Where in the world am I today?: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Prologue: I remember meeting Reid Belstock for the first time at the Edmonton International Street Performer’s Festival, but for the life of me I couldn’t remember which year. I knew it was some time in the late 90’s, and when I asked Reid about it he told me that it was 1999 –
“It was 1999, Dick Finkel’s last year as producer”
I wasn’t actually performing at the Festival that year but was hanging out a bunch because I had another gig in the area. I remember watching his show a few times and really enjoying it. The thing that struck me most was how physical his show was and how far he pushed his slapstick… Reid had a gift for pratfalls, but I swear he was hurting himself every time he did one…
We ended up at the a few other events together and I have a vivid memory of a team show we did under a tent at the Windsor Buskers Festival. It was pouring rain and about forty people got stranded under this tent so Reid and I went over and did a show for them. I remember passing the hat at the end and the crowd was so appreciative of us making the extra effort that each and every person tipped up and tipped very generously.
I also think I have Reid to thank for getting me hooked up with the Don Casino Agency in Miami. I knew that Reid was doing Cruise Ships and when I asked him about that market he very generously gave me all of the information I could possibly hope for and helped make the introduction to the agent… Oh… and then there’s the fact that we both ended up getting married to girls originally from Japan… Great guy! Great show! Very glad to count him amongst my friend!
STATS
Name: Reid Belstock
Birthday: October
Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado, USA.
Started Peforming/Working in the Industry: Elitch Gardens/age 16/Denver Colorado.
Discipline: Juggling/Physical Comedy
Websites: www.reidbelstock.com
www.smirkshow.com
Video Link: http://juggling.tv/video/2742/reid-belstock-juggler-physical-comedian
Venues Worked: Theaters/Cruise Ships/Theme Parks/Hotel Reviews/Cabaret Night Clubs
Hot 10 Questions:
- What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream and why? • Bubble Gum. Great Flavor, and lot’s of fun food I can play with.
- Name one movie that would make it to your Top 10 all-time great films. • Star Wars.
- What was your favorite toy from childhood? • I had these small bears that were designed as hair braids, but they were very small and I kept them in my pocket and took them everywhere.
- Who were your biggest inspirations when you got started? • Mark Nizer, David Deeble, Peter Davison and The Gizmo Guys.
- From the world of animation what one character do you most identify with or see yourself in? • Philip J Fry.
- Name something that scares you. • Giant Spiders.
- Apart from the entertainment industry, name one other job you’ve had. • I spent some time dealing Blackjack. Really liked too.
- What’s something you haven’t done yet that you’d like to try? • College.
- What’s your least favourite thing about being a performer? • Booking my own work.
- If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? • “Here we go again.“
The Nugget:
Pick one nugget of wisdom you’ve picked up from your career in Show Business to share with the World.
“Luck is a mix of opportunity, and the ability to use it to your best advantage”.
–Reid Belstock
