Gold Troupe
Gold Troupe is a preparatory circus arts training program for students aged 6 to 18, with no prior experience required. This program is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters. It provides a foundation for students who may wish to advance to the Sailor Circus Academy’s Red Troupe. Some students may also participate in the Gold Troupe as their sole focus.
The academy focuses on enhancing students’ abilities, boosting strength and confidence, and emphasizing safety, performance technique, and etiquette. Participants receive quality instruction from elite coaches over a nine-week session and showcase their skills in a costumed, ticketed performance at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s air-conditioned arena. Before the showcase, students will rehearse for a week to build confidence in front of a live audience.
We welcome students of all levels, offering opportunities to learn vital circus skills, including aerial techniques, balance skills, acrobatics, clowning, and performance techniques. If you’re seeking quality Circus Arts training, the Sailor Circus Academy Gold Troupe is the perfect choice!
Age Requirements:
To enroll, students must be six (6) years old by September 1st for the Fall school year and have already completed kindergarten.
Steps to Register (complete all steps)
Step 1
- Click the Program Information Document HERE (the link is only active during enrollment) and review it before proceeding to step 2.
Step 2
- Click the Register Now Button below.
- If you prefer to make monthly payments, click “contracts” at the top of the payment page, choose one act or two, or opt for “Intro to Circus” for 6-year-olds.
Step 3
- Open your emailed Confirmation receipt and click on the Gold Troupe Registration Form.
- Form forms must be submitted on the same day as your purchase to avoid late fees. All classes are filled based on the timestamp of the registration form, following a first come, first served policy.
- Once you complete the registration form, you will receive an emailed copy of your responses, confirming that we have received it.
Step 4
- Mark the orientation date on your calendar.
*If applying for a scholarship, you do not need to complete step 2 at this time. We will notify you.
Sailor CircusAcademy NEED BASED Scholarship
Applications open from December 8 through December 15 at 8:00 pm.
Application Click HERE
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.
Intro to Circus Requirement - can new students "opt-out" of it?
All new troupe students are mandated to take Intro to Circus; there is no option to “opt-out.” This requirement applies to all students, regardless of their previous training, attendance at summer camps, or participation in recreational classes.
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
Registration Form
- The Google registration form must be submitted upon enrollment and before any training begins. If forms are not completed at the time of enrollment, a late fee will incur.
Release
- Parents/Guardians are required to sign a “General Release” and a “Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement” before Students being admitted.
- Proof of insurance is required for all participants.
