It seems hard to believe that the season for 'Convention Fever' has already begun, but as we in the Northeast trudge through slush and snow, balmy thoughts of a summer juggling convention begin to grow! Spurred by memories of recent conventions, my mind wanders, anticipating that this year's gathering will be the best ever.

All the ingredients are ready and waiting for us at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase. The campus consists of 500 acres of rural countryside conveniently located just 30 minutes from New York City. SUNY / Purchase is one of the largest performing arts colleges in the United States and possesses a magnificent theatre complex housing four different theatres under one roof. Convention headquarters will be a modern 30,000-square-foot gymnasium located in the same building as the Olympic-sized swimming pool, a health food restaurant, numerous rehearsal studios for work­shops, and even a bowling alley.

The dormitories are also modern and offer some pleasant alternatives. In addition to the usual single and double rooms, there will also be 'economy singles' and suites. Suites are two or three double rooms with private living room and bath. The economy single is for those who wish to have a single room at a lower price. Standard singles are actually double rooms re­served for one person, whereas economy singles are single rooms. There will be 34 economy singles available.

Linens and towels will be provided with each room and three meals will be served daily in the cafeteria. Vegetarian entrees will be offered at all meals. For those who do not like long walks, the housing and dining facilities are located a mere 300 yards from the gym. The theatre facilities for the Championships and Public Show are less than four blocks away.

This year's convention schedule will have a slightly different look, as the Championships will be held during evening hours to provide more time for workshops during the day. Some special guests will attend the convention, including international juggling star Louie Brunn, who has agreed to teach a workshop and demonstrate her act.  Karl-Heinz Ziethen, author of 4,000 Years of Juggling, will be bringing a 90­minute collection of his rare historic juggling films set to music. Consequently, Movie Night has been switched from Wednesday to Friday night with a cocktail party and dance to follow. This special event replaces the Banquet.

One of the primary concerns in planning this summer's convention was cost. By using strict budgeting procedures, we have been able to exceed our original goal of keeping prices from rising.

This year's Package Plan double occupancy price of $185 is $4 lower than last year, and the Economy single is $19 lower.

A quick look at the Pre-Registration form on page 6 shows the substantial savings gained by pre-registering on the Package Plan. The double occupancy Package Plan rate is $23 per person less than the Non-Package equivalent. Registration and facility fees, which are included in the Package Plan, will be used to cover rentals and other expenses of running the convention.

Workshops will be free to everyone who registers on either plan, though there will be a workshop fee for non-registered guests. Registered jugglers will also have pool privileges four hours per day.

The 1983 Annual Convention will be a part of Sumrnerfare, a major performing arts festival held each summer at SUNY/Purchase in conjunction with the Kool Jazz Festival. Numerous other cultural events will be taking place in other parts of campus during our convention. There will be street performing opportunities for IJA conventioneers as well.

From this early report it should be apparent that this year's 36th Annual IJA Convention offers convenience, fine facilities, more work­shops and free juggling, historic films plus championship competition and a Headliner Show... In short, it is an experience not to be missed.

SEE YOU IN PURCHASE!!!