Category Archives: Entertainers

A Vintage Circus Party

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Ever since “Water for Elephants” hit the theatres, we’ve been in love with the Vintage Circus party theme. The idea has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the most visually exciting party themes out there! Plus, you can add all kinds of amazing live entertainment to take things up a notch. We have a few ideas to bring your Vintage Circus party to life.

Decorations

Stripes are an easy way to incorporate that circus feel into your party. If you can’t have the actual big top tent, bringing the red and white stripes into your decor will do the trick. Hanging a backdrop of alternating white and red scarves or sheets can mimic the tent, as well. Try and find faded red to add to the vintage theme. Banners with alternating flags are another simple yet effective decoration. Luckily, balloons are inexpensive and fit beautifully into a Circus theme. Hang balloons from the ceiling and pair with white lights or scarves for a simple, yet gorgeous setting.

If your budget is a little higher, you could have marquee letters with lights spell out “CIRCUS” (or maybe the name of the guest/guests of honour).

Invitations are really fun for this theme. Create and print postcards announcing “The Circus is Coming to Town” with all of your event details.

Refreshments

What foods do you love at the circus? hot dogs, or candy floss? All great ideas for your Vintage Circus party! Set up a self-serve table with all of your favourites and let your guests take their pick. Or if you’d rather have someone else take care of the details and add an element of authenticity, try bringing in a company to provide candy floss hot dogs, and more.

If your party includes a cake, there are tons of amazing designs out there. Professional cake decorators can help your vision come to life, or simplify things with a cupcake tower instead! Just frost them in your theme colours, add a printable toothpick flag, and you’re set.

To dress up your food table a bit, print labels in a fun “Circus” font.

Party Entertainment

While it would be amazing to have an elephant in your backyard, it’s not entirely probable. That doesn’t mean you can’t have awe-inspiring entertainment at your Vintage Circus party! In fact, some of our favourite types of corporate event entertainment live in this category. If you have the space, Aerialists put on some amazing shows in the air above the party. Jugglers, Fire eaters, and Acrobats can also take advantage of the area and keep your guests mesmerized.

If space is a little tight, try up-close and personal entertainment like Mind readers, Tarot Card Readers, or Street Magicians Have some kids at the party? Balloon Moddlers and Face Painters are always a great addition to Circus parties!

Great to get good feedback

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A lot of the time we get feedback on acts that are on our website. This is a great way for other event hosts and planners to hear from the performer’s happy past clients! Sometimes we stumble upon a particularly moving review that makes us proud to connect hosts with extraordinary party and corporate event entertainers. Here’s what somebody hired from our website to liven up their party!

“I was searching for some kind of fun and unexpected entertainment for a birthday party for my husband. We were having live music after dinner but I wanted something to kick off the party with a spark of fun after everyone arrived.’

I wanted to hire something very special for my husband’s 70th Birthday and knowing that my husband adored Marilyn Monroe I took the opportunity of hiring a celebrity lookalike; and I was very glad I did. I had the opportunity of talking to the act before hand to go through all the particulars. The act told me she was rehearsing for a theatrical play in the West End and told me about all the other roles she has been involved with.

When my husband’s 70th birthday arrived. I was so excited for my hired act to come in. When she walked into the party there was definite ‘stage presence’ she flirted with my husband, sang “Happy Birthday” and kissed him on his forehead. He blushed but loved every minute of it.

A group picture was taken with this gorgeous Marilyn Munroe lookalike surrounded by all our male guests. She asked one friend in her breathy voice, ‘Are you married?’ And he responded, ‘Not now!’

One of our guests, who is 84 years old, came up to my hired lookalike to tell her he had met the real Marilyn Monroe. She was gracious and listened to his story all the while keeping in character. Our friend was delighted and said she was just as beautiful. He talked about her all night long.

I knew I found someone special in this act. She was not only beautiful, young and talented; she was charming and a delight to work with!

