Cloud is a face painter and balloon twister in Newington CT who entertains at events throughout Connecticut!

Cloud started with Kaleidoscope in Spring 2025 after years as a professional actress and educator. She got her start in theatre in high school, then got her BFA from Seton Hall University, where she studied Theatre and Creative Writing. After graduating in 2016, she began working as a theatre educator, teaching full-length productions, summer camps, private acting lessons, and improv classes. After graduating college, Cloud was also a classroom teacher for 5 years in both English and theater at several local neighborhood and magnet public schools. 

Since staring at Kaleidoscope, Cloud has become one of our most-requested and best-reviewed artists. She thrives at high-energy events and would love to come entertain at your next party!

Interview with Cloud: Newington CT Face Painter and Ballloon Twister

What made you want to first start face painting or balloon twisting?

I love art in all of its forms and I thought to myself, “Let’s try something new!” I took the leap to try face painting and balloon twisting and I fell in love with it! I love seeing people’s faces light up when they get their balloon or see their painted face in the mirror!

Do you like being a face painter or balloon twister more?

I love them both for different reasons! With face painting – I love talking to the person while I’m getting the paints ready and really letting them choose their own adventure with what I’m going to paint! I love when kids ask, “Can I have the pirate bandana in purple?” or “Can you add glitter?” It really shows what they love and gives them a chance to be creative themselves! With balloon twisting, I love “knighting” kiddos at parties and events when I give them their balloon sword! It gets them in on the magic, and now they’re a knight!

What do you think your superpower as a kids’ party entertainer is?

My superpower as an entertainer is getting a person to smile and be seen. I am a goofball, and I also know what it’s like to be a shy kid. I love to talk to guests at parties and get to know them, you can tell alot about a person just from their favorite color, favorite animal, and what they look forward to during each season!  I want the guests to feel like in that moment with Cloud, they were the star of their own show – because they are!

What’s your favorite part of being a kids’ party entertainer?

When someone’s face just breaks into a smile seeing their painted face! It gives me so much joy to bring others joy! The whimsical nature of it all just fills my cup and makes me excited for each and every gig. I also love dressing up colorfully! You’ll see me and my butterfly hair clips and cool earrings at every gig because I just love it so much!

What’s the hardest part about your job?

The hardest part? Probably transporting stuff out of my car, that’s why it’s super important for us to have instructions on where to park when at the gig! 

What’s one thing you think every client should know before hiring event entertainment party?

We send a check in text before every event just saying what we need the client to provide! (Tables, chairs, etc.,) It’s super important to have that communication beforehand so that we can give you the best experience possible! The more information we have when you’re booking, the easier our arrival and set up are. I love when clients include maps or extra parking instructions.

Gray is a face painter and balloon twister based in Bridgeport CT, who began working as a kids’ party entertainer in 2024! As a Film, TV, and Media Production student at SCSU, Gray is studying to become a filmmaker and is combining a passion for both working with kids and visual arts by working in kids’ party entertainment on weekends with Kaleidoscope.

FAQ with Gray: Bridgeport CT Face Painter & Balloon Twister

Why are you studying film in college?

I’m studying film because for me it’s my favorite way to portray passion and emotion within art! I use film as an outlet for all my creative thoughts 🙂

Why did you start working as a face painter and balloon twister?

I started working as a face painter and balloon twister because I love working with kids and I love doing art, and this combined both of them!

Do you like face painting or balloon twisting more? Why?

I love like face painting more! I’ve been a painter for most of my life and I feel like there’s more creative freedom with face paint!

What do you love most about kids’ party entertainment?

I absolutely love seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they see the finished work. And I love that I can bring smiles to people’s faces with what I do!

What’s one party you’ll never forget?

I’ll never forget my first party! It was face painting, and I was with a bunch of our other artists who were sooo supportive and encouraging of my work even as a beginner artist!

What areas do you provide kids’ party entertainment in?

I travel all around Connecticut! I’m based in Bridgeport CT so of course the shoreline, but I’m also able to go farther north into Central CT for events up there as well 🙂

Meet Billerica MA face painter, balloon twister, stilt walker, and art teacher: Cheyenna!

Chey started with Kaleidoscope in the spring of 2023 as a part-time job around her main career as a Board Certified Music Therapist. As a multi-instrumentalist the ability to play over 20+ instruments, Chey was looking for a way to expand her passion for visual arts and crafts when she began her work at Kaleidoscope.

In the past, Chey has worked as an Arts & Music Counselor at Camp Rainbow, a summer camp that brings together kids with and without disabilities; has created nad facilities programs for elementary-aged migrant students learning English; and has worked as a Direct Service Professional supporting children with disabilities at community-based events.

Now the Director of Music Therapy at a community music school, Chey works with children and adults ages 4-86 to help people of all ages who are neurodivergent or have a variety of intellectual and/or physical disabilities.

At Kaleidoscope, Chey is available for your Massachusetts event with the following art forms:

• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• UV-activated face painting
• Stilt walking
• Airbrush and glitter tattoos

FAQ with Billerica MA Face Painter & Balloon Twister Chey

Why did you want to become a face painter & balloon twister?

I was in a transition moment between jobs as a music therapist and was looking for a short term job for the summer. I thought this would be fun, and I liked face painting and balloon twisting so much I’ve stayed for years! It’s really fun telling people who see me only as a program director that I work as a face painter or balloon twister on the side, I normally don’t get to have this much fun at my normal job.

What areas do you service?

I work out of Billerica MA but I serve all of Massachusetts and sometimes southern New Hampshire or Rhode Island.

What do you like most about being a children’s party entertainer?

I like that our job is to have fun with kids. I love the kids I work with during the week, but a lot of my focus is therapeutic and helping them reach their goals. As a face painter or balloon twister, we really just get to laugh and have fun, so it brings me a lot of joy.

What is one thing you wish every client knew?

I’m thinking specifically as a stilt walker for this, but we text clients confirmations a day before their event, and making sure they read the safety notices we send them before I arrive at their event is really important. I need to be able to put my stilts on somewhere, need to avoid stairs or uneven surfaces, just a few little details that can help their events go well.

Clients reading what we send them makes everything very stress-free for them and us.

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 Massachusetts 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 be one of the highest-rated event entertainers in New Hampshire. 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: