Experience circus as it’s meant to be seen – award-winning international artists in one ring, under the big top. A spectacle that takes place only in Sarasota – Circus Capital Of The World.
Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle | Friday, February 10 thru Sunday, March 5
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.
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.
Thomas Bender, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Ringmaster, Joseph Dominic Bauer Jr. with Circus Sarasota 2020 presents a incredible show featuring world class entertainment running through, Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Nathan Benderson Park adjacent University Town Center (UTC). For more information and tickets visit circusarts.org.
To see all the Sarasota Herald-Tribune photos, click here.
By Lila Gross, WFLA Tampa
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – How do they do it?
Sarasota is a hub for circus artists and the best of the best come together to perform at Circus Sarasota. More
By William S. Oser, Talkin’ Broadway
It’s that time of year: the Ulla Searing Big Top is pitched at Nathan Benderson Park where it can be seen by travelers along I-75, and Circus Arts Conservatory opens the 2020 edition of Circus Sarasota. More
By Taylor Torregano, WWSB ABC7
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Circus Sarasota is back for another amazing show.
There are nine acts this year, from the Dominguez Poodles to the Balancing Ladder and the Double Trapeze to the Russian Barre. More
By Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Acrobats, animal acts, jugglers, clowns and more are featured in the 2020 show presented by Circus Sarasota
SARASOTA – The circus is a place for superlatives. Why should an act just be fun or dangerous when it can be amazing, stupendous or mind-blowing? More
By Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
SARASOTA – From dogs to clowns to trapeze artistry, the show takes you to another, welcome place. It’s heartening that, in our times so frequently described as “divisive,” something as simple as a clown tossing his hat to audience members and they back to him, should be able to bring people together in laughter. More
by: Marty Fugate, Observer Media Group Contributor
The circus is an ancient art form, dating back to the Roman Empire, at least. The reason it’s still around? It’s never stopped adapting. Take Circus Sarasota, for example.
Our hometown one-ring, five-star circus was the brainchild of Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, a celebrated husband-and-wife aerialist team. When they founded it in 1997, that took a leap of faith. Sarasota, still coasting on its reputation as the world’s “Circus Capitol,” had no circus at the time. The couple changed that. The circus they created has been changing ever since. That was always part of the plan. More…
Call (941) 355-9805
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Thanks to the Official Accommodations Sponsor of the Circus Arts Conservatory
