- Richard Hartnell, Contact Juggler
- Richard Hartnell, Contact Juggler
Richard Hartnell -- Contact Juggler
the west coast's favorite sphere charmer
BIO
Richard Hartnell is among the most distinguished American contact jugglers.
From the fundamentals to the far reaches, Richard’s grasp of contact juggling technique summons students and audience members from around the world. His career in object manipulation now carpets North America’s west coast and spans an additional 11 countries beyond. In 2008, Richard co-founded the Bellingham Circus Guild in northwest Washington State. In 2009, he relocated to the Vulcan, a collective of movement artists in San Francisco’s East Bay. He has lived thereabouts for the past ten years, teaching and performing.
"In the very top percent of contact jugglers skill wise"
Das-Isobar.comSTAGE
From intimate indie stages to tremendous festival fields, Richard has years of experience leaving audiences walking away buzzing about the act. Three stage acts run the gamut from high-energy circus feats to transcendent storytelling acts.
AMBIANCE
Honed to perfection by hardened street audiences yet smoothly urbane in the parlor, Richard is top-notch at charming close-up audiences and adding flavor and visual ambiance to all kinds of events.
FIRE
Well-known among fire spinners, Richard is one of a perhaps single-digit number of jugglers known to capably perform the “contact fireball” act. A previous resident artist at one of the world’s most famous fire spinning collectives, he’s within arm’s reach of as many fire spinners as you need, guaranteed.
Styles
A variety of characters for all occasions.

The Magician
Once upon a time, the "Magician" card in the Tarot deck was known as the "Juggler." Serene, mystical, and resonant, the Magician uses his enchanting powers to bend reality and transport viewers to a realm beyond gravity. This character brings real magic to any event - particularly those of a romantic or fantastic setting.
Some 2018 Appearances
- Humboldt Juggling Festival / Arcata, CA / March 16-18
- Universal Flow Gathering / Apple Valley, CA / March 22-25
- Flow Show SF / San Francisco, CA / April 6-8
- Santa Cruz Juggling Convention / Santa Cruz, CA / May 4-6
- Kinetic Fire / College Corner, OH / May 17-20
- FireDrums / Anderson, CA / May 31 – June 3
Video
30-Second Demo
2012 Commercial Demo
Testimonials
...you should probably go see... beautiful.
LE Leone, San Francisco Bay Guardian
...Hartnell whips the ball around his torso and head and effortlessly makes it appear to hover in his hands, much as Moschen did on the big screen years ago.
Mike Kepka, San Francisco Chronicle
Mesmerizing to watch; the images do not do him justice.
Grant Palmer Photography, Los Angeles
We are still talking about his fabulous show ending with the Fireball act.
Sherry N, Oakland, CA
...amazing! So talented and such a wonderful teacher. The group had a fantastic experience. If we are ever back in Cali for an event I would absolutely love to work with Richard again!
Sheena O, Sensei International
...amazing..the perfect addition to our dream Labyrinth-themed wedding. He is excellent at his craft, very nice, and super accommodating... definitely the cherry on top that made everything complete.
Amanda B, Camarillo, CA
"Ace."
Drew Batchelor, author of "Multiball Contact Juggling"
Fun Facts
Blog
Contact
Contact Info
- The Vulcan Circus Studios
- Oakland, California, USA
- booking@gravitydefiance.net
- www.gravitydefiance.net