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All eyes on Charles.   Kids want to know what he's up to.  He brings out their curiosity. 

Yelp and other reviews

We are listing Yelp Reviews because the Yelp site only shows a sample of those they have received.  At the bottom of their page, it offers a convoluted opportunity to see more. 

​Here are all the Yelp reviews, plus reviews from additional sources.

All FIVE STAR REVIEWS

Kati K.
Berkeley, CA.  11/11/24
5.0 star rating


We had a local (lives in El Cerrito) magician/clown act for our child's 4th birthday at Arlington Park and we and the kids thought he was absolutely wonderful. He also made animal balloons of choice for the kids and had a few magic tricks that adults were invited to voluntarily and happily participate in. The entire show was interactive (with no pressure to participate). So we just wanted to recommend Charles Kraus in case you're looking for delightfully fun local entertainment for kids (and adults!). He travels to pretty much any locale as well and scheduling and working with him was such an easy process. Thank you, Charles!

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Tobin G.
​Seattle
5.0 star rating 5/13/24

Charles put on an absolutely wonderful performance at the birthday party for our two sons who were turning 3 and 4. We had about a dozen kids with ages ranging from preschool through 10. The children were unanimously enamored by Charles. He has a gift for talking to kids and I've never seen any individual keep a group of kids, particularly pre school age children, at perfect attention for an entire hour like he did! The best part? The kids were cracking up to the point of tears for the whole show. This brought warmth to the heart every parent there. I highly recommend you bring him to any party for adults or kids, you will not be disappointed!


Prem R.
Kirkland

5.0 star rating  2/21/24

Charles had all the kids at our birthday party laughing and giggling non-stop.  He was on time and very professional throughout.  Highly recommended.  


Britton K.
Seattle

5.0 star rating 10/1/23

I hired Charles to perform as a magician for my son's 6th birthday. There were 18 kids at the party. Charles arrived on time and set up for his performance in less than 10 minutes. The show was just over 30 minutes and ended with Charles making balloon animals for all the kids. During the show, the kids were mesmerized, laughing at all of his silly jokes. He has a gift for being able to connect with 5-6 year olds. I really enjoyed how he involved the kids asking different ones to come participate in tricks at various points of the show. He's talented, kind, and professional.


Rashmi A.
San Francisco, A

5.0 star rating 4/6/23

Charles filled our son's 4th birthday with laughter and joy.  As soon as he entered the house he caught the attention of all the children.  All the kids kept laughing until the show ended.  They got tired laughing throughout the show.  He kept them occupied for 45 minutes.  I would recommend Charles for any kid's party.

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Josh L.
Sherman Oaks, CA

5.0 star rating     4/26/22

​We had Charles the Clown perform for my son's 6th birthday party.

I normally don't write reviews on Yelp, but I was compelled to write one because I want other parents to have the same wonderful experience for their kids that my son so greatly enjoyed on his birthday.

In the days since the party, I've heard my son's friends discuss how they thought Charles the Clown was "so funny," and I've heard adults say that his show was their favorite part of the event.

It's clear from the start of the show that Charles is much more than an entertainer.  He understands children, how they think, what makes them laugh, what might make them afraid, and how to reassure them.

He arrives at the party looking like an ordinary man -- except for the red pants and a rather clownish shirt -- then begins transforming himself into Charles The Clown, making the whole process hilarious.  He uses the dynamics in his voice to get loud when the show is funny, but just as important, to get soft and reassuring when he does something that might be scary for a kid - like when his puppet is first introduced.  By doing this, Charles puts the kids completely at ease, gains their trust, and gets them ready to laugh out loud during the rest of the show.

Seeing the children laugh reminded me of watching the audience at a movie theater enjoying great comedy, or an audience watching a brilliant standup comedian.  At the end of each line, the kids erupted with laughter.  Charles fully understands what kids find funny, and keeps them keeled over in laughter for nearly the entire show.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that my son literally fell off his chair at one point in the show because he was laughing so hard.  I've never seen my son watch anything he found remotely as funny.

I was with the same group of kids at a birthday party the prior weekend.  During the show at that party, the kids became bored, some of them started running up on stage, or getting distracted and yelling.  With Charles, the kids who had been disruptive the week before were instead captivated by his act.  They were fully immersed in the show. Watching the kids have such a wonderful time is the best part of the show for us as parents.

The most touching part for me was when, just before the show ended, my son said, "this is the best day ever."  What more could you want for your kid on his or her birthday?  And Charles the Clown played a huge role in making my son's birthday so special.

I can't recommend him highly enough for your children's parties.
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Sunita M.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating        9/23/2019
Charles is amazing with kids and knows how to keep them engaged and entertained !!!  I highly recommend Charles the 'Perfect' clown.

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Bhavi P.
Kirkland, WA

5.0 star rating8/26/2019
We had a great time with Charles. He was funny, spontaneous and engaging with children all time. We had a child who was terrified with clown BUT Charles made act at ease and child had blast and wants me to invite again to entertain. Thank You Charles the Clown

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Inna D.
Missoula, MT

5.0 star rating 5/5/2019
We invited Charles the Clown to my son's 5th birthday and it was a great experience! The show was wonderful and funny and the kids were laughing throughout the whole show! They kept talking about the show all the following week. I highly recommend inviting Charles!

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Chris N.
Kirkland, WA

5.0 star rating4/22/2019
Had him for our kids Easter Party and 25 kids were laughing non stop for 45 minutes. My kids want him back next year. 5 star all the way.

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C B.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating    12/2019
My boy just celebrated his 7th birthday and Charles the Clown was great! My son and his friends had a fun time. Laughter all over the room. Even us adults enjoyed it very much too. Charles was really great! Awesome said my boy!

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Sanda P.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating     4/3/2019
Charles was amazing! We used him for my nieces 1st birthday party. He entertained 15 children ranging from 1 year to 7years old and keep them all engaged.  I was very impressed.

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Aparna V.
Redmond, WA

5.0 star rating    3/16/2019
We hired Charles for our son's first birthday circus themed party. He did an amazing job keeping all the kids engaged. We had many parents tell us that their kids thought this was the best party ever. He keeps the kids busy for one hour and is very reasonably priced. Kids between ages of 4 - 10 enjoyed his show the most. You cannot go wrong with Charles! Very glad we hired him.

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R S.
Bothell, WA

5.0 star rating   1/14/2019
We had Charles for our Son's 6th B'day party. He was really good and all the kids had a great time.

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Neeharika S.
Mill Creek, WA

5.0 star rating   4/3/2018
We booked Charles for my kid's 3rd birthday party, the event was a hit of the party. He was very friendly and funny..my kid laughed through out the event. He also managed to entertain all the kids, ages range from 2 years to 14 years.

Really loved his worked..if we get a chance would definitely hire him again.

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Matthias B.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating 2/11/2018
I created a Yelp account only leave feedback for Charles.

Charles performed at my son's 10th birthday party and he was absolutely AMAZING!

Also thank you to Linda (his wonderful assistant/office manager)

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Mary N.
Snoqualmie, WA

5.0 star rating 6/9/2018
Charles was great. He was able to entertain 11 kids Ages range 2 to 6 years old for an hour and had a blast. For the whole hour they didn't stop laughing. Parents were all entertained as well and said it was an amazing show. My 5 years old kid didn't stop talking about him all day ( never seen her laughing that hard for that long).
He did a very nice job getting dressed as a clown in front of the kids ( in a very funny way) which made it less intimidating to the little ones.
I should also mention that it was raining and the power outlet didn't work at the park  and he had to adjust the location for that at the beginning of the show. I defiantly recommend him and would hire him again in the future.

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Simon M.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating 3/8/2017
Charles was great, he held the attention of 24 kids aged 3-8 for an hour. It was great to see them so engaged and laughing so much. So glad that we had him at our 5 year old's birthday party.

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Lydia L.
Redmond, WA

5.0 star rating  2/2/2016
Charles is so amazing! He saved me! When I got to know that there will be 50+ kids in the party, I couldn't sleep for almost the whole night! I don't know what to do. Then I remember the ad I saw on the magazine, so I called them. Linda is wonderful! She is patient, warm and kind. She explained and discussed with me the details about what Charles will do. Charles did a great job in our party! He entertained the kids so much that they all love him! I could hear laughing all the time from his group. He is very gentle, nice and funny for kids. I thank Charles and Linda so much that I will definitely call for their help next time! Thank you!

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Zoe M.
Seattle, WA

5.0 star rating  12/20/2015
Charles came to our daughters birthday party in mid July. Every parent was so impressed with him.  He was extremely organized, finding our location at the park and getting there promptly. He slowly dressed as a clown in front of the audience as to not scare young kids since the age range was between 2-5.Kids were captivated and laughed all the way through while having such a calm and nice demeanor. I was truly impressed and would highly recommend him for kids parties!

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Mallika S.
Auburn, WA

5.0 star rating    8/19/2015
We had Charles come over for my daughters first birthday and the kids really had a great time. He was on time and even got sound system so everyone can hear him. I would highly recommend Charles the Clown.

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Diana J.
Elgin, IL

5.0 star rating   7/22/2015
Charles managed to captivate 22 children, ages 2 to 11, for over an hour at our children's party. The children were giggling through the entire thing. The parents raved about him. He has a very calming and lovable presence about him. Highly recommended!

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Danielle E.
San Francisco, CA

5.0 star rating   7/13/2015
We saw Charles the Clown at the Mountain View Library last month. My kids never laughed so hard! He put his make-up on in front of the kids. My daughter was scared of the last clown she saw, but not of Charles! Puppets were cute too!

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Chuck C.
Bothell, WA

5.0 star rating    4/26/2015
We had Charles the Clown come to my daughter's 7th Birthday Party.  It was the best Birthday Party ever according to my daughter.   The show was great and the kids were extremely involved with the show.  Very entertaining and fun.

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Alex B.
Bothell, WA

5.0 star ration 10/7/2014
First to Review
Invited Charles to a one year olds birthday party and he entertainment kids and adults for an hour. Everyone was happy with him.
  • Rashmi A.
  • SoMa, San Francisco, CA
  •  0 friends
  •  1 review


4/6/2023
Charles filled our sons 4th birthday with laughter and joy. As soon as he entered house, he caught attention of all kids. He made few magic  tricks and spoke to kids. His show was amazing. All kids kept laughing until the show ended. They got tired laughing throughout the show. He kept the kids occupied for 45mins and made balloons for all kids. We all had fun. I would recommend Charles to any kids parties. Thanks again


Notes and Endorsements 

Charles has that rare ability to truly reach the concerns of children and not merely make them laugh at silly pranks.  I see many children's performers who are full of razzle dazzle, yet are totally out of touch with the needs of children.  Charles speaks the language of children, he manages to be quite entertaining while offering something more than flash and gimmicks.  He is a warm, kind, funny human being, and these qualities transcend into his performance.  After seeing Charles The Clown, children will have learned a subtle little lesson about becoming kinder, more considerate people. — Susan Jayson, Founding Director, Children's Playce Museum, North Hollywood, CA.

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Charles is a Renaissance man, author, clown, magician, political writer.  What I find fascinating about him is his unique ability to work with children.  He is very aware of the psychological implications of clowns and the dynamics of performing for children.  He is warm, intelligent a Mister Rogers in a clown wig!  — Elaine Fleming Founding Director, Kidspace, a participatory museum, Pasadena, CA

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Thank you so much for coming to our preschool to entertain the children.  You were absolutely amazing!  The adults enjoyed your performance as much as, if not more than, the children!        — Lynne Goldsmith, Director, BTD Community School, Baltimore, MD

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Year after year we enjoy the laughter of our children that only comes from you.  Thank you for bringing joy into their lives and ours too.  Blessings, Bethel Lutheran School, Cupertino, CA

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A very deep thank you for our event.  The school community had a terrific experience and felt so lucky their kids had this gentle introduction to theater and clowns.  — Rainier Valley Coop Preschool, Seattle

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On behalf of the Specialized Programs Section of the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, we would like to thank you for the time and talent you displayed at our Special Needs Youth Summer Camp.  The kids and staff loved your show.  It was full of fun and excitement … we sure love having you at camp, it’s a joy.  — Jessica Zemke, Camp Director

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Just a note to thank you, Charles, for another extraordinary performance.  It takes a very special person to make people laugh.  Knowing the circumstances of many of our children, the love you share with them is extra special.  — Sharron R. Marsh, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Mariposas Foundation, for children with cancer and catastrophic diseases.

