Mason Chestnut, a junior at Mount Vernon High School, may not be your typical teenager, but his unusual hobby has earned him the spotlight. A gifted juggler, Mason has transformed his passion into both a captivating side gig and a means of expression, performing at a variety of events and even getting paid for his talents.
It all started with a simple curiosity. Mason watched YouTube videos in his spare time and was immediately interested. What followed was the beginning of a unique journey, one that’s taken him from his living room to stages across the area.
Over the past few years, Mason has perfected his craft, performing at events ranging from the Music and Arts Festival to corporate shows, halftime entertainment, summer camps, and even award ceremonies. While he hasn’t competed in any official juggling contests yet, his growing reputation has led him to be commissioned to perform for companies, where he is paid for his performances.
What sets Mason apart, however, isn’t just his technical skill—it’s his ability to bring personality to his performances. “I enjoy talking to people during a show if possible, and I love piecing together a performance,” he said. “There’s a lot more to a juggling act than just the juggling.” For Mason, the art of juggling is about crafting an experience that goes beyond the physical act of keeping objects in the air.
Throughout his journey, Mason has developed an impressive array of juggling techniques, mastering a range of patterns and objects. While he’s always working to maintain his current skills, he’s constantly on the lookout for new challenges. “I’m always looking for new and weird things to juggle,” he explained.
Some of the more unconventional objects he’s successfully tossed into the air include LED balls, juggling rings, clubs, and—perhaps most impressively—flaming torches. “The two hardest things I did were learning to juggle five balls and juggling flaming torches. Fire is my favorite to juggle, though; it looks very cool at night.”
Despite the high-risk nature of juggling with fire, Mason’s careful focus and commitment have allowed him to master the art safely and impressively.
Last year, Mason captivated audiences at the Forum show, and this year, he will return to perform once again. So if you’re looking for an extraordinary experience, be sure to check out Mason’s live performance at the Forum show. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the skill, creativity, and passion that makes Mason Chestnut not just a juggler—but an entertainer who continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a few objects and a whole lot of talent. The Forum Show runs March 7-9.
