Creative Parties for Kids is proud to present some of our highly creative and qualified entertainers. Each entertainer has a special talent and has been trained and screened to work with Creative Parties for Kids. Many of our entertainers work just with us, and are trained personally by our director, Lisa Cohen. Each character actor has an outline of the party and specific game and activities to do according to that theme. Some of our entertainers have their own specialty
ENTERTAINER - Short Biography

ELIZABETH BAIRD
Elisabeth is a senior in visual arts at Orange County High School of the Arts and has worked as a facepainter for 2 years. Her creativity and kindness are endearing and meet with critical acclaim at all of her events. She is very involved with her church and charity events.

SARAH BLOCK
Sarah Block thoroughly enjoys performing with Creative Partiesfor Kids! Her previous experience performing as Goofy, Tigger,Geppetto and Foulfellow at Disneyland really helps when it comesto bringing the "magic" to her performance at various parties! Aside from parties, Sarah also performs in Los Angeles on the stage and the screen. She's currently studying comedy and improv at the Groundlings and LA Connection Theater and is writing aseries of sketches for a sitcom pilot. She is represented byDreamScope Entertainment Management and JLA Models Agency.

DEVIN CARRILLO
Devin has taken several acting courses and brings high energyalong with his outgoing personality to all the parties andevents. He has played many of our costumed characters, Batman,Spiderman, and Captain Sparrow to name a few. Devin works wellwith kids of all ages making sure all the children (even theshyest) get involved and have a good time. Devin is currentlyenrolled in high school and stays active in the arts and sports

ERIN CLARK
Erin is a graduate of Cal State University, Fullerton where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. Since graduating, she has been working at professional theaters throughout California. Most recently, she spent a year and a half traveling around the world performing as a singer for Holland America Cruise Line. Erin absolutely loves working with children and feels so blessed to have a job that allows her to connect with kids in such a fun and creative way!

LEAH MACHELLE COHEN
Leah is an accomplished actress, singer and dancer who has many years of experience at Creative Parties for Kids.....at least 10 of her almost 17 years of working with her Mother, Lisa, at many parties and events. She is a student at Orange County High School of the Arts (musical theatre), has studied in New York at The Stella Adler Studio, has performed in numerous musicals currently performing in Midsummer Night's Dream, recently Chess the Musical (Danny Gerwin, director), and has also worked with the popular children's theatre company, "Broadway on Tour ". Leah also stars as Alfee the Alphabet Fairy on mom's TV show... "The Story Lady's Magic Book". Leah has taught drama and dance Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center, Pacific School of Music and the Arts and with Creative Arts for Kids After School Programs. She loves playing and inter-acting with the children as a character, and is always able to connect with the children as well as to take command of any situation

LISA COHEN
Lisa has a BA in Theater and Dance from University of Colorado Boulder, She has studied with The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, performed with The Denver Center TheaterCompany and many regional theaters in such plays as PrivateLives, Midsummer Night's Dream, The Legend of Arthur to name a few. Her life's work has been focused on arts education and children's entertainment. She has worked with The Orange County Performing Arts Center, The Imagucation Celebration and has her own children's television show, "The StoryLady's Magic Book" (Time Warner Cable). She also wrote (with James Post) the original musical, "Hannah,Hershele and The Magic of Chanukah" which was performed at The Merage Theater - Jewish Community Center of Orange County in 2005. She has performed at probably hundreds of children's parties and events. Graduate studies in Educational Administration at California State University Fullerton. Her most treasured job is being Lea's Mom. Lisa is also involved working in the solar industry spreading sunshine on rooftops as well as at kids parties. She works with Solarrus Corporation.

DECORATOR - TODD BARON
Todd Baron studied Theatre Arts at Orange Coast College in the 1970's with a focus in stage production, design and construction. In the 1980's he was a member of The Orange County Magic Club where he learned all about clowning, including balloons, where is focus now lies. He is a master balloon twister and decorator. He began working with Creative Parties for Kids in 1990's as an entertainer, balloon artist and decor. He is also a certified bridal consultant. His decorations often grace the charity Pumpkins and Pancakes at South Coast Plaza each year. He also did Leah's Bat Mitzvah as well as many charity events.