Well done Red Masque and of course Marilyn!!!

Black History Month Assembly

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Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, declaring that U.S. citizens “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”

Storytellers

Professional storytellers have the unique ability to take a subject and weave it into a tale that grabs the audience and doesn’t let go. Most children love hearing stories, and you can add an historical twist with the right storyteller. Bring your Black History assembly to life with a storyteller that can share about the inspirational lives of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and more.

African Music and Dance

If you’re looking for something that’s more captivating and engaging, try including an African Music or Dance group in your school assembly. Many traditional African musicians use drums and/or koras (a 21-stringed instrument made from a large gourd) to create beautiful and fascinating music. Some groups enhance the experience with griots, which are West Africans musicians, poets, and storytellers.

Poets.

Poets: take social, political, emotional, and historical issues and form them into powerful poetry. You can speak with them ahead of time to see if they have material that fits the message you’d like to convey, and some may even be able to create new material for your students. These speakers would probably work better with older students, such as junior high or high schoolers, since the performances can be intense or contain complex symbolism.

Tribute Artists

There’s no doubt that history is filled with amazing musicians and singers from the last several decades, so why not highlight them during your Black History Month assembly? Bring a tribute artist to your students and let them experience some “new” music! In the days where iTunes rule, a tribute performance can bring the past to life for them. Shake up the usual routine with a tribute to the “Velvet Voice of Our Time” Nat King Cole, the king of soul Ray Charles, or the power of Diana Ross. Your students will definitely find inspiration in the legacy that these artists have left behind.

Professional Speakers

Is your school in need of inspiration? No one does it better than Motivational Speakers. Using both personal narratives and historical examples, these speakers can help students understand the struggles that have been faced in America’s past, and motivate them to rise above adversity.

The world of sports has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to ground-breaking Black athletes such as Muhammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson to name a few. Whether you’re presenting an assembly for all students or motivating your school’s sports team, an Athletic Speaker can be the key. Most speakers can tailor their presentation around specific content (such as prominent black athletes in sports history) to reach your audience with your intended message.

Have a 70’s night

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Some might argue that the ’70s were the decade for parties, and we just might agree. So break out your bell-bottoms and your best John Travolta wigs and throw the party of the century. We’ll show you the way!

Decorations and Party Favours

The ’70s were definitely a colourful decade, so feel free to have fun with your decorations. Bright colours like orange, yellow, lime green, and purple are a must! For a retro look, geometric shapes are a winner. Try concentric circles and squares, and patterns that have warped shapes and waves. Also include big, colourful daisies, peace signs, Volkswagen vans, and hearts. It’s all about the love.

For some retro party favours, try letting guests tie-dye their own T-shirts, or give away thick moustaches to add some fun. Think Burt Reynolds! Hit the lights and pass out glow necklaces and glow sticks to get the party started.

Want more “glam” than gaudy? Break out the silver and gold. Decorate with traditional silver disco balls on the ceiling and gold tablecloths. Create metallic backdrops with fabric from a local craft store, hang beaded curtains in the doorways, and feel free to go crazy with the glitter. Fill martini glasses with silver beads, or tall glass vases with mini disco balls. Pass out disco ball key chains, disco ball necklaces, or glitter sunglasses as flashy favours.

Food and Drink

Fondue is a must at your ’70s party. It was all the rage back then, and who doesn’t love to dip things in melted cheese or chocolate? Make cake balls and dust them in edible glitter to keep things sparkly. Colourful cupcakes with swirled icing will match your retro decor, and martini bars will make everyone feel like they just stepped into Studio 54. Finger foods like vegetables with dip, small sandwiches, or meatballs are always great to have, too. They never go out of style!

