2024 LIBRARY TOUR

A Summer Program to Support Reading

Taking his audience around the world with him, Michael shares his story about becoming a successful juggler along with all his amazing juggling and fantastic circus skills. From Argentina to England to China and all the way to Australia, children will get to experience many different kinds of juggling. Michael’s BIG Juggling Odyssey is a 50 minute up-close and intimate, fun program for children and families. Post-show juggling workshops can be added for a small fee.

"Michael put on a great show. He works hard but makes it look effortless. He's amazingly flexible and energetic, and the performance really flows with no breaks...
A real pro and a pleasure to watch. I also appreciated the free handout of the juggling bibliography. All of our juggling books were checked out right after Michael's show, so he inspires kids to read as well as juggle!"Christie Sarles, Tuftonboro Free Library, Tuftonboro, New Hamsphire

"I loved the show. I think Michael did a great job of keeping both young children and adults awed and laughing. His show was very accessible and engaging."Robin Strauss, Northeast Harbor Library, Northeast Harbor, Maine

"The show was excellent. Michael immediately connected with the kiddos by shaking their hands and doing high fives. His music was upbeat, the juggling visually and creatively performed. The length of the program was perfect, especially for an evening performance and kids in the audience."Sarah Gillens, Philip Read Memorial Library, Plainfield, New Hampshire

"It was great! Very funny and fast paced!"Nancy Boutet, J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY, Westford, Massachusetts

"A wonderful, engaging show that kept the kids (and adults) entertained from start to finish! I actually heard the kids squealing with delight throughout the program!"Jess Milton, SOUTH PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, South Portland, Maine

Funding

Apply through LCC for 2024 Funding! Libraries in Massachusetts can apply for a Local Cultural Council grant to help fund one of Michael’s awesome juggling shows in 2024. The Local Cultural Council Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in America and awards over $4 million every year. Out-of-state performing artists are eligible to receive support through LCC. Grant applications should be submitted in September, 2024. Here are some links to get started on a grant application:

Massachusetts Cultural Council LCC Landing Page
LCC Application Process
LCC Online Toolkit
LCC Online Application Webinar

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TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Performing Area: 10 ‘ x 16′ (Plus sufficient space for families to sit comfortably)
Electrical Outlet for Sound System (Extension cords provided)
Setup Time: 3/4 hour • Pack-up Time: 3/4 hour
Suitable for Indoors or Outdoors (If weather conditions permit)

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PRICING:

Shows in Maine start as low as $425
Early Bird Discount: Book Before March 15th, 2024 and Receive a $25 Discount.
Block-book a show with another library within 50 miles and get a $25 discount (each library)!

Outside of Maine Shows starting at $475
Block-book a show with another library within 50 miles and get a $25 discount (each library)!

Juggling Workshops available for $75.
Equipment for beginner workshops provided for up to 30 children and parents at a time.

*Some restrictions apply. Library shows are intended for a limited audience with a maximum capacity of 100 people, should be free and open to the general public and performed in a library facility. Please contact Michael for more information on fees for larger community shows, fundraisers and ticketed events.

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Michael’s Bio

Michael Menes (pronounced Men•ness) is a contemporary vaudevillian who has performed all over the world. A juggler for over 30 years, Michael has performed in festivals, theaters, television, and on a dozen luxury cruise lines including Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line. Michael’s television credits include appearing on the SOLTROM SERIES produced by CIRQUE du SOLEIL for the Bravo Channel, three appearances on French TV Variety Show “Le Grande Cabaret du Monde” in Paris, JUST FOR LAUGHS in Montreal, and on the “INTERNATIONAL HUMOR FESTIVAL” TV Special on CCTV in Beijing, China, a program that aired to over 200 million people across Asia. When not on tour, Michael makes his home in the Oxford Hills Region of Western Maine where he has his own retreat and arts studio for creating shows, directing and workshopping called The Eureka Arts Retreat (www.eurekaretreat.com).

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MICHAEL HAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED AT THESE NEW ENGLAND LIBRARIES:

Alden Balch Memorial Library • Anna Field Fernald Library • Belfast Free Library • Blue Hill Public Library • Cumberland Public Library • Exeter Public Library • Falmouth Public Library • J.V. Fletcher Library • H.D. Moore Library • Lewiston Public Library • Londonderry Leach Library • Nashua Public Library • Northeast Harbor Public Library • Mechanic Falls Public Library • Mexico Public Library • Needham Free Public Library • Old Orchard Beach Public Library • Oxford Public Library • Philip Read Memorial Library • Pomfret Public Library • Prince Memorial Library • Rockland Public Library • Rumford Public Library • Scarborough Public Library • Silsbury Public Library • South Portland Library • Stonington Public Library • Sutton Free Library • Tewksbury Public Library • Thompson Free Library • Tuftonboro Free Library • Warren Free Public Library • Webster Free Library • Wilton Free Public Library • Winslow Library

RESERVE A DATE TODAY!
AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED!

Call Michael at (1) 207-440-9147 or send us a message…

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GET THE WORD OUT

Some resources to help promote Michael’s show to your community!

• BIG Juggling Odyssey Flyer
Available in .pdf or .docx formats. (Click image to open sample flyer. Each library receives a custom flyer free of charge.)

• BIG Juggling Odyssey Sample Press Release (Click Here)
Download a handy press release to send out to the newspapers and media outlets in your area to publicize the show.

• Publicity Photo (High Resolution)
Click photo to open a 300 dpi image in a new window.

• Juggling Workshops ($75)

Book an optional post-show juggling workshop for kids and parents. Michael brings supplies for up to 30 participants to learn basic toss juggling with scarves and specially prepared soft non-bounce juggling balls, balancing sticks and poi swinging equipment. Workshops last approximately 45 minutes.