Brigham City party business flourishes amid global pandemic
A Brigham City entertainment company has found renewed purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic as parents sought personal connections for their children.
Sarah Wilding, the owner of Characters and Crowns, said she is determined to make a difference for Utah families through the meaningful character interactions her business provides. Her employees impersonate iconic characters from the Disney, Marvel and Star Wars universes, offering socialization for families and businesses during unusual times.
Characters and Crowns launched in January 2020. Business had gained momentum when, two months later, COVID-19 halted Wilding’s ability to entertain intimate parties and corporate events.
“We had to find another way to reach children when the first lockdown happened,” Wilding said.
She and her employees attempted to work and perform over video calls but that medium lacked the benefits of physical connection. Once early-stage restrictions were lifted, Characters and Crowns began hosting events in conference rooms where extra distance could be easily achieved.
Characters and Crowns found success with immersive experiences using crafting activities, live performances and individual interactions. She believes what sets her business apart from others is the authentic characterization.
“Our focus is to stay true to character integrity, with high quality movie replica costumes and highly talented and trained theater performers,” Wilding said.
The performers at Characters and Crowns pay special attention to every child, no matter the size of the event, Wilding said.
“‘No child left out,’ is our motto,” Wilding said. “Each character makes sure the children feel happy and special. That’s what we need right now with the world being so crazy. Kids need something to believe in.”
Two of the company’s most popular characters have been Disney’s Elsa and Anna, from the Frozen movie franchise. Logan families jumped at the opportunity to interact with these princesses at a themed event called “Elsa’s Surprise Birthday Bash” in January.
“Because of the impact of COVID-19, my 3-year-old daughter, and I haven’t been out much,” Sarah Proveda said.
When Proveda saw Characters and Crowns’ Frozen-themed event listing on Facebook, she promptly purchased tickets.
“I felt my daughter needed to get out and do something fun and make new friends,” she said. Both goals were achieved at Elsa’s Surprise Birthday Bash.
“My daughter was completely star-struck when the princess held her hand during a musical performance,” Proveda said. “She loved it. We look forward to future events.”
More information about upcoming events is available at the Characters and Crowns site or @charactersandcrowns on Instagram.