Juggling O'Fallon Teen Makes Finals in Talent Competition

Ryan Himmel could juggle his way into thousands of dollars in college scholarships.

Ryan is one of 11 finalists for the second annual St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition, a regional contest where talented high schoolers compete for scholarships and performance opportunities.

Ryan, a senior at , has been juggling for seven years. His brother, older than Ryan by five years, taught him the basics, and “I just kind of took it from there,” Ryan said.

Ryan would use the scholarship prizes to pay for college next year. He’s deciding among Lindenwood University, Florida State University and Illinois State University. He thinks he’ll study business, but he’d love to keep juggling—especially at Florida or Illinois, which both have circus programs.

But scholarships aren’t the only reason Ryan joined the competition.

“From day one, the plan was to get to the Fox,” Ryan said. Only the finalists have the opportunity to perform at the Fabulous Fox Theater.

“I really just like performing for lots of people and being on stage,” Ryan said. “I like to hear what the judges have to say.”

While he says he is getting “more and more nervous,” Ryan is preparing by running through his juggling routine almost constantly.

“It’s worth it,” Ryan 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 Ryan on, The St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition finale starts at 8 p.m. April 27 at the Fabulous Fox Theater. Tickets are free.

For more, read O'Fallon Patch's coverage of the and .