Thea is a Derry NH face painter, balloon twister, bubble performer, and kid’s party entertainer!

Thea began with Kaleidoscope in the spring of 2024 while working as a YMCA summer camp and after-school counselor. After years of working with ages 3-11, Thea decided to shift her career to focus more on her passions–art and wellness–and began working as a professional embroidery artist, yoga teacher, and of course with Kaleidoscope as a face painter, balloon twister, and bubble performer.

Thea calls Derry NH home, and is available for kids parties, corporate events, and school functions throughout New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusettes through Boston.

Interview with Thea: Derry NH Face Painter and Balloon Twister

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I started at Kaleidoscope in April 2024 in search of a career that would challenge me creatively and socially. I wanted an outlet to connect with new people through art and Kaleidoscope has exceeded my expectations of that description perfectly.

Do you like face painting or balloon twisting more?

If I had to choose one it would be face painting! I started expressing myself through creative character makeup when I was about 12 years old. So sharing my love for face painting with others is so special to me! It makes me happy to spread joy, confidence boosts, and smiles! 

What are people’s reactions when you tell them you’re a professional Kids Party Entertainer?

My family and friends are so supportive and excited that I’ve found this niche career that suits my personality and skills 🙂 Sometimes strangers look a bit taken back… like their faces read “wait, having fun at parties is a career option??” Like yes, and it’s awesome!

What do you think your superpower as a face painter or balloon twister is?

Kindness and speed! I am a really patient and kind person and I always make sure my clients feel comfortable and confident. Also, I am skilled at face painting quickly and thoroughly without skipping any magical little details! 

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

Honestly, I love that my job feels so magical. I get to connect with lovely people and spread some whimsical joy through my art, such a dream come true! 

What’s one thing you wish party planners knew about working with you?

I love receiving details!! Who/what are we celebrating? I want to be in on the fun!! Theme or dress code? I love dressing up!

And parking information is really helpful too–a ton of information helps me arrive at your party with ease and confidence! 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

I drive up to 1.5 hours for gigs and it can feel a lot like a scavenger hunt to find my events. I started as a Derry NH face painter and balloon twister, but now I go all over my corner of New England. Some clients love to give lots of party details and other times I just receive a name, date, and address and I’m like “Okie dokie, let’s hit the road!” Thank god for GPS services lol. 

What’s the most memorable party you’ve ever done?

My first gig ever was a Celebration of Life for a mother and artist who passed away. The family said something that stuck with me, “if you need to grieve through art please visit the face painting tables”. I’ve thought about this all at my other gigs because you never know what people are going through and it reminded me that my art can create a small but impactful ripple effect on the world.

April W is a face painter, balloon twister, and character artist based in Manchester NH. April joined Kaleidoscope in early 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University.

While she was studying to become a graphic designer, April worked for several years as a professional babysitter as well as a teacher’s aide at the Purple Panther Preschool of Nashua South.

Now, as a full-time working artist, April works during the week as a graphic designer and photographer at an auction house specializing in music memorabilia as well as running a freelance graphic design and photography business.

April’s extensive experience working with children and in the arts has lead her to becoming one of Kaleidoscope’s highest-rated artists. Read some of her real verified Google reviews here:

 Interview with April: Manchester NH Face Painter & Balloon Twister

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I started working for Kaleidoscope after I graduated SNHU with my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. I was having trouble finding jobs in my career field, so I shifted gears toward broader art-related jobs. Kaleidoscope has been a great creative escape for me on the weekends and has allowed me to grow artistically in many ways. 

Do you like face painting or balloon twisting more?

I love both, but I do feel more passionate about face painting. I find more creative freedom in face painting, and I enjoy the thoughtful process of shaping my designs based on the individuality and uniqueness of the guests.

What’s your favorite part about face painting?

I love when adults want to join in on the face painting! Usually adults think my artistic services are for kids only, but I will gladly entertain all ages. I recently face painted a woman in her 40’s who had never had her face painted before, and her genuine excitement was such a joy to share.

What are people’s reactions when you tell them you’re a professional Kids Party Entertainer?

I would say the people who I don’t know: very surprised. To the people I do know: they laughed and found it very fitting for me. I’ve always been an artsy person and enjoyed working across a variety of different fields, so this job felt like a perfect fit for me! If you have ever had the chance to see my beautifully wacky apartment decor, you would understand immediately too. 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

I think most people are surprised I don’t live in the area and I don’t know anything about other details of the event we are at. I live in Southern New Hampshire and some events I work at are 1.5+ hours away from me. It’s exciting being able to travel to different cities/towns and explore new terrain!

What do you think your superpower as a face painter or balloon twister is?

My superpower as a face painter and balloon twister is speed! I know it’s hard to wait in long lines to receive a balloon or face painting, so I try my best to keep the lines moving while also ensuring quality service for all the wonderful families who chose to hang out with me for a little. Unfortunately, I can’t entertain a whole line, but when you’re in my chair – you’re my new best buddy! 

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

My favorite part of being a professional artist is being able to share my love for art with others. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to use my skills to create beautiful memories for you and your family. 

What’s one thing you wish party planners knew about working with you?

I have loved all the party planners I have collaborated with & thoroughly enjoyed their open communication. I think it’s always really important to discuss the parking situation. While some parties may have ample neighborhood driving, other parties may involve busy city parking garages, limited street parking, or a decent walk to the event – these are all super important things to take into consideration when I am planning my arrival for your event! 

What’s the most memorable party you’ve ever done?

My first party will always be my most memorable. I was nervous to test out my skills for the first time, but the family’s warm welcome helped ease me into the party. As I was setting up, the birthday girl came running up to me and was so excited to get her face painted as a unicorn. I shared her excitement back, and when I went to get fresh water for my paints – I hurriedly searched up the design in the bathroom for a quick refresh! Feeling more confident, I was able to transform the birthday star into a magical rainbow unicorn. Of course, once everyone saw her – they had to also be a magical rainbow unicorn too! Was I nervous about the unicorn design when I started? Yes. Was I nervous about the unicorn design after I painted 14 children as unicorn? No. It’s still a funny and wonderful memory to me, and a great lesson about growth. I will continue growing every event I work and I am so excited to see what happens next 🙂 

New Britain native Jem first started as a balloon twister with Kaleidoscope in 2022, but her adventure with us begins all the way back in 2015 as a communications intern. In 2015 she helped build our princess party sister company Princess Perfect and has freelanced with us as a photographer, content writer, and kids party entertainer ever since.

Over the past decade, not only has Jem finished her Master’s in International Business but she has launched her career in corporate communication Monday through Friday. And like many of our artists,  she enjoys breaking her weekly routine to have fun and make kids smile at parties on weekends!

When not traveling, learning new languages, or balloon twisting, Jem volunteer’s in her church’s youth ministry, where she organizes an annual summer retreat for children and their families throughout New England.

Interview with Jem: Balloon Twister in New Britain CT

When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?

I started at Kaleidoscope summer of 2015 as a lowly marketing intern haha I never thought I’d bet a balloon twister!

If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?

Maria began her job as a face painter and balloon twister with Kaleidoscope in 2023 with the goal of finding a creative outlet alongside her corporate tech job. Working full-time at Tesla during the week, Maria finds her passion at the intersection of creativity and problem solving.

With experience in childcare and a love for crafts, Maria’s available for events in her hometown of Bristol CT and throughout Connecticut.

And like many Kaleidoscopers, she’s trained in multiple art forms including:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter, flash, and airbrush tattoos
• Toddler parties (as a fairy, clown, and pirate)
• Paint nights

Interview with Maria: Bristol CT Face Painter and Balloon Twister!

 

What are people’s reactions when you tell them that You’re a professional Face Painter and Balloon Twister?

When I tell people what I do, my friends aren’t surprised since they know I have a creative streak and being a face painter and balloon twister suits me perfectly.

New acquaintances or people unfamiliar with my work are always surprised—they usually think of my main job and don’t expect that I also dress up as a fairy and paint faces or twist balloons. If they follow me on social media, they’re pleasantly surprised and often ask about it. It’s fun, and I love surprising folks!

 

What is one surprising fact about you?

I went to a Aquaculture high school program. I learned to build fishing poles, got my boat license at 15 years old, build boats, took apart and put back together boat motors, put out electrical fires in the ocean, learned CPR and boat safety, and then we skimmed the bottom of the ocean and dissected the sea animals in lab to learn more about them and their anatomy. And because of all that, i havent touch seafood since i was a Freshman in high school.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?

That i have an great big girl job and career in Technology and Energy, but secretly love my 2nd job (Kscope) face painting, way more most times!  

 

What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?

The most memorable party I ever entertained at was unforgettable! I realized my idea of a party and that of some parents of young kids are worlds apart. My first character event blew my mind. They had me as a fairy doing face painting, a mermaid doing balloons, a bartender, two bounce houses, a petting zoo, bubble machines, lights, glam, tons of decorative balloons, and incredible décor. It felt like an engagement party or a community festival with activities galore. And guess what? It was all for twin 5-year-old girls! I was obsessed!

 

What’s your favorite part of Working in Kids Party Entertainment?

I love traveling to new places, seeing the setups, and meeting new people. It feels like I’m at the party too, and since I enjoy a good event, this is perfect for me. I get my creative fix and meet awesome hosts, kids, and friends. The best part is the excitement of heading to a new event and never knowing what to expect. It’s always a fun adventure!

 

What’s your favorite part of working with kids?

The kids are absolutely nuts, and I love it! They’re the most imaginative and creative little people. Some of the smallest kids make the greatest artistic requests.

One time, the quietest, cutest blonde girl with bright blue eyes, wearing an all-pink dress with pearl beads and flower jewelry, asked me to make her a killer zombie. I was so surprised and super hyped! I high-fived her. She decided she wasn’t following the norms and was going to be the best dang Killer Zombie Queen ever! And i was there to support that energy!

 

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

Make sure kids know that being patient and kind are expected!  Not to touch things that aren’t theirs and to always be respectful.

 

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

Make sure all the setup is spot-on – tables, chairs, tents, the works. Oh, and a little check-in during the event wouldn’t hurt either. Makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. (If you take care of your face painters, we’ll take care of your guests!)

 

What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?

Ensuring we know exactly the location we are going to be set up at and where we should park that isn’t 20mins from the specific location. Our face painter and balloon twister kits are on wheels, but if we have to walk more than 2-3 minutes it can be challenging making sure we have everything we need at our stations.

Khara started with Kaleidoscope in 2021 and has since become one of our most-requested artists!

With her BA in Dramatics/Theatre Arts at from the University of Rhode Island, Khara is a trained actress and entertainer who has a passion for childcare and crafting!

Khara is available for the following parties:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter tattoos
• Toddler parties
• Mascots and costumed characters
• Shows: magic, science, and bubbles!

Interview with Khara H

How did you start as a face painter and balloon twister?

I knew a few artists who work here from doing shows in community theatre together and I’d heard a lot of positive things about the job. In 2021, Jess posted on social media that Kaleidoscope had openings for entertainers and I sent over an email!

I learned to be a face painter and balloon twister right away, and then over the years I’ve picked up more things like character work, magic shows, the science show, and the bubble show.

What do you love most about this job?

I really love the kids’ reactions! I have a lot of fun goofing around with them, and they always have the most excited and surprised faces when you reveal their face painting, hand them a balloon, or do a magic trick. It feels like getting paid to play with kids!

What’s harder: face painting or balloon twisting?

For me they were about equally challenging to learn, so I’m not sure one is harder. I really love balloon twisting more though! It feels like craft time and is just so satisfying in my brain.

What’s one memorable event you’ve done?

I’m not sure one sticks out, but every event where I get to do a whole lot of things at one party is always really fun and challenging. So if a party books me as a clown for a magic show, then has me switch to face painting, then I switch to balloon twisting, and then I “leave” and come back as a mascot character, it’s a lot of work but it’s really enjoyable!

What do you do for fun outside of work?

I normally perform in 3-4 community theatre productions a year, so that takes up most of my time! But when I’m not doing that I love to do crafts at home like knitting or puzzles, plus listen to podcasts.

What’s one thing every event client should know?

Over communicate to us! The more you tell us about your event, the better we can make it.

Read some of Khara’s verified Google and GigSalad reviews here:

Dominique is one of New Hampshire’s most requested childrens’ party magicians, and it’s no wonder!

With her BA in Early Childhood Education, her years of experience working as a PreSchool teacher, and her love for all things fun, Dominique can come to your party in a number of characters for face painting, balloon twisting, song and game, and magic packages!

Dominique’s characters include:

• A mermaid
• A pirate
• A fairy
• A clown
• herself without a costume

Her package options include:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Glitter tattoos
• Songs and games
• A kids’ magic show

Mix and match to your hearts’ content!

Dominique was also trained by our very own Kenny the Clown, one of New England’s most experienced and requested childrens’ entertainers with over a decade and 500+ parties of experience under his belt.