Talent Tuesday performer Renee Crosby talks juggling

Renee Crosby, office associate, rheumatology, will amaze the audience with her juggling skills at today’s Talent Tuesday program at noon in the Eppley Amphitheater.

She may teach a few people how to juggle, too.

Following her dazzling performance, Steve Caplan, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, will read from his recently published first novel, “Matter Over Mind.”

Crosby tells us more about her background in juggling.

Renee Crosby’s juggling skills will be on display today during the Talent Tuesday event in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

I was working backstage at the Omaha Community Playhouse in November 1980 and learned from one of the cast members. I liked it, so I kept practicing. I can juggle up to five things at once. The strangest thing I’ve juggled is a toy stuffed pig with a bowling ball and a beanbag. I have juggled torches on fire, but I don’t do it often. The most expensive thing I’ve broken while juggling is my tooth, which was broken when I was hit in the face while passing clubs.

Where do you perform?

I perform all over and for all kinds of events — school assemblies, birthday parties, company picnics, banquets, scout meetings, fairs, parades, wedding receptions. I’m part of the touring program through the Nebraska Arts Council, too, so groups can apply for a grant to have me come do a show.

How many people have you taught to juggle?

I’d say somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 people during the last 30 years. I’ve taught through the Omaha Community Playhouse, Iowa Western Community College, Metro Tech Community College and have done many private workshops. I’ve also done many week-long residencies in Nebraska schools through the Nebraska Arts Council’s Artists in the Schools/Community program. I’m president of the Omaha Juggling Club and have taught a lot of people at our meetings too. Our meetings are free — come learn to juggle.