The Striped Circus

Expect the audience to be "Wowed" and speechless. At times your guests will forget to cheer because they are held to the edges of their seats and do not want to interfere with the performer's focus. The performer makes even the most physically demanding stunts look easy but impressive. With the countless hours of training and the thousands of shows I have under my belt, my experience of doing those super human feats looks effortless.

Remember, this is live entertainment and anything can happen. The audience is just as much a part of the show as the performer. Positive audience participation and the interaction is what I thrive on. That energy helps makes each show unique.

SHOW ENTERTAINMENT OR STROLLING ENTERTAINMENT- With my strolling entertainment, I rely on my many years of experience to only draw a certain amount of attention to me at the event. You might want exciting things happening, but you might not always want your strolling entertainer to steal all the attention from everything else happening like announcements, toasts, bands, raffles, and awards. Please understand that strolling entertainment is very different from a choreographed show. A show will need an audience to perform to. A proper staging area should be well thought out so everyone can see the show. The times for a show are crucial for the amount of attention to be given. Strolling entertainment during dinner is far more successful than a show. People are focused on food and getting to it, not on a show.

Expect the artist to be energetic and add that extra flair to your event. Artist will be costumed accordingly and properly for the age of the audience, the type of event, and mobility of the type of strolling entertainment ask to do. Colors of costumes and themed costumes can be requested if used if available. Some acts require a tighter form fitting outfit while other acts have more flexibility. If you want the performer in make up, please tell me this in advance so the costs can be factored into the bid for the paint/supplies and the time to apply and remove the paint. Sometimes being painted may interfere with another gig directly following an event. Make up must be planned before the event.

My goal is to bring you the charm and the flair that you could witness under the big top at an affordable rate. Bigger budgets could increase the types of performances and the number of performers. Most of the performers are well versed in several disciplines.

SHOWS ARE COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZEABLE- Clients can add or remove certain elements from a show if requested. The length of the show is also determined by the needs of the client. The Striped Circus can perform 2-10 minute acts or up to 30 minute shows. My one person show can be up to 30 minutes. My two performer show can be 30-60 minutes. My three to 5 person show can be 30 -90 minutes.

BREAKS- My strolling entertainment can be from 2 minutes to 12 hours. Breaks are utilized to keep the performer sharp and fresh while performing. If strolling entertainment is requested, artists may take breaks as needed. Each act is physically different than the next act. Stilt walking and acrobatics are more physically demanding than most of the other acts and require more breaks.

ARRIVAL TIME- These times vary. Artists will arrive early enough to set up the show or get ready to perform. Artists will show up 15-60 minutes prior to the performance depending on the demands of the entertainment. If a lot of set up is required, please expect the performer to be there earlier to set up. This means the performance area should be ready for them. If clients want us at the event earlier or we have to stay later or after the event ends to break down, please know that the performers are paid by the hour and there might be an extra fee for such a request.

PRACTICE RUNS, REHEARSALS, MEETINGS, OR CHOREOGRAPHING AN ACT TO A SONG ARE NOT FREE. The artists are paid by the hour. These things will get factored into the bid. If these things are requested after the bid, they must now be added to the cost.

GREEN AREA- If the performer is doing strolling entertainment, he will need a green area, off limits to the patrons, not easily accessible to employees, to place other props and his personal items such as keys, clothes, and coats.

FINAL PAYMENT- When the Artist arrives he will be expecting the final payment before he begins to set up for the event. If the event is not paid in full before the day of the event, please make sure the balance is present and ready for the Artist so there is not a delay in the start or shortening of the performance. If the balance is not paid by the scheduled setup time, the Artist will not set up and will leave. The start time is the start time unless the Artist is additionally compensated or the performance time will be shortened. The Artist is paid by the time that was quoted for the event. If additional time is requested after the contracted time runs out, the Client could pay the performers cash to continue entertaining.

TIPPING- Tipping the Artist after the performance is always appreciated in the service industry and entertainers recognize a tip as a job well done.

SOUND SYSTEM- If the crowd is expected to be large, I do have a speaker system so everyone can hear me. The Client should provide a working 110v outlet for the speaker system.

STAGES- Please inform the performers of the type of staging area. The type of flooring and it being a level surface does play a factor with some acts. Carpet, vinyl tile, marble, textured, wood or uneven floors could change the show. Indoor or outdoor matters too. Weather, wind, sun, grass, mud, and rain play a factor. Also, the height of the staging area and the size of the staging area. Performers need room to do the skills you requested in a safe environment.

BARRIERS AND SUPERVISION- Performers are entertainers and are not hired to be security guards or babysitters. Please make sure that children are attended to and that the show area is protected from people walking through it and getting injured. Patrons are not allowed to playing on show equipment.

LIGHTING- Lighting is to be provided by the client. The performer needs to be able to see the ground and their props as they make contact with their bodies and hands.

PARKING AND LOADING- Parking should be provided by the client and be free and of close proximity for the performers to load and unload their props. Validation or reserved parking is a must and is not negotiable. If the artist has to pay to park please have cash on hand to reimburse them.

I have dedicated my life and sacrificed in so many ways to develop the skills I have to offer. Let me proudly entertain your guests at your event. My goal is to bring you the charm and the flair that you could witness under the big top at an affordable rate. Bigger budgets definitely increase the difficulty level of performances and things offered such as a sound system for the performer to use and big audiences to easily hear. Already well versed in several circus disciplines, I am constantly training and cross training to stay fit and to be able to develop new skills to share.

