Gold Troupe
Want to join the Sailor Circus Academy?
Check back here for registration information later in the Summer.
No evaluation is required to join the Gold Troupe.
Interested in joining the Red Troupe? Check out our Red Troupe Page for more information and to register for a free evaluation.
Session dates will be added to this page in Summer. The Gold Troupe Fall Session trains from September – November. Please note with high interest in the program emails and questions regarding dates and schedules can not be returned till after dates are released.
Have questions or need help filling out your form? Email or call Tonia@circusarts.org 941-355-9335 ex 326
Gold Troupe is a PREPARATORY Circus Arts Training program for students ages 8 – 18. Our preparatory program is offered in the Fall and Spring seasons. The Academy Gold Troupe is designed to construct a solid base and provide an avenue from which circus students can advance and prepare for our Sailor Circus Academy Red Troupe Performance Program. No evaluation is required to join the Gold troupe.
Our Academy Gold Troupe will build the student’s natural abilities, improve their strength & confidence and emphasize training safety, performance technique and performance etiquette. These skills are very important to develop well-rounded circus skills and to become a refined athletic circus arts performer.
The program consists of training in one or two core classes three (3) – five (5) days per week. Students will get the rare opportunity to experience quality instruction by Elite Professional Circus Arts Coaches. Each Fall and Spring session trains an average of nine (9) weeks.
As part of the Academy Gold Troupe, students will participate in a costumed, ticketed showcase, at the completion of each Fall and Spring season. Performances will be held at CAC’s beautiful air conditioned arena. Families and friends of students will have the wonderful opportunity to attend these live performances. Prior to the showcase, students will have a full week of rehearsals that will enable the student to be comfortable performing in front of a live audience. During the showcase students will experience the excitement of performing under bright lights, with colorful costumes, while learning about staging, performer etiquette and camaraderie.
At the Circus Arts Conservatory, we believe there is “something for everyone” in the Circus Arts. Students of all levels are welcomed to register. After registration is completed, students and parents will be required to attend a one hour orientation. Therefore, due to the intensity of the Academy Gold Troupe, it will require both student and parental commitment to ensure a successful experience. Our Academy Gold Troupe’s focus is to give our students the opportunity to experience and learn the many facets of the Circus Arts to include; Aerial Skills, Rebound & Balance Skills, Acrobatic Arts, Clowning, Specialty Acts and Performance Techniques. These are ALL essential to being a well rounded performer.
New incoming students are required to take acrobatics and ALL students are required to join warm up /conditioning classes. Returning students (does not include recreational classes) may be required to take acro depending on the acts of interest (Gold Troupe manager will let you know).
If you are interested in quality, progressive Circus Arts training, The Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe is the golden opportunity for you!
To join the Gold Troupe students must be registered for the session by the deadline. Once registration closes, additional students can NOT be admitted for the season due to scheduling and act placements that take place prior to the start of the session.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION WILL BE UPDATED WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS LATER IN THE SUMMER.
Dates: TBD. Fall Session runs September – mid November
Mandatory orientation: Fall Session TBD. All enrolled students (new and returning) are required to attend the mandatory orientation with a parent or guardian.
Gold Troupe Showcase: Fall session TBD. Saturday, two performances.
For the safety of students, staff and coaches, only students currently in training are allowed in the Sailor Circus Arena and and on CAC Campus. These areas are CLOSED to parents, guardians and visitors. Parents are not permitted to escort their children into the Arena. *Please note our Arena / Campus policy is firm: No parents, guardians, or visitors allowed on campus or in the arena for any reason, no exceptions. Registered families can reach our staff using the remind app.
Session Tuition (Will be updated once registration opens)
$ (per student)
Includes a $ training fee & a $ performance and costume fee. Early Bird Discount (ends ) and payment options. Does not include required training apparel or performance needs. For more information on tuition payment options please click here.
Scholarships:
Applications are due by at 6:00PM
Click here for the Need Based Scholarship application and information.
Required Training Apparel and Performance Needs:
Not included in tuition. Girls: biketard and leggings – any color. Boys: athletic clothing – any color. Leggings for aerial acts. Any other needs will presented at the orientation.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Students must be eight (8) years old by September 1 for the Fall session and eight (8) years old by January 1 for the Spring Session.
Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troup students will learn:
Foundation & Fundamentals
Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troup students embark on their circus journey by beginning their training focusing on obtaining a solid circus arts foundation. By learning the circus fundamentals, exploring and having fun in the four main circus categories – Balance, Acrobatics, Aerials and Specialties – they will safely learn proper warm-up, flexibility & strength training, which will help them in their progression.
With the opportunity for students to explore and try a variety of acts within the four categories, students can enjoy the fun process of finding their act(s) and help their coaches guide them through that journey.
How to showcase what they’ve learned
At the end of their session, Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troup students will showcase what they’ve learned in two ticketed performances with state of the art lights and sound in front of an audience, giving them the amazing experience of being a young artist and the feeling of being a star that only circus can bring.
Training opportunities may include:
Clowning, Juggling & Ringmaster
Balance: Rola Bola, Low Wire, Rolling Globe, Bike and Unicycle
Rebounding: Tumble Track, Mini Tramp, Trampoline
Acrobatic Arts: Floor Tumbling, Hand Balancing, Contortion & Adagio
Aerial Bars: Single Trapeze, Lyra, Ladders
Aerial Fabrics: Hammock, Silks, Web
Training Schedule: A schedule is created once registration ends.
The Gold Troupe trains Monday – Friday, from 4:30-5:45 and/or 5:30-6:45 depending on act(s) chosen. Most acts train 3 days a week. All training schedules will be distributed once registration ends. Student schedules are customized and will be determined by the acts they participate in. Scheduled will be emailed prior to the orientation.
Click the RGISTER NOW button to go to the Sailor Academy Home Page and register for an evaluation.
Students ages 8-18 welcome!
Pre-Registration is required.
Space is limited.
Unable to attend evaluations in May/June? One last opportunity, before the sessions start, for an evaluation will be August 1 & 2. Check back here after June 1 to register.
Need help or have questions Call or email Tonia at 941-355-9335 ex 326
ENROLLMENT DIRECTIONS
(please read through carefully in order to prevent any issues while enrolling)
- Click Register Now Button above
- Click Sign Up Now
- Click on the child you are enrolling (You may need to add your child to your account. Be sure to register your child and not yourself.)
- Once you have selected your child to enroll you will see Which Series of Membership would you like?
- You may click the arrow to Pay in FULL OR
- To Pay in TWO click CONTRACTS just above services
- More than one child? Click continue shopping and repeat the same steps to enroll additional children before checking out.
- Once you have selected your child(ren) make sure your cart has a tuition payment for each child you are enrolling
- Proceed to Check Out, add your billing information and click place order
- You will receive an emailed receipt and an additional enrollment confirmation email for each child enrolled. Open your receipt email to access the remainder of your registration documents.
Trouble enrolling? The program is designated for students ages 8-18. If you try to enroll yourself you will not be able to complete the enrollment. Add your child and their Date of Birth to your account. Child already in your account? Make sure their date of birth is in their profile.
Registration is complete when you have
- Paid tuition
- Received your receipt
- Received your Enrollment confirmation (one per child enrolled)
- Filled out all of your required forms from your email receipt
Once you have purchased your class you will receive an emailed receipt and an additional enrollment confirmation email for each child enrolled. In the enrollment confirmation there will many links, including a Google Registration Form. Fill out the forms to complete registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sailor Circus Academy?
This is an after-school, circus-arts training program in the Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota. Students train in a variety of circus arts disciplines learning teamwork, building self confidence and learning life-lessons.
What is the purpose of the Sailor Circus Academy?
Sailor Circus has been serving area families since 1949, and is known as America’s Longest Running Youth Circus. Our experienced and caring staff and coaching team come from a variety of backgrounds such as retired or working professional circus artists, teachers, early childhood professionals, Sailor Circus alumni, gymnasts and more. One thing that they all have in common is a desire to pass on their love of the Circus Arts to the students engaged at The CAC!
We strive to provide a fun, safe and educational experience through the circus arts. We know that giving your child the opportunity to learn circus skills is one of the best decisions a parent can make for their child. Circus Arts teach important life skills such as determination, courage, strength development, flexibility, coordination, self-confidence, team work, discipline – and the list could go on and on….
