Juggling and Performing Arts

The Early Years

Jacob learned to juggle a few weeks before his tenth birthday, along with his brother Daniel. The brothers grew up juggling together in Birmingham, Alabama, frequently juggling during the summers in Chicago at Oak Street Beach.

Princeton Juggling Club

After juggling together during high-school, Jacob joined his brother at the Princeton University Juggling Club. In his second year at Princeton, he co-led the creation of the group's first annual juggling and comedy show in 2001. Drawing sold-out audiences from Princeton and nearby Philadelphia and New York, Jacob co-directed the next two shows before graduating in 2003. Spring of 2008 marked the club's 8th annual show.

Vanderbilt Juggling and Physical Arts

Upon arriving at Vanderbilt University for graduate school, Jacob quickly founded a new student organization, Vanderbilt Juggling and Physical Arts (JPAC). Drawing from his experiences at Princeton, he hoped to create a collaborative environment for students to learn new skills, perform, and volunteer in the community. The group grew rapidly, and became well-known by performing and volunteering at many campus and community events.

Juggleville

In 2006, Jacob co-led the creation of JPAC’s first annual Juggleville show, which combines juggling, music, dance, and physical comedy in a full-length theatrical production. After a successful first year, the show grew to a cast of over 50 performers, developing innovative collaborations with local musicians, gymnasts, and other artists. Jacob co-directed two more sold-out productions, Juggleville II: Symphony in Gravity in 2007, and Juggleville III: Catch-a-Sketch in 2008.

Performing Arts Collaborations

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in the performing arts community, Jacob co-founded the Vanderbilt Performing Arts Council (VPAC) in 2006 to improve opportunities for Vanderbilt student performing arts organizations to collaborate, openly discuss concerns, and celebrate the arts with a unified voice. He co-directed the first annual Spotlight showcase in Fall of 2007 and helped initiate the first annual Spring celebration of student performing arts in Spring of 2008.

Playing By Air Productions

Jacob founded Playing By Air Productions to continue his juggling and performing arts activities professionally. Jacob will continue to develop innovative performances, offer community workshops and lessons in variety arts, and consult on artist and production development. Bringing together the individuals and groups in Nashville’s variety arts community is one of Jacob’s goals.