Sailor Circus Academy to celebrate 75 years with special show

The nation’s longest-running youth circus training program to present 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee shows from December 26-29

SARASOTA, FL – The Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy is poised to mark a notable milestone as the nation’s longest-running youth circus training program celebrates its 75th year. Later this month, the Sailor Circus Academy will share its joy and prodigious talents during the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee shows, which take place at the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota) with eight performances December 26-29, 2024.

During the Diamond Jubilee shows,  60 Red Troupe members – the most advanced Sailor Circus students – will flip, fly and soar to new heights in a performance that will pay tribute to the rich history of the Sailor Circus Academy and feature program alumni – including Circus Arts Conservatory co-founder Dolly Jacobs – as well as historical photos and videos showcasing program highlights through the years. There are 12 seniors, some of whom have participated for as many as eight or nine years, graduating from the program this year.

The show is broken into sections featuring various jewels and jewel tones, culminating in diamonds to represent the current year and future of the storied program. Acts audiences will enjoy include one new act, the chandelier, as well as the trampoline wall, high wire, cloudswing, slack rope, hammock, juggling, bike for five, web, lyra, hand balancing, acro dance, skating, unicycle and the traditional closing act, the flying trapeze.

The Sailor Circus Academy was founded in 1949 as an addition to Sarasota High School’s gymnastics program. In 1952, permission was secured from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus® to call the Sailor Circus “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show On Earth.” The program was featured in a 30-minute short – filmed by Warner Bros. Pictures – shown in theaters across the country in 1952 and, in 1964, three students appeared on the national TV show “The Original Amateur Hour.” In 1967, the Sailor Circus moved into its permanent home on Bahia Vista Street; the Arena was constructed in 1981, undergoing renovations in 2008 and then extensive improvements (including air conditioning, retractable stadium seating, enhanced performance flooring, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound) in 2018-2019, through a $4.5M capital campaign.

Over the years, students have been featured on shows such as “The Mike Douglas Show” and the “Today Show” with Barbara Walters, marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (1976), and toured faraway places including Fairbanks, Alaska, Fukuoka, Japan, and Lima, Peru. The students were also featured during 50th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival – which the CAC co-presented and shined a spotlight on the rich legacy of the circus – on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

In 2013, with a rebrand by co-founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs that officially launched The Circus Arts Conservatory, the Sailor Circus Academy and Circus Sarasota as well as education and outreach programs were folded together under one “big tent.”

“For 75 years, thousands of Sailor Circus Academy students have continued the tradition of training hard, developing their skills, and pushing the envelope in the circus arts while becoming family to one another,” said CAC CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell, whose daughter, Emma, is a graduate of the program and now performs professionally as an aerial artist. “This year, we are excited to present a show where we will honor our proud Sailor Circus history and traditions and introduce new, innovative ways of sharing our artistry. We are very proud of our students and invite everyone to come see them shine in ‘The Greatest Little Show on Earth!'”

The Sailor Circus Academy, for children ages 8-18, teaches students more than 30 disciplines of circus arts as well as helps them to learn life management and collaborative skills, gain self-discipline, bolster confidence, and make a commitment to achievement.

Showtimes are Thursday-Saturday, December 26-28, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 29, at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40. Call the Box Office at 941-355-9805 or visit circusarts.org.

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The Circus Arts Conservatory names new CEO & President

Popular local arts organization elevates Jennifer Mitchell to top leadership role, lays out future vision for its work in the region

SARASOTA, FL – As The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) enters its exciting 2024-2025 season of performance programming, the CAC Board of Directors has announced the promotion of Jennifer Mitchell to the role of CEO & President. The long-planned leadership transition comes amidst other significant changes for the popular nonprofit arts organization.

Mitchell has served as the CAC’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) for over a decade. During her total 16-year tenure with the CAC, she has worked closely with the Founders, Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, and cohesively with the Board of Directors to help the organization function optimally, advance its mission, and maximize its growth and success.

She joined the CAC in 2008 – when it was known as Circus Sarasota – as the Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator, helping to build a qualified and effective marketing department for the nonprofit. In her role as Executive VP & COO, she has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities, managing resources, and implementing processes to ensure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.

Achievements over the course of her tenure have included: the acquisition of the Sailor Circus in 2011, which led to the birth of The Circus Arts Conservatory in 2013 after a yearlong brand study; a collaborative partnership for the CIRCUS programming presented at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2017 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; completion of the $5M renovation campaign to air-condition and modernize the Sailor Circus Arena; serving as lead strategist in implementing innovative education programs such as the Sarasota High and Booker Middle School circus magnet programs; and the negotiation of a 99-year lease for the CAC campus with the Sarasota County School Board.

Mitchell’s connection with the CAC is deeply personal as well: her daughter, Emma Clarke, trained for over a decade with the Sailor Circus Academy. She was featured as the youngest performer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2017 and now performs professionally as an aerialist. Earlier this year, Clarke was recognized with the coveted 2024 Next Generation Award by the Ring of Fame Foundation.

​​”Our Board knows that, in Jennifer, there is a deep knowledge of our mission and clear passion for our work in the circus arts,” said Board Chair Shari Ashman. “She is a highly effective leader with proven ability to consistently position CAC for success as a rapidly-evolving organization. We look forward to Jennifer spearheading CAC’s future vision, legacy and growth.”

“Jennifer is very highly regarded in the circus arts world and local communities, and her passion and knowledge of the CAC’s business model, educational programming, and community outreach is unsurpassed,” added Reis.

The CAC has also moved to new corporate administration offices. In June of this past summer, the CAC campus suffered a flash flood, followed by additional damaging floods from three hurricanes. While a complete site review of campus structural needs is underway, the CAC’s administrative team has moved to a flagship professional administrative office at SouthState Bank, located at the corner of Bahia Vista and U.S. 41, near the Sailor Circus Arena. These updated offices provide CAC the ability to grow its management, artistic, outreach programming, partnership, and development roles.

The CAC’s founders, Reis and Jacobs, who created the organization, will continue to provide guidance and support, contributing to the innovation, brand recognition, and future growth of the CAC. They will continue to devote their energies to presenting the circus arts at the highest level, teaching and sharing the circus arts with area youth, all while honoring and preserving the circus heritage that is so unique and treasured in our community.

As a well-respected NEA Fellow, Jacobs will continue to share her knowledge of and experience in the circus arts and serve as a global ambassador representing both the CAC and her circus heritage. She will also continue to share her aerial knowledge, mentoring and training the CAC’s students in the circus arts.

Reis, who is highly regarded as a circus producer, will advise the CAC at an executive level and direct artistic endeavors and productions, bringing new initiatives such as a circus festival in Southwest Florida to life.

In the last fiscal year, the CAC proudly presented 250 performances to approximately 117,000 audience members; educated 9,000 students across 45 schools and five counties in Florida; trained more than 120 year-round student circus athletes through the Sailor Circus Academy, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and is the nation’s longest-running youth circus training program; mentored 110 in-school circus students through magnet programs; engaged over 1,000 summer campers; and impacted the lives of over 750 recreational students through classes and workshops. The CAC contributes millions in economic impact to our region annually.

 

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Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Returns to Sarasota for an Unforgettable Second Season: “Illuminate!”

The Circus Arts Conservatory and hometown hero Nik Wallenda will present immersive holiday circus experience from November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025

SARASOTA, FL [DATE] – Get ready for the most electrifying holiday event of the year as Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland makes a triumphant return to Sarasota for its second sensational season! Following its overwhelming success as the #1 holiday event in Southwest Florida, Wonderland is back—bigger and brighter than ever—with an all-new production: “Illuminate!”

This year, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Wallenda are collaborating once again to present “Wonderland: Illuminate,” a breathtaking and original production that will transport audiences on a magical journey through global holiday traditions. This immersive, joy-filled holiday circus experience will feature captivating performances from Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond. “Illuminate” runs from November 22, 2024, through January 5, 2025 under the sparkling climate-controlled big top at UTC.

“When Nik and Erendira came to us with the idea for ‘A Brave New Wonderland’ last year, we believed it would be a success, but the run exceeded our wildest expectations,” said CAC Executive Vice President/COO Jennifer Mitchell, whose daughter and longtime Sailor Circus Academy student Emma Clarke will return to perform this year. “Our goal was to create a world-class holiday experience that would become a family tradition in Southwest Florida for years to come, and we are thrilled to see that hope come to fruition.”

Audiences will enjoy performances from fan favorites such as the hilarious Johnny Rockett, the electrifying Master of Ceremonies Ty McFarlan, and Sarasota’s own legendary Nik Wallenda alongside his fearless family on the high wire and sway poles. The all-new storyline will feature  acts new to Sarasota, like the Royal Kenyan Acrobats from Nairobi, LionDanceME performing the Chinese Lion Dance, and a trio performing on the Indian Pole (Mallakhamb). Guests will also be treated to the Mendez Aerial Rola Bola act, Emma Clarke’s return to the air in a brand-new stunning performance, and a majestic camel act presented by Colleen Pages Camels.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude by the reception for Wonderland’s inaugural season,” said high-wire legend, Nik Wallenda. “I am honored to return this season and raise the bar with an even bigger and better show.”

