Jeff Raz to work for Cirque

My good friend (and a teacher of mine at Dell'Arte ) will be playing the lead in Cirque du Soleil's Corteo come December) It is really a plumb role, and something Jeff will be fantastic in. Biggest congratulations to him!

Inside Bay Area
Island clown gets Cirque du Soleil gig
By Hanna Tamrat, STAFF WRITER

ALAMEDA — Alameda parent and professional clown Jeff Raz will juggle a few clubs at his last Bay Area performance Sunday before joining highly acclaimed Cirque du Soleil. Then, he will have to juggle work and family for a year.

The 49-year-old veteran clown is ringmaster at the third annual Circus for the Arts morning and afternoon shows at Kofman Auditorium that benefit arts programs in Alameda public schools. He will perform a few acts, including juggling with the Lincoln Middle School Juggling Club, but mainly will work backstage putting the show together.

For a long time, Raz stuck to local performances to be close to his family and work with the local community. But "magic" called, and he is going to be on the road again.

"When you are a performer, the magic moment is when you hear of or see a role that is perfect for you," Raz said. "That doesn't happen often. And that is magic you don't take lightly."

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE