Interview with a Pro - Children's Entertainer Christopher Ortiz
Chris Ortiz has been a professional Children’s Entertainer for 17 years. Here he talks about his background, how he got started, what it takes to be an entertainer, and why he loves it so much!
Tell us about your background.
“I was born in Mexico City and moved to San Diego at the age of two, so I consider myself a native San Diegan. I grew up playing soccer and have a college education, and I was always considered the funny class clown in school. I am one of three siblings and my older sister is the main reason why I am an entertainer. My sister Cynthia, or ButterBean The Clown, introduced me to the world of children's entertainment 17 years ago and since then....it has been the most FUN, selfless, rewarding, inspiring and wild ride I have ever had!”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“As a child, I wanted to be a professional soccer player like my dad. In my early teens, I wanted to be a lawyer because I thought I was always right. In my young adult hood, I wanted to be an actor because I thought I had "it". And now, I still don't want to grow up! Haha. I still have dreams of doing more!”
How did you get into Children's Entertainment?
“My amazing sister Cynthia introduced me to the industry many years ago and it is something I cherish for the rest of my life.”
Do you remember when you had to perform your first time?
“Yes! My first performing event, I had to get in a Curious George costume for a library event and engage with the kids.”
What do you love most about entertaining kids?
“Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces or how excited they get see you or receive a balloon or face painting from you. You never know what is going on in that kid's life, so when there's an opportunity to provide joy, fun and excitement in their world, I like going all out. I like hearing from the kids, too. I always engage with them first and ask them questions about their interests.”
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being an entertainer?
“Time management at events. You always want to entertain all your guests. However, sometimes you are only booked for a certain amount of time. Therefore, as a professional entertainer, you have to have some awareness in terms of how long your line is or how much time you have left so you do not end up disappointing guests or staying over your time. Every event is different, so it takes experience to know how to handle each situation.”
What advice would you give to a new entertainer starting out in the business?
“I will loosely apply the quote from NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders: "If you look good, you feel good. Feel good, you play good. Play good, the pay good."
Being an entertainer is all about first impressions. You have to invest in yourself early and often to make sure you look good at events and make the best first impression in the industry. Parents and corporate clients will easily forget you if you do not make a lasting impression.
If you are brand new to the industry, you will start out doing less-skilled gigs, but STICK WITH IT! We all had to learn the ropes, and I am so thankful for every gig I worked. Children's entertainment is just like any other trade. The more you sharpen your skills, the better you will be and the more money you will make. This industry is not meant for everyone. Practice makes perfect and you have to invest some time and money into your skills and appearance, respectively.
This industry is financially rewarding. The more effort you put into it, the more you get out of it. You are your own business. So why not be the best?”