Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 50

A Showman relishes reactions. Genuine reactions, not mere polite applause. He often values the reactions over the show itself. For in those moments of true response his art simultaneously becomes meaningful for him and the individuals in the Crowd, in this unity lies all the power and all the glory.

Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 49

When you have developed a skill try making it more meaningful than pure demonstration. If you have the crowds attention why not say something that matters.
Think of your act symbolically. Let it point to something greater than "I can sit on a can."

Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 48

Develop and foster real relationships.
Cherish your family.
Seek perfection and beauty of course.
But remember good shows are no consolation for a lonely life.

From the Illuminated mind of MS Shep Huntly.

Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 47

You set the pace of your onstage reaction patterns. If you slow down it is easier to think.

If you slow down its easier for the Crowd to read you and they feel smarter than you. Which is good for a clown.

Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 46

Your ideas ripen and grow when you least expect it. In times of rest and in good conversation great ideas grow. Carry a notebook! The wording that flows so well when asked at a party is often gone by the morning.

Circus Baobab

The first africa acrobatic circus created in 1998 in Guinea-Conakry a country in West Africa. With some help from the late great Pierot Bidon from Archaos fame. A circus road movie from an amazing team of acrobats and circus folk traveling through Africa with all that entails. Building their stage and flying trapeze rig from tree trunks, using old truck tires for mini tramps, high energy drumming, dance and acrobatics. Awesome music, awesome experiences and awesome reactions from the crowds as they drive their trucks through village streets and fill arenas.
Grass roots circus for the people. A phenomenon that changes peoples lives.

See Laurent Chevallier's full documentary here.

Lessons from the Way of the Showman - 45

When you are three quarters through a long season and the crowd is small imagine the show is the first or the last. Make it special in your mind.

Lesson provided by MS Shep Huntly.