BY STAFF — 941CEO:
Dolly Jacobs was born into the circus. Her mother was a top New York model and later performed with the circus. Her father was Lou Jacobs, one of the most recognized clowns of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She was a part of Sailor Circus in Sarasota, a program uniquely reflective of the community’s circus heritage, until the age of 14 when she started performing with Ringling Bros.
She couldn’t help but love the circus—it was in her DNA… MORE
BY JAY HANDELMAN — HERALD-TRIBUNE:
The Circus Arts Conservatory is marking the 10th anniversary of its Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater by sticking to a formula that works. The show is a wonderful and brief introduction for young and old to circus traditions with a mix of comedy, thrills and the ethereal beauty of aerialist Dolly Jacobs, all within steps of the Sarasota home of circus king John Ringling. MORE
BY NICK FRIEDMAN – THE OBSERVER:
It’s not quite 10 a.m., but already the Historic Asolo Theater is bustling with activity. The Circus Arts Conservatory opens its 10th annual Summer Circus Spectacular in just more than a week, and the ornate performance space is alive with excitement as performers begin rehearsals…one voice cuts through the commotion. “Ladies and gentlemen,” it booms. “Prepare to be amazed!” The voice — a commanding, articulate presence — belongs to Bailey Sloan, the show’s 18-year-old ringmistress. MORE
SRQ STORY PROJECT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT —
The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that preserves and enriches circus performance, history and culture through training, outreach and legacy both locally in “circus city” Sarasota, Florida and nationally. The CAC presents annual performances under its Red and White Big Top, including Circus Sarasota’s annual Winter Productions and Cirque des Voix®, a collaboration with the Key Chorale. The CAC also oversees the notable Sailor Circus Academy… MORE
BY DAHLIA GHABOUR — HERALD-TRIBUNE:
Some shows make an appearance once or twice and then disappear into history. Others have become fondly adopted by the community, such as the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Since its first performance in 2007, the Summer Circus Spectacular has drawn nearly 130,000 attendees for the family-oriented performances. This year, well-loved acts from prior seasons will be joined by several Sarasota debuts. MORE
BY MARTY CLEAR — BRADENTON HERALD:
It’s the 10th anniversary of the ‘Summer Circus Spectacular’!
Adam Kuchler is so good at what he does that he works steadily all over the world. He’s spending half of the summer in the sweltering heat of west-central Florida. That, he admits, is kind of a crazy choice for a Milwaukee native who now lives in Brooklyn.
Still, he’s thrilled to have the opportunity. “I didn’t even think about it,” Kuchler said. “As soon as they said ‘Circus Sarasota’ I said ‘I’ll be there.’ ”
Kuchler is one of the stars of this year’s “Summer Circus Spectacular,” which opens June 18 at the Historic Asolo Theater. MORE
SRQ DAILY SATURDAY PERSPECTIVES EDITION –
Join The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling on Saturday, June 18th in a special celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Summer Circus Spectacular partnership. Experience the one-hour show in the Historic Asolo Theater at 5pm and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks in the Visitors Pavilion of The Ringling afterward from 6-8PM. Tickets are only $50, but are limited. MORE
By JAN TUCKWOOD – PALM BEACH POST :
Dolly Jacobs soars like a ballerina, three stories up without a net. For years, she starred in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — flying high, dangling from rings, defying death with every somersault. At 50-something, she still performs. And when her toes touch ground, she’s happy to be home: Sarasota, where she was born and raised and where the spirit of the circus lives. It’s the spirit of Dolly’s father, Lou Jacobs — a clown so famous his face was on a postage stamp… MORE
The action never stops at The Circus Arts Conservatory! We are in the midst of creating, planning, practicing and perfecting a slew of performances, events, summer camps and more! Here’s just a taste of what we have in store for the summer:
Circus Summer Camp June 6 – August 9, 2016
Boys and girls ages 6-15 are invited to join us for an exciting summer camp experience full of circus fun! Sessions are available in one- or two-week sessions with before and after care provided for an additional fee. Click here for more information about Circus Summer Camp 2016.
June 21 – July 30, 2016 at The Historic Asolo Theater on the grounds of The Ringling
Presented with The Ringling Museum of Art and housed in the Historic Asolo Theater, the special 10th Anniversary of the Summer Circus Spectacular is sure to entertain fans of all ages! This family-friendly show is one hour long, and tickets are just $15 for Adults and $12 for children 12 and under. Visit The Ringling website for more information.
“Queen of the Air” Dolly Jacobs will be performing in the 2016 – 2017 season
We are currently planning for an incredible 2016-2017 season. In addition to our Sailor Circus Holiday and Spring shows, The Circus Sarasota Winter production and Cirque des Voix, 2017 finds us taking the Big Top to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this exciting time in our organization with all of you! If you aren’t already on it, join our email list for updates on our upcoming season. You can read more about the Folklife Festival and The CAC’s involvement here.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Attention golfers: Add Monday, October 24th to your calendars for our Annual Golf Tournament, held this year at the Laurel Oak County Club. For registration and sponsorship information, contact Michelle Brault at 941.355.9335 x 325 or email Michelle at: Michelle@CircusArts.org.
Chucko with Betty Schoenbaum at La Cirque Appetit 2016 – HERALD-TRIBUNE PHOTO
We had a fabulous time hosting our annual La Cirque Appetit fundraising luncheon on April 26, 2016. Over 250 people joined us in the Sailor Circus Arena for presentations from our outreach programs and special guests, performances from some of our Sailor Circus students, and a delicious 3-course meal catered by Michael’s on East. Thank you to all who attended and supported us at La Cirque Appetit 2016 – we look forward to seeing you next season! (Click for MORE PHOTOS courtesy of Herald-Tribune.)
Call (941) 355-9805
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Thanks to the Official Accommodations Sponsor of the Circus Arts Conservatory
Thinking of staying in Sarasota in 2025? Book accommodations at Sun Outdoors! Circus ticket discounts are available.