Keith Nelson

Keith Nelson is co-founder of Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc., aka the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, a national traveling theater-based circus. Keith learned to juggle and eat fire while in college in 1989. Since then he has learned to swallow swords and be a clown. Keith has an act for every stage, from the Carnival Sideshow to Broadway, from College to Kindergarten, and from Circus to Burlesque.

• Avery Fischer Hall (w/Ornette Coleman), NYC
• Hall &Christ's World of Wonders, NJ
• Yale Cabaret, Yale University, CT
• Toyota Comedy Festival, NY
• Burning Man Festival, NV

• Glastonbury Festival, UK
• Coney Island Sideshow by the Seashore, NY
• Wild Style Tattoo Convention, Austria
• King Opera House, Van Buren, AK
• San Diego Street Scene, CA
• Blue Angel Cabaret, NY
• Knitting Factory, NY

• "Oddville", MTV
• "OZ," HBO
• "The Today Show," NBC
• "Twisted Lives of Contortionist," Discovery
• "Rock of Ages," VH-1
• "212," Fox
• "On the Inside," BBC
• "Tudo de Bom," MTV Brazil
• Carson Daly Show
• Late Night with David Letterman, CBS

Sword Swallowing, Clowning, Fire-eating, Bed of Nails, Human Blockhead, Trick Rope Spinning, Juggling (four balls and four clubs/torches), Plate Spinning, Diablo, Balloon Sculpture, Balancing, Straight Jacket Escape, Stilt Walking, Bullwhips, Magic, Knife Throwing, Archery, Gun Spinning, and Tuba.

Computer skills, graphic design, driving, packing, cooking, promotions, carpentry, school bus driver, camp counselor, waiter, video editing, and kayaking.

• BA in Social Sciences, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 1992
• New York Goofs Ultimate Clown School, NY, NY 2001
• 2 years (so far) Tap Dancing at Broadway Dance Center

Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America, Amateur Radio Operator. Walked across the United States in 1991.

Wild West Arts Club, International Jugglers Association, Circus Historical Society, Assoc. of Presenter of Campus Activities, and World Knife Throwers Guild.