About Us
Behind the Scenes at Occasions with Character:
Mother-daughter team Linda and Melissa (also a mother) created Occasions with Character LLC to spread smiles and joy to the young and young-at-heart. Both Twin Cities natives, they enjoy putting University of Minnesota degrees in Child Psychology, Music Education and Performance, and English to work creating heartwarming storytimes and events with entertainment, educational, and inspirational value.
A background in theater and costuming allows them to provide one-of-a-kind, top-quality garments (each lovingly created over dozens or sometimes hundreds of hours) for many of their character friends. An enthusiastic and talented cast completes the picture, all dedicated to providing as many magical memories as they can.
Our cast thanks you for inviting us to be a part of your occasion!
From the Occasions with Character cast:
“The audible gasp and the light in their eyes when kids first see their favorite characters warms my heart every time.”
“One of my favorite moments was when I was Tower Princess, there were two little girls who did not speak much English. Their mom was so excited to see them interacting with me. They kept taking turns holding my hand, it was really cute.”
It’s always fun. Seeing how the kids—and the adults—react is my favorite part.”
“One of my very favorite moments was at the Spring Tea event. There was a girl who was very shy, you could tell that she was so excited to meet the princesses, but for most of the event she wouldn’t talk. I talked to her about all the amazing fun things that my princess loved to do: at the end of the event she began telling me about the things that she loved to do and we had so many things in common!”
“To bring these characters to life for children truly is a magical experience that I will treasure for a lifetime.”
Hear more about OwC on our episode with Katie from Get Out and Try Saint Croix Valley!
Testimonials
“Western Wisconsin Health has worked with Occasions with Character LLC for a number of our Open House events with over 1000 community participants as well as our Dash to Disney Community Challenge with 500-700 community participants. Melissa and the entire OWC team are amazing - they are professional, timely, in character and the handmade attire for each character is just incredible. OWC has made so many of our events very special for our community - from photos and dancing to story time and hugs! Thank you to all of our storybook characters and superheroes for the beautiful contributions you make to each of our Western Wisconsin Health events.”
- Rosa Magnus, Western WI Health
“Princesses, villains, and heroes - oh my! Occasions with Character is highly recommended to create a memorable and enjoyable event. Not only does Occasions with Character provide professional princesses and superhero interactions, staff is also incredibly accommodating and professional. While planning your event, you will receive quality service and attention from start to finish as their reliable service will never have you questioning. Whether your event is in- person or virtual, you can expect a professional, fun, entertaining, and magical event for any occasion!”
- Brianna Watke, Program Manager, HopeKids Inc.
“I love working with these professionals! My customers couldn’t get enough of them. Everyone is super professional, kind, prompt and fun. They bring so much happiness to everyone that sees them. Their costumes are on point! I would totally recommend hiring them for your event.”
- Marnie Matz, Owner of Lone Squirrel Boutique
“I have been blown away by how wonderful each and every event is! My daughter loves princesses and her love is all the stronger because of Occasions with Character. The characters go the extra mile- they are so good with children while being "in character" every single step of the way! These events have been some of my daughter's most beloved memories. We now live across the U.S. from where the group hosts events and I have no doubt that we will try to time our trips back home so that we can see them again! We love them!!!!!!”
- Lauren Oland, parent
“The princesses are delightfully entertaining with their authentic costumes and friendly smiles.”
-Marilyn Laulainen, Waconia ECFE
“Occasions with Character offered library visitors a magical performance with lots of audience participation for even the youngest. The actors posed for photographs and stayed in character until the last child left the room.”
-Angela Petrie, Stillwater Public Library
“The Occasions with Character performers were all amazing, and the way that they interact with the children is superb! The interactive storytime was great for promoting literacy and a perfect additional program to draw people to the library.”
-Carol Plocher, Library Services Coordinator, Great River Regional Library-Delano
“The program itself was an elegant touch of fantasy for the whole audience, and the interaction with the audience was priceless.”
-Mary Davis, Youth Services, Hudson Area Public Library
“I can not thank Occasions with Character enough for surprising my daughter on her birthday at lunch! Not every little girl can say that she had her favorite princess/heroine dance with her, read a story with her and sing happy birthday to her. She was in awe the entire time. As her mom it almost brought me to tears seeing how mesmerized she was… She still talks about her. Thank you for making my daughter feel so special and lucky on her birthday. She will remember this for years to come.”
– Rochelle Ladick, parent
“Occasions With Character presented the Midnight Ball Princess (Lost Slipper Storytime) at our Storytime and it was a great hit! The performers remained in character from the moment they entered and the costumes were wonderful. The audience was enchanted and everyone had a great time!”
– Janet Waller, Community Business Development Manager, Barnes & Noble HarMar Mall