All Things Considered

A young performer makes his comeback to the stage after light rail accident

acrobats perform on stage
Circus Juventas performers on stage for the show Excalibur in 2023.
Courtesy of Dan Norman and Circus Juventas

Circus Juventas in St. Paul opened its newest summer spectacle, Lumière, on Friday.

Among the performers in the spotlight was 17-year-old Jacy Johnson Becker, a longtime Circus Juventas student and now one of the show’s leads. Jacy’s path to a big role under the big top has been a tough one.

Jacy was just 11 when he was hit by a Green Line train on the way home from circus practice. He sustained serious injuries, including extreme trauma to his head and jaw requiring long-term dental reconstruction that still isn’t fully resolved.

Today, Jacy is back doing what he loves — but without his front teeth. He shared more of his comeback story on All Things Considered.

To hear the full interview, click play using the audio player above.