Have you ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Maybe you already know how and have other skills like tight-rope walking or swallowing fireballs.
Come down to the Richmond Community Theatre on East Washington Street in Rockingham, off Harrington Square.
Next Tuesday, Director Shelly Walker will hold a juggling workshop at the Richmond Community Theatre, from 5 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. The fee is $1.
“Juggling is something I think everyone should learn how to do,” said Walker. “It’s good for your brain. It relaxes you and promotes a different way of thinking.”
Walker learned to juggle in college while studying theatre arts. She stumbled upon a fellow classmate juggling before class one day and he taught her the skill. At the time, he was looking for a juggling partner. Walker also learned tight-rope walking and walking on stilts.
“I’ve juggled the usual; balls, rings, knives, torches, fireballs, fruit, bowling pins and m&m’s,” said Walker. “People are always impressed by the fire but honestly it’s not that big of a deal. The real trick is being aware of the fluid you’re using. I did a professional juggling show and I love juggling. It’s something for me to share what I love with other people and it’s good for people. Plus, there’s no set on the stage right now so we have a big open space in the theatre.”
Walker said she has taught many people to juggle.
“I’m confident that if someone with decent hand-eye coordination comes, I can teach them to juggle. I used to work renaissance fairs and amusement parks. I’ve taught small children. People have to have the will to do it, and what I mean by that is you have to desire to go greater than the frustration of making mistakes. It’s O.K. to drop the ball,” said Walker.
Kids younger than 15 should have a parent come with them and stay during the workshop. People interested in attending should bring three objects to juggle. They can be juggling balls, ideally, but they can also be other small objects that won’t bounce, such as Haky sacks or beanie babies. Tennis balls will not work, and scarves are not ideal for beginners, according to Walker.
“Advanced jugglers should come out and show their skills,” said Walker, who hopes to see some experienced jugglers as well.
Walker explained that there are many styles and forms of juggling and that once someone learns the basics, they can move on to perform tricks which can get more complicated over time.
“I think that’s what keeps people going,” said Walker.
Theatre Board Member Merrie Dawkins said she will give juggling a try next Tuesday.
“I’m really excited about this because I’m one of those adults that struggles with hand-eye coordination,” said Dawkins. “I was never encouraged to do something about it, so now I’ve decided to just try things anyways.”
Dawkins said she recalls a friend of her’s who was a teacher. Her friend told her “I tell my students, ‘Success comes in cans. I can.’”
For more questions call the Richmond Community Theatre at 910-997-3765.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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