Costumes

This is the fun part! Charity shops are a great place to find some great throwback clothes. Guys, look for loud V-neck collared shirts, bell bottoms, vests, and platform shoes. Girls, find some tall heeled boots, short dresses with long sleeves, and wrap dresses. The main thing is bright colours and patterns, and polyester always screams “retro.” Afro wigs, headbands, and bright eye makeup can complete the look. For the glam look, stick with draped metallic shirts or dresses for women, and V-neck metallic patterned shirts for men. For guys in a bind, a simple black dress shirt will do. Throw on a gold chain, show some chest hair, and you’re in business. Black winged eyeliner and nude lips are a must for the glam girl.

Entertainment

If you really want to take your ’70s party to the next level, live entertainment is a great option. Try hiring a Karaoke DJ to help you belt out some Aretha, or just have a Mobile DJ on hand to keep the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack on repeat. If you have the space, a Funk, Soul, or Disco Band can add some soul to your event. Adding an Elvis or Elton John Impersonator could throw some unexpected fun into the mix, too!

Another great way to get your guests interacting is to set up a Photo Booth. You can hire one that can print pictures onsite, or set up your own camera and share later. Use colourful wrapping paper or hang some bright streamers for a cheap and easy backdrop!

In short, if you’re looking for a funky way to celebrate a special occasion, try a ’70s party. It’s easy, fun, and bound to leave you with some great memories from the biggest party era of our time!

Retirement fun

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A retirement party must be special. After all, the guest of honour worked their whole life for this achievement, so take every measure to ensure that this is the party of a lifetime! Here are some tips to celebrate the retiree’s life and work.

Guest List

This is the foundation of the party, so take your time. Start compiling it months ahead of time. Thoroughly sift through every potential guest – this isn’t a party any friend of the retiree wants to miss! Also, go back through the guest of honour’s life, find those special friends who left the company years earlier or old college buddies who haven’t seen the retiree in decades–in other words, cast as wide a net as possible, since this party is the culmination of a person’s career. Let them look back on their life and all the people who’ve helped them, taught them and assisted them through years of work. It’ll mean the world to them.

Venue

You’ll want this to be big. Your guest list, of course, will determine the size required, but make sure to secure a venue that can potentially hold more than you’ve planned. For a party this important, people will show up. They’ll also accept the invitation last-minute and plus-ones will become plus-fours. So get a big place, because you’ll also want to leave space for…

Entertainment

Also a must. Consider the retiree. Would they want a DJ or a Cover Band? Or maybe they’ll want something more specific, like an Oldies Band, maybe hire a Tribute Band, or a Rock Band or maybe music isn’t the best entertainment for them. What about a Comedian? Or a variety show filled with various performers? Whatever remains true to the spirit of the retiree, that’s the talent you should hire.

Decor

Keep it simple. If the guest of honour’s calls for something more elaborate (from exceptionally elegant to tremendously silly), then by all means do that. But for a party of such significance, the focus should remain on the retiree. Rent some Tables & Chairs, maybe hire someone for general Party Decorations and let the people and the occasion take centre stage.

There you have it. Keep things simple, make sure you invite as many people from the life of the retiree as possible, and put all of the focus on the guest of honour. Now, all the retiree’s got to do is figure what they’re going to do with the rest of their life!!

Father’s day ideas

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It’s important to keep an eye on the calendar for any event but although it’s only January Father’s day will be here quicker than you know it! Here at Red Masque, we’re committed to making everything just a little more unique, and that means it’s time for some great Father’s Day entertainment ideas.

What do you get for the dad that has everything? What is the best type of entertainment to get Dad for Father’s Day? Well, why not get him a burlesque dancer? Perhaps a burlesque dancer might not be the best Father’s Day gift. So, maybe we should look at some other great options.

Fathers put a lot of energy into raising their children, so why not celebrate Father’s Day by surprising them with breakfast in bed? For a fancy breakfast, hire a personal chef to get everything ready. Although when it comes to delivering breakfast in bed, we’re not sure that we would recommend sending a stranger into his bedroom, but there’s a good chance that Dad is always out of bed at least a few hours before you, so here are a few options for celebrations a bit later in the day.