MICHAEL FONTANESI
Michael Fontanesi has enjoyed working with Creative Parties for Kids for over a year. He has been involved in theatre for quite some time, including the Villa Park High School's drama department, The Music Roon of Orange County, and recently was featured in a film through the Orange County High School of the Arts. Michael has been involved in the ASB community service clubs, and the honors program throughout high school. He is looking forward to studying law and acting in college. Michael truly loves working for Creative Parties for Kids, and can't wait for the next party to begin!

MIA DE GUZMAN
Mia De Guzman is a high-energy, ready to go performer. She studies acting at the Orange County High School of the Arts and enjoys every minute of it. She is part of the International Thespian Society and favorite show performances include: OurTown, The King and I, and an original play entitled Through These Eyes. Mia currently lives in Whittier, CA and has experience teaching theater to elementary students and taking care of children in after school day-cares.

DANA GALINSKY
Dana is a classically trained actress. She was born and raised in the Chicago area. She attended Tisch School of the Arts where she graduated with a degree in Theater Performance and Dramaturgy. While in New York, she appeared in various off broadway shows and appeared on the television show "Hope and Faith". Since making the move to Los Angeles to pursue a television and film career, Dana has had roles in "Arrested Development", "Desperate Housewives", and has a leading role in the television pilot "Bruno's Place", which is awaiting distribution. She loves putting a smile on children's faces and making their birthday parties magical!

ROXANNE GOODCELL
Roxanne has been face-painting at parties and events for approximately four years, and just recently added her talents to the Creative Parties for Kids team. She has experience withmake-up as well, working as head of make-up crew for her high school's drama productions. Also, she is busy working on and designing the Creative Parties for Kids face-painting manual forall the other creative entertainers. Roxanne plans on attending Laguna College of Art and Design to study animation and game art, hence working with children is always a delightful and inspiring experience for her.

SUZANNAH GRATZ
Suzannah is a senior at Orange County High School of the Arts, she is an active participant in the theatre community throughout Orange County. She just finished playing "Bessie" in "Marvin's Room. She works with children as a volunteer at CHOC Hospital and has been an assistant in drama camp at The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center. She looks forward to working with you and making your child's party the best it can be!

ANN GUENTHER - PRINCESS PIPSQUEAK
Princess Pipsqueak the clown has been clowning nine years.Children love her face painting, magic, games and balloons. She makes sure to dress appropriately for the guest's ages and location of event. She is on the list of approved vendors for the County of Orange and she continues to grow her skills through seminars and conventions.

DAVID GUNTHER
David is an exceptional actor, model, stage combat specialist and professional model. (Recently called back as an "Abercrombie" model). He is a directing student at Chapman University. His athletic and dramatic approach are always met with critical acclaim at Creative Parties for Kids events. He also is a professional stuntman, and is often flipping around as a super-hero, handsome prince, or jedi knight. He loves to perform as often as he can when he is not directing soon to be "hit" movies and finishing his thesis!
JEREMY HOHN
Jeremy is an honors student at Fullerton College where is double majoring in theatre and bio-engineering. Some of his recent theatrical roles have been Trevor Graydon in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and Bobby Van Husen in "The Boyfriend". He also volunteers and does community service with The Red Cross. Jeremy is a popular inter-active super-hero, handsome prince, and Jedi. He looks forward to making your child's party lots of fun. He is often requested by repeat clients!

DANIEL HUNT
Acting now for almost a decade, Daniel sees no end to his theatrical life any time soon. Daniel is currently attending Fullerton College while pursuing a degree in Theater Arts. Eventually, Daniel hopes to start a career as a voice actor, butnever plans on ending his time either on the stage or in front of the camera. Some of Daniel's credits include The Beauty and The Beast (The Beast), Laramie Project: Epilogue 10 Years Later (Russell Henderson), Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet), To Kill A Mockingbird (Bob Ewell), The Rocky Horror Show (Dr. Scott), Bent (Horst). Daniel also received a Cappie Nomination for "Comic Actor in a Musical" for his portrayal of The Cat in the Hat inSeussical, as well as a Cappie Award for "Featured Actor in a Play" for his performance as Ferris Layman in "The Diviners". Daniel is currently acting with the murder mystery dinner theater company, The Gourmet Detective.

ROBYN JACKSON
Robyn Michelle Jackson was born in Pennsylvania and studied at performing arts middle school where she learned ballet and modern dance from her childhood mentor, Ana Frenes.Jackson. She participated in color guard with the school marching band as a majorette, throwing flags and twirling rifles. After graduation she moved to California to pursue a career in dance and performing arts. She soon realized that her passion was within songwriting, singing, and choreography. Currently, Jackson teaches Hip-Hop and Jazz to youths between the ages of 8-15 at Momentum Dance Studio. She is also pursuing a certificate to become a dance instructor at Orange Coast Community College. From there, she hopes to transfer to a local University where she can further study all different dance styles.

STACI JACOBS
Staci Jacobs has been performing in theater productions since she was five. Trained at the Orange County HS of the Arts, Staci enjoys every minute of acting, singing, and dancing. Staci has performed as "Annie" in Annie and as "Polly" in "The Boyfriend" to name just a few! With many musicals and "creative parties" under her belt she is a natural with the youngsters. She has worked with kids in camps, and has helped underprivileged kids in Mexico. Staci is an outgoing, enthusiastic, loving person and can't wait to help your son/daughter have a magical birthday.

MELISSA KNUTSON
Melissa Knutson has been dancing, acting, and singing for over 15 years. She loves working with children, and has taught children's dance at a number of dance schools and art centers. She has worked with The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center and volunteered at The Orange County Children's Book Festival with Creative Parties for Kids. Her favorite character to play is "Cinderella". She is also currently attending University of California Irvine to become a teacher.

MARY LAUREN
Mary has been performing her whole life. She has her Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater from The College of Santa Fe. She has been working with children for 9 years. She has directed and choreographed for many children's programs in the area, including"The Music Room School of Performing Arts." She is also a professional performer most recently playing "Helena" in "A Midsummer's Nights Dream".

TIM MARTIN
Tim Martin has performed all over the country as far north as Boston and NYC, south in Biloxi, MS and west to L.A. and Orange County in several productions such as the National Tour of "The Lord of the Dance" and musicals such as Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Al Peterson in Bye, Bye, Birdie!, and the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, to name a few. He was also a parade dancer/performer at the Disneyland Resort for 5 1/2 years. He has a degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Redlands and is currently teaching theatre to children around Orange County. He has been with Creative Parties for Kids since January of 2003 and has appeared as Luke Skywalker, Peter Pan and his specialty, Harry Potter, among others. He also served as the assistant to Lisa Cohen for a year.

ELENA MURRAY
Elena is a sharp, gifted young actress and theater student in Cal State Fullerton's renown theater program. She was born and raised in San Francisco, where she studided theater and dance for mostof her life. She has won countless awards in theater, and is a California Arts Scholar, performing in such shows as "42nd Street", "Meet Me in St. Louis", and "Taming of the Shrew". Her many years of experience with child care services makes her a hit with children, and her sparkling, infectious personality creates a truly special atmosphere for events. She loves working with children at parties and has a blast everytime!

KRISMAN NEVILLE
Krisman Neville recieved training for his acting and singing at OCHSA (Orange County High School of the Arts) where he has done many shows ranging from Shakespeare's Hamlet to the famed musical Guys & Dolls to Neil Simon's comedic Rumors. Acting isn't all he does, however, he also volunteers at his local library reading stories to children and at the Grove theatre working to teach his craft, Acting, to kids of all ages.

