Line Management

I have an event this weekend where 50+ kids will be attending. With events this size how do you handle the lines? I hate the idea of the kids just standing there doing nothing while they wait. I don't expect there to be a constant line but I would like some ideas for keeping them entertained.

cabby you may want to get you a friend to be a line leader or crowd control. my husband does that for me.. the kids just love him. He has been a DJ for over 20 years and entertaining is what he does best.

good luck
barb

Both my daughter can twists balloons. They're great! Since they are teens, the kids love them. They talk with the kids in the line & really are great at answering kids & parents questions. The kids get a kick out of the fact that my 1 daughter has been doing this since she was 11 yrs old.

You can give them all a numbered sticker for their turn and when you're done with one kid, send him to find the kid that's 2 numbers after him, so you only have a couple of kids waiting at a time and they can go play while they wait.

Good to know! Maybe I can "train" my 6 year old daughter to do something to entertain the kids.

Well.... It isn't YOUR problem.

You are hired to paint right? So why worry about what the kids are doing? That is the client's responsibility ... UNLESS you've said you will provide entertainment ON TOP of face painting. Then you should be charging way more for your services.

I completely ignore the line... I only care about the next one getting into my chair (unless they are being rowdy, etc - then I come down like a ton of bricks!) For private events I suggest they make a list or give out numbers and call the next in line rather than the kids all waiting in line.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I usually bring along my 2 oldest kids (13 & 11) to assist with the lines, but this is a VIP event (great potential for future gigs) I'm bringing my husband along, but he's not exactly Mr. Energy. But he will keep the kids in line and keep them from rushing my table.

I nevver thought of things like that Shannon. I did charge them my standard Social/Corporate event rates for face painting only.

I usually give them each numbers and tell them to keep an eye on which number I'm painting so they can be ready when their turn comes. It works really well. I hardly ever have to call out a number, and usually there are a few "watchers" standing around who are thrilled to be given the duty of finding the next few in line for their turn.

I went to the event with a numbering system in hand & didn't need it. There was a constant flow of kids/adults about 5 waiting, but there were other activities to keep them busy.

Here's another good thread.
http://www.facepaintforum.com/general-face-painting-f1/now-serving-another-line-queue-management-question-t3321.htm?highlight=line