Colorful circus tent with group of seniors outdoors, vibrant circuses stage for entertainment, circus arts, and community events. 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 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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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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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.

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SARASOTA, FL – The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) is thrilled to present a brand-new event, intended to enthrall existing supporters as well as bring new fans into the fold while benefiting its youth education programs. WONDERBALL promises to be an epic concert experience, featuring twice Grammy Award-nominated electronic dance music (EDM) artist and music producer, DJ Steve Aoki. The event takes place on Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m., in the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota).

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The Circus Arts Conservatory partners with The Ringling to present world-class circus talent in family-friendly show

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While the arena at the Circus Arts Conservatory site on Bahia Vista Street may be under construction, the show must – and will – go on for children seeking a more adventurous summer camp experience. From June through August, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) will offer its popular Circus Summer Camp at the East Gymnasium at Sarasota High School.

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Sailor Circus Academy students will shine under the spotlight as they present the 69th annual spring performance of “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth” – for one day only under the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park behind the Mall at UTC. This is the first time Sailor Circus students have performed under the Big Top in Sarasota. In past years, the show has taken place in the iconic Sailor Circus Arena which is currently closed for upcoming renovations.

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Vocal vivacity combines with timeless circus elegance in The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Key Chorale’s Cirque des Voix ®: Circus of the Voices, a one-of-a-kind experience for audiences of all ages.

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Each year, Circus Sarasota boasts an impressive roster of international artists who test human boundaries and leave audiences awestruck. This year’s performance, titled Ovation , honors the 250th anniversary of the modern circus and those who have impacted the artform.

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