“That was the easiest birthday party we’ve ever had; It was awesome!” Dad Extraordinaire, Waltham.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING JENNY THE JUGGLER

(MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER HOPE TO KNOW… IN DAZZLING DETAIL)

WHEN WILL JENNY ARRIVE?

Jenny’s arrival time is estimated to occur within approximately 15 minutes from the time listed on the contract. She is excellent at “getting there” and making the magic happen no matter what time it is. When possible, Jenny will touch base with your venue contact person to provide a “heads-up” as she approaches.

WHAT IS THE “VENUE CONTACT PERSON”?

In order for you to enjoy and oversee your event seamlessly, please designate an able-bodied liaison (eg: friend, spouse, relative or co-worker) with access to a charged and working cellphone, someone other than yourself!, who is on hand to greet Jenny and LEAD HER IN to the performance area. This person will clear the way, hold doors open as Jenny transports her considerable equipment, help up or down stairs if necessary and answer any last-minute questions Jenny may have.

WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE VALID DIRECTIONS WRITTEN BY A HUMAN WHO HAS DRIVEN THE ROUTE RECENTLY?

Although Jenny already uses MapQuest, Google Maps, GPS navigation AND her innate sense of direction, none of these tools are fail-proof. Moreover, as you realize, she will have ONE SHOT at getting to your venue. As each performance usually entails a NEW COMMUTE for her, you don’t want to leave her arrival time up to chance! Starting from the nearest major highway, please include: exit #’s, distances, street names, notable landmarks and designated parking.

WHAT IF I THINK JENNY IS ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH MY LOCATION?

Although Jenny remembers performance experiences, as a rule, she does not memorize routes. Having grown up in California, traveled extensively and performed at hundreds of venues throughout the states and beyond, it is impressive that she frequently remembers her way home. (Of course there are exceptions, and if your venue is one, then congratulations!)

WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED PARKING?

In order to efficiently load-in her equipment, Designated Juggler Parking needs to be as near the entrance with as few stairs as possible. NOTE: If designated parking is unavailable, it is a good idea that the venue contact person can operate & park the juggler-mobile in order to maximize Jenny’s performance time. (After all, neither you running around nor your juggler hunting for a parking spot is a good use of resources during the festivities!)

WHAT DOES JENNY DRIVE?

Jenny’s “Satellite Office” is a RED Toyota Rav4 Massachusetts plates!

WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL JENNY BRING?

Everything rolls on the wheels of two carts which Jenny wheels simultaneously. Someone needs to show her the way, make sure the pathway is clear and hold open doors or gates. Thank you.

WILL JENNY NEED A PLACE TO STORE THINGS / A PLACE TO CHANGE / TIME TO SET UP?

Nope. She will be carrying and using everything she brings, and keeping it with her at all times. She will arrive in costume, and her brief set-up period is a perfect segue into face painting and/or show mode.

WHAT’S THE BEST AREA FOR FACE PAINTING?

For extraordinary face painting, Jenny will set up in the location with the highest visibility to your guests as possible, while minimizing obstruction of flow. PLEASE NOTE: You want the adults and kids to be able to be NEAR each other, not separated into different locations (this generally adds stress to both parents and kids, rather than minimizes it.)

WILL THE PAINTS MAKE A MESS OF MY HOUSE / FURNITURE / CHILDREN’S FORMAL CLOTHING?

No! Jenny uses extraordinary, water-based paints that dry almost immediately upon application to skin. In the rare event the paint does get on clothing it WILL wash out. (Jenny has much personal experience with this.)

WHAT’S THE BEST PERFORMANCE AREA?

Jenny needs a space about 3×8 feet to set up, with a wall of some kind behind her (preferably plain) if possible, and enough room on the floor (or ground) for KIDS, and enough seating behind them for PEOPLE. A semi-circle type configuration for the audience is ideal, and she is not shy about moving the odd piece of furniture to maximize the theatricality of a space. Contrary to common expectation, the CLOSER everyone is together, generally the better the show! Most of all, rest assured she is well-adept at utilizing absolutely any and every space she comes across. Yours will be just fine!!!

WHAT’S THE SHOW LIKE??

