She flies through the air with the greatest of ease, the daring young woman?who doubles as a human cannonball! The human cannon act began as early as the 1800's as a feature in circus acts everywhere. The woman behind the USHRA thrill act, Cannon Lady, is Jennifer Schneider. Her father, David Smith, built his first cannon more than 20 years ago and his entire family now takes part in thrill acts like this one.
Jennifer began performing her high-flying act at the young age of 13. After 11 years of performing in front of sold-out crowds of thousands, she took a brief sabbatical last year to bring her new daughter into the world. The newly extended family is now back on the road with their act 8-10 months a year, taking a brief rest in their home town of Halfway, Missouri for the summer, where they run a motocross track.
Patriarch daredevil David Smith holds the world's record for distance from a cannon blast at 180 feet. It is hard to imagine being shot into the air, aiming for the catch net provided for you at the other end of the largest stadiums and arenas across the country.
Besides Jennifer, there are seven other siblings either learning the ropes or performing their death defying acts everywhere. Although Jennifer was the youngest of the family to try this act at age 13, her little sister, Stephanie, began training last year at the age of 14.
Cannon Lady is one of the most popular U.S. Hot Rod Association acts. She appears in several events each year so watch for the U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam World Tour to come to your town!
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