In backyards, living rooms, and community centers across the country, fairy tales are coming to life. Children’s birthday parties are undergoing a magical transformation, thanks to the growing trend of hiring professional “party princesses” to make kids’ special days unforgettable.
The demand for party princesses has soared in recent years, with agencies and freelance performers tailored to a child’s favorite story.
Companies that specialize in character appearances say they receive numerous requests each weekend, especially during peak birthday seasons.
“Parents want to bring magic to their children’s day,” said Sarah Matthews, owner of Enchanted Dreams Entertainment. “It’s not just about cakes and presents anymore. The princess is a chance to make the birthday child feel like they’ve stepped into their favorite storybook.”
Upon arrival, these performers fully embody the character they’re playing, maintaining accents and mannerisms in line with the character’s story. A party typically includes a grand entrance, songs, storytelling, themed games, and plenty of photo ops.
Kaitlyn Torres, a seasoned party princess, describes the experience as magical for both the children and herself.
“The moment you walk in and the kids see their favorite princess, their faces light up. You’re not just playing a role—you’re bringing something to life for them,” Torres said. “We sing together, dance, do arts and crafts, and I make sure the birthday girl or boy feels like the star.”
For many parents, these performers also provide much-needed help in keeping partygoers entertained and engaged. Performers often lead the entire event, creating a flow and structure that can keep even the most energetic children captivated for hours.
“I started doing this on weekends as a college student,” Torres said. “Now, I’ve built up enough regular clients and bookings to make it a career.”
And the work is lucrative. Depending on the location and the event’s duration, party princesses can earn anywhere from $100 to $300 per appearance, with some high-end bookings in urban areas reaching even higher.
While the job may sound like a dream come true, there are challenges to being a party princess. Performers must be ready for the demands of the role: singing on cue, entertaining large groups of children, staying in character for hours, and often enduring extreme heat in elaborate costumes. Some also face the added pressure of parental expectations.
“There’s a lot of responsibility,” Torres said. “The kids believe in the magic, and you can’t break character. You’ve got to be prepared for anything—unexpected questions, little ones grabbing at your costume, and even nervous or shy kids who need coaxing out of their shells.”
Additionally, the job has become more competitive. With more companies and freelance performers entering the market, standing out means ensuring top-quality costumes, mastering accents, and having a wide repertoire of characters.
For the children, it’s a chance to live their dream for a day, while for performers like Torres, it’s about spreading joy.
“I know I’m not just an entertainer,” she said. “For these kids, I’m part of a memory that will last for years. There’s real magic in that.”