Blog, Circus Arts Conservatory, Press Release

Circus Arts Conservatory’s WONDERBALL to feature world-famous DJ and producer Alan Walker

Arts organization plans to ‘electrify the night’ to ‘amplify the impact’ for CAC Youth Education with second installment of EDM concert and fundraiser

SARASOTA, FL – The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) is thrilled for the return of WONDERBALL, a high-energy event that will feature a world-famous electronic dance music (EDM) star; the proceeds will benefit its youth education programs. WONDERBALL promises to be an epic dance concert experience, headlined by renowned Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker. The event takes place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7 p.m., in the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota).

Event organizers promise that WONDERBALL will “Electrify the Night” to “Amplify the Impact” for CAC Youth Education. This year’s event features a larger stage for a more immersive experience with enhanced LED lasers, lights and video screens, in keeping with Walker’s recent multiple-stop sold-out arena tour. The vibe for WONDERBALL 2024 is neon and guests are encouraged to dress in dance-ready festival/clubwear.

March 22, 2024/0 Comments/by Abby Lasky

Blog, Circus Arts Conservatory, Press Release

Nik Wallenda and Circus Arts Conservatory partner to bring performing arts to UTC

SARASOTA, FL [September 21, 2023] – While the University Town Center/Nathan Benderson Park area is already home to sports, shopping and dining, there is currently no ongoing arts presence in the area. But that’s about to change: a new collaboration between hometown hero and international superstar Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) will create a world class holiday experience that will undoubtedly become a Southwest Florida family holiday tradition for generations to come.

Wallenda and the CAC are already working on the first offering, an extraordinary immersive holiday spectacle titled “A Brave New Wonderland.” The Big Top will be located behind (east of) the Mall at UTC; the production promises to enchant audiences of all ages with a magical holiday experience like never before. The show will run from November 18 through December 31, 2023.

November 2, 2023/0 Comments/by Abby Lasky

Aerial Silks Showcase

“The Office” – Off the Clock & Into the Air

Saturday, May 22, 2021, 2 – 3 pm

Pre-Show featuring Sarasota’s Favorite Drummers Aural Alchemy at 1:30 pm

See The CAC Recreational Silks Students in our annual student showcase. This year’s demonstration, The Office: Off the Clock & Into the Air, features a pre-show with Sarasota’s favorite drummers Aural Alchemy and a special Sailor Circus Academy performance.

Let our talented and hard working students impress you with all that they’ve learned!

VIP tickets are $25
General admission tickets are $10.
Get your tickets now – Limited seating!

Snacks, beer and wine will be available for purchase – cash only

Please note that masks will be required and seating capacity in the Sailor Circus Arena has been reduced to offer social distancing. When purchasing your tickets, please make sure to leave an adequate distance between yourself and other guests so everyone will be able to comfortably enjoy the show. Also, if necessary in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns or mandates, in-person performance dates & times are subject to change to ensure the safety of our community. Details will be shared with ticket buyers if performance schedule modifications need to be made.

May 6, 2021/by circusarts

Prevail: A Benefit for the Circus Arts

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The Circus Arts Conservatory presents PREVAIL

A Benefit Show for the Circus Arts

WATCH THE SHOW AT HOME WITH A DIGITAL TICKET.

See incredible circus artists, many from Cirque du Soleil, as they perform on the ground and in the air in this thrilling new dazzling display of world class artistry like no other!

Circus will PREVAIL!

With the global pandemic extending further than any of us could have imagined, The CAC recognized a need for renewed focus on our mission and additional funding to support vital outreach programs. Circus may not always be top of mind for everyone, especially in uncertain and frightening times like these, yet during this separation we’ve been reminded of the power and importance of the Circus Arts. There is a distinct power to encourage and make us laugh that unites us with strangers for a common experience through the Circus.

In response to a period of unprecedented world challenges, and upon news of the season cancellation of our Big Top events and performances, artists and coaches training here at the CAC started reaching out to connect with the global community to reflect on the healing power of the arts. The result of these conversations and connections is this incredible demonstration of professional unity and support.

Step right up! Don’t miss this spectacular once in a lifetime performance!

Proceeds will support CAC programs and outreach that serve students in K-12 classrooms, seniors in assisted living communities and aspiring artists following their passion by training and performing in the Circus Arts.