The Striped Circus was born as a result of a strong passion of circus arts that grew over a long time. I have blended and infused many unique skill sets to bring audiences shows they could be mesmerized by. With everything ranging from acrobatics, juggling, balancing and sword swallowing, you will see an impressive visual feast of circus entertainment right in front of your eyes.
After twenty-two years of entertaining, I am a seasoned performer who knows how to interact with a crowd and provide jaw-dropping live entertainment. With backgrounds in dance, theater, stage design, art, miming, clowning, acrobatics, athletics, puppeteering, and juggling, I can definitely bring the fun. Being in the business for such a long time has also granted me opportunities of networking with other artists to be inspired by and perform with. With so many amazing talents to offer, I can be that special sparkle you desire for your event. A typical show or event is with just the one performer. I can always add more performers if your budget allows for an even bigger mind blowing experience.

Shows can be performed on solid stages, streets, backyards, driveways and I have even performed on a floating dock. I tailor each show with your expected target audience. If the entertainment is for all ages I have that covered. If it is for children, I will dazzle their minds and cannot be held responsible if they want to run away with the circus when the performance is over. Can I do an adult show? Absolutely!

Being a metro-Detroit based performer has allowed me to perform at or for clients such as: Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, Acura, Budweiser, BP, Rockstar Inc., Lear Corporation, Coca Cola, Quicken Loans, U of M Motts Children's Hospital, Karmanos Institute, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Maker Fair, Detroit Music Hall, Shrine Circus, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Majestic Theater, Filmore Detroit, Detroit Opera House, Olympia Entertainment, Masonic Temple, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, The Michigan State Fair, Ohio State Fairgrounds, Comerica Park, Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Hall, Majestic Theatre, Suburban Showplace, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Garden Theater, Canton Village Theater, Renaissance Center GM Head Quarters, Michigan International Speedway, The Parade Company, Greektown Casino, Motorcity Casino, Motorcity Soundboard, Soaring Eagle Casino, Hollywood Casino, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Saganing Eagles Landing Casino, Detroit Homecoming, Hart Plaza, Detroit River Walk, Real Estate One, Century 21, Title Source, Nascar, Tiffin University, Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, Lawrence Tech University, Albion University, The Museum of Modern Art, Theatre Bizarre, WCM, The Detroit Tigers, Motorcity Tattoo Expo, The Great Lake Loons(Dow Diamond), Woodchuck Cider, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Moose Jaw, Royal Oak Arts Beats and Eats, Ferndale DIY Festival, City of Detroit, City of Rochester Hills, City of Dearborn, City of Novi, City of Dearborn Heights, City of Rochester, Redford Township, Detroit Zoo, Howell Area Parks and Recreation, Boy Scouts of America, Hodag, Michigan Library Association, Grosse Pointe Woods Library, Clinton Macomb Public Library, Farmington Library, Harrison Township Library, Canton Library, Muskegon Library, Holiday Inn, Detroit Athletic Club, Heartland, Knights of Columbus, Automotive Hall of Fame, Motion Picture Institute, Seventy 7 Productions, TVS Communications Solutions, Psychopathic Records, PDM Healthcare, Coalition on Temporary Shelter, Detroit Yacht Club, Port of Authority, Harbor Town, Grosse Pointe Farms Country Club, Shanandoah Country Club, Friends of Cardington, Ford Resource and Engagement Center, St. Hugo of the Hills, Chabad House, Congregation Beth Ahm, St. John Armenian Church, MHSAA, Divine Child High School, Ann Arbor (Emerson), Ida Elementary, Fenton Elementary, Defiance High School, Riverside Marina, Springwells Park Association, Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Cinetopia Cinema Circus, Ottawa Street Windsor Ontario Canada, Rustbelt Market, Wiard's Orchard, Tangent Gallery, Calliope, Insane Clown Posse, Knight Foundation, ABC WXYZ Detroit Ch. 7, Opportunity Detroit, American Welder's Society, L and L Products, One Eyed Betties, Burger Brawl, Pops For Italian, Kramer Restaurant Group, Mon Jin Lau Sushi Bar, 5th Avenue, Grand River Brewery, New Holland Brewery, Athena Hall, Nancy Whiskey, Crave, Ace of Spades, The Dirty Show, Michigan Burlesque Festival, The Social Connection, Parades (Plymouth, Grosse Pointe, Rochester, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Dearborn Heights, Greenville, White Lake, Mount Clemens, Marlette, Easton Town Center)
I last updated this list in 2017.

Crowned as a world champ two times for downhill slalom skiing and juggling.

I have been featured on the cover of The Metro Times. I have also appeared in the Detroit Free Press and other state and local newspapers. One time I was even on a billboard.

Appeared in an Insane Clown Posse music video for Psychopathic Records at The Motion Picture Institute in Troy. Toured with artists and musicians that are world renowned.

My Juggling skills were featured in a Quicken Loans commercial for receiving the J.D. Powers award.

Appeared several times in an HBO Cinemax reality TV series called Topless Prophet.

Won BEST OF SHOW in the Greenville Michigan, Danish Parade 2015 with acrobatic displays.

Keeping the audience and entertainer safe is a priority. Stages should be solid and adequate for the performance request to ensure safety and the very best visual display of artistry. Children should not be left unattended and a supervising adult or parent should be nearby to address any behavioral issues that may interfere with safety or the enjoyment of the show. I am a great performer and probably not the best babysitter.