For many children, the magic of fairy tales is confined to books. But for kids in South Dakota, a locally owned company is literally bringing storybook magic to life.
Simply Ever After Entertainment, headquartered in Sioux Falls, takes that magic a step further, transforming dreams into reality by bringing beloved characters to parties and events.
Founded in 2015 by Lindsay Lindaman, Simply Ever After has become a cherished part of the community and the business owner’s life.
“I’ve always been a creative theater-type person, and when a friend brought me the idea after hearing about it on the radio, I thought, ‘Could I do this?’” shared Lindaman.
“I’m an art teacher. Constructing things has always been something I was naturally gifted at from a very young age.”
– Lindsay Lindaman
Lindaman has always been passionate about reading and storytelling throughout her life, so this venture was right up her alley.
“I started researching costumes and wigs right away,” said Lindaman. “Simply Ever After was created on
a whim, but it became something special.”
Simply Ever After Entertainment has a set goal of bringing joy to children and their parents, as well as teaching them the lessons of fairy tales and superheroes: To be kind and have courage.
As a full-time art teacher, Lindaman strives to see the future world prioritizing those traits.
“If we can put on a great performance and influence others to be kind, I feel I’m fulfilling my purpose,” revealed Lindaman.
As the owner of her business, Lindaman wears many hats—working as the wig stylist, photographer, secretary, business manager, and scheduler.
“I handle all communications, pack the gifts, make the princess certificates, and hand-wash the laundry,” said Lindaman.
On top of her various roles, Lindaman creates and sews all of her characters’ custom costumes.
“Our costumes and wigs are very important to what I’ve curated here with Simply Ever After Entertainment,” stated Lindaman. “You won’t find a character in a costume from Amazon or a Halloween store.”
She adds that each piece is meticulously chosen to aid in the character’s representation, as their stories are important.
Lindaman’s costuming goal is twofold—making something she’s proud of and making her performers comfortable and feel like royalty.
“My performers are incredible people,” expressed Lindaman. “If they don’t feel like the character in what they’re wearing, then I’m doing something wrong. Their confidence and comfort matters to me greatly.”
Roll Call
SUPERHEROES
» Ghost Spider
» Ghost Spider
» Girl of Steel
» God of Thunder
» Lady Bat
» The Bat Hero
» The Captain
» The Spider Hero
» The Witch
» Warrior Woman
VILLAINS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES
» Christmas Beauty
» Elf
» Miss Cindy
» Mistress of Evil
» The Mean One
FANDOM CHARACTERS
» Fashion Doll
» Galaxy Fighter
» Green Plumber
» Red Plumber
» The Officer
» The Space Bounty Hunter
» Video Game Princess
PRINCESSES
» Arabian Princess
» Beauty
» Casita Princess
» Cinderella
» Ice Princess (4 outfit choices)
» Ice Queen (3 outfit choices)
» Dragon Princess
» Frog Princess
» Little Mermaid
» Live Action Little Mermaid Rapunzel
» Sleeping Beauty
OTHER CHARACTERS
» Alice
» Evil Queen’s Daughter
» The Malicious Daughter
» The Cowboy & Cowgirl
» Rapunzel’s Prince
» Tinker Fairy
For performers, Lindaman has recruited a lineup of local entertainers who share her mission of bringing joy to children. With their help, the company is continuing to flourish.
“Our cast is made up of men and women who are teachers, occupational therapists, theater instructors, voice teachers, and all sorts of professions that cater to kids,” shared Lindaman.
The group of actors are additionally trained by Lindaman, learning how to transform and embody the characters.
The performers learn to master the character’s mannerisms, voice, and appearance, ensuring that every interaction feels like stepping into the pages of a storybook.
From intricate costumes and makeup, to engaging performances and interactive storytelling, no detail is overlooked in creating an immersive experience.
LINDAMAN’S LASTING MEMORY
“I can’t help but remember a party where we had a princess walk into a client’s home & the birthday girl screamed & ran to her room to grab a t-shirt that had our princess on it. She exclaimed how she looked the same, & so she had to be the real deal!”
Simply Ever After carries a wide collection of 35 characters for parents to choose from, including princesses, superheroes, and pop culture figures.
For those interested in booking, Lindaman suggests visiting the business’s website to solidify their choices. The characters are primarily booked for birthday parties, but are also available for corporate events.
Simply Ever After offers six-party packages to choose from: Princess Parties, Superhero Parties, Galaxy Parties, Wizarding Parties, Super Plumber Parties, and Tea Parties. Each package includes the character’s attendance, a storytime session, games, and character-specific activities and lessons.
For a special treat, birthday kids will receive either a Coronation Ceremony or Superhero Training, teaching the children the ways of a princess or superhero. Lindaman shares that the child gets to keep their gifted certificate or crown, with parties that are an hour or longer.
The Tea Party package is Simply Ever After’s largest package.
“We bring the treats, lemonade, crafts, and teach etiquette lessons,” added Lindaman. “It’s a great package for parents who want to be a little more hands-off for the duration of the party.”
During the team’s attendance at the event, Lindaman notes that they have everything under control.
“Parents won’t need to lift a finger,” she said.
“I want people to know that we genuinely want to give you the best experience possible.”
– Lindsay Lindaman
Choosing Simply Ever After ensures parents will receive their child’s favorite character and that they will be treated like royalty.
“Our performers know kids and know how to adapt,” added Lindaman. “Kids and parents should expect the real deal walking through their door, and they should know that we’re there to have a great time with them.”
For the past nine years, Lindaman has been creating lasting memories for her clients. And while she admits it’s hard work to keep up with all of her responsibilities, she says she wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“There’s a moment when the door opens and the kids see their favorite character and they start screaming the character’s name with so much excitement—it’s so special,” said Lindaman. “You can’t help but smile when that happens.”
In moments like this, Lindaman relies on a quote: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
“I feel that responsibility every day with every request,” she shared. “I have a responsibility to bring joy, and the fact that I can bring that joy and that I even have this opportunity is the most rewarding thing I can think of. We all need a little more joy.”