WARNING: If you want to retain the element of surprise, then skip this paragraph!! Otherwise, read on, just please don’t share this information with any young anticipated attendees OR other performing artists. Thank you! Jenny will start by setting up her show equipment, re-arranging furniture if necessary, and inviting the guests to get comfortable in a configuration that is most conducive to enjoyment of live theatre. She transitions into the show with some fun introductory remarks and interactive questions for the audience (taking the audience for a test drive, really). She then often dispels any fears that she may be a “Scary Clown” with her FEATHER DUSTING Routine. Then her CLUB JUGGLING Routine is usually predicated by failure, thus establishing the need for an audience volunteer to “save the day.” This is usually followed by her fabulous BIG BALL Juggling routine (usually involving 3 young volunteers). Then comes MAGIC, also with volunteers (a coloring book trick and a disappearing scarf are often employed). MUSIC and SINGING comes next, accompanied by the vocal stylings and of the kids, followed by the ever popular “ROCK CONCERT FOR SHORT PEOPLE” routine -always a big hit! Then usually comes the introduction of the “PRIZES” in the form of Jenny’s “BALLOON *POP* QUIZ.” Then perhaps a celebratory conclusion to the show with an Apple Juggling Routine and/or serenading of the Guests. Jenny thanks your guests, distributes prizes (often in the context of the “BALLOON DANCE PARTY EXTRAVAGANZA”) and after about 5 to 10 minutes the kids are satiated with exhilaration, and ready for the next activity. (PERFECT TIME FOR CAKE CEREMONY! Jenny will gladly support you if there’s time!!) HOW LONG DOES THE SHOW LAST?? The SHOW itself can last anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on what is most appropriate for the circumstance. It is Jenny’s job to CONCLUDE the show before the CONCLUSION of the attention span of her actual live audience, so it will always be an appropriate duration.

HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY INVESTMENT IN QUALITY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT?

Tell all your guests there’s going to be a FANTASTIC show for EVERYONE, including “Kids AND People”!!! Best case scenario: Guests relaxed, seated comfortably (even if very close together!) enjoying the show. Worst case scenario: Guests noisily talking to each other in or around the performance area during the show. Although juggling IS visual, the show is also audio and, unlike TV, LIVE and immensely interactive! Think of the show as you would a musical act; a concert infused with comedy, physicality, mental acrobatics, inspiration, TALENT and even –yes, music and singing! Although Jenny feigns a bit of theatric vanity in her show as a comic crowd-control device, in fact she simply aims to provide ALL your guests with the experience of transcendent magic that ONLY comes with communal enjoyment of an honest-to-god, for-real LIVE show. No one can enjoy something they are ignoring!

HOW LONG WILL JENNY STAY?

This depends on your particular event and what has been negotiated. Jenny aims to complete The Kids Party Program in an hour and a half, but we budget two hours for her to do so when possible. Please keep in mind that Jenny’s arrival and efficient “set-up” process is built-in to the agreed upon time slot, and that she neither arrives nor departs early!

CAN JENNY JOIN US FOR SOMETHING TO EAT?

We cannot tell you how much appreciation we have for people who succeed in feeding the “Energizer-Juggler!” You will never see her idle for even a moment long enough to “help herself” to food or even to shove something in her face while on site. But you can feed her by having your venue contact person pack her something for the road! Extra blessings upon those who feed our tireless and beloved juggler! Jenny is an omnivore and will be more than grateful for anything you give her.

WILL SHE AT LEAST DRINK SOME WATER WHILE SHE’S ON SITE?

Yes. Please have some drinking water (preferably cold) on hand refill the Juggler’s Water Jug. She will pause once long enough to chug 24oz of water, usually after the show (go figure!).

WHEN DO WE PAY JENNY?

You can hand her your cash or check at any time before she leaves (or drop it in the mail if necessary).

CAN WE TIP JENNY?

Of course this is not necessary, but always welcome and much appreciated!

DOES SHE NEED ANY HELP PACKING UP OR LEAVING?

Only with doors, gates and/or stairs.

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Thank you and looking forward to making your event fabulous and unforgettable. See you there! ~Jenny