Early Life & Inspiration

 

• Jaquan Fields was born June 30, 1994. 

• He grew up in North Philadelphia, often spending time with his grandparents. 

• As a child, he was inspired by the circus. For instance, at age 10 he saw acts like Bello Nock, and by age 12 Quany knew that he would audition for Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. 

• He had a drive to perform, even planning bold steps early, like traveling to New York alone (or with a friend) to attend a circus audition despite obstacles like school and being underage. 

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Training & Education

 

• Fields attended Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School. 

• He also studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and commercial arts at Community College of Philadelphia. 

• Much of his clown / circus training came from specialized programs and mentors:

  • The Village of Arts & Humanities youth theater & arts programs. 

  • Mid-Atlantic Clown Association; NyGoofs; American Clown Academy. 

  • Direct mentorship from Kevyn Terrill Johnson, a former UniverSoul Circus clown. 

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Performance Career & Skills

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• He performs under the stage name Quany the Clown. 

• Styles and skills include juggling (clubs, ball, knives), scarves, stilts walking, magic, physical comedy and slapstick, face painting, balloon art, costume design, audience engagement, etc. 

• He has been performing professionally for many years, starting his clown / entertainer work around 2009 (or earlier). Birthdays, block parties, community events are among his regular venues. 

• He’s performed thousands of shows. Numbers vary over 4,500 in some sources; others say over 5,000. 

• Quany has also been featured as a touring stunt dog presenter & host for AGT's own Puppy Pals Live, a comedic stunt dog shows full of fun, laughter, & adorable rescue pups

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Entrepreneurial & Community Activities

 

• Fields formed his own business — “Quany World” (or “Quany the Clown” / “Quany & Friends”) — performing solo, as well as with other local clowns. Block parties, weddings, birthday parties, circus appearances, tv appearances, wrestling promotions, video projects, etc. 

• He also has interest in starting a circus in Philadelphia that reflects the city’s diversity. He’s looked into what is needed (insurance, licenses, tent, acts, promotion, etc.). He estimates some events cost at least $10,000 to put on. 

• He uses social media to promote his acts and engage audiences. He also runs programs for youth (e.g. circus arts summer workshops) when he has capacity. 

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Current Status & Goals

 

• As of late 2022 / early 2023, Fields is pushing toward scaling up: more ambitious shows, co-owning with others (in particular a clown named Zabo) a circus venture (“Zabo’s Circus”) & ("Platinum Star Circus") to create space where diversity is front and center. 

• He continues to build visibility, create media assets (demo reels, media kits), acquire more advanced props, expand acts/animals (e.g. incorporating birds, etc.).