About Us
The Storybook Forest is an event entertainment company geared towards the creation of realistic, honest character interactions with children. We strive to make our costumes film quality, and have actors that represent the characters both visually and in performance. We design programs that fit each event specifically to your child. We perform anything from elementary schools, to tea parties for birthdays, and everything in-between. We are dedicated to engaging the pure imagination that is so powerful in all children.
Our Beginnings
Our company began in July of 2012 in a small dorm room at a Kansas City university. Laguna Mermaid, our staple character, was the first character developed for us. Thus we started under the name, Laguna Mermaid Entertainment. As our cast grew, we performed more events, becoming known as Parties by Rose soon after. 2017 is the pinnacle year for this company as we dive into something more spectacular than ever before.
The Storybook Forest, our new and proud title, is becoming something more profound, incredible, and stunning than ever before. The company has grown dramatically in the few years it has been in business, and has become a Kansas City staple for truly magical, unforgettable princess parties, and children’s entertainment.
Meet the Owner
The Storybook Forest is owned and operated by Miss Rose Watkins. Miss Rose has had a lifetime of theatrical experience in all its capacities; from sound and light production, to costume and makeup, and performance itself. As a lifelong Girl Scout and experienced childcare giver, Miss Rose developed a love for the entertainment, education, and growth of young children.
She has spent years learning and growing in the art form that is specialty character entertainment. Her passion is to do extraordinary things with what was previously seen as an ordinary industry. Every thing we do is designed to leave your children with an incredible, lasting impression.
In the Press and Around the Midwest
We have been featured in a number of publications from the Kansas City Star, Rockhurst Press, and many others. We work with charity groups, children’s hospitals, and pediatric wards across the midwest. Libraries, schools, scouting programs, private clubs, and more have seen the magical events we’ve performed.
Our Belief
Our greatest investment is our performers. Our team of performers at The Storybook Forest are carefully selected. Only those who have a special gift working with children are accepted. Like Rose says, “Anyone can slap on a costume and show up, but not just anyone can bring life and joy to your events. There has to be a spark in the children you are working with, or it isn’t real.” These performers have years of training, degrees, and are all run through our specialized program before hiring. Every cast member is dedicated to the true enchantment that we strive to provide. Rose is very proud of this cast!
We look forward to helping you create a magical event for your child’s special day.
The Storybook Forest is committed to acting towards total inclusivity and accessibility. We want everyone to feel catered to, especially those who may be less often involved. Whether it be helping to locate wheelchair accessible event venues, hire deaf actors for performances to ASL using audiences, having interpreters available for shows, hiring staff on the basis of their skills with children on the spectrum or who experience any other form of disability, we make it a point to adhere to the needs of our clients at no extra cost