Juggling Teen Makes Finals in Teen Talent Showcase Competition

Juggling is in Kellin Quinn’s blood.

The high school sophomore said he was “just drawn to” juggling 10 years ago, and he’s been tossing balls, rings and clubs ever since.

He had plenty of nearby inspiration; his brother juggles, and his mother used to perform trapeze, fire eating as well as juggling.

“I’ve been juggling those for so long, it’s just kind of second (nature) to me, muscle memory,” he said. “I’ve kind of been juggling for all of my life. It’s just something that I’ve always enjoyed doing.”

This month, Kellin will compete against 10 other acts (including another juggler) at the Fabulous Fox Theater for the finale of the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition.

“I would really like to win, it’s just not my main focus,” Kellin said. “My main focus is having fun.”

Kellin has been waiting for a chance to compete at the finale for a year. During last year’s competition, he wandered onto the Fox Theater’s stage to help a friend clean up props from her aerial sling contortionist act. The theater was closed. The audience had gone home. But the lights were up, and what Kellin saw inspired him.

“It was one of the most mind-blowing things I’ve ever seen,” Kellin said about standing onstage at the Fox. “It’s gorgeous. I still want to perform there. I want to do my best at the Fox Theater.”

Even if Kellin doesn’t win first place or the $7,000 scholarship that comes with it, he said he feels like he accomplished something just by earning a spot on the Fox stage.

“I’m really excited. I’ve made it,” he said.

Mike Isaacson, the executive producer of the Muny Opera and a judge in the competition, said he’s excited to show St. Louis how “ferociously talented” its teens are.

“They are finding their voice artistically,” Isaacson said. “They are finding their voice as young people. It’s kind of pure. There is nothing false about it. It’s coming from their hearts and spirits and who they are as young people. We live in a very cynical time, and there is nothing cynical about these kids.”

If you’d like to cheer Kellin on, The St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition finale starts at 8 p.m. April 27 at the Fabulous Fox Theater. Tickets are free.