Ok - I know - I'm full of questions. But i am sooooo happy that this forum exists. And it looks like you guys can make it look like you really know what you're talking about. So, here's another question: How long do you stay at a party? For my duaghter's 7th birthday a few years ago, we had a costume party - for which I, of course, broke out the clown suit. I think the mistake we made was time - 3 hours. I think we could have done it in 2 or 2½ - that's when I seemed to be losing the kids' interest. But , over all I guess we didn't do too bad for a super-novice hap-harzard party. It was , afterall, the social event of the year!

So, How long is too long?

each has their own set, or offer different sets. for example I'll offer just a comedy magic show for one price, and it is only for 30 min. but for a little more I'll do balloons and/or face painting. I try to keep mine around 1-1/2 hrs, Others I know are strickly 1 hr. and charge more if the party goes over. Most want my full show and it generally runs 1 1/2 hrs.

Another important factor is the age of the children. In my experience the older a child is, the LESS time they are interested in spending with you.

3-4 year olds are my personal favorite, old enough to express themselves, still innocent of the worlds ways, and for them I usually do 1-2 hours.

5-6 year olds45 mins to an hour depending on how well the children act. I do frequently run over if I dont have another engagement or if the kids are really great.

7-8 years 30 mins tops...again depending on the individual children.

Sue & Bips are both right on the money. I am only at the party for 1 hr. The first 1/2 for my comedy show, then 20 min. for balloons (based on 12 kids, loner for more than 12 kids). The last 10 min. I reserve to being a part of the parents bringing out the cake, singing happy birthday and standing beside the child as they blow out the candles. This makes a nice photo moment and then I pose for a few more pictures with the b-day kid & other friends. I do the same show no matter what age group. There is something in my show for every age group, 1-100!! **Note: If they only want me for an apperance for 1/2 an hr or less, the price is the same!!!