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Papa
Joe ~ Stuff & Things
Here's a another Post to Storytell from 1996
Folks,
Like all venues, B-day parties can be wonderful or
horrible gigs.
Here's what I do.
First: I ask how they got my name. I tell them that B-day parties
are not what I really do. But that I do them if they meet certain
conditions. Then I listen to the response. If (1) the child
wanted me, the Storyteller Papa Joe, to come tell at their party
or (2) the parent (grandparent, etc.) can assure me that the
child would really want me (otherwise it is the end of the
conversation. B-day parties are too much work if the child is not
invested), then I go to:
Second: I tell them I have a set of rules that MUST be followed.
(1) The invitations include a statement that The children are not
to arrive early. And that the entertainment starts promptly at
<blank> o'clock.
(2) The Birthday child receives no presents before the party. Why
force the child to choose between a new present and a show. One
time a father gave his son a floor hockey set the night before.
The child had a very hard time taking a break from that and
enjoying a program he would have easily gotten into otherwise.
(3) I get there before the guests. About 10 minutes before to
talk to the birthday child. Together we plan the show. That
ensures that they are invested in it.
(4) The space for the program is free of TV, toys, or anything
that resembles toys.
(5) The guest are met at the door by someone other than the
birthday child or me. Their presents are stacked off where we can
not see them, their coats, boots, etc. are removed, nothing is
given to the guests. They are escorted directly into the program.
(6) The program begins with short very interactive stories or
games. These last up to fifteen minutes or until the guests have
all arrived, which ever comes first.
(7) The next (roughly) 40 minutes are for more involved stories
and games. If I think the children need to stop early we do.
(this has only happened once when these rules where followed)
(8) For the last five minutes, I gather the group together and
lead them to the next place (usually the table), where the host
takes over the party. I recommend food, presents, then party
favors and free time, in that order. Pick-up two hours after
drop-off. A good time had by all
(9) I get my check after the cake is served. I leave before the
presents arrive.
I do not do shows for my family. I'll tell them a story if they
want one. If they want a show, it will be at their school. I don't charge them.
What about the price for the others? I always wait until the end
before I discuss this. The rules make it clear that this is no
simple act. My answer is, "We ask $300.00 for programs.
However, we do not expect that from private birthday parties. We
usually accept $150.00. What can you afford?"
Then I can decide if it is worth the effort to turn a child's
home (or MacDonald's) into a program site.
Papa
Joe ~ Stuff & Things |