Frequently Asked Questions

Need some help?

The short version:

1) Clients, you must confirm your performance no less than 24 hours prior to showtime - no exceptions!

2) No, you won't find rates on this page either. You'll need to submit the Request for Quotation Form via e-mail, e-mail the Boss Clown with your event information or call the Clown House directly at 919.852.1718.

3) A quotation is not a confirmation.

4) Check the calendar for the current schedule & availability!

And now for the longer version:

Is there really a Clown House?
What are your hours of operation?
Why do you not have pricing/rates on your website?
Do you give discounts?
Do you do volunteer work?
Do you use agents?
Do I need to send a deposit?
When is payment due?
Do you accept credit cards?
What is the difference between a quotation and a confirmation?
What about confirming my show?
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my show?
May I tip the performer?
I want a special movie or television character for my party!
What kind of face & hair paints do you use?
Where do you get your other supplies?
What are the best ingredients for a great birthday party?
How long should I plan for my birthday party?
What if my event is scheduled in a public place?
What if my child is scared of clowns?
Do I need to feed the performer?
The weatherman is calling for HEAT!!!
Are you insured?
Do you get tired of answering all these questions?
More questions?

Is there really a Clown House?

Yes, but it is not open to the general public. Well, actually it's a CLOWNDO in West Raleigh. We come to your house or event location - you wouldn't want to come to ours. Too messy.

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What are your hours of operation?

If the phone rings, during normal human hours (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM), it should be answered by Mary Baldwin. If Mary is not available, leave a name, number & the time of day that you called with the answering service & Mary will be paged immediately to call you back! Molly Anne's Clown House is available for performances Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

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Why do you not have pricing/rates on your website?

Each event is quoted on a case-by-case basis & is priced by the service(s) to be provided, travel, time, character & the event itself - birthday parties by headcount & corporate events by the hour. Sorry, MACH does not give out random quotes without adequate information so please consider completing the Quote form and/or calling 919.852.1718.

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Do you give discounts?

No, our rates are firm, competitive and non-negotiable.

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Do you do volunteer work?

Since this is not just fun but a livelyhood as well, MACH has to be careful to balance income with public service. Specific charitable organizations (UNC-TV, the Walk for Hope, Diabetes Foundation, etc.) are chosen on an annual basis, are served as needed & subject to schedule availability. We do perform for some non-profit organizations for a reduced rate.

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Do you use agents?

Molly Anne's Clown House is proud to be agent-free. When you contact the Clown House, you are speaking to the performer and although sometimes you may encounter an answering machine from time to time, the performer will be booking your show. References are always given freely. We are glad to suggest other quality Triangle artists if there is a time constraint or budget issues however, we are not a talent booking agency for other performers except when multiple artists are needed. Molly Anne's Clown House refers work but will not collect finder's fees, an agent's percentage or any other dues or expenses at the cost of the customer or the artisan.

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Do I need to send a deposit?

Molly Anne's Clown House works on a "first come - first serve" basis. Shows are booked well in advance when at all possible. Because shows are booked so far out, other requests for your time slot will be refused. Therefore, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due for all shows at the time of booking unless otherwise specified. Once you book a clown, we are yours to keep. All of our customers are honest people but unfortunately, several people over the past couple of years have bounced checks for services rendered by MACH. Also there has been an increase in last minute cancellations - one came one hour before show time. Collections, bank fees and attorneys...ick, no thank you!

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When is payment due?

Unless otherwise specified, your balance is due at the conclusion of the show.

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, through PayPal! Call the Clown House for more information. Cash, personal or corporate check are acceptable!

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What is the difference between a quotation and a confirmation?

Quotation: When you contact Molly Anne's Clown House, Mary will check her schedule FIRST to see if she is available. At that time, she will let you know if she has any potential conflicts then she'll quote a competitive rate for her services. If you choose to delay your confirmation, you run the risk of loosing the time & date for a performance. Confirmation: If you agree to the rate and services quoted, Mary will begin the confirmation process including documenting all relevant show information & relaying addresses, phone numbers, deposit information & her cancellation policy. Contracts are strongly advised & a verbal agreement is considered binding in North Carolina. Performances are NOT confirmed without deposits as well as complete show & contact information.

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What about confirming my show?

All performances must be confirmed verbally or in written form between both parties no less than 24 hours of the performance or the contract will be null & void & the deposit will be retained by the performer.

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule my show?

Shows will not be canceled or rescheduled unless there is an emergency (accident, natural disaster, family death or severe illness). If a contract is issued, please refer to your contract for specifics. Once again, deposits are non-refundable. Rain dates can be confirmed but not reserved indefinitely. Rescheduled shows will be arranged quickly and if Molly Anne's Clown House is unable to perform for the rescheduled date for any reason, the deposit will be used to reserve another performer for a similar rate for the agreed performance. The second performer will be of MACH's choosing unless otherwise specified to assure quality. MACH will not assume responsibility for other performers, subsequent fees or their performance.

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May I tip the performer?

Of course. By all means! Please!

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I want a special movie or television character for my party!

An event can be customized for whatever theme you may have but Molly Annes Clown House does not provide copyrighted characters (e.g.: purple dinosaurs, princesses owned by a mouse who lives in Florida, etc.) however... * If your child loves princesses, we have Miss Make A. Wish, Fairy Godmother, HEA! * If your child loves pirates, we have historically accurate costumes to perform as any Renaissance character! * If your child loves sports, dance or music, we have a closet full of props & garb that will suit just about any interest!

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What kind of face & hair paints do you use?

MACH only uses face paint makeup. Not fabric, acrylic, craft, tempera or latex paints, magic markers, crayons or other markers that do not belong on the skin. Our paint is COMPLETELY safe. We use professional, FDA-approved, non-toxic face paint makeup from Mehron, Ben Nye, Kryolan and Snazaroo. Our policy: if you can't turn it up & drink it (not that you'd want to), you shouldn't put it on a person's face. We don't paint sick children or over open wounds. We use cotton swabs, disposable sponges and cotton balls whenever possible. Brushes, towels, bottles, cups and containers are washed and sterilized regularly to assure a clean, healthy working environment for the artist and our customers. We also offer airbrush facepainting for larger gatherings. The state of the art system, distributed by Dinair, uses certified non-toxic makeup which can be removed with rubbing alchohol or soap & water depending on which paint is being used. Our hair paint is commercially available through most party & theatrical supply shops & is easily removed with shampoo & water. It will not damage or permanently discolor hair.

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Where do you get your other supplies?

Take a look at the Prefered Vendor's list on the Links & Friends page! If you'd like to learn more about clowning, the book list is great, too.

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What are the best ingredients for a great birthday party?

1) a birthday person(s) 2) guests 3) food 4) decorations - you know, Molly's colors are primary (hint hint) 5) about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes for the performance depending on the attendance & the performance 6) an area like a den, living room, family room, shaded porch or patio clear of distractions such as TV, radio or parents' conversations 7) chairs & sofas are nice; a surface for face painting is also really cool but not necessary. We work on the floor just as easily as anywhere & we always bring a parachute to sit upon for the show & the one-on-one work. 8) a clown's request: please schedule the entertainer's appearance before the children eat or drink anything. Sugar makes for short attention spans and LOTS of energy. They won't be in the mood to sit, we promise! We know!

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How long should I plan for my birthday party?

A clowns advice: schedule two to two and a half hours for the party, especially if it is for children less than five years or so. There is such thing as over stimulation & over planning. The best parties (without a meal) start with the entertainer arriving 15 minutes after the party starts (no food, sugar or drinks) allows for socialization & latecomers; 20-25 minutes for the stage show; and cake, ice cream, goodies, other games & presents about 10 minutes after the one-on-one work starts. Everyone gets turns, everyone gets attention and although it is a party atmosphere, there is still an opportunity to maintain control during the chaos AND visit with the adults!

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What if my event is scheduled in a public place?

Permission - if the event is scheduled for a public place, ask permission to have a performer. Sometimes another costumed character can cause a conflict of interest with a theme restaurant. McDonald's has Ronald. Nope. Sorry! Molly is not allowed but Peppermint is! Bullwinkle's has a handsome, tall moose and with permission, they will allow Molly to come & play in the private dining area. Showtime has its cast of characters and Molly is allowed in the private dining area for special events.

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What if my child is scared of clowns?

Stranger fear is common for two to three year olds and as with most situations, can usually be overcome with gentle reassurance from a parent or guardian and quiet re-exposure to the experience. There are those children who may have had a bad experience with other performers for some reason or another. Molly Anne the Clown is not an "in your face" type of clown. By allowing the frightened child to dictate what will and won't be allowed, the performer will not force their presence upon the youngster but will keep their head down, speak softly, reassure the insecurity and maintain a calm, shy persona until the youngster is comfortable. Tears are part & parcel to the fear - hold your child & always offer them the option to leave the room if need be. Although never neglected or ostracized, the child will gingerly be included as a part of the event so that everyone has an opportunity to participate. Often times, the one who is most uncertain at first ends up getting hugged and praised by the end of the party and is usually the one missed the most by the performer.

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Do I need to feed the performer?

No, except for a glass of water from time to time (or unless specified in the contract agreement), please do not feed the performer. Elastic only goes so far!

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The weatherman is calling for HEAT!!!

Heat is not so bad but the humidity is a killer. The performer and the children will need shade and lots & lots of water to drink. If Molly comes to visit in her regular costume, she is wearing SEVEN layers of clothing at her waist. It is at least 15-20 degrees hotter in her costume than it is outside and her skin is unable to breathe or sweat. More than an hour in the heat and/or direct sunlight & she is in danger of heat stroke. Since she does work alone, please do not hesitate to keep an eye out for her and put a glass of water in her hand anytime. Her mother thanks you very, very much.

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Are you insured?

Yes, we carry a comprehensive general liability policy through World Clown Association with coverage of $1,000,000 limit per occurrence/$2,000,000 total aggregate per event. There is a small fee for additional insureds (malls, hotels, etc.). Copies of our certification are available upon request.

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Do you get tired of answering all these questions?

No, but are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

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More questions?

Forward them on to the Clown House!

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