Nels Ross - Performer, Speaker, Oddball

(716) 575-5378
nels¥injest.com

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Assembly Programs

Possibilities
Nels models and addresses principles of good character in this fun-filled, motivational performance. It can be tailored to focus on issues such as excellence, respect, responsibility, bullying, leadership, and life choices. (K-12) study guide

High on Life
This uplifting program promotes wellness and making healthy choices that develop body, mind, and character. It incorporates age-appropriate messages on nutrition, exercise, hygiene, substance abuse, and ''joy-full'' living. (K-12) study guide

Science Circus
Nels and his special guest, The Professor, demonstrate math and science principles through circus skills. Participants will be amazed and amused as they learn about forces, energy, motion, and more. (K-6) study guide | news article

Read to Achieve
This upbeat performance celebrates reading because ''the more you read, the more you know; and the more you know, the more you grow.'' Nels shares how reading can be the start of a journey to wherever you want to go. (K-6) study guide

The Greatest Show on Mirth
Perfect for the holidays, family fun nights, end of the year, and other celebrations, this mirthful (i.e. joyful) show conveys the value of laughter and play, and how everyone can help make the world a better place. (All Ages) study guide


Schools in the Buffalo, NY or Rochester, NY areas can book Nels through Young Audiences of Western New York or Young Audiences of Rochester.
 
Playshops & Residencies

Juggling & Life Skills Playshop
Participants develop confidence, self-discipline, and other life skills through juggling and related activities. These activities appeal to different intelligences and improve tracking, motor, and sequencing skills used in reading, writing, math, and science. (All Ages) more benefits

Juggling for Success Residency
Combine performances and playshops for a dynamic one-day to five-day residency that teaches juggling and life skills, and promotes positive decision making. Add an evening program or ''Family Juggling Night'' to involve the whole school community. (K-6) study guide


Student & Staff Development

LEADERSHIP: IT'S WHAT YOU DO DO
Employing his contagious sense of humor and playfulness, Nels shares with secondary students how every person has the potential to demonstrate true leadership, and the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Available for conferences, and with interactive workshops for small and large groups.

Building Net Mirth
An entertaining exploration of ''play for grown-ups.'' Nels models the laughter-learning connection, and demonstrates how humor and play can serve as effective tools to enhance wellness, morale, motivation, creativity, communication, team building, and productivity. Available as a one- to two-hour program for in-service training, conferences, and events. online video

 
Testimonials

''awesome! I had so many faculty come up and tell me that they loved your show. They were so impressed with your message and your skill!''
   Beth Munro, Griffith Institute Middle School

''One of the most energizing and engaging performances focused on bullying and character development that we have seen!''
   Frank Spagnolo, Ben Franklin Middle School

"Thank you for contributing to the success of our high school student leadership retreat... We are grateful for your commitment to your work, and we are IN AWE OF YOUR TALENT!"
   Charmy Perry, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

''Absolutely fabulous! How wonderful it was to have science conveyed in such a fun way! You had everyone on the edge of their seats the whole time.''
   Kristy Bartenstein, Corning Museum of Glass

"During your family night performance, all I could hear was laughter, the kind that makes your whole body shake... Thanks again for bringing so much joy to Riverview!"
   Paula Gardner, Riverview School

"FIVE STARS! Teachers kept stopping by my office to share their delight with the program and the positive message on character education. Several said it was the best assembly in all their years of teaching."
   June Karassik, Cattaraugus Elementary

"Awesome job with the keynote for our Career Day. It was both entertaining and effective. Faculty and students loved it! Nothing but positive comments. You rock!!!"
   Kathy Hoyt, North Rose-Wolcott High School

"Superb! His ability to integrate humor and character education was amazing... This was the best I've seen in all my years here... He is so talented and personable, and he never lost focus on the message..."
   Teacher Comments, Homer Brink School

"NeIs is a talented, caring person who has done great things to motivate our students. His workshops and assemblies are the HIGHLIGHT OF OUR SCHOOL YEAR."
   Tyler Eichas, Plank Road South School

"It was a pleasure to have Nels this year. He was perfect for Read Across America Day and with his diversity of subjects he is a great artist to have again and again."
   Suzanne Hattala, Kirk Road School

"Science Circus displayed your amazing juggling and theatrical talents, and kept the audience enthralled while motivating and inspiring them. Your joy in working with young people is evident."
   Program Committee, Young Audiences

"Our students and staff absolutely loved the performance. The skills were incredible, the physical comedy had us in stitches, and the message was INVALUABLE!"
   Pam Fitzmorris, Cosgrove Middle School

"I am still hearing rave reviews about the assembly and workshops. Both faculty and students have had only great things to say about your AMAZING SKILLS and DELIGHTFUL HUMOR."
   Kristin Malone, Our Lady of Mercy High School

"The workshops went fantastically well. We had 100% participation of the students. Even the medical excuse students wanted to be involved. And the lessons about success were well received."
   Deb Glisson, Marcellus High School

"You taught not only juggling but CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT and LIFE SKILLS... Your artistry and sincerity captivated everyone, and I personally relished the upbeat effect you had on the entire school."
   Deborah Rose, Washington Irving School

"Excellent program! ‘Possibilities’ was the perfect complement to our values education theme. You modeled our values principles and kept everyone fully engaged."
   Michelle Kavanaugh, Maplemere Elementary

"The assemblies were some of the best we have ever had. Professional... engaging... and your rapport with both junior and senior high students was excellent!"
   Tim Rankin, Cambridge Springs High School

"'Read to Achieve' was right on target! Just the right combination of fun and inspiration to kick off our reading program."
   Mary Mulcahy, Highland Elementary

"Your ability to be humorous and to address important issues at the same time is EXTRAORDINARY. Students and teachers said it was the best program they had ever seen! It’s wonderful to see this kind of talent combined with a positive message."
   Linda Hewes, Chautauqua Lake Central School


References

As there are too many schools to list, here are some districts in western and central New York where NeIs has performed. (Yes, he performs in other areas as well.) Current references and contact info can be provided upon request.

Addison

Akron

Albion

Alden

Alexander

Alexandria

Allegany-Limestone

Altmar-Parish-Williamstown

Amherst

Attica

Auburn

Avon

Barker

Batavia

Bath

Bemus Point

Binghamton

Brasher Falls

Brighton

Brockport

Buffalo

Caledonia-Mumford

Camden

Canandaigua

Cattaraugus-Little Valley

Chautauqua Lake

Cheektowaga

Cheektowaga-Maryvale

Cheektowaga-Sloan

Chenango Valley

Cherry Valley-Springfield

Churchville-Chili

Clarence

Clymer

Corning

Cortland

Cuba-Rushford

Dansville

Depew

Dunkirk

East Aurora

East Bloomfield

East Irondequoit

East Rochester

East Syracuse-Minoa

Eden

Elba

Ellicottville

Elmira

Evans-Brant

Fairport

Fayetteville-Manlius

Forestville

Franklinville

Fredonia

Frewsburg

Frontier

Gananda

Gates-Chili

General Brown

Geneseo

Geneva

Gorham-Middlesex

Grand Island

Greece

Hamburg

Hamilton

Hilton

Holland

Holley

Homer

Honeoye

Honeoye Falls-Lima

Hopevale at Hamburg

Horseheads

Ilion

Iroquois

Ithaca

Jamestown

Jamesville-Dewitt

Jasper-Troupsburg

Jordan-Elbridge

Kendall

Kenmore-Tonawanda

Lancaster

Lansing

Laurens

Le Roy

Letchworth

Lewiston-Porter

Liverpool

Livonia

Lockport

Lyndonville

Lyons

Maine-Endwell

Manchester-Shortsville

Marcellus

Marion

Medina

Mexico

Morrisville-Eaton

Mount Markham

Mount Morris

Naples

Newark

Newfane

Newfield

Niagara Falls

Niagara-Wheatfield

North Collins

North Rose-Wolcott

North Syracuse

North Tonawanda

Norwich

Oakfield-Alabama

Olean

Oneida

Orchard Park

Oswego

Palmyra-Macedon

Panama

Pavilion

Pembroke

Penfield

Penn Yan

Perry

Phoenix

Pine Valley

Pittsford

Port Byron

Potsdam

Red Creek

Ripley

Rochester

Rome

Royalton-Hartland

Rush-Henrietta

Salamanca

Sauquoit Valley

Seneca Falls

Sidney

Sodus

South Jefferson

South Lewis

Southwestern at Jamestown

Spencerport

Springville-Griffith Institute

Starpoint

Susquehanna Valley

Sweet Home

Tonawanda

Town of Webb

Trumansburg

Tully

Union Springs

Union-Endicott

Van Hornesville-Owen D Young

Vestal

Victor

Warsaw

Waterloo

Watkins Glen

Wayland-Cohocton

Wayne

Webster

West Irondequoit

West Seneca

West Valley

Westmoreland

Wheatland-Chili

Williamson

Williamsville

Wilson

Windsor

Wyoming

York

Yorkshire-Pioneer


Did you know?...
Besides schools, NeIs performs for museums, arts institutions, theatres, libraries, youth bureaus, and others...

 
 
High-Impact Arts-in-Education Programs

Nels Ross is a performer, speaker, and oddball who has won the hearts of American and international audiences. Performing ''in jest'' or in a playful way, he provides high-impact programs that promote character education, wellness, leadership, math, science, reading, and joy.

Applying his Masters in Education and performing arts background, including training with instructors from UB Theatre & Dance and Cirque du Soleil, Nels presents assembly programs that blend physical theater, variety arts, music, humor, and a theme. He also offers playshops, residencies, and student and staff development. Programs can be adapted to highlight specific concepts, and study guides provide curriculum connections.

Nels consistently earns rave reviews from elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as museums, arts institutions, and others (see below).