Policies
Jonathan Kaplan is committed to providing a professional, high-quality, and memorable Jack Sparrow tribute experience for every client. Jonathan Kaplan’s policies are in place to ensure clarity, transparency, and a smooth experience from booking through the performance.
Please review the policies and terms below carefully before booking. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Captain and he’ll be happy to address them.
How to Book
To request a quote, simply submit your event details via the form found on the Booking page, through GigSalad, or by emailing contact@kaplansparrow.com directly. You’ll receive a response within 48 hours with availability and a personalized initial quote.
For comprehensive guide to rates and services offered please visit the pricing & services page.
Once the quote is approved, you’ll receive a Performance Agreement that clearly outlines all the details of your booking including date, time, location, services provided, pricing, deposit requirements, and terms. You’ll have time to review everything at your convenience, and the agreement can be signed digitally for a quick and secure process.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm and secure any booking.
Quotes, discussions, contract reviews, and availability checks do not hold or reserve a date. Only the deposit officially confirms the booking. Without it, the date remains available and may be booked by another client.
To Confirm a Booking
To secure your date, the client must:
- Review and sign the Performance Agreement
- Pay the 50% non-refundable deposit
- Sign any additional contracts required for specific add-ons (e.g. participation with third-party partners, photo licensing, etc.)
The minimum booking time is 1 hour for most events.
Notice Requirements
The Captain generally requires at least 2 weeks’ notice for all bookings. This helps coordinate schedules and prepare properly for the event.
Rush Bookings
Bookings with less than 14 days’ notice are classified as Rush Bookings. These short-notice requests can sometimes be accommodated based on the Captain’s availability. Because they require extra coordination and preparation, all rush bookings are subject to availability and additional rush fees and payments (Outlined in the Payments & Fees section below).
Accepted methods:
Credit/debit cards (via Stripe), Venmo, Cash App, or cash / check. Alternative methods are open to inquiry.
Payment Schedule
Standard bookings: 50% deposit to secure the date; remaining balance due on the day of the event.
Late Payments:
The final balance is due on the day of the event unless otherwise agreed in writing. Late payments incur a $50 late fee per week until the balance is paid in full.
The Captain reserves the right to waive or reduce late fees in special circumstances. Repeated late payments may result in a requirement for full payment upfront on future bookings.
Rush bookings: 100% of the booking quote is due at the time of booking, and will be subject to the following rush booking fees:
- Less than 14 days’ notice: $50 – $100 rush fee + full payment required upfront
- Same-day or next-day: $100 rush fee + full payment required upfront (when accepted)
Travel Fees:
Kaplan Sparrow provides complimentary travel within the local area.
- Free within 50 miles one-way of St. Augustine, FL.
- $1.00 per mile (calculated on the full round-trip distance) for all miles beyond the 50-mile free radius.
- Travel over 150 miles one-way requires a custom quote which may include lodging, tolls, and other expenses. Full upfront payment may apply.
Long-distance bookings are subject to availability and may require a higher deposit or upfront payment. All distances are based on Google Maps using the most reasonable route. A detailed travel breakdown will be included in every quote and invoice.
If the client needs to cancel:
- The deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancellations with more than 14 days’ notice will receive a refund of any balance already paid.
- Cancellations with 14 days or less notice will receive no refund of any payments made.
- Deposits can sometimes be transferred to a new date within 30 days (one-time only, subject to availability).
If the Captain must cancel (illness, emergency, or force majeure):
- If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit, will be issued.
Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days to the original payment method. Please notify the Captain of any issues within 48 hours of the event.
Group Bookings & Additional Services:
The Captain can coordinate additional independent service providers (such as performers, photographers, crew members, or other specialists) for events requiring expanded support. These services (outlined on the Pricing & Services page) are subject to availability.
How it works:
- The Captain serves as the primary point of contact and lead contractor. The client books and pays for the complete package through Kaplan Sparrow.
- Client cancellations follow the standard cancellation policy based on the total booking value.
- Jonathan Kaplan will make every reasonable effort to deliver the agreed services, including arranging suitable replacements if needed.
Jonathan Kaplan is committed to delivering high-quality, immersive pirate entertainment. Jonathan Kaplan’s policies exist to support that promise and ensure a smooth, safe, and professional experience for you and your guests.
The client is responsible for providing a safe and suitable performance space that allows the Captain to move freely and interact with guests. The Captain reserves the right to pause or modify the performance if conditions present a safety risk or significantly impair the quality of the show.
The client is also responsible for the behavior of their guests. Any damage caused to the costume or props will be charged as follows:
- Minor damage: $100
- Major or irreparable damage / loss: Up to $500 (documented at the time of the event)
Jonathan Kaplan is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses unless directly caused by his own negligence. The client agrees to host the event in a safe venue. Force majeure events (such as hurricanes, weather emergencies, or government restrictions) are not the responsibility of Jonathan Kaplan.
Insurance: Proof of liability insurance can be provided upon request for events that require it.
Clients and their guests are welcome to take personal photos and videos during the performance and share them on social media for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Jonathan Kaplan retains the right to photograph, record, and use any images or footage from the event for promotional purposes, including the KaplanSparrow.com website, social media, marketing materials, and portfolio. Clients may request in writing at the time of booking that their event not be used for promotional purposes.
Any commercial use of photos or videos featuring the Captain (such as advertisements, paid promotions, or resale) requires a separate written agreement and may involve additional compensation and licensing fees.
Reminder: Jonathan Kaplan is an independent Jack Sparrow tribute performer and is not affiliated with Disney or related entities. Commercial use of the likeness may create trademark issues with the rights holders.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding Jonathan Kaplan’s policies, please don’t hesitate to contact him!
Last updated: 06/30/2026