Questions Every Event Should Ask (But Most Don’t)

 

Whether you’re booking Santa for a holiday festival, stilt walkers for a street fair, or fire performers for a nightlife event—safety, professionalism, and coordination matter just as much as talent.

 

Here’s a simple checklist you can use when booking any specialty entertainment company or agency:

 

Background Checks & Vetting

 

 

Most specialty entertainment agencies do not require background checks on their performers.

 

It’s okay (and smart!) to ask:

 

• How are your entertainers vetted?
• Do you conduct background checks for community or family-friendly events?
• Are performers reviewed for professionalism, experience, and safety history?

 

 

A little humor, but also very real:

The last thing your event needs is a fire performer with an arson charge on their record. 🔥

(Yes… it happens.)

 

 

Insurance (This One’s Big)

 

 

Not all insurance is created equal—and many issues arise when companies prioritize the cheapest entertainer instead of the right one.

 

Ask:

 

• Do you carry active, up-to-date liability insurance?
• Does the policy specifically cover the act being performed (fire, aerial, stilts, etc.)?
• Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request?

 

 

💡 Bonus:

We offer a separate insurance-review service and are happy to look over policies to confirm they are accurate, current, and appropriate for the performance.

 

 

Contracts, Payments & Accountability

 

 

Professional entertainment companies operate like businesses—not cash-only side gigs.

 

Ask:

 

• Is there a written contract?
• Are payments handled through a company (not just an individual)?
• Does the company have an EIN so a 1099 can be issued if needed?

 

 

This protects you just as much as the performer.

 

Fire Performance Safety Standards

 

 

If you’re hiring fire performers, these are non-negotiable basics:

 

• Fuel dip station located at least 20 feet away from the performance area
• Clear, marked safety perimeter between performers and the public
• Safeguards in place to notify guests that open flame will be used
• Proper fire extinguishing equipment on site
• Performers trained in fuel handling and emergency protocols

 

 

Stilt Walker Safety

 

 

Stilts add height—and liability—if not handled correctly.

 

Confirm:

 

• Stilt walkers wear proper knee protection
• Ground surfaces are assessed for stability
• Safety spacing is maintained so responsibility does not fall on the venue or public

 

 

Flow Artists & Ground Acts

 

 

To ensure a safe and satisfying performance:

 

• Minimum 4’ x 4’ performance space
• At least 9-foot ceilings
• Clear area free of foot traffic and obstacles

 

 

Aerial Artists (Lyra, Silks, etc.)

 

 

Aerial performance requires extra planning—especially under new rigging or ceilings.

 

Best practices:

 

• Padding or crash mats beneath the performer
• Rigging approved for the specific ceiling or structure
• Ideal ceiling height: 15 feet or higher 
• Minimum ceiling height: 10 feet (absolute lowest)

 

 

Our company can provide a clear indoor area requirements list to help venues prepare properly.

 

 

Final Thought

 

 

Great entertainment should feel magical—not stressful.

 

Asking these questions doesn’t make you difficult.

It makes you responsible, professional, and prepared.

 

If you’d like help reviewing insurance, safety plans, or determining what acts are best suited for your space, we’re always happy to help.