TRAINING GUIDE
Storybook prides ourselves on offering excellent performances from our actors for every event. This page was created to get your started with the basics. Knowledge of all of the following information is a standard requirement for being a part of the Storybook team. Please review all of the videos below pertaining to your job position and take the required test at the bottom of this page, followed by completing the acknowledgement form.
Character performers and handers are required to watch all videos before the test portion of this page. We suggest viewing this page on a desktop or laptop computer for correct functionality.
THE OFFICE
We operate Storybook out of the top floor of our home. This video will teach you some important office ettiquitte that will be expected of you when you are using the office facilities.
PARKING and DOGS
We love dogs and we hope you like them too as we have a houseful. They will most likely be around to greet you and see you off. This video will give you info on where to park and how to handle dealing with our excited fur babies.
SCHEDULING & CALL TIMES
This video will explain how we do our scheduling and when your call times will be for your to arrive at the office. Rushing to prepare or to get to your events in not acceptable. Giving yourself ample time to prep is a must!
APPEARANCE & COSTUME CARE
The costumes and our overall appearance are the two of the most important things in our business. Please watch the video to learn some important things regarding costume care and proper appearance guidelines.
PARTY SUITCASE OVERVIEW
Each suitcase theme is explained in a separate video below. You do NOT need to review all of these suitcase videos for the test, but you need to review each one as your are scheduled to work that kind of party.
Basic Princess Parties
2 HR Combo Princess Parties
Outdoor/Games Only Parties
Superhero Parties
Fairy Parties
Princess Pajama Parties
Luau Suitcase
Mascot Parties
Swimming Character Parties
Toddler Suitcase
Drop-in Bags
OUR NEW COLORFUL MICS!
Our new mics are programed to match the theme of each party suitcase. The tracks are listed on a list inside the case. Push the "Next" button to skip through the tracks. The purpose of these new mics are to add a new exciting element to our parties so we can have music for our games, teach a dance without needing to be a singer, have backup activities for toddlers and to use when you need to be heard! Make sure to take the right mic off the charger before you go and put your mic back on the "needs charged" shelf after use. USE EM'!
SPECIAL DANCES, MOVEMENT SONGS & GAMES
You need to know these BEFORE you start doing events!
GET YOUR CROWN ON DANCE (Princesses only)
Ribbon Dancing Lesson (Princesses, fairy and games mics only)
HOBBLE BOBBLE (Beachy situations only)
Hobble Bobble is our fun beach Song that we even have our own music video for! Please learn the moves so you can teach this dance to the kids for outdoor events. Learning the moves to the chorus of this song is the most important and you are welcome to improv the rest!
HOKEY POKEY & LIMBO ROCK (4 different versions)
Your mic is programmed to play a themed version of Hokey Pokey and Limbo Rock (for princess, superhero and fairy characters) . They are a little different than the original versions, so it's good to familiarize yourself. Here are so examples of how the songs are formatted.
SUPERHERO TRAINING (All superheroes BOYS & GIRLS!)
Your mic is programmed to play a superhero training course for all superheroes. A voiceover of a virtual assistant named "Piper Rockwell" will guide you and the kids through the physical challenges. It is a good idea to review this before your first Superhero party. Boys, this includes you!
Luau Suitcase Kids Hula (All characters need to know this!!)
The Luau package mic is programmed to play "Little Brown Girl." You do NOT have to be a master hula dancer. The adults know this is for fun! If you are booked on a LUAU activity package, you need to know this easy hula to teach the children. We include grass skirts for all the children to wear during the lesson.
Fairy Dancing (Fairy activity packages only)
The Fairy Package mic is programmed to play a fun "Fairy Dancing" song. Use the following video to learn the basic moves so that you are able to teach the kids the dance at all your fairy parties. As long as you know the moves to the chorus, you are welcome to improve the rest of the song.
Basic Movement songs (All mics and all parties)
On ALL the mics there is a track list of some fun, easy movement songs that can be used at any party. These are very good to use for very small kids who may not understand more complicated activities. Watch this video to hear snippets of the songs and to learn the moves for the Milkshake Song.
At the end of each event we ALWAYS do a GIFT CEREMONY and then guide the crowd through the singing of Happy Birthday. You must be LOUD and demand the attention of the entire crowd at this point of the event. This is NOT the time to be shy as the parents are looking to you to take control of this part of the party and LEAD THE WHOLE CROWD into the singing of Happy Birthday. This mean BOYS, you too! We offer the following gifts to match our character themes.
Crowning Ceremony
You will be able to read a print out of the crowning Ceremony poem, but knowing how it's supposed to flow beforehand is important.
Medal Ceremony
We do two version of the Medal ceremony. One for Superheroes and one for characters that don't suit the other gift options. This is an example of the Superhero version. BOYS this includes you!
Sash Ceremony
The Sash Ceremony is for girl characters who are no princesses. Make sure you know ahead of time what gift you are giving so you are prepared!
Being A HANDLER
Handlers play an important roll in many of our character events. Handlers main duty is to assist the character with handling the supplies, doing the activities, making the client feel comfortable , protecting the costumes and filling in wherever needed! Handlers must be bubbly and high energy and know that the client is always right....(even when we know they aren't.)
Pre-Calls and Making and Entrance!
Before entering the event, we must first call the client to prep them for our big entrance. You are also welcome to text them an update when you are first leaving the office to tell them you are on your way. Our Entrances are crucial moments, so we want to avoid having to enter unannounced if at all possible.
CLIENT PAYMENTS AND TIPPING
All clients will receive a payment envelope that is located in the back of the bag attached to the suitcase. Even if they do not owe a balance, this gives them the opportunity to tip you. Collecting money is never the most comfortable part of the party. Watch this video to learn the best way to present the envelope to your client.
STAYING ON SCHEDULE
PLAN for traffic! Do not RUSH and cause stress on yourself and other actors. Keep you eye on the clock.
DEALING WITH DISCREPANCIES OR DIFFICULT CLIENTS
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SOCIAL MEDIA POSTING
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EARNING WORK, TIPS & GETTING PAID
Our actors and artists work as independent contractors and therefor you are not considered employees. Upon starting with Storybook, you will be required to sign a contract understanding our working relationship. This is a no a "Pay under the table " job. Taxes will NOT be taken out of your weekly pay which is usually favored. However you WILL get taxed at the end of the year on your yearly earnings, so be smart and save some of your earnings to pay your taxes! This video will show you how you will earn first dibs on bookings and how to invoice correctly.
For Face Painters
Face Painters are required to follow this video and set up their station following this guideline. All artist are required to be at the event location with ample time to set up and prep accordingly before the event start time. 30 mins is recommended. Please remember to invoice Storybook after each working weekend.
For Balloon Artists
Balloon artists are to use their own supplies but please use our branded apron. Please remember to invoice Storybook after each working weekend.
For Glitter Tattoo Artists
Glitter tattoo artists are required to follow this video and set up their station following this guideline. All artist are required to be at the event location with plenty of time to set up and prep accordingly before the event start time. 15 mins is recommended. Please remember to invoice Storybook after your event.
For Glam On the Go Artists
Face Painters are required to follow this video and set up their station following this guideline. All artist are required to be at the event location with ample time to set up and prep accordingly before the event start time. 30 mins is recommended. Please remember to invoice Storybook after each working weekend.
For Show Leads
Balloon artists are to use their own supplies but please use our branded apron. Please remember to invoice Storybook after each working weekend.
For Bubble N'Foam Parties
Glitter tattoo artists are required to follow this video and set up their station following this guideline. All artist are required to be at the event location with plenty of time to set up and prep accordingly before the event start time. 15 mins is recommended. Please remember to invoice Storybook after your event.
PROBLEMS?
I put my heart and soul into Storybook literally 24 hours a day. So, please do not hesitate to come to me with any problems, suggestions or questions. I would rather help than have anything hinder anyones performance or comfortably level. I am always here to listen and you can reach me via any of the contacts listed here.
Home
I encourage you to check out our website to understand what the clients see when they book.
Contact info
92-996 Kanehoa Loop, Kapolei HI 96707
Casey Office: 808-428-9698
Casey Cell : 818 - 554 -8282
Casey@StorybookHawaii.com
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www.storybookHawaii.com