Jay & Leslie

Jay Cady and Leslie Seifert-Cady are theater artists skilled in juggling, mime, magic, storytelling, and improvisation. Their humor is in a vaudeville vein as they present circus skills and wacky versions of traditional and original stories. Jay and Leslie have performed their signature performance “Laughing Matters” in 36 states and 7 foreign countries. In their school and library programs they use diverse theatrical skills, clever visual aids, and an irresistible sense of fun to teach math, literacy, science, and civics.

“Laughing Matters” is a 30-90 minute duet performance of juggling, storytelling, mime, magic and improvisation for all ages. The show can be produced in two acts on a stage with light and sound cues, or with minimal tech support in formal or informal settings.

• $500-$1000 performance fee + travel expenses. The performance fee depends on length of show and amount of tech preparation. Travel fees include round trip mileage from Kansas City and lodging.
• Additional $500 per juggling or mime workshop
• Additional $500 per educational activity
• Discounts for multiple programs

Schools, libraries, community centers, and other venues can host short performances of “Laughing Matters” or one of these workshops: 

Juggling Workshop – 60-minute workshop for ages 9 and up. Jay and Leslie begin by teaching traditional toss juggling with scarves and bean bags, then move on to spinning plates, Chinese yo-yos, flower sticks, and other manipulation props. Families are encouraged to participate together. It is also a great activity for teen groups. Limit 20 participants.

Mime Workshop — 60-minute workshop for ages 9 and up. Learn to tell a story silently using just your body. Jay and Leslie introduce participants to the ancient art of mime, teaching the basics of mime illusions, physical characterization, and story structure. Jay and Leslie were students of legendary mime Marcel Marceau. Limit 20 participants.

• “Sum of Our Favorite Numbers” – 45-minute Math assembly for elementary students

• “Juggling the Earth’s Resources” – 45-minute Science assembly for elementary students

• “Tales With a Point: Fables and Fairy Tales” – 45-minute Literacy assembly for lower elementary students

• “How Freedom Works” – 45-minute American Government assembly for upper elementary students