LIVE SHOWS BIO

*As written by Christian Jensen, travel writer.
Energetic, charismatic, intelligent and down right funny-these are just a few of the qualities that describe William Jans. In addition to being a compulsively watchable figure, Jans is also a widely acclaimed photographer. Over the past 12 years William's live slide and video shows have become a Canadian phenomenon, touring major centres across the nation and drawing sell out crowds. Jans' personal wit and charisma are matched only by his photographic skill and his almost uncanny ability to set his subjects at ease-resulting in startlingly honest and unguarded portraits of our world's peoples.


A Passion for adventure travel and photography has led William to host LIVE presentations about his absurd travel. These shows have garnered great reviews on two Cross-Canada tours (selling out an 800 seat theater nine times in Vancouver alone) and response from media and audience alike has been overwhelming. Some have dubbed this "a West-Coast Phenomenon" and the shows are considered "virtually interactive."

William Jans shows to this point:
- "TOP OF THE WORLD" (about Nepal and India)
- "TREKKING IN TIBET" (about Laos, China and Tibet)
- "SOLO IN SOUTH AMERICA" - (absurd adventures in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru too)
- "BURN IT" (about Burning Man - not presented as yet)
- "BURMA BOUND" (about Vietnam and Burma... under contruction)

William Jans is proud to be supported by CANON CAMERAS.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q - What are the shows like?
A - Different! They are far from dry and showcase all the crazy things that can happen while trying to 'get there.' What other show have you been to where you may get 'beaned' with a flying chocolate bar? The show is fast paced and entertaining while still advocating delicate and responsible travel.

Q - Are these just stills?
A - No. There are some video snippets, but still images are the crux of the show - but don't get thrown... some audience attendees have commented it was "Better than a Movie!"

Q - Can I bring my children to the show?
A - After great feedback from parents, it seems like these shows really inspire the younger folk. Please note the show is very honest. If you think your children are mature enough, they may get quite a bit from it. As Mary Hansen noted about bringing her 7 year old daughter... "it was one of the best 'one on one' nights I had with Nicole even though we were surrounded by 800 people" .

Q - Did you summit Everest in either "Trekking in Tibet" or "Top of the World"?
A - No, and that was not the plan. "Trekking in Tibet" does go up to 6500 meters on the North Face of Everest and "Top of the World" goes to Everest base camp on the Nepalese side and goes up to 5880m on a peak nearby... which is 'close enough for now.' Some friends tease that it is time to 'connect the dots' - but that would be a whole other array of risks.

Q - Is this how you fund your trips?
A - No. In some cities these shows barely fund doing these shows! Why do it then? - Because it is fun!!

Q - Can this show be commissioned for our group?
A- Yes, click here for more info: conference info
and email William: Click here .