I rarely get stage fright or anxiety going into shows any more, with two exceptions: Shows where the audience knows me, and shows where I know skilled jugglers are in the audience.  My students had to deal with both of these circumstances recently when they did chapel for our school's high school.  About 2/3 of the current high schol came through my class,and are, therefore, quality jugglers themselves.  Also, many of them are siblings or friends of some of my students. This was the LOL show this year that most of my class didn't want to do.

But they did it.  The high school's response to our introduction put us at ease, as they cheered loudly for Killian's and Ezra's card magic, Izzy's pogo stick wizardry, and Dillon's worm.  From there, the ice was broken, and the show went on very well.  "The Good Nerd", our skit based on the Good Samaritan, was new to the older students, and was a huge hit.  

But even when we did some of our standards, like the Prodigal Juggler, the high school students and staff showed their appreciation.  Jake is so good as the prodigal, and brings a whole new attitude to that role.  And of course, "Jesus is Victor", an audience participation juggling routine, was a huge hit as present and former LOL'ers perfromed an ad lib routine together.

As always, this year's group put on a great show and rose to the occaision.