The Nation’s Only Credit-Bearing Circus Academic Program
Discover the only program of its kind in the United States. The Circus Arts Magnet Program at Sarasota High School is a four-year, credit-bearing academic program that blends science, fitness, and circus performing arts into an extraordinary school-day curriculum. Rooted in Sarasota’s iconic circus heritage, this innovative program challenges students physically and mentally while helping them grow into confident, disciplined, and well-rounded young adults. Because this program is unique to Sarasota High School, school reassignment is permitted upon acceptance, allowing students from across the district to enroll.
What Makes This Program Unique
Comprehensive Circus Arts Training
Students receive hands-on instruction in aerial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics, juggling, physical conditioning, flexibility and strength training, and performance technique. All training emphasizes strong skill development, proper form, and industry-standard safety practices.
Academic Integration (STEAM + Circus)
Students explore the science behind circus movement through anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, macro/micro nutrients, injury prevention, warm-up and cool-down design, and the mind-body connection. This approach helps students understand how circus arts intersect with STEM, wellness, and human performance.
Real-World Career Skills
The program prepares students for professional opportunities in circus arts, sports science, fitness, theater, and technical production. Students learn resume writing, digital portfolio creation, basic rigging concepts, equipment care and maintenance, tech sheet development, and how to film and edit professional audition videos. These skills give graduates a strong foundation for college programs, performing arts training, and industry-level apprenticeships.
Performance Opportunities
Performance Track students participate in two major showcases each year, gaining experience in act development, costuming, choreography, stage presence, and collaboration with technical staff. These productions allow students to demonstrate their growth while experiencing the excitement of live performance.
Professional Development
The program supports aspiring performers by teaching them how to create polished audition videos, build professional resumes and demo reels, and assemble comprehensive performance portfolios. Students also gain exposure to backstage operations, rigging environments, and the technical workflows used in professional circus and theater settings.
CAST offers two distinct training pathways.
Circus Arts Student Training (CAST) Program
A Partnership Between Sarasota High School and the Circus Arts Conservatory
The Circus Arts Student Training (CAST) Program is a premier magnet program offered through Sarasota High School in partnership with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Designed to continue Sarasota’s rich circus legacy, CAST provides motivated high school students with elite-level training in acrobatics, aerial arts, strength development, performance technique, and professional preparation.
Housed in the Sailor Circus Arena, students train under a world-class coaching team of experienced performers and educators who have competed, performed, and coached professionally for decades. The program integrates athletic development, performance artistry, and academic excellence — shaping students into disciplined, resilient, and confident individuals.
CAST offers two distinct training pathways:
CAST Performance Track
This advanced 90-minute daily class is designed for students pursuing high-level performance training. Participants specialize in a discipline while developing stage presence, choreography, teamwork, and show production skills. Students in this track perform in two major showcases annually and participate in required after-school rehearsals and community performances. This pathway emphasizes commitment, professionalism, and the experience of performing under the big top.
CAST Developmental Gymnastics Track
This 45-minute class focuses on foundational strength, flexibility, conditioning, and acrobatic skill development. It is ideal for students building physical literacy, athletic performance, and technical fundamentals. Students in this track contribute a minimum number of volunteer hours with the Circus Arts Conservatory, