Karaoke party

THE PARTY SCRIPT

Act 1, Scene 1

Just like every great rock concert you have ever attended, your party is a production. As producer you will need a script, which we detail below.

Scene 1 - the rock lounge: As your guests arrive, lead them to "The Lounge", a private sitting room reserved exclusively for them (a.k.a. your living room). Music of their favorite bands and singers fills the air. There will be a variety of activities set up to transform your guests into rock stars:

Tattoo parlor: set up a station to give your guests rock-themed temporary tattoos

Face painting: no need to hire a professional. With a good, but simple, kit you can create some impressive little designs. Just keep the options simple.

Walk of fame: have the kids decorate and sign large paper stars which you have cut out in advance. As they are completed, tape them to the ground on the walk to the karaoke area. Thick, solid-color wrapping paper can serve as the "sidewalk" to which the stars are attached.

Scene 2 - the karaoke stage: When all have had a chance to complete their stars, pull everyone together and announce that it is time for the concert to begin! Lead everyone across the completed "walk of fame", to the karaoke area.

Now it is time to set the ground rules. First, make it clear that everybody has to take turns – though groups of singers should be encouraged. Next, you announce that there is a rock star dress-up room.

This is the room (or space) that you’ve designated with a star on the door. Inside are all sorts of props for the kids to wear and hold. Pull out all of the craziest shirts, hats, ties, costume jewelry and props that you can find and put them in this room. Dig into your closet for these items… I’m sure they are there! Inflatable props, like guitars, are fun and good for those that prefer not to sing.

Scene 3 - the performances begin: Now choose the first rock stars to strut their stuff. It is possible, regardless of the energy level, that when it comes time to jump on the karaoke stage, you may not have any volunteers. No problem. As a contingency you will have prepped your child in advance to be the first singer, and perhaps they can convince one or two others to join them. Note: if your child is not willing to be the first singer... then you probably chose the wrong party theme :)

While they get dressed, play some music for the other kids to dance to, or distract them with a game of Simon Says. Once that first group gets on stage, your next group will likely be begging to go. Send them to the dress up room to get ready while the first group is singing. Continue this as long as there is interest, or until the food begins to call (likely the latter).

"Interest is waning what do I do?" If you fear that energy levels are falling, then be ready with a few tricks up your sleeve. One favorite is to simulate a balloon drop by emptying garbage bags full of balloons into the middle of the dance floor. You may also wish to break up the singing with some games, like the Freeze Dance or Name That Tune. Be flexible though… if they are having fun singing, then run with it.

Scene 4 - the finale: To end on a high, and to ensure everyone gets one last moment in the spotlight, you may wish to end with a group song. Pull everyone up on stage and put on a song that you know most of them are familiar with. "We’re all in this together" (from High School Musical) was the perfect choice at our daughter’s party. Have your video camera ready for this spectacular finale!

Scene 5 - wrapping it up: After all of that performing, the kids will be hungry! So when the time is right, lead them to the food and cake. After cake, if there is time, the kids can head back to the karaoke for more singing. Otherwise, send the kids packing with a rock star themed favor bag.

At last, take a well-deserved deep breath and smile… you are done! Once again you have pulled off a truly unique and memorable birthday party experience. You turned your kids and their friends into rock stars for a day, and in the process created a birthday party that they will always remember.

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