Sergio the Italian Clown Juggler

Ashley Metz is drawn to the sound of whistles in the Italy Pavilion

- by Ashley Metz, March 3, 2011

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I am extremely distractible.

I am famous for beginning one project, book, (you fill in the blank), then skipping on to another 'thing' only later to realize that I left something else standing.

This distractible nature comes from my need to see it all. I absolutely must take in every detail. I notice. That is all.

But there's an up-side.

At home, maybe, I have a pile of laundry started in one room while I go vacuum another, but at Disney, I constantly stop to smell the roses and watch the jugglers.

Did you just re-read that sentence? Don't worry, I intended the jugglers part!

click an image to expand and read notes:

Sergio Juggling

Sergio Balancing

Sergio Preparing

Whistle While You Juggle

The juggler in question makes his home at Epcot. He's Sergio the Italian Clown Juggler! If you've never seen Sergio, you can find him performing throughout the day at Epcot's Italian Pavilion. You really can't miss him: he's dressed in a red and white striped shirt, green sash, rag pants, Chuck Taylors, black fedora - and, of course, the whistle.

You'll most likely hear him before you see him.

Giving caution whistles, Sergio wheels in to the Italy Pavilion on a scooter-styled gondola. As crowds begin to gather (or moths like me turn toward the flame, mesmerized...), Sergio defines his work space with a rope boundary and begins juggling an assortment of items, including umbrellas and soccer balls.

Audience participation is a must, and Sergio will straight up call you out (more like whistle you out) if you're reluctant to participate. Sergio also finds volunteers to help with the fun. After searching the crowds high and low, he'll find a special helper (usually a kid) who will become his assistant for some fancy soccer ball tricks. I love watching the raw talent that is childhood on display as Sergio works with his junior helpers.

As I mentioned, Sergio uses a whistle to 'speak'. I bet he has an interesting life at home. "Sergio", his wife asks, "did you take out the trash?" Sergio answers, "whistle whistle whistle"...

Sergio Works with a Net

Yeah, anyway, I love how Sergio resorts to out-sized gestures in order to get his point across to the kids. It is truly funny!

Sergio and his little helper do all kinds of tricks such as the one in which the kid holds a large net and catches the mini soccer balls that Sergio throws. It is quite impressive given the distance between Sergio and the net! He keeps telling the kid to move farther and farther back, and still everytime I've been watching that joker makes the shot.

It is phenomenal. And I enjoy hearing the crowd help the helper understand Sergio's whistle cues. Kids are so darn funny.

If you happen not to be in the Italy Pavilion this very minute, you can still see Sergio in action (courtesy of VetShak):

Make sure, the next time you're passing by the Italy Pavilion and you hear a whistle, that you stop. Don't keep pressing on in your pursuit to complete World Showcase in two hours. Enjoy some pure, clean fun. Raise your hand when Sergio looks for volunteers. Smile.

"Whistle whistle whistle whistle!"

(In Sergio, that's "You won't regret it!")

For more, visit the column homepage BECAUSE I STINKIN' LOVE DISNEY WORLD