I think the IJA stage championships need more emphasis on presentation. Under the current system with the emphasis on technical, we are mostly seeing a tech run-through on stage which is the same as someone going through their tricks in the gym. High technical skills have other venues, such as the numbers competition and the Three Ball Open, where presentation is not a factor. The stage championship should be theatrical and emphasize character. A former championships director said that the championships is the IJA's way to prepare jugglers for television shows and big-time gigs.
People booking for big shows want an act that demonstrates character as well as technical skill.
I am not the type to complain, but there are a few things I feel I need to say about this year's festival. Speaking as one who has prepared festival proposals, I can appreciate how difficult it is to find suitable facilities. But aside from the lousy food and the poor juggling space, I was embarrassed by the theatre arrangements. After L.A. where the sound system was great and any seat in the auditorium was a good one, the contrast was stark. Sergei Ignatov hadn't performed in this country for more than a decade and we treated him to a gymnasium.