What kind of music did Dad really love back in his younger days; back when he would whisk mum away to a concert, stay out well into the night, and wake up without a screaming baby demanding food? Why not surprise him with a blast from the past by a 60’s tribute band to come and play just for him? How amazing would that be?!

But if your dad doesn’t listen to music, we mean not the same kind of music we listen to, at least. But he still loves to be surprised and entertained, so there are other choices. Singing telegrams are certainly music, and we believe they would help to bridge the gap between your music and your father’s music. Everyone loves a great jingle, and if you hurry and book a singing telegram now, they’ll have more time to create a customized message. For an extra treat, you can even go for a singing telegram or special birthday message delivered by a celebrity impersonator. Maybe “Happy Father’s Day, Mr. President” isn’t quite as sultry and scandalous as the original Marilyn Monroe ditty, but it would certainly make a great surprise!

Whatever you decide to choose for the perfect Father’s Day gift, Red Masque is here to help. Take a look at all the great entertainment we have to offer.

Fundraising Ideas

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School Fundraising Ideas

Whether you are raising money for tuition, a new computer room, extracurricular activities, or volunteer programs, school fundraising is a must for most schools. There are plenty of great fundraising activities for schools.

Student Serve-a-thon: Create a twist to your typical walk-a-thon or jog-a-thon event and host a serve-a-thon where parents and students work together to serve their community. Instead of walking for a cause, students donate their time mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbour, or cleaning up rubbish at a local park, or tutoring a younger student… this is a great way to earn money while helping those in need. Make your event a greater success by offering prizes to top entertainment performers and classrooms.

School Garage Sale

At least once a year, people clean out cupboards, attics and garages to discover things that are accumulating dust. A community garage sale is a great way for people to get rid of these items while donating to a great cause. An event like this also brings parents, teachers, students and members of the local community together in a social environment. There can be virtually no costs to hosting the event especially if it’s held at the school. All people do is drop off their items, and then organize a group of volunteers to help with sales. Consider adding a coffee and bake-sale as part of the event so people can eat and drink as they shop.

School Fete

Some schools achieve great success hosting a fun, interactive event for the local community. Not only can these fundraising events bring in a great deal of money, but they also provide an excellent opportunity for families and students to socialize. You can raise funds by charging a small admission fee for guests. Then raise additional funds by selling raffle tickets to participate in games, contest or purchase food. You may want to consider bringing in a vendor with bouncy castles or other inflatables. Have each class put together a different themed basket to raffle off.

Sales contest

Product sales are a great way to get students involved in raising funds for your school or organization. Many schools sell sweets, magazines, holiday items, and gift or discount cards. There are many benefits of selling discount cards. They are small and portable with a low overhead cost, and can be easily mailed at the cost of first class mail because of their size. Be sure to add in incentives and awards for top fundraisers to build in some healthy competition and encourage participants to raise more money.

Sports Fundraising events

Sports fundraising ideas provides a great way for coaches, parents, and schools to raise funds for new equipment, team uniforms, or travel funds for competitions. In addition, sports fundraising teaches children the importance of community service and being part of something larger than themselves. Sports fundraisers can also tie in values such as teamwork, sportsmanship and more.

Football fundraising

Fundraising is a great way for football teams, summer leagues and traveling teams to earn extra money for team uniforms, new equipment, training tools, entry fees and referee fees for traveling teams. Why not organise a sponsored football kick about or a penalty shoot-out? Don’t forget to buy some medals for the winners.

Dance Team Fundraising

If you are a dance or cheerleader team, consider hosting a dance-a-thon. This type of fundraiser works just like any walk-a-thon, however instead of walking… participants are dancing! Pick a day where dance team members and teachers teach dance lessons to others in the community. Incorporate fun dance performances as well to keep attendees entertained. Bring on a local business to sponsor and give all participants a t-shirt.

