Randy Judkins teaches circus arts at Stephens College

COLUMBIA — He drove 1,500 miles from Maine to Missouri with nine unicycles in his trunk. Randy Judkins, circus artist, is putting these very unicycles to work at Stephens College.

Class was about to begin Thursday in the dance studio in the basement of the old Stephens College auditorium. Several women and a man — all theater majors — trickled in wearing sweatpants in various colors. They were obviously ready to move. They milled around for a bit, chattering, until suddenly, a clear whistle sounded and everyone fell into the center of the room, around Judkins.  

Judkins began teaching the circus arts and miming as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern Maine. Now, he’s the world dance visiting artist at Stephens College.