Through breathtaking performances by artists from diverse backgrounds, captivating narratives, and the shared spirit of Wallenda’s personal tagline, “Never Give Up!,” the all-new holiday experience “Illuminate” promises to take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey that weaves together the enchantment of winter holidays and their unique traditions.

Mark your calendars! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical experience. Tickets for “Illuminate” are available now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.WonderlandCircus.com

Join us in celebrating the season like never before!

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Tickets on sale for Circus Arts Conservatory’s 2024-2025 season

Professional and student shows to include Sailor Circus Academy’s 75th Anniversary show, Circus Sarasota 2025, Cirque des Voix, Windjammers, and continued holiday collaboration with Nik Wallenda

SARASOTA, FL – The Circus Arts Conservatory, the nation’s only nonprofit organization that combines professional circus performances, youth circus training, and outreach programming, is thrilled to launch another great year of Circus Sarasota and Sailor Circus Academy performances – as well as the second installment of the exciting holiday collaboration with the “King of the High Wire” and Sarasota native, Nik Wallenda – in its 27th year.

VIP tickets go on sale on September 24; general ticket sales begin on October 1. The shows in the 2024-2025 performance season include:

  • Wonderland presents Illuminate: the CAC’s holiday collaboration with Nik Wallenda, November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025; climate-controlled Big Top at the East District at UTC (195 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota); tickets $30-$100

Wonderland presents Illuminate, a breathtaking and original production, will transport audiences on a magical journey through global holiday traditions. This immersive, joy-filled holiday circus experience like no other offers captivating performances from Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond. Will feature fan favorites including the hilarious Johnny Rockett, the electrifying Ty McFarlan, and Sarasota’s own legendary Nik Wallenda.

  • Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe “Zodiac”: November 23, 2023; Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota); tickets $10-$30

Featuring the youngest, brightest stars of the Sailor Circus Academy as they flip, fly and soar to new heights.

  • Sailor Circus Academy Red Troupe “75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee”: December 26-29, 2024; Sailor Circus Arena; tickets $20-$40

The Sailor Circus Academy’s 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Shows will celebrate the rich history and artistry of the nation’s longest-running youth circus training program as the students star in a variety of thrilling acts.

  • Windjammers Concert Band featuring Sailor Circus Academy: January 12, 2025; Sailor Circus Arena; free but donations are gratefully accepted

The Windjammers is a group comprising retired circus musicians; enjoy expertly-played classic circus music accompanied by thrilling performances by the Sailor Circus Academy students.

  • Circus Arts Gala: February 25, 2025; Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island; tickets $400

A one-of-a-kind evening featuring world-class circus artistry paired with fine dining, benefiting the CAC’s outreach programs that educate, entertain, and enrich lives.

  • Circus Sarasota: February 15-March 9, 2025; Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island; tickets $30-$100

Featuring new and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota’s 2025 production will offer high-flying action, heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts that defy expectations and the boundaries of physical limitations.

  • Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices (in partnership with The Key Chorale): February 21-22, 2025; Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island; tickets $30-$100 (sales begin October 1)

The CAC teams up with The Key Chorale to present a unique show that combines live singing by The Key Chorale and musical accompaniment by the Cirque Orchestra, with the exhilarating artistry of professional circus artists and Sailor Circus Academy students.

  • Sailor Circus Gold Troupe “Juke Box Hero”: April 5, 2025; Sailor Circus Arena; tickets $10-$30

Audiences will be wowed by acts showcasing stunning aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, contortion, light-hearted comedy, and more.

  • Sailor Circus Red Troupe “South of the Border”: April 17-19, 2025; Sailor Circus Arena; tickets $20-$40

The Sailor Circus Academy’s most experienced youth performers will present their spring show, an end-of-year spectacle that pays homage to its senior students. Featured acts will include trampoline wall, acrobatic roller skating, bicycle for five and clowning as well as aerial acts such as silks, hammock, cloudswing, duo straps, web, and – the traditional closing act – the flying trapeze.

“This is a very exciting year for the Circus Arts Conservatory: in addition to our highly-anticipated professional circus shows and our in-school arts-integrated education program, we will mark the 75th anniversary of our Sailor Circus Academy, which began as a physical education program at Sarasota High School in 1949,” says Jennifer Mitchell, Executive Vice President/COO. “In recent years, we’ve overseen the strategic growth of our programmatic and show offerings. We are partnering again with Nik Wallenda on a holiday show, “Wonderland: Illuminate,” and continuing to collaborate with other arts organization such as Key Chorale and Windjammers International. It’s going to be an exciting, action-packed year!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CircusArts.org or call the Box Office at 941-355-9805.