What is the difference between the RED and GOLD Troupes?
The RED troupe is the original program started by the Sarasota High School back in 1949. The RED troupe performs in the Holiday and Spring shows to a live ticketed audience. The program beings in September and ends with the last Spring show performance. The commitment is for the duration of the school year with students training from two (2) to five (5) nights a week after school. How the long student trains each night depends on how many acts they are in. Auditions are required for the RED Troupe.
The GOLD Troupe was started in 2019 to help students develop circus skills and to possibly move up to RED Troupe, if they so desired. The Gold Troupe offers a Fall and Spring session, each session running for eight (8) weeks with a costumed showcase at the end of each session. Students are not required to join both Fall and Spring sessions. Students will typically train for three (3) nights a week in one (1) act for 1.25 hours. Auditions are NOT required for the GOLD troupe. Anyone ages 8-18 may join.
What is the after-school schedule for the GOLD Troupe?
Student training times vary according to the acts they are learning. Students typically train for three (3) nights a week after school for seventy-five (75) minutes. Schedules are provided once registration is completed. The schedule changes from season to season depending on the acts training.
Is the student required to attend both the Fall and Spring sessions?
No.
What is the process for my child to participate in GOLD Troupe, do they have to audition for the program?
Anyone from ages 8-15 may join the Gold Troupe. Registration information will be available on this page once it becomes available.
My child is not eight (8) years old yet, can they still join the Gold Troupe?
No, all students must be eight (8) years old by September 1 to join the Fall session and eight (8) years old by January 1 to join the Spring session.
What does the tuition include? If my child is invited to train in two acts, is the tuition fee increased?
Tuition is one fee for the program.
$600 for training and $100 for the costume fee (costumes are the property of the CAC and may not be taken home).
All enrolled students are guaranteed one act, but may be invited to train in up to two acts. All acts are by invitation only per coach and staff discretion. Students may request an act, but placement is determined by the coaching staff after evaluations.
Are classes prorated?
No, there is one fee for the session regardless of how many days the student trains or if they train in one or two acts.
Is my child guaranteed to be in the act of their choice?
During evaluations students will be asked what act(s) they are interested in. Act placements are determined by evaluation results and coach and staff recommendations. Coaches and staff have the final say.
Can canceled or missed classes be made up?
There are no make up days for missed or canceled classes. Due to a full schedule of programs, training in the arena canceled or missed classes can not be rescheduled/made up. Occasionally classes are canceled due to events in the arena.
Will there be a scheduled performance? If so, how can I buy tickets?
Each session ends with a costumed, ticketed performance. Exact show dates and times are posted when registration information becomes available. Tickets can be purchased through our box office or on our website.
Is it dangerous?
No. The Circus Arts Conservatory is a professional organization with expertly trained artists, and our coaches are experienced in working with students at all levels. Though the training is rigorous, we evaluate each student’s individual potential and push them only to their limit and ability. Students start on the ground and slowly, one step at a time – and only when they are ready – do they advance. Students are never in an unsafe environment, as they are harnessed or over nets when above ground. We use top of the line gymnastics mats and safety equipment. This is a hands-on training program in a safe environment.
Who are the coaches?
We have professional coaches from around the world. Click here to see a line up of our coaches.
I would like to volunteer - where can I find more information?
Contact Aaron Watkins at Aaron@CircusArts.org
What happens if my child misses a class or a class is canceled? Can they make up the class?
No. If classes are canceled for ANY reason, coach is out, event scheduled in the arena, inclement weather (including hurricanes) or any other reason, there will not be any make up days/classes. Due to several programs running simultaneously throughout the year we can not hold make up classes. Tuition will not be refunded or prorated due to canceled classes.
Is it possible for a student to move from Gold Troupe to Red Troupe mid season (In January)?
Not likely. It is our policy to invite new Red Troupe Students in summer to begin in August when the season starts.
Red troupe runs from August – April whereas Gold Troupe has two separate sessions, one in the Fall and one in Spring.
