Skill-Toy Emporium

Derek Cockrum is a skill toy enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He is a well respected cast member of the world famous “Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow” one of the worlds last touring circus sideshows and freak shows. In his travels he has performed hundreds of professional shows in three different country’s with renowned record holding performers from all around the world! Derek has performed at a wide variety of events both large and small. Ranging from small local business’s, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, schools to massive music festivals under the big top! Born and raised on “Rattlesnake Ridge” in Union Gap Washington” Derek was given his first yo-yo, trick book and VHS tape by his father when he was around 10 years he has competed in state, regional and national competitions and has never put it down since. The yo-yo quickly became a part of his own personal identity for well over 20 years. In 2018 he was discovered by the “Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow,” a few months later found himself with his first tour contract, it took him on a bus ride across the United States and Canada. It plunged him into the public eye and into the world of live entertainment! On his first North American tour with the “Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow” Derek performed his yo-yo act along side of Guinness Book Of World Record holders, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not stars, America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, and The Go Big Show contestants. He quickly developed a desire to learn more from his circus sideshow co-stars and he branched into the arts of diabolo, balisong, juggling, and even the ancient and deadly art of fire eating!