 

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Beat the heat with the Summer Circus Spectacular

The popular annual collaboration of the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling brings world-class

circus talent to the beautiful Historic Asolo Theater

SARASOTA, FL – Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat this summer at reasonable prices
while experiencing the best of the circus arts, thanks to the continued collaboration of The Circus Arts Academy
(CAC) and The Ringling. The Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year with some of the circus world’s most
exciting acts signed on for the family-friendly, one-hour, action-packed show.
The 2024 Summer Circus Spectacular – which has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors,
families and groups alike – takes place at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd.,
Sarasota) from June 14 through August 17.


“While we are always pleased to bring the very best circus artists from around the world to Sarasota to
perform in our shows, being able to showcase this talent at the beautiful and intimate Historic Asolo Theater
makes it one of the most memorable and unique arts experiences in town,” said CAC Executive Vice
President/COO Jennifer Mitchell. “This show not only offers an affordable entertainment option for all ages but
is also the perfect summertime family-friendly activity. With daytime and evening options available at The
Ringling, there will always be a convenient time to come and enjoy the magic of the circus arts!”
The lineup for the 2024 Summer Circus Spectacular includes:


Jared Walker, Master of Ceremonies: Walker’s first professional engagement with the CAC was as
Ringmaster for the Summer Circus Spectacular in 2018; shortly afterwards, he was hired as the creative director
for the CAC and its Sailor Circus Academy. The Florida native got bitten by the theater bug in third grade and
later expanded to show choir, marching band and drama club. He graduated with a BFA in Music and Theatre
from Shenandoah College & Conservatory and made a career as an Equity actor while moonlighting as a
director, choreographer and costume designer. After 9/11, he moved back to the east coast of Florida to be near
his aging parents, then moving to Sarasota in 2004 to perform at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. He served as
the director and manager for the Players Theatre in Sarasota for 10 years prior to coming to the CAC.

Uranbileg Angarag, Contortion: When she was 5 years old, Angarag went to see a circus show, saw a
contortion act and loved it so much she pictured herself on stage. Afterwards, her parents took her to audition
at the Mongolian National Circus; at age 6, she began training. By 9 years old, she was performing. She has been doing circus for last 23 years, traveling around the world – to places including Russia, Korea, Turkey, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, throughout Europe, at sea on cruise ships, and more – doing performances, working with
many different circuses and entertainment groups such as Cirque du Soleil, MSC Cruises, Ulaanbaatar Circus,
Phantasialand Schmidt-Loffelhardt GmbH & Co. KG, and more. Angarag has previously performed for the CAC
during Cirque des Voix in 2023.

The Bello Sisters, Acrobatic Hand Balancing: Loren, Celine and Joline Bello are an Italian-German
acrobatic trio of sisters who come from a circus family. Their father performed with Cirque du Soleil for 12 years
and their mother was the first woman to walk on a highwire on stilts. Since developing their act, the sisters have
become one the most-requested halftime show performers within sports leagues like the NBA and NCAA
Basketball. In 2020, the Bello Sisters competed on both “America’s Got Talent” – where they made it into the
Top 10 – and “Italy’s Got Talent” and then, in 2023, they returned for another shot at the championship on
“America’s Got Talent: All-Stars.” The trio previously performed for the CAC during Circus Sarasota earlier this
year.

Zorè España, Cyr Wheel: España, a traditional 6th generation circus artist of Bulgarian and Mexican
roots, was born and raised in Englewood, Fla. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of circus
performance, exploring numerous disciplines before discovering her profound passion for the Cyr Wheel at the
age of 15. In her professional career, she has achieved several remarkable milestones, including being the first
Cyr wheel artist to perform at the prestigious Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione in Paris and with Zirkus Nemo in
Denmark. For the past four years, España has performed with Mr. Swindles’ Traveling Peculiarium, her family’s
circus. Her tours have taken her across Denmark and to premier venues in Germany, Spain, France, Bulgaria,
China, Turkey, and The Philippines.

Camille Langlois, Hair Hang: Originally from Quebec, Langlois began her acrobatic journey at the age of
9, when she enrolled in gymnastics. As she was also interested in dance and the performing arts, the opening of
a sport-arts-circus studies program at her high school captured her attention. Her professional training began at
the Circus School of Quebec and concluded six years later at the National Circus School of Montreal. Langlois –
who loves the diversity of movement, the freedom of creation offered by the various disciplines as well as the
union of art, performance, and interpretation – is also skilled at acts including aerial hoops, chains and pole.
Antino Pansa, Slack Wire: Pansa is a Guyanese circus artist of French nationality. He began training in
the circus arts at the age of 14, and this passion – passed on by his father, who also practiced slack wire – would
soon take center stage in his life. He is a graduate of the National Circus School of Montreal. He specializes in
slack wire but is also a talented trampoline and floor acrobat, as well as a hand-to-hand carrier and Korean plank
acrobat. He was recently featured as a slack wire artist in Cirque du Soleil’s 2023 creation, “ECHO.” He also
wowed the crowd during the CAC’s Royal Gala in February of this year.