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We just love him. Thanks for honoring our small school. 

Serve Joyfully,
Nikki Hufana
💐Tulip Kids Academy💐
Director of Preschool
Cupertino, Ca 95014
 
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Thank you Charles for your wonderful gift to the children of NWS faculty.  You are a cherished tradition at the holiday party.  — Ellen Taussig, Head of School, Northwest School, Seattle

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I wanted to thank you again for your professional and polished performance.  The children enjoyed your humor and antics.  Their parents appreciated your positive approach of applying clown make up and clothing in front of the children so they would know who was underneath the disguise.  The words I heard buzzing around the library for several days from staff and patrons were “hilarious,” “laugh out loud funny,” “entertaining,” and “he was perfect for the age level of the children.”   — Lisa Anderson, Children’s Librarian, Burlington Public Library, Burlington, WA

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We were very appreciative of your recent performance at our author party and benefit for the Women’s Health Research Foundation.   Many of the guests remarked to me how sensitive your were with the little ones.  In every case I heard nothing but rave reviews. — Peggy B, Event Coordinator, Seattle

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Thank you so much for bring your marvelous show to the Shoreline Historical Museum.  Both the children and adults obviously had a great time.  You introduced some new folks to the Museum helping spread the world about what a great resources people have right here in their community. — Vicki Stiles, Director, Shoreline, WA

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Thank you again for your hilarious performance. — Franja Bryant, Children’s Librarian, Lake Hills (King County) Library, WA

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The excited laughter of over 70 children was really great to hear.  Thank you for contributing to the success of our reading club. — Lora Bennett, Librarian, Kenmore (King County) Library, WA

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Thank you so much for sharing your talents and energy with the children at the Kirkland Library.  I love to hear genuine, hearty laughter — what a delight.   — Sue M., Children’s Librarian 

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I can’t thank you enough for all the laughs and smiles you brought to our school.  You are an amazing actor and so wonderful with the children.  — Director Ani, Los Angeles Family School

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Many thanks for the performance.  While all of the children enjoyed it, I want to tell you that Hannah, who was the phobic one, told her mom that she might ask you to her birthday party.

— Janie Lou Hirsch, Director Westland School, Los Angeles

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It was so exciting to see the children light up with happiness as you entertained with your magic tricks and rhymes.  Even the young boy who vomited just before your show was smiling and interacting with you during your show!  Isn't that what you are all about... bringing smiles to sick children?  I also appreciate the professionalism that you and your support staff exhibited throughout the planning and organization of this event.  It is so good to work with people who understand the unique needs of children in the hospital.

— Doug Leffin, CCLS, Child Life Specialist, Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena, CA

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We wish to thank you for being such an important part of our alcohol/drug prevention programs for Mariposa's young students.  Our feedback is that you were hilariously funny and that the teachers and principals as well as the children found your performances fascinating and had a great time.  We hope that you will participate with us again next year.
— Cathleen McNamara, Kings View Alcohol and Drug Services for Mariposa County, CA

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I am delighted to be able to introduce Charles The Clown to parents and fellow educators.  At last, a magician and clown who is charming, intuitive, wholesome, sweet and non-threatening to the most timid child.  Charles is a class act and a very special clown.  He has the children captivated and in stitches. — Bridgit Smith, Paddington House School, Seattle

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No wonder you're appearing everywhere this summer.. our children's room was packed with close to 300 children and parents... I was warned by my staff about the parents who could be less attentive than their youngsters, but your entertaining program kept everyone captivated throughout.  — S. Park, LA Public Library

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I just wanted to send a special "thank you" your way for the wonderful entertainment you provided during our company event on Friday.  I received nothing but praise for Charles and his magic and humor by the staff and management.

— Tracy Wolfe, Vulcan Northwest, Seattle

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We were so delighted to have you perform at our PTA Father/Son and Mother/Daughter celebrations.  We have been overwhelmed with the response from the students and parents who attended the events.  Your performances were exactly what we had hoped for.  Thank you for your willingness to work with such large audiences with a wide range of ages.  We thank you for your exceptional act, your promptness and professionalism, and the pleasure we had working with Linda on the details to meet our PTA's needs.  — Echo Lake Elementary PTA, Shoreline, WA
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