Hill Launches Plan For Pro Juggling Contests

Reigning U.S. Nationals champion Benji Hill hopes a recent show in his hometown represents the beginning of a nationwide professional juggling competition circuit.

Hill incorporated the World Juggling Council in Thomasville, N.C. , and invited jugglers Jeff Mason, Dana Tison and Larry Vaksman in for a competition on April 15-16. Though he admits the judging aspect of the concept needs improvement, he termed the first event "a coup."

 

Hill said two sponsors, Hatteras Yachts and Central State Bank, contributed $4,000 toward expenses and appearance fees for the competitors. About 1,200 people paid $5 to attend the two nights' shows, which also included a young singer and promotional skits for two local non-profit organizations who benefited from the proceeds.

 

Each juggler had up to 10 minutes to perform. Hill was proclaimed the reigning champion and advanced publicity keyed on his defense of that title. Hill said, "We decided two months ago we had to come up with a sponsoring organization to get people more interested in it, so I formed the WJC with John Strong, who runs a circus I've worked for. We want to make money at this thing, to pay people for appearing and give prize money."

 

He plans to stage another event in nearby Kernersville, N.C., in September, and

hopes to build toward a nationwide circuit eventually. Hill said, "With all the juggling education going on in schools, it's just a matter of time until there's lots of people who will want to see these things. It will not only give jugglers work, but will up the level of competition in the IJA. If we have people who juggle competitively all year, they'll be ready for IJA competitions in the summer. Once we have some people who can give perfect, polished performances, the media will also take notice and start covering competitions."

 

While Hill largely called the shots himself in judging the competitors this time, he said he plans to enlist professional judges in the future along with the professional jugglers. "But this first time we had to concentrate on giving people a good show so they'd come back next time," he explained.

 

Media coverage was excellent, with both PM Magazine and Evening Magazine taping the event. The local newspaper ran big stories on both nights' events. Hill says a videotape of the competition and interviews with the competitors will be produced and marketed to schools.

 

The results? Hill finished first both nights with a polished performance that included elaborate lighting, prop delivery by remote-control truck and flawless juggling of up to four balls, five clubs, five rings and two ping- pong balls. Vaksman finished fourth both nights. Tison and Mason tied on Friday night, but Tison came in second on Saturday.

 

Help! Mail Costs Hurt Bad!

The recent hike in postal rates has boosted the IJA's postage bill considerably. In addition to the cost of sending the magazines out, we get scores of magazines returned because the recipient has moved. Each one of these costs us a bundle. You can help us bear the brunt of the blow more easily by letting us know of your change of address before you move. Please cooperate and help the IJA serve you better!.

 

Also, if you're feeling generous, pass the hat around for us and make a tax-deductible donation. We depend on your support. Contact Rich Chamberlin, IJA secretary, Kenmore , NY.