Renaldo, Clowning: Al “Renaldo” Calienes began his circus career with the Big Apple Circus at age 26,
eventually becoming a core company member. A gifted clown, he went on to work with Circus Sarasota, theRoyal Hanneford Circus, the Luna Stage Theater Co., at SeaWorld, Canada’s Garden Bros. Circus and England’s Zippo’s Circus. Recently, he toured with UniverSoul Circus. He is also author/illustrator of the children’s book
“Renaldo Joins the Circus!”
“It is always thrilling for us to bring a live, professional circus show to the beautiful Historic Asolo
Theater at The Ringling, which works to preserve the history and legacy of the circus,” said CAC founder and
President/CEO Pedro Reis. “Our missions are so closely aligned – we both strive to inspire, educate and
entertain – and our collaboration has provided immeasurable joy for thousands of circus fans over the years.”

The show runs Friday, June 14 – Saturday, August 17, 2024. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays
through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $20/adults, $15 children (15 and under); tickets
for the 7 p.m. opening night performance and celebration on Friday, June 14 – which includes a gala reception
with the artists after the show and refreshments – are $75.
To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus
Museum on the day they attend a show for just an additional $5 – an incredible value for a full day’s
entertainment. Visit Ringling.org or call the Box Office at 941-360-7399.

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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.

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Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices showcases dynamic arts collaboration

Partnership of Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale continues with three electrifying shows at the Sailor Circus Arena

SARASOTA, FL – The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Key Chorale are thrilled to come together again for an all-new production of Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices, a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. There will be three performances, with shows taking place March 22-23, 2024.

Fourteen years ago, CAC co-founder, President & CEO Pedro Reis and Key Chorale’s Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins joined forces to create a unique and special arts presentation, as they combined the more-than 100 voices of Key Chorale and the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra with live circus artists. This season’s three performances will feature acts choreographed to exciting and unforgettable compositions. Circus artists of national and international acclaim, as well as youth performers from the CAC’s Sailor Circus Academy, will dazzle audiences with acts performed to exquisite musical accompaniment.

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Circus Arts Conservatory presents free Community Outreach Performance

Patrons who might not otherwise be able to experience the joy of a live circus enjoyed a free performance of Circus Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL – Since the very first year of the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Circus Sarasota show 26 years ago (except for the interruption due to COVID-19), the CAC has offered free Community Outreach Performances for residents who might not otherwise be able to experience the joy of the circus. This year, on March 7, was no exception: more than 350 community members gathered together under the Big Top, including residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities, and clients from organizations for neurologically and developmentally challenged individuals as well as social service agencies, to see an abridged version of Circus Sarasota.

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Circus Sarasota presents star-spangled lineup for 2024 show

Circus Arts Conservatory gathers an international cast of world-class circus artists for 26th year of professional, one-ring circus extravaganza

SARASOTA, FL – Each year, the Circus Arts Conservatory’s professional arm, Circus Sarasota, offers a showcase of top global circus artists performing in a one-ring traditional circus setting. Featuring new and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota’s 2024 production will offer high-flying action, heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts that defy both expectations and the boundaries of physical limitations.

  “While this may be Circus Sarasota’s 26th year, we work very hard to make sure that no two productions are ever alike,” said CAC Founder/President & CEO Pedro Reis. “Our goal is to recruit the perfect balance of talent and variety to ensure patrons of all ages will be thrilled, inspired and entertained each and every year. We are confident this year’s show will take things to an entirely new level for our guests, whether they are a circus regular or brand new to the circus arts!”

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Circus Arts Conservatory raises over $400,000 during Royal Gala

SARASOTA, FL (February 10, 2024) – In early February, 350 supporters of the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) gathered at the CAC’s brand-new Big Top on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park for the organization’s Royal Gala. Guests enjoyed thrilling performances by Sailor Circus Academy students and world-class professional circus artists, plentiful photo opportunities, heartfelt grateful remarks by CAC founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs and executive vice president/COO Jennifer Mitchell, a lively paddle raise, a delicious catered dinner by Michael’s On East, and dancing in the Center Ring. The event raised over $400,000 in support of the CAC’s signature youth training, education and outreach programs.

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