Enrollment
- Student’s are enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis as per the date of receipt of the registration form and fees
- Confirmation of enrollment and receipt will be sent via email through MindBody
Refunds
- Please see our Policies and Procedures Tab
Medical Refund Policy
- Please see our Policies and Procedures Tab
Release
- Parents/Guardians are required to sign a “General Release” and a “Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement” prior to a Junior Sailor Circus Student being admitted
- Proof of insurance is required for all participants
ENROLLMENT
Is secure once payment in full is collected and all forms are completed and returned to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Students are enrolled on a first come, first served basis as per the date of receipt of the registration application in Mindbody and the Google Registration Form. Confirmation of enrollment and receipt will be sent via email through MindBody.
REGISTRATION FEE
No Registration Fees
REFUNDS
Tuition already paid can not be refunded after the training period begins. There are no refunds for cancellation, or schedule changes, or early elective withdrawal. There are no refunds for students dismissed from the Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe due to disciplinary reasons or found with evidence of lice. If a student leaves due to an injury incurred while training which prevents completion of the season, a pro-rated refund will be considered. Credits for recreational classes are non transferable and can NOT be applied to Sailor Circus Academy or vice versa. The CAC reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule without setting precedent. Any tuition refunded will incur a $50 admin fee.
If classes are canceled for ANY reason there will not be any make up days/classes. Due to several programs running simultaneously throughout the year we can not hold make up classes. Tuition will not be refunded or prorated due to canceled classes.
MEDICAL REFUNDS
If a student leaves due to an injury incurred at Sailor Circus Academy, a prorated portion of the tuition may be refunded. If a student is injured prior to attending a scheduled session and it prohibits them from participating, we will consider a refund upon review of the doctor’s note. A doctor’s note must be received prior to the start of the Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe session in order to be considered for a refund. The CAC reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule without setting precedent. Any tuition refunded will incur a $50 admin fee.
COVID-19
If a student or family member tests positive for COVID-19 the CAC will not refund the session or any missed or unused days (credits) of the session. Unused days will not be credited to any future programs or recreational classes.
RELEASE
Parents/Guardians are required to sign a general release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement prior to the student being placed in a session. In addition to a release proof of insurance is required for all participants.
PARKING/ DROP OFF /PICK UP
All drop off and pick up for students is located at the midway gate adjacent to Sarasota High School parking lot. Look for our “Circus Entrance” banner on the fence to direct you. Students should never be dropped off/ picked up in the staff parking lot/ticket sales lot by our main office. Parents/Guardian may NOT escort students inside the building. Wait outside the main doors or the student may enter on their own.
VISITORS
Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe training is a closed space and we do not allow parents or guests to spectate during the training times. Parents/Guardians/Visitors are not permitted to stay during session time.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The F.V.C. is used to secure the bonds of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication in a learning environment. We will ask the participants to abide by the following philosophy:
- I will try everything and be respectful to my instructors
- I will try everything and support and encourage myself and my friends
- I will model this behavior all the time because I am a leader by example
- I will keep my hands to myself
- I will not call students names or purposefully hurt their feelings
Bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The consequence for not adhering to this policy is removal from the program.
Drop Off/Pick Up: All drop off and pick up for students is located at the midway gate adjacent to Sarasota High School parking lot. Look for our “Circus Entrance” banner on the fence to direct you. Students should never be dropped off/ picked up in the staff parking lot/ticket sales lot by our main office. Parents/guardians walk your child to the main doors and wait inside the doors for check in. CAC staff to greet you and check in your child.
- Masks are optional
- Enter through the MAIN DOORS in the midway.
- If your child has tested positive for COVID-19 do not send them to practice. Notify the SCA manager immediately.
We are putting the following measures in place for the safety and well being of staff, volunteers, campers, and families
- Sanitizing all communal spaces, and equipment daily.
- The Circus Arts Conservatory reserves the right to cancel or modify any planned program, camp session or scheduled class due to insufficient enrollment, in which case, refunds or credit toward future programming will be processed.
COVID-19
If a student or family member tests positive for COVID-19 the CAC will not refund tuition for any missed days. If the student doesn’t return to training any unused tuition (credits) can not be used for future programming.
The Circus Arts Conservatory
Tonia Bichler at 941-355-9335 ext. 326 or Tonia@CircusArts.org