Team-Building Events

Another interesting idea for teams with older participants is a “team-building” fundraising event, such as a fundraising treasure hunt or relay race. Teams must delegate about the most efficient route to take, assign team members roles, and work together to accomplish their goals. This could be a great fundraising idea for a debate team or chess team. Funds are raised through team registration fees, plus individual pledge donation requirements.

We look forward to joining you each year

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New Year is upon us. Parties and events are starting to fill our calendars, but often times these outings become so routine that we dread attending them. Try out these 10 tips to add a little flare into your holiday season.

Use New Technology

New technology can be daunting, but the holiday season presents an exciting time to try out a new tool or program. Perhaps you have been waiting to purchase a certain software or learn a new technique. The end of the year presents a great opportunity to prep for next year and try out something new.

Provide Festive Favours

Event favours and giveaways can range from wonderful, useful gifts to items you may throw away once you leave the door. Try to spice up your holiday event by providing a themed gift such as seasonal treats or candies, decorative items themed for the season or a candle with a holiday scent. Favours like these will go to good use and leave your event fresh in the minds of your guests.

Get creative with your Holiday Food

Creating NYE menus can pose a challenge because everyone expects different items depending on their culture or upbringing. Try sticking with seasonal flavours. These will help to keep you on trend during the seasons.

Make the Most of Social Media

Social media has a presence at every event these days, so why not include it in your NYE party? You can create a hashtag to gather the pictures from your event, no matter how large your group! Even smaller family or office gatherings can engage through the use of social media.

Build your own photo booth and have your family, friends or co-workers share the photos using your hashtag. Following the event, you will have all of your wonderful photos linked together! Little ideas like this can go a long way in providing group entertainment and increase interaction.

Change Up the Seating

Try out a new seating style at your party! Open seating or a long family style table, might be just the right fit for your event. The holidays are about bringing people together and having fun. Make sure your space and layout reflect the vibe of the season and celebration.

Add Signature Holiday Cocktails

Play around with fun flavours in your drink selection as well. Use mint, cranberry juice, or cider. Drinks can be with or without the alcohol depending on the time or day or group of people. Either way, signature cocktails can be fun and add some excitement to your event.

Surprise Your Guests

Use the holiday season to add some fun and anticipation to your events! Perhaps you bring in a special surprise guest or send them home with an unexpected holiday gift. If you are planning a party for your staff or family, you could even keep the event location a surprise and host a scavenger hunt to the big reveal! A little mystery can go a long way in bringing energy to your holiday event.

Provide an Opportunity to Give Back

The season brings out the best in most people. We all want to give a little more and celebrate the wonderful blessings around us. At your event, you could provide a chance for guests to donate to a good cause or host a silent auction where the proceeds benefit a local charity.

If you have a family event, perhaps a portion of your day is spent volunteering together in your community. Think of causes that you or your guests might have a connection to and find a way to integrate this into your holiday festivities.

Include Festive Kids Activities

Kids love the holidays! The fun-filled atmosphere and extra special magic that the season brings is beautiful through the eyes of a child. If you are hosting an event where children are welcomed, be sure to provide a holiday craft or activity that is geared towards them. Who knows, if they are extra well behaved, perhaps the jolly man in red could make an appearance and hand out a few gifts.

Up the Customer Service

When everyone is in the holiday spirit the world just seems a bit brighter, but the long hours and stressful work of an event mean staff can be run ragged during these months of the year. Make customer service the focus for you and your staff during these holiday parties.

Try to start and end each day on a positive note and make sure your team feels appreciate for planning wonderful holiday events. The extra special feeling you provide with customer service will keep your guests coming back and have them asking you to plan many more events.

Something special for your event

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If you want something special for your corporate event entertainment, there are a few acts out there that can make your event stand out from the rest.  A Themed Walkabout artist that could be just the thing dressed in the most amazing costume. You could have a group of Themed walkabout artists where each one would take their turn mingling into the crowd, that would be quite a talking point. This artist would be perfect to create the ambiance you desire at your event.

