Maintaining a living as a professional juggler has its difficulties. Especially with the pandemic, who do we navigate the industry? Are there less professional jugglers than there were 20 years ago? What changed? How can juggling be more sustainable as a profession and how can the IJA help? Some of the top professional jugglers in the industry from multiple areas of the business weigh in.
Mark Hayward – Moderator
Mark Hayward has been a variety arts performer since 1990. He is a World Yo-yo Champion, a member of a World Champion Juggling Team, and a Spin Top Champion. His mom is proud. Mark has traveled the world with a yo-yo on his finger (well, mostly in his pocket), and has made appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman (twice), The Late Late Show with James Corden, America’s Got Talent, and the NBC Nightly News (without committing a crime). Someday Mark hopes to perform for both the President and the Queen. Not being a convicted criminal should help with that. www.markhayward.net
Sean Gandini
Sean Gandini is one of the pioneers of contemporary juggling. Working as a performer, choreographer and director he has, for over 25 years, pushed the boundaries of juggling as a discipline and as an art form. Growing-up in Havana, Cuba, Sean was fascinated by Magic and Mathematics, but at the age of 16 he began juggling, prompting a life-long fascination with all aspects of the art form. In 1991, with Kati Ylä-Hokkala, he co-founded Gandini Juggling and together they have been at the forefront of experiments into what juggling is and what juggling can be. In 2016 Sean worked as juggling choreographer on English National Opera’s acclaimed production of Philip Glass’ opera Akhnaten. Sean regularly teaches in many of the world’s leading Circus Schools, inspiring the next generation of jugglers. www.gandinijuggling.com
Bri Crabtree
At 30 years old, Bri decided to change career paths, leave her lab job, and pursue her passion of making people laugh. Captivated by magic as a child, and spending her teenage years learning to juggle and unicycle, Bri fully believes in living a life of creation, play, and joy. She brings this essence to every event and show. Bri Crabtree is based in Oakland, CA. and has over 20 years experience in children’s entertainment. Bri is professionally trained in juggling, unicycling, magic, mime, dance, improvisation, and clowning. She performs all over the world, from Dubai to local schools & neighborhoods in Oakland, CA. www.bricrabtree.com
Gena Shvartsman Cristiani
Gena Shvartsman Cristiani is a fifth generation circus artist from Russia, the child of two accomplished performers. She began training at the age of eight in the art of juggling. In the span of a few short years, her phenomenal talent brought her to United States. By the age of thirteen, she was a star attraction for Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus. Her skills and experience growing, Gena traveled the world performing in lavish variety and circus shows, as well as competing in elite circus competitions. She was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, and a silver medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France. In addition, she took the coveted gold medal at the World Juggling Federation Championships in Las Vegas. www.genasdesign.com
