Colleen is a face painter and balloon twister at Kaleidoscope who began with here in 2019 while she was studying theatre at Salem State University. Since graduating, she has performed with a number of community theatres, deepened her love for visual arts as a cake decorator at Dessert Works in Westwood MA, and of course continued performing as a children’s party entertainer with Kaleidoscope!

Among her many talents, Colleen can provide:

• face painting
• balloon twisting
• glitter tattoos
• stilt walking
• seasonal characters such as Christmas elves and sugar plum fairies

Colleen’s strengths as an entertainer are her infectious smile and sweetness with kids, and the parties where she shines the most are small kids birthday parties.

Interview with Colleen: Taunton’s Favorite Balloon Twister and Face Painter!

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I’ve been with Kaleidoscope since 2019! I was in college for theatre browsing indeed for art-related jobs. An interview and much training later, here I am!

What’s your favorite art form to do here?

Balloon twisting is sooooo my bread and butter. The popping still scares me even after five years.

What is your favorite part of Being a balloon Twister?

Definitely the reverse engineering. Whether a kid wants something I’ve never done/heard of, make it happen! Even watching my colleagues make something I never have, and trying to learn what they just did. We have a great support system with the artists here, so we’re constantly learning from each other which is really fun.

What are people’s reactions when you tell them You’re a professional balloon twister?

People usually say, “wow! That’s so amazing, nobody does that kind of thing anymore!” Or, “so you’re a clown!”

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about Being a professional kids party entertainer?

People would be surprised at the amount of training it takes to do what we do!

What do you think your superpower as an artist is?

Oh boy, definitely patience. It’s such a requirement, and you have to be quick on your feet too!

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

You never forget your first party. I was so nervous, even though everyone was so nice and it turned out great. It was a jungle animal theme, I’ve never painted so many tiger faces.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Making people’s day. Kids love what we do! I once autographed a balloon before, and the kid who I made it for told me she hoped it would never deflate.

What’s your favorite part of being an professional artist?

The act of being an artist itself. Since I come from an acting background I never thought any sort of painting would find an art medium that I excel at. But when you love what you do, you get good at it!

What is the hardest thing about being a Face Painter or Balloon Twister?

Keeping track of my supplies. We have a pretty good system with our central office, but there is so much to keep track of with all the different art forms we do that we’re constantly trying to stay on top of it.

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

Have plenty of water and snacks. Also, have a backup option in case of rain.

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

Sometimes, less is more to keep people entertained. Instead of having just 1 face painter and 1 balloon twister for a huge event, consider having 2 face painters only (or just 2 balloon twisters). The budget will work out the same, and guests will be happy if there are shorter lines.

Book Colleen Now!