been working as a daycare teacher since 2019. She joined Kaleidoscope with the goal of combining her love for arts and working with children, and is currently finishing her Associate’s in Early Childhood Development from Holyoke Community College.

You can invite Didi to your next event for any of the following packages:

Didi is also bilingual in English or Spanish, and can entertain in both languages!

Headshot of Didi, Springfield MA face painter and balloon twister, wearing a white floral dress

Interview with Didi: Springfield MA Face Painter and Balloon Twister

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I started working at Kaleidoscope in 2023 and  My mom and dad did theater together when they were younger, and my dad’s side of the family are musicians. So, I have always had a special place for the arts in my heart and I just wanted to do something I love. I was searching online for arts-related jobs when I found this one. I’ve loved it here ever since I started!

 

What’s your favorite art form (or performance etc) to do here?

I absolutely love balloon twisting. It’s so creative and the kids’ reactions are priceless. Also, dressing up as a mermaid or a fairy, I love making my own characters and bringing them to life.

 

What is your favorite part of balloon twisting?

My favorite part of balloon twisting is the moment when I finish a creation and hand it over to a child. It’s really fulfilling to do make something out of thin air, but then the look of wonder and excitement on their face is amazing. It really brings me a lot of joy.

If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?

That’s a tough one, but I think I would choose being a balloon twister. I love the creativity it involves and I’m just so much better at it because of how much I love it. When you like what you do, it comes easily!

What is one surprising fact about you?

I can speak three languages, including Spanish and some American Sign Language.

 

What do you think your superpower as a Balloon Twister or Face Painter is?

My ability to connect with children and bring their imagination to life. To me this isn’t just a job, but a passion. I genuinely love what I do and I think the kids can sense that when I’m creating something for them.

 

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

A party where I dressed up as a mermaid for a little girl’s birthday party, who was obsessed with mermaids and the ocean. The joy on her face was unforgettable.

 

What is the hardest thing about being an event entertainer?

Keeping up with the energy levels of the kids. Especially for our toddler games packages, it takes a lot of energy keeping up with a group of them. But that energy is also one of the most rewarding thing  because I get to feel like a kid again and play along with them.

What’s one piece of advice you give to every parent planning a birthday party?

Don’t stress about the little things. The most important thing is that the kids have fun.

 

What is the biggest factor in determining if a larger event will go smoothly or not?

Communication. It’s key to make sure everyone is on the same page about what to expect.

New Haven CT Henna Artist and Face Painter: Sarah S!

July 11, 2023 kscope

Sarah S began with Kaleidoscope in 2023 as a face painter, balloon twister, UV face/body painter, henna artist, and paint night instructor. A former elementary and middle school art teacher, she’s based in Southern Connecticut and travels throughout New England for events.

In her personal art, Sarah explores and plays in many artistic mediums and modalities, from painting to sculpture, photography, gardening, metalsmithing, installation art, and teaching. Forever a student of the creative process, her style reflects her deep connection to intuitive art creation.

Also a yoga instructor and former art teacher, Sarah finds harmony between her yoga & meditation practice and her art practice. Sarah is inspired by the beauty of this amazing planet, the wisdom and resiliency of the human body and spirit, ecofeminism, and the mysteries of the Cosmos.

West Hartford CT Caricature Artist and Balloon Twister: Jenni W!

July 3, 2023 kscope

Headshot of balloon twister and caricature artist JenniJenni W is one of Kaleidoscope’s most seasoned artists! Jenni began with Kaleidoscope in 2016 as a face painter and balloon twister. With an eclectic creative background (she’s done everything from illustration and costuming to building actual airplanes), Jenni quickly picked a huge variety of art at Kaleidoscope including:

As one of our most experienced artists here, she can do virtually anything your event requires and is one of our most prolific entertainers!

Interview with Jenni: West Hartford CT Caricature Artist and Balloon Twister

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope? 

I was seventeen and looking for a side job I could do on the weekends. I found the listing randomly and since I was already a digital artist, a job in the arts sounded fun – plus, I’d previously had a summer job as a wedding florist which gave me an idea of what to expect in the event industry.

What’s your favorite art form (or performance etc) to do here? What is your favorite part of it?

I find caricatures to be really challenging in a satisfying way – I’m always looking to improve and there’s real, measurable ways to improve. I enjoy comparing my old caricatures to my more recent work and seeing how I’ve grown!

If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?

I think balloon twisting has more room for improvement: meaning, after years and years of experience, I could still be getting better and making more and more impressive designs. I feel like face painting has a definite skill ceiling, although there’s tons of ways to branch out into body painting and UV that I’m interested.

What are people’s reactions when you tell them You’re a professional Balloon Twister or Caricature Artist?

It takes a bit of explaining for most people to understand what it is I actually do, but they tend to find it unique and kind of funny. I think they look at me and go, ‘yeah, I can see it.’ (Not sure what about me looks like a balloon twister, but I’ll take it!)

What is one surprising fact about you?

My dad is a recreational pilot with a homebuilt P-36 Hawk scale replica, and I’ve been flying in GA aircraft since I was a baby. I’ve always wanted my own Curtiss Jenny biplane!

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

I think people don’t expect the amount of discipline it requires to work in the event industry. They hear you’re a balloon twister and think you must not be that serious, but really it requires a lot of organization and flexibility.
Your schedule is completely random and you often have very long days, even if the event itself is relatively short. There is a lot of driving. It’s not just fun and games– it can be easy to burn out.

What do you think your superpower as an artist is?

I have a lot of versatility, in that I have a wide variety of different skills from dabbling in different art forms. I’ve always preferred to be a jack of all trades and a master of none, and the opportunities to learn new art forms to add to my arsenal is one of my favorite parts of this job.

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

I have a lot of stories, but I’ll never forget the birthday party for a thirteen year old girl and a few of her friends in her basement. I was there as a balloon twister and face painter doing a combo package. It was so chill, I got to hang out at their slumber party for a bit, and after I was done, someone came with various insect and reptile animal ambassadors and I got to hold a stick bug! How cool is that for a birthday party!

What’s your favorite part of Entertaining at Kids Parties?

I honestly love just never knowing what to expect. I’ve had a lot of fun, crazy, weird, unique experiences. Every day is a little different, and that suits me.

What’s your favorite part of being an artist?

This question feels a bit like ‘what’s your favorite part of being a human.’ As in, what else would I be? It’s just a part of who I am and it always has been. Doing art professionally, it’s fulfilling in a way that validates that experience; I am meant for this, I am capable of this, and it’s me.

What’s your favorite part of working with kids?

They always surprise you. Sometimes kids will have such big personalities or say such wild things that I can’t help but laugh.  I also feel like it helps me connect with my own inner child a bit to be able to spend time with them, relate with them, and get on their level.

What is the hardest thing about being an event entertainer?

The hardest part for me is being busy when most everyone else is free, from the very nature of the job. Weekends, holidays, summers, they’re often the only time I can spend time with my friends, and I’m usually working.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to every parent planning a birthday party?

A wider variety of entertainment options (faces + balloons + glitter) will keep a small number of kids entertained for much longer, since they can quickly get bored of one thing. I like to start with faces, since everyone only has one face, and then move on to balloons so they can keep getting more and more.

What’s one thing you want every corporate event planner to know?

More artists will always help a large event go much more smoothly. Not only will having several artists speed up the line, but they can communicate and work together to both keep you in the loop and manage lots of guests.

What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?

In my experience at college events, the event planner should be a single person in a leadership role with others to help them, even if that person is also a student. If the event planning team doesn’t have a single leader to direct things, communicate with vendors and basically call the shots, the event can quickly become chaotic.

What is your favorite activity for summer camp event entertainment and why?

I think foam parties would be an absolute blast for a summer camp, since kids can come in waves but also since nothing will get smudged (face painting, henna) or lost (balloons, caricatures.) With summer camps, kids are running around doing activities all day long, so anything they don’t have to carry or protect is best. Glitter and flash tattoos also fit this bill nicely.

Fall Face Painting & Balloon Twisting in CT, MA, RI

June 14, 2023 kscope

At Kaleidoscope, we’re obsessed with fall!

If you’re booking an event this fall, please ask us about our seasonal face painting and balloon twisting menus.

These special autumn menus have a variety of options including both seasonal motifs (like pumpkins, leaves, scarecrows, and foxes) as well as Halloween designs (like ghosts, bats, monsters, candy corn, and jack-o’-lanterns).

Just make sure to specify if you’d like our normal year-round menus or special holiday menus at the time of booking.

(Please note, that we are not currently able to customize any of our tattoo products to the season.)

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Fall Festivals & Gatherings

If you’re looking for a fall-festival that isn’t specific to any holiday tradition, our standard fall menus include starry nights, crisp leaves, and even cute turkeys! 

Halloween Parties

For Halloween parties, our artists can come equipt with our standard fall menu that has plenty of spooky designs on it–from creepy jack-o-lantern to friendly ghosts–plus classic fall designs for children whose families don’t celebrate Halloween.

Additionally, our artists can create unique face painting designs that compliment guests’s costumes. We love to get creative!

Day of the Dead Face Painting

If you’re looking for sugar skulls, ask for one of our sugar skull artists who can come by and create original designs for guests ranging from teeny highlights around their eyes to full-coverage amazing faces!

Please note that this is unique to our fall menu, and should be specified at the time of booking.

Providence RI Caricature Artist and Face Painter: Allie B!