NAATHAN PHAN (MAGICIAN)
Naathan Phan studied creative writing at the Orange County High School of the Arts, and is an Eagle Scout. He became interested in magic at the age of 5, and. since then, has expanded his horizons to include such arts as balloon twisting, singing, acting. Naathan currently performs in the Gourmet Detective; Orange and LA County's # 1 murder mystery dinner theatre. Having just appeared as Puck in "A Midsummer's Night's Dream" he is truly a multi-faceted performer! He also recently starred in our Creative Parties for Kids Magic & Balloon Training Video... for all of our performers!

JAMES PARSONS (MAGICIAN)
James has been working with Creative Parties for two years as a magician. When requested he comes to events dressed in renaissance garb, complete with his white bunny and white dove. He performs and inter-active complete magic show where your child can be the magic assistant to many of the amazing magic tricks. He has performed at many venues, including doing shows for movie stars children.
ADRIANA REYNOLDS
Adriana specializes in children's dance parties that are fun inter-active and energetic. She has her own entertainment company and is under the age of twenty! She can do Polynesian, Modern, Hip Hop and Ballet. She also teaches children at a local dance studio in Yorba Linda.

BRITTANY SIGUENZA
I'm an active, spirit filled teenager, who loves to have fun! I've been playing soccer for 14 years now, so running around with energy isn't a problem. I was a babysitter for 3 years, where I babysat almost every weekend for kids between the ages of 6 months-12 years old. I enjoyed playing games and being with the kids. I'm still an abosulte kid at heart, where I still watch disney channel and High School Musical is one of my favorite movies. Dancing around to the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana is something one may find me doing in my room quite often.
My experiences with performing started with elementary school plays and skits, that went on to middle school comedy sports captain of the improv team and having the lead in the school play, to now where I am i the Advanced Drama program and have been involved with all of our school's productions. I love acting, and playing different characters.
I am also a very hard-worker. I'm ASB President at my school, and getting good grades is something very important to me. I have strong work ethic and do things full heartdly.

MATT SOLOMON
My Name is Matthew Solomon! I have been acting since i was 7 years old performing in numerous shows including Annie,Repunzel,Snow White,Peter Pan,Fiddler on The Roof and many more! I have worked with children all my life as well working with my mother in her classroom, she is a special needs teacher for pre school and first grade students! I have great personality and have achieved awards in my acting department! I also attended Orange County High School Of The Arts for Musical Theater! lights camera action!

TAYLOR SOLOMON
Taylor is an accomplished young actress and student of theatre at Orange County High School of the Arts. She works with the well-known CAMP OCHSA , working with Santa Ana youth in theatre. She loves doing parties and has worked with Creative Parties for Kids for a year. Her bubbly personality and experience working with kids makes every event special. She has performed in numerous plays, movies and musicals. She is currently performing in Midsummer Night's Dream, and has studied at Idyllwild Arts and CalArts. She is also available for parties in Temecula.

WES TIMMONS
Wes is one of our most requested pirates and characters.His backround includes theatrical roles in musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar", he is also a professional photographer focusing on children's sports events. His attention to character detail and performance has led him to pursue a career as a professional pirate. He is often requested as "Captain J" and can perform at promotional events and adult parties as well as kids events.
JENNIFER WEST
Caricaturist, Jennifer West is a former TV and Disneyland artist. She has attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Ca., illustrated some published books, written and illustrated children`s books of her own. She has been drawing caricatures and painting faces at children`s parties, celebrity events, cooperate events, company picnics, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Christmas parties, trade shows, school events and more since 1992. She is greatly popular because of her amazingly accurate likenesses. She can also face-paint, do balloons and is working on her own original puppet show~!
NIGIL WILSON
Nigil is a graduate of Orange County High School of the Arts and currently lives in San Clemente. He is also an accomplished recording artist and musician.He is currently attending college and pursuing a performing career. He has performed with The Ultimate Improv in Los Angeles and loves Shakespeare. Nigil has worked with Creative Parties for Kids for two years.









