Jack’s as surprised as anyone that he’s ended up working in education. As a kid, he went to a lot of festivals, and inspired by what he saw, learned to juggle – and basically clown around. Now with decades of performing experience, community projects, charity work and festival production under his belt, he’s helping emerging creatives find their place in this vast and exciting industry.
“Prioritise human relationships. If people leave an interaction thinking ‘I’d work with you again’, you’ve nailed the important bit.”
“I’ve stood in front of a class full of kids who don’t want to learn. So running these bootcamps at MUTI Live is one of the most joyful things I’ve ever done. It’s a chance for people who love festivals to see where they fit in. If you’re good with tools you could build sets. If you’re all over spreadsheets, production could be your thing. If you like tech, maybe you belong behind a sound desk. It’s a huge industry, so whatever you love, there’s a place for you somewhere. And in such a stop/go world, it’s always a good thing if you can wear more than one hat.
My own route to work has been wonderfully chaotic. I’ve been a performer, a youth worker, then a young dad trying to make ends meet by putting on shows at kids’ parties. That snowballed into full-time touring (often with the whole family in the van). Now life’s a bit more settled – I teach at MUTI, co-run a company called Farmyard Circus and lead a charity project called Taunton Youth Culture and Arts Festival. It’s been a rollercoaster ride that hasn’t always gone according to plan, but that’s when you learn the most – and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
One thing I do know now, is that everything I’ve done revolves around communication and
connection. And I think my superpower is being able to find common ground with anyone, from any
walk of life. Whether that’s a teenager in a youth centre, or a millionaire I’m asking for money, no one
is less or more important than I am. Everyone has something to learn and something to teach.”