Stilt walkers can be hired for your promotional event which would draw interest amongst the general public wanting to see these very tall people walking around quite confidently on extremely high stilts. A definite crowd pleaser with young and old alike.

Do you need some extra space for a party or special event that you are organising? If so, have you thought of hiring a Marquee or Tent which will provide extra space and less mess for you to clear up after the event.  All Marquees and Tents can be decorated as you wish, and of course they will keep your guests warm and dry in case of the British weather letting you down. 

Whether it be for a fete, Wedding or promotional event we are sure you will be able to hire the perfect Marquee or Tent for you.  

If you are thinking of having a Wedding then hiring a Marquee would be the perfect choice which of course needs a Dance floor which can also be booked with us at Red Masque Directory, you could choose from a mirrored dance floor, to an illuminated dance floor whichever your taste, there is bound to be one that is just right for you, perfect for Grandma or Grandpa to boogie the night away!!

Then what about creating the right atmosphere?  You need all the bits that go with it.  

Decorations that will transform the dullest of rooms into something spectacular, or to create an out- of-this -world experience why no go all out and hire some bubble, smoke and snow machines. Whatever the season you can have snow in summer if you so wish? Continuous bubbles at children’s parties or smoke to create an eerie scene.

Ice sculptures make another impact on your guests which look very classy and are so good to look at you cannot fail for anyone not to admire their beauty.

So go ahead and make your event a very special one indeed by hiring some or all of these fantastic displays which will be talked about for many months to come.

The Dancers

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From belly dancing to Bollywood, acrobatics to dance troupes, all you need to know about booking dancers, dance companies and dance troupes.

What is a dancer or dance troupe and what do they do?

For entertainment that really gets your party started, it’s hard to beat a professional dancer for sheer energy, visual impact, and more than a touch of glamour.

Dancers and dance companies perform choreographed routines that combine music and movement into an energetic and elegant form of entertainment. Most dance groups offer a range of traditional, classical and contemporary dance styles, including elegant ballroom dancing, street dance, Las Vegas style showgirls, traditional Irish dancing, Latin American tango, Spanish flamenco, and the more risqué charms of burlesque.

Most dancers and dance troops offer either a standard show that can be adapted to your venue and event, or as bespoke option to create exactly the mood and feel you require for your event.

Whether you’re looking for a solo belly dancer to surprise guests at a birthday party, or classical ballerina to add grace and elegance to your product launch, dancers and dance groups provide an energetic, engaging, and ultimately highly entertaining show for your guests.

What to look for in a quality dancer/dance group

Dancers can be formally trained at dance schools, ballet schools and performance academies, or some may just be naturally good at dance. So, it’s not always a measure of quality to look at the training each dancer or members of a dance troupe have received. The exceptions are, of course, classical ballet and ballroom dancing, both of which involve many years of training, and there are definite advantages of years of training for dance forms such as jazz, tap and Latin American dance.

So, also look for the levels of professional experience dancers and dance companies have. If they have performed at major venues, in professional dance shows, ballet companies or West End shows, or have performed for global brands, chances are they are of high quality, have relevant experience, and deliver a great show.

Most dancers and dance troupes are extremely versatile, often offering a wide variety of dance styles for your event. Chances are, if a dance troupe focuses exclusively on one or two dance styles or forms, they will have a high level of expertise in these forms and therefore put on a more authentic show.

Some of the dance companies featured at Red Masque Directory will create bespoke shows just for you, and bring in dancers and performers with the correct level of skills required. So, just because they don’t specialise in Street Dance for example, they can probably call on some very good performers if you require a bespoke urban style performance.

Take a little time to look at the Profiles of dancers and dance companies here on Red Masque Directory. All companies will feature photographs of their dancers, and some offer video, a great way to see what they look like in action.