We adhere to all social distancing protocols and masks will be required. For more information on how we are keeping you safe, go here.

Featured Circus Artists Include:

Noemi Espana — Contortion - Noemi España

Elan Alex Espana — Diabolos - Elan Alex España

Cirque du Soleil’s Totem – Eric Hernandez — Hoop Dance - Eric Hernandez - Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Picture from Cirque du Soleil's Totem. — Hoop Dance - Shandien LaRance - Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Thank you to our sponsors:

February 4, 2021/by circusarts

Keeping You Safe

Working hard to keep you safe!

With rapid improvements in case rates and hospitalizations, increasingly widespread vaccinations, and expected new recommendations from the CDC, we have updated our COVID-19 protocols.

What does this mean for you? Proof of a negative test or vaccination for the COVID-19 virus is no longer required for those attending our performances, though we still highly recommend that you “mask up.” There will be no screening checkpoint as you enter any of our performance venues.

What is the Circus Arts Conservatory doing to protect you? We have optimized our air conditioning system to provide state-of-the-art airflow and filtration. The Sailor Circus Arena and Circus Sarasota Big Top are disinfected daily with sanitized fogging. Our coaches, staff and volunteers will continue to wear face masks when serving you. We will continue to evaluate protocols as we seek the path forward to safely providing a quality experience for all.

In a changing COVID-19 environment, we want to assure you that your health and safety is our top priority. We continue to listen closely to health officials and infectious disease specialists, and maintain our alliance with the Safe Arts Sarasota coalition for best practices to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you may have recently been exposed to the virus, please contact our box office to discuss exchange or refund options.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

October 15, 2020/by circusarts

Keeping You Safe

Working hard to keep you safe!

On your next visit to a CAC performance you’ll notice that we have instituted some new policies to keep our patrons safe and healthy. We are changing the number of seats for sale in our venues to ensure compliance with social distancing protocols and are opening our doors earlier to reduce lines of people waiting to get into the Sailor Circus Arena and Circus Sarasota Big Top. In addition to floor markings, we will have trained staff members available working as “Social Distancing Champions” to assist patrons with all their social distancing needs.

Here are the key policies we’ve instituted:

Masks Required for All

Since we care about your health, masks are mandatory for everyone throughout the Sailor Circus Arena and Circus Sarasota Big Top, except when eating or drinking. Masks must cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly around your face and chin. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide one for you.

Hand Washing & Sanitizing

Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Sailor Circus Arena and Circus Sarasota Big Top. Please use them as needed, washing your hands for at least twenty seconds and avoid touching your face.

Enhanced Cleaning & Disinfecting of Facilities

We have added to our already thorough cleaning protocols by using an approved fogging solution to disinfect and sanitize the Sailor Circus Arena and Circus Sarasota Big Top after each show. When there aren’t any shows in production, the arena is fogged nightly. In addition, we have created even more stringent guidelines for cleaning restrooms and other public areas in our facilities.

Staff Health Screenings

All CAC staff have monthly Covid 19 tests and are required to have their temperatures taken before starting their shifts. Anyone who tests positive or shows symptoms of Covid 19 must self quarantine until they receive a negative test.

Social Distancing Standards

Please remember to maintain a considerate distance from others before, during and after the show. Follow floor markers and speak with our Social Distancing Champions if you need guidance.

Reduced Seating Capacities

Seating capacity in the Sailor Circus Arena and the Circus Sarasota Big Top have been reduced to offer social distancing. When seating yourself, please make sure to leave adequate distance between yourself and other guests so everyone will be able to comfortably enjoy the show.

Monetary Transactions

Cash will be accepted at both box offices and at concession stands. No-contact payment options are also available and it is recommended to use paperless tickets for venue entry.

Food & Drinks in the Auditorium

Although masks are required in both venues, they may be removed while enjoying food and beverages. Please help us to protect yourself and those around you by wearing your mask when you are done eating and drinking.

Concession Stand Menu Options

For the health of our patrons and to create shorter lines, all menu items will be pre-packaged for ease of delivery.

Please be sure to request any condiments or utensils and napkins from the concession stand staff. To promote the health of our patrons by avoiding excess handling, those items will be kept behind the counter and handed out as requested.

