Gold Troupe
Want to join the Sailor Circus Academy?
Registration for the Spring 2024 Session is now open until January 8 or until all spots are filled.
Gold Troupe is a preparatory Circus Arts Training program for students ages 6 – 18. Gold Troupe is offered in the Fall and Spring seasons and provides a foundation for circus students to advance and prepare for the Sailor Circus Academy Red Troupe Performance Program.
The troupe aims to enhance the natural abilities of students, boost their strength and confidence, and prioritize training safety, performance technique, and performance etiquette. These skills are crucial in developing a well-rounded set of circus skills and becoming a refined athletic circus arts performer.
Students will get the rare opportunity to experience quality instruction by Elite Professional Circus Arts Coaches. Each Fall and Spring session trains for an average of nine (9) weeks. As part of the Gold Troupe, students will participate in a costumed, ticketed showcase after each session. Live performances will be held at CAC’s air-conditioned arena, providing an opportunity for students’ families and friends to attend. Before 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 welcome students of all levels to register and believe that there’s something for everyone in the Circus Arts. Our Academy Gold Troupe’s focus is to give our students the opportunity to experience and learn the many facets of Circus Arts, including Aerial Skills, Rebound and balance Skills, Acrobatic Arts, Clowning, Specialty Acts, and Performance Techniques. These are ALL essential to being a well-rounded performer. If you are interested in quality, progressive Circus Arts training, The Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe is your golden opportunity!
NEW ACTS ADDED FOR GOLD TROUPE THIS SESSION!
Registration for the Spring 2024 Session is now open until January 8 or until all spots are filled.
Evaluations: Attendance at an evaluation is mandatory for new and returning students with lapsed enrollment. Students enrolled in Fall 2023 are not required to attend the evaluation unless they want to be evaluated for the new Cradle Act. Evaluations will take place on January 10 and 11, and preregistration is required. Register HERE to secure your spot.
Dates: Spring Session runs January 22 – April 6
Mandatory orientation: All registered students will receive a recorded orientation via email.
Gold Troupe Showcase: Saturday, April 6, with two performances.
Spring Session: Comprehensive Training Fee – One (1) act $800 (per student)
Includes a $ 700 training fee & a $100 performance and costume fee. Students may add on ONE (1) additional act for $200. Payment options are available. Does not include required training apparel or performance needs. To choose a payment plan, you can select “contracts” located at the top of the payment page, and choose your preferred option.
Registration: To complete your registration, follow these two steps: 1) Click on the “Register Here” button below to enroll your child(ren) and pay. 2) Fill out the Registration Form in your purchase receipt or course enrollment confirmation email. Please note that the registration form must be completed on the same day as the purchase/enrollment to avoid a late fee. Submitting all necessary forms before the registration deadline is crucial to securing your spot. Students who have registration forms completed on time will have the first choice of their act placements as long as there is availability and they meet the criteria.
Scholarships:
Applications are due by December 15 at 8:00 PM
See below 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 be presented at the orientation.
Volunteering: Families in the Gold Troupe are now required to volunteer. Click the link below for more information on volunteering.
Parent Open House: NEW! During the session, a parent open house will be held where parents can observe the training. The date for this event has not yet been determined, but we will notify registered families.
Spectators: For the safety of students, staff, and coaches, only students currently in training are allowed in the Sailor Circus Arena 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. There will be an open house for parents during the session.
AGE REQUIREMENT: To enroll, students must be six (6) years old by September 1st of the current school year and have already completed kindergarten.
Click HERE for printable information, training schedule, fees, and more.
Training Schedule: Students will receive their personalized schedule via email before the start of the session.
Acts – Students can select up to three acts of interest (in the registration form). Nevertheless, it is essential to note that they may not be placed in those specific acts if the class is already full or if they do not meet the training / physical criteria. Make your act selections in the registration form. Please do not email your preferences to staff, as they won’t be recorded or considered.
Students who are 6 and 7 years old can only participate in acts with an asterisk (*) symbol next to them.
Cradle is a new act for the gold troupe, and all students who wish to be considered must attend an evaluation.
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.
Sailor CircusAcademy NEED BASED Scholarship
Gold Troupe
The Circus Arts Conservatory actively seeks contributions throughout the year and awards scholarships based on financial need to deserving students. Thanks to our generous donors, we can offer families that meet financial criteria scholarships to help offset fees.
Applications are open through December 15 at 8:00 pm.
Click HERE for more information and the for the link to apply.
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 nine (9) weeks with a costumed showcase at the end of each session. Students are not required to join both Fall and Spring sessions.
What is the process for my child to participate in GOLD Troupe, do they have to audition for the program?
Children must be six years old by September 1st of the current school year and have completed kindergarten.
Evaluations are required for all new students and those with lapsed enrollment.
Are classes prorated?
No, there is one fee for the session regardless of how many days the student trains. There are no refunds for missed or canceled classes due to inclement weather or any other reason.
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 volunteer@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)?
No. 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
As part of the comprehensive training fee, there is a non-refundable registration fee of $45.
REFUNDS
Once the training period begins, it is not possible to obtain a refund for any training fees that have already been paid. Please note that we cannot offer refunds for cancelled classes, schedule changes, or if a student decides to withdraw early. Additionally, if a student is dismissed from the Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe due to disciplinary reasons or evidence of lice, no refunds will be provided. However, if a student sustains an injury during training that prevents them from completing the season, we may consider providing a pro-rated refund. Please be aware that recreational class credits cannot be transferred and are not applicable to Sailor Circus Academy courses, nor vice versa. The CAC reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule without setting a precedent.
Refunds may be requested up to one day after the Orientation. After this time, no refunds will be given. Refund requests must be made in writing to Tonia@circusarts.org. Please note that the $45 non-refundable registration 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 the 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 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.
