BIOGRAPHIES
Barely Balanced
Barely Balanced was created post Big Bang. Well, post post post post post Big Bang in a far away land called “Ohio.”
Three friends at Hocking College decided to combine their daredevil antics and reckless stupidity to create an acrobatic show that would strike fear into the hearts of insurance adjusters everywhere. They drew their inspiration from a variety of characters such as Jackie Chan, Cirque Du Soleil, and the Marx Brothers. Combining this inspiration with years of experience gained in detention due to class clowning, they created an award-winning show that has toured the country entertaining audiences for nearly two decades.
Over the years each team member has added to the richness of the show with unique backgrounds in circus, theater, and stunt work, allowing Barely Balanced to continually evolve. The group has performed in outdoor theatrical settings for hundreds of thousands of people and occasionally brings the show indoors, braving a world of low ceilings, spot lights, canned music, and strict fire codes.
Come watch as Margret, Cameron, and Arie, or as you will come to know and love them “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large,” balance precariously on top of each other, contort their limbs, and juggle knives as razor sharp as their wit. They'll incorporate a cornucopia of circus props into the fun including: Chinese yoyo (of death), rolla bolla (of doom), and hula hoop (of no particular threat). They may even use one of their favorite and most unpredictable props- YOU!
Arie Suter
Arie was born the middlest of 3 siblings. Growing up in a small mountain town in Colorado; he would spend his day chasing bears and deers and any other manner of fauna that would cross his path.
Being a wild child in the mountains of Colorado was a marvelous way to spend a childhood. Arie, along with his siblings, would spend the days playing with their prized possession which was a “Little Tykes Jeep.” Now, that little Jeep didn’t have a motor. So, they would take it to the top of a hill and ride it down the hill and jump out before crashing! (Can you see this whole daredevil thing started pretty early ?)
Arie was homeschooled much of his life and attended Sudbury School through his high school years. After a quick stint at a Community College (where he even started his own rugby team!) Arie decided to head out on the open road!
Having gone to the Renaissance Faire with his family Arie was always inspired by the inclusivity and grandeur of the festivals. Arie has been on the road since 2011. He started his Ren Faire selling pickles. There, he quickly found he had a knack for performing! Thanks to his dear friend, Zack, Arie learned to juggle and “The ArieArie Show!” was born!!!
Arie performed his solo show around the country for seven years. Having crossed paths with Barely Balanced in his travels, Arie was very excited to join this troop of joke telling, knife throwing in 2020! He now is the base with the face, that lovable lug, Large! Being a part of this teams allows him to live out his daredevil dreams!
Mimi Manning
Mimi grew up in Kansas surrounded by three siblings and a big, love-filled family, where her bold, untamed spirit earned her the title of “wild child.” Sitting still was never her strength, and her energy was hard to contain, but it was that same spark that would shape her future. Her father recognized it from the start, encouraging her adventurous spirit by taking her to circus shows, concerts, and live performances. Those experiences lit a fire in Mimi and planted the seed for a life in the performing arts.
She followed that passion to California, training in partner acrobatics with seasoned circus coaches and eventually joining a nine-person acrobatic group. Her journey led her to perform at iconic venues like the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles and onto national television on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
After years of dedication to her craft, Mimi met her soon-to-be husband, a partner acrobatics coach who became both her teammate and greatest supporter, helping her rise to new heights. She later moved to Florida, where she continued performing, growing, and refining her artistry, including training under a three-time world champion juggler.
Always eager to grow, Mimi also attended clown school in Los Angeles and participated in comedy boot camps, expanding her abilities beyond acrobatics and into the world of humor and audience connection. This has deepened her ability to connect and bring joy to others.
Mimi brings a unique blend of strength, playfulness, and authenticity to the stage. Her passion is to make people smile, creating moments of joy, and forming a genuine connection with the audience. She is equal parts kind-hearted and untamed, a performer who fully embraces both her wild spirit and her love for others.
Cameron Tomele
Cameron comes from a long line of hyperactive adventurers. It was therefore no surprise when he formed Barely Balanced and set out to live his childhood dream. He would climb everything, throw all that is shiny, and live a life of farcical adventure.
Without training in gymnastics, acting, or juggling he taught himself through trial and error (the errors lead to the trials). Over the years he has worked hard to develop Barely Balanced from a group of friends climbing on each other to an award-winning show performing all over the nation for the last twenty plus years.
Outside of performing, Cameron loves nature. He has a degree in Natural and Historical Interpretation and enjoys teaching whenever he can.
He hopes to perform for the rest of his life and one day, when he conquers dyslexia, be an author of many novels that will challenge others to imagine.
For more information:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CTomele
To check out his graphic novels and Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns: