PRINTOn the Job: Event planner
Photo by Ashley Reinsch
June 2, 2011 | 12:00 a.m. CST
UPDATE: Greg Hill was never Mr. Claus at the mall.
The world might be a stage, but for Greg Hill, owner of EntPro Entertainment, it’s a party. Having dressed as a purple dinosaur and built a speakeasy for a Roaring ’20s event, the party pro makes it clear no stakes are too high for one of his gigs.
Name: Greg Hill
Age: 46
CoMo Resident Since: 2002
At Job Since: 2003
Contact: 447-3424
Online: entproentertainment.com
How did you get into the party business?
When I moved to Columbia, I applied for bartending and serving jobs. Because I had 20 years of experience, nobody would hire me. I took that as a sign that it was time to hang up my apron and jump all four feet into this entertainment business. It’s worked out really well.
What are the best parts of your job?
At every wedding, I love to see the bride and groom do their first dance. I do 25 to 30 wedding parties a year. I get goose bumps every time I see that. It’s things like that keep you going, even though it can be stressful. A 12‑hour day is pretty much a regular day for me.
What kinds of props do you make?
It depends on the theme. We did a Monopoly-themed party for Purina, so we built a full-sized jail. When they landed on jail, we had Keystone Kops — those bumbling police officers you see in silent movies. They’d go get the guys and throw them in jail. It was all in fun.
What’s the most interesting themed party you’ve ever thrown?
I did have a bride and groom do a Star Wars-themed wedding and reception. We did the DJ work for it. The people in the actual wedding wore the costumes with lightsabers and everything. We had a script that was the same kind of talk that they used. I thought that was kind of crazy, especially for a wedding.
How do you ensure the quality of the freelance entertainers you hire?
We check them out first. I do it on a weekly basis. I’m really good at canvassing the Web. I check out their material. I go to their websites. If they’re close by, I’ll go catch a show. For clowns, we require experience. Clown college teaches the development of the character, the clothing that they wear and how to relate to the child. We’ve got a couple clowns that are very good. Even adults watch them, smile and laugh because they’re that good.
What events have you had to turn down?
We’ve had calls for the XXX things. When people see entertainment, they get confused. They’re thinking it’s entertainment in the adult world. One guy called one time, and I knew what he was looking for, and he goes, “What do you got?” I was like, “I’ve got a clown.” He goes, “Well, that’s kind of weird, isn’t it?” But then I had to tell him we do family entertainment.
What costumes have you worn for different events?
I have been a Wild Wild West bartender with a curly mustache. I have been the purple dinosaur, and I have been a pirate-type dress-up before. We’ve dressed in gangster outfits in all black with the white tie and handkerchief. I’ve done that Barney outfit before.
