IJA Business Notes...

 

Run For Office, Host Us in '89, Forget Combat and Juggle In June!

 

The IJA board of directors met in January in Denver to discuss general matters and specific plans for the convention there in July. President Holly Greeley, six directors and treasurer Ginny Rose were hosted by convention chairman Tricia Allen.

 

After reviewing one convention proposal for 989, the board decided to leave the decision open in hopes of receiving additional proposals at its summer meeting during the Denver convention. Any groups interested in arranging a week's meeting for about 1,000 of their closest juggling friends are urged to contact IJA secretary Rich Chamberlin!

 

The board also reviewed the implications of its decision last summer to expand to 11 members. In order to send out a mail in ballot before this summer's convention, nominations for office will be accepted until May 15. If you would like to nominate yourself or another person, send in a 150-word statement of candidature to secretary Rich Chamberlin by that date.

 

Under a new governance structure, the 11 members of the board will elect a chairman from their midst during the summer convention. Candidates may also be nominated at the convention business meeting before the final election, but by doing so they lose the advantage of mail in ballot support from non-convention goers.

 

The board voted to hold National Juggling Day again this year as a convention warm-up. Clubs and affiliates are asked to stage a juggling education and demonstration event in their cities on June 18, 1988. For more information, contact secretary Rich Chamberlin.

 

Following a review by president Greeley of officer's liability in case of successful suit against the IJA, the board voted to ban combat juggling at the Denver convention. Greeley explained that, in case of a successful suit against the IJA, directors bear financial responsibility for damages awarded over and above IJA assets. That, plus the relatively high potential for personal injury inherent in combat juggling with clubs, led the board to its decision.

 

However, the board left open the prospect of combat juggling in the future under more supervised and structured conditions. Discussion of the matter will be conducted at the convention, and people with ideas are urged to make them known to board members.

 

Treasurer Ginny Rose gave the group a report of the IJA's financial activities during the past year. During 1987, the organization had $171,130 in income and $152,239 in expenses. The major income items were convention fees of$95,915 and dues of $51,761. Far behind were "Juggler's World" ads at $7,219 and merchandise sold at $3,408.

 

The three expense areas were the Akron convention - $71,249, general accounts (postage, salary, travel, etc.) - $40,373, and "Juggler's World" - $36,254.

 

 

Renaissance Festivals Offer Summer Work

 

Now that the grass is turning green, you might be thinking of turning a little green yourself... Money, that is! Now is the time to think about summer juggling jobs.

Renaissance festivals happen all over the country during the summer. Four in particular are held near Largo, Florida, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Detroit. Each hires 200-800 entertainers for the six- or seven-weekend season. Among them are quite a few jugglers.

 

Employment procedures are forward and simple. Acts are judged on their merit. If you're good, you're in. If not, they might use you somewhere else! They give you the word after your audition, and some contracts are negotiated the same day.

 

Are they hard-nosed outfits to work for? Not really. But be warned that management treats fun as serious business. The judges at auditions look for skill, presentation and rapport with the audience. They also look for something special - "How will this piece affect the kids?" They believe that if an act can impress children, it can impress everyone else.

 

There's an apprentice program to let younger hopefuls gain some Renaissance festival experience. They're taught about makeup, acting, mannerisms and skills such as juggling, story-telling and musical performance. It isn't uncommon to have a special interest group "adopted" by a master to show the proper way their specific act should be performed.

 

Auditions are coming up soon for all four of these festivals. If you think you'd like this type of performance, contact them immediately. Then start thinking like a Middle Ages juggler!

 

Michigan Renaissance Festival - Birmingham, MI

Kansas City Renaissance Festival - Kansas City, MO

 

Minnesota Renaissance Festival - Shakopee, MN

 

Bay Area Renaissance Festival - Largo, FL

 

Maryland Renaissance Festival - Annapolis, MD

 

by Tom Korb