May 22, 2023 kscope

Face painter Allie B working as a caricature artist at a Providence RI eventAllie B is a colorful caricature artist, face painter, and balloon twister located in Providence, Rhode Island.

After graduating with her Associate’s in Fine Art, Allie spent several years working at Disney World before combining her loves for art and all things animated at Kaleidoscope.

Allie began working with our team in 2019 and specializes in small events looking for combination packages with just one artist who can show off their skills in a range of art mediums.

 

 

Interview with Providence RI Caricature Artist and Face Painter: Allie!

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

2019. I was working at Disney World and broke my foot while working. I had to come back home due to lack of accommodations for my injury and having my hours cut while I was unable to work. I ended up finding a job ad for Kaleidoscope, and here we are.

What is your favorite part of being a caricature artist or face painter?

Actually using my degree, as well as the skills I’ve developed from childhood to now. Most people think there’s no work in the arts, and that’s not true–although most people who go into visual art ultimately don’t work in it.

If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?

Face painting. You really are only limited by your imagination and skill level, rather than those AND physics.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

Mostly people get surprised I actually get paid to do this lol I’ve had a lot of people who see me working as a face painter or caricature artist assume I’m a friend of the family/a volunteer/etc.

What do you think your superpower as an artist is?

Being flexible and adaptable with designs to fit each kid, and figuring out some special requests that only a kid could think of. Also knowing a lot about like, Pokémon and cartoons and Disney.

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

I mean, working a gig at a multimillionaire’s under construction brownstone was pretty memorable. I also worked a gig at the Berklee Student Showcase, and got to listen to a bunch of upcoming musical acts while working.

What’s your favorite part of your Being a Face Painter or Caricature Artist?

Besides getting to use my skills? When kids remember you from other events or previous years and get really excited to see you again. They’re so much fun!

One of my most favorite things about working with kids, especially younger ones is how honest, open, and enthusiastic most of them are. Like they just say whatever comes to mind a lot of the times, and often it’s really funny and sweet. Also they really love glitter.

What is the hardest thing about being an event entertainer?

When you have to end the event and tell kids no, or cut a line. I don’t like disappointing the kids. Also all the driving; especially inside Boston proper. That’s a killer.

What’s one piece of advice you give to every parent planning a birthday party?

I recommend having kind of a rough schedule of when things should happen, ie. when to cut the cake, when to open presents, especially if you want to maximize the time you have your face painter/balloon twister/etc; but also be a bit flexible with it bc kids are kids and don’t always wanna stop what they’re doing right away lol

What’s one thing you want every corporate event planner to know?

Keep in mind parking and the easiest/fastest way for your entertainers to get from parking to your event location/a meet up spot. Especially in city areas.

What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?

Honestly with college kids and teens, on my end at least, just running a more relaxed chill atmosphere. They’re not children, and it’s a different vibe. They wanna be treated as peers/full adults. Also you can straight up tell them no if a design is a no-go, unlike with kids, especially small ones, who you usually kind of have to dance around the subject or be extremely gentle with the no

 

Circus Camp: Balloon, Magic, and Juggling Classes for Kids!

May 10, 2023 kscope

 

If you’re looking for more educational programming this year at your school, library, or camp, we offer not only educational shows (such as our science and bubble shows) but hands-on circus camps!

Circus camps with Kaleidoscope are 3 distinct classes that teach kids ages 7-teen some of our favorite types of entertainment here. All 3 are designed to get kids thinking, problem-solving, and moving during short waves of learning.

Our classes are taught primarily by Kenny the Clown, a public school educator and life-long circus entertainer. Kenny will help break down simple concepts into step-by-step instructions that will leave kids with practical skills after the class is over.

Here are some tips for making your circus camp classes a success:

  1. Involve adults! Our entertainers and instructors aren’t able to take responsibility for watching the kids they’re teaching, although many of them are educators and parents themselves. The best run classes always happen when adults (whether they’re counselors, teachers, or parents) learn and play along with the class.
  2. Budget less time and earlier tasks with younger kids. This will set them up to succeed with both their motor skills and attention spans. When you book one of our circus instructors, you’ll pay by the hour and can budget that time with different lengths of “waves” for different age levels or groups.
  3. Consider take-home supplies. Our classes have a fixed hourly price no matter how you divide up the time. But if you have the budget, you can opt to give kids take-home bags of supplies to show their parents and continue the magic at home.
  4. Add a show. If you’re familiar with the classroom “I do, we do, you do”, you’ll know how fundamental it is to give kids context and goals in learning. Before the kids jump into learning, we highly recommend booking Kenny for his hour-long variety show which includes juggling, magic, puppetry, and clowning. The stage show can be done once for your entire camp or school, and then Kenny can accommodate waves of kids in circus camp classes after.

Ask our office for circus camp pricing!