Self-Check Your Health

If you have had contact with someone with Covid-19 symptoms such as a fever or cough, or have symptoms yourself please self quarantine and come back to see us when you are well.

#SafeArtsSarasota

October 13, 2020/by circusarts

Circus Arts Conservatory, In The Press

International stars create ‘One World Circus’ live

By: Jay Handelman

jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com

“One World Circus” will be livestreamed at 2 p.m. Sunday from the Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota on the Circus Arts Conservatory’s YouTube channel. Viewing is free, but donations are accepted. More…

May 27, 2020/0 Comments/by circusarts

Circus Arts Conservatory, community classes, In The Press

Young trapeze students face fears and challenges in circus training program

By WHITNEY ELFSTROM, HERALD-TRIBUNE

SARASOTA – Standing 20 feet in the air on a small platform, with a clear view of downtown Sarasota, 12 brave kids are taking big leaps this week during the Circus Arts Conservatory first three-day flying trapeze summer workshop. More

August 23, 2018/0 Comments/by circusarts

Circus Arts Conservatory, circus sarasota

Meet Our Summer Intern: Brett Szalbirak

My name is Brett Szalbirak and I am a graduating senior in the Class of 2018 at The Out-of-Door Academy.

I first got my start with The Circus Arts Conservatory in the 2015 season. The CAC has a volunteer partnership with my high school. I soon learned much more during a presentation done by Michael Salmon and Marcia Pack. They were looking for volunteers to staff the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park for the upcoming Circus Sarasota winter production. I thought that this opportunity was something different – I did not even know that Sarasota even had a circus production before moving here in 2014! Nevertheless, I grabbed a volunteer form and decided to sign up.

Going into the Big Top, I did not know what to expect. There were a lot of seats and sections, and managing a large crowd seemed overwhelming. That’s where I met Marcia Pack, who took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. She was so patient, kind and caring; the Big Top started to feel like home.

That first year for me was a hit. I enjoyed every minute of volunteering and I got to meet some amazing people, including the Wallenda family, and started to build relationships. I started out ushering patrons to their seats, helping with crowd control, and setting up or tearing down within the tent. The performances blew me away every time I got to watch them. By the end of my first season, volunteering at the Big Top did not seem like an obligation. Rather it became enjoyable, something I looked forward to doing, almost like a privilege. Sadly, the run of that year’s production came to an end. But I knew that I would be back.

This past circus season has been my fourth consecutive season with Circus Sarasota. In 2017 I had the great honor of being a Guest Ringmaster during closing weekend. This year I had the honor of being a Student Volunteer Coordinator with the help of a close friend and classmate (and another CAC summer intern) Zachary Wells. I balanced this position along with full-time school work and my part-time job over the weekends.

But, the circus has never felt like a job to me. Granted volunteering comes with responsibilities, but the circus is all about having fun, and I can truly say that I have had fun over the past four years. I reflect back on my first season in 2014 and am impressed to see how far I have come, not only as a volunteer but also as a person. It has been a very humbling experience. I have gotten to see many of the behind-the-scenes and inner workings of The CAC and it has been a pleasure all throughout.

As I advance my academic studies into Business Administration at the University of South Florida, I plan on maintaining the relationships I have built with many of the volunteers over the years. I also plan on continuing to volunteer and help out any way I can with The CAC. I currently have the pleasure of interning at The Circus Arts Conservatory offices in Sarasota, learning about the business aspects of a non-for-profit organization.

The Circus has really become a part of my life. I am so grateful for individuals like Marica Pack, who I refer to as my “Circus Mom,” that have taken the time to teach me and become a part of my life. I have enjoyed every minute of it and encourage anyone who wishes to volunteer or simply see what The CAC has to offer to some see what it is all about.

May 21, 2018/0 Comments/by circusarts

Circus Arts Conservatory, circus sarasota, In The Press

CAC Breaks Ground in the Sailor Circus Arena

By SRQ DAILY SATURDAY PERSPECTIVES EDITION

SARASOTA —A new era of circus arts legacy has begun. This week The Circus Arts Conservatory officially broke ground in the iconic Sailor Circus Arena for a $4 million renovation that will provide air conditioning, state-of-the-art flooring and retractable seating. More.

May 15, 2018/0 Comments/by circusarts