#8 Manipulating Boxes: Cigar Boxes

Exploring the depth of box-juggling.

Cigar boxes are props manipulated by holding three boxes between both hands. For Jason, who has been juggling for over 15 years, these props hold a significant place in his practice. His story about spending hours every day practicing during his student years conveys the joy of honing a skill and the satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off in a tangible way.

He also faced challenges with this unique gear.

While the props are fascinating, he also shares the struggles he faced with his practice environment. The noise generated during practice was a particularly unavoidable issue, leading to warnings from others at his university. His candid discussion about these trials and errors, reflecting both his affection for the craft and the difficulty of handling cigar boxes, is quite memorable.

Why are these props so compelling?

Midway through the episode, Jason explains the definitive difference between cigar boxes and ball juggling from a unique perspective. From the need to use the body dynamically rather than just manipulating the boxes, to the puzzle-like movements they create, listening to the full episode might just change how you perceive cigar boxes. For more details on the history and background of these props, please be sure to listen to the full episode.