Earl Shatford's love for circus began at the age of 7 when he watched his uncle and aunt performing together as Samson and Delilah in their strongman act at Michael Edgeley World’s Greatest Circus Spectacular Show in Canberra in 1983. A few years later, Earl began circus training at the Flying Fruit Fly Circus in Albury/Wodonga, where he became a student of circus legends. He was taught juggling by Russian juggling legend Mr. Albert Petrovski, acrobatics by famous British acrobat Mr. Jonny Hutch, comedy by slapstick clown Mr. Dougie Ashton, and pyramids/group bike by Mr. Lu Guangrong.
Earl’s circus career is extensive and spans the globe. He has performed his world-class juggling act for 35 years aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships. In Australia, Earl has performed for Prime Ministers Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, and John Howard on multiple occasions. He also performed in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, in Silvers Grand Magic Circus with Tommy Hanlon Jr., and on several television shows.
Earl is among juggling legends for inventing and performing the ‘Kara Box Swearl Trick,’ which is featured in two historic juggling books. He has matched several world records and set numerous unofficial records throughout his career. In 2008, he attended the International Acrobatic Circus Festival Competition in Wuhan, China, where he won three awards for his juggling act.
Earl has been involved with NICA from the very beginning. In 2000, he performed at the opening of NICA, and again in 2007 at the launch of the NCC building. Today, Earl shares his incredible wealth of knowledge and experience as a trainer and juggling legend at NICA.
Performance images by Ian Sutherland.
