Gia Evangeleses Balloon Buddies Pioneers Inclusive Casting and Size-Inclusive Costumes in Childrens Entertainment
In April 2022, Cincinnati entrepreneur Gia Evangelese launched Gia’s Balloon Buddies, a children’s entertainment company that redefines representation, accessibility, and creativity on the big stage of party entertainment. The venture follows Evangelese’s departure from a character‑based firm and is built on a foundation of lessons learned from four previous character companies where she portrayed roles such as the Wayfinding Princess and the Miracle Princess.
Evangelese’s motivation stems from a recurring pattern she witnessed: BIPOC performers were routinely replaced by non‑melanated actors in roles that did not require a specific skin tone. She describes this practice as “white‑washing” and says it spurred her to create a business that would give performers of color more opportunities. The result is a casting philosophy called transcendent casting, which deliberately places BIPOC actors in characters historically portrayed by white performers—classic princess archetypes such as Beauty Princess and Glass Slipper Princess are prime examples.
The company’s approach has resonated with families of color. Parents report tears of joy when their children see a character that reflects their own appearance, and performers say they feel a newfound sense of belonging and validation.
Beyond casting, Gia’s Balloon Buddies tackles physical inclusivity through size‑inclusive costuming. Evangelese partnered with seamstress and cosplayer Kim Stephens to redesign costumes so a single dress can accommodate roughly eight different sizes. Modifications include extra‑long modesty panels, additional grommets, elastic waistbands, and adjusted sleeves. Evangelese emphasizes that these changes preserve character integrity while allowing performers of varying body types to perform comfortably.
The company’s hiring process mirrors its inclusive mission. An online application asks candidates to describe how they practice inclusivity and accessibility in their daily lives, a question that helps identify performers aligned with the company’s values. Evangelese also works with a range of organizations, including Black‑owned businesses and groups supporting people with physical or mental disabilities.
Reactions have been mixed. Evangelese has faced backlash, including false reviews from competitors and staff departures to start rival businesses. However, she reports receiving praise from families—particularly BIPOC parents—and gratitude from performers who now have new opportunities. Evangelese says these positive responses outweigh the negative.
Looking ahead, Evangelese plans to expand Gia’s Balloon Buddies into multiple U.S. markets, with potential branches in Louisville, Detroit, Knoxville, and Pasadena. She hopes the company’s inclusive practices will inspire future minority leaders in children’s entertainment and encourage broader industry change toward accurate casting, empathy, and collaboration.
At present, Gia’s Balloon Buddies operates from its Cincinnati headquarters, offering party entertainment and a model of inclusive casting and costuming that challenges long‑standing norms in the children’s entertainment sector.
