Newcomers Guide
New to Juggling Festivals? This is the guide for you!
We know it can be intimidating to come to a Juggling Festival for the first time! If you are interested in coming, but aren't quite sure what you are getting yourself into, here are some resources to get you started.
What is a juggling or flow arts festival?
Juggling and flow arts festivals, in my experience, are some of the happiest place on earth! They are typically annual events where hobbyists of all kinds of object manipulation from club/ring/ball juggling to staff/poi/hoop spinning to unicycling (and more!) gather to share their skills, connect with community, observe the hard work, dedication, and expression of the special guests in the public show, and generally experience joy and silliness. These festivals are a global phenomenon. You will find large, world wide events such as the European Juggling Convention and the International Jugglers' Association Festival and small local events such as the Boulder Juggling Festival, Mondo Juggling and Unicycle Arts Festival in Minneapolis, MN, and Game of Throws in Palo Alto, CA.
What normally happens at a juggling festival?
Most juggling and flow festivals have a similiar format. They are usually 3-4 days long with workshops and an open gym (or outdoor) space running all day, an evening show or shows and either a competition or a juggling games event at some point during the week(end).
Workshops include everything from "learning to juggle a 3 ball cascade" to "how to grow the juggling community," and there are usually workshops for all skill levels and a variety of props.
The shows will feature both local talent and special guests from all over the world and will showcase acts from various disciplines.
The games and competitions are a space to play goofy prop manipulation games such as "juggling wheel barrow races" or show off skills you have been working on all year in events such as "5 ball endurance."
In the open gym space you will find jugglers sharing skills with each other, passing juggling clubs, catching up with old friends, meeting new people, training their favorite skill, and more!
What if I don't have my own Props?
We will have a bin full of loaner props that you can borrow and try out!
We will have a few vendors selling juggling props at the festival, so if you find a prop you are super excited about, you might be able to purchase a set there.
Also, most jugglers are usually quite friendly and are likely willing to share props. Always ask, of course, before picking up props scattered about the gym.
How do I meet new people?
There will be festival organizers available in the gym space - they are friendly and can help! You can find them making announcements about the upcoming workshops and helping newcomers find props to borrow and pointing them in the direction for a good person to ask for tips!
Get to know new jugglers at Skill Share Speed Dating! - Friday night we will have a space where folks can bring a skill they'd like to share and we will pair people up and rotate every 3 minutes! (Credit to Austin Jugglefest organizers)
Construction Zone - Come to the construction zone to pick up a new skill and meet other new jugglers that might just be learning the prop you are! (Credit to Game of Throws organizers)
Is the space accessible?
All workshop rooms except the Trixie Room at the Boulder Circus Center are on the first floor and don't require stairs.
There will be limited seating during the DJ glow jams.
Accessible bathrooms will be available at all locations.
FAQs:
General
- Can I come just to observe?
Yes! You are welcome to come to the festival and just hang out in the open gyms and watch the shows. You are not obligated to juggle!
- What if I can't juggle yet?
Come anyway! Jugglers love teaching new jugglers and all skill levels are welcome. We aim to create a welcoming space where folks feel comfortable trying something new and feel supported through the awkward "I'm new at this" stage.
Workshops
- Do I need to register for workshops in advance?
Nope, just show up!
- Do I need to bring my own props?
Often times, workshop instructors will have extra of the prop they are teaching and the Boulder Juggling Club has props people can borrow (balls, clubs, etc). This is not a guarantee though, so bring all the props you can!
- Do workshops cost extra?
Nope! They are included in the gym entry fee.
- How do I know the skill level of a workshop?
We label all workshops with the level of skill being taught, being sure to make it clear when beginners are welcome. If you have a questions about your skill level, ask your instructor at the beginning of the workshop and they would be happy to help you understand if you have the pre-reqs needed to get a lot out of the workshop. Often, you can also attend workshops that are over your head and just practice one of the progressions. If you do this, be okay when the instructor moves on to the harder skills!
Renegade Show
- What is a Renegade Show?
Renegade is usually a late night show that operates similar to an open mic or open stage. It happens at a separate venue after the daytime festival activities. The audience is restricted to 18+.
- Who can perform at Renegade?
Anyone 18+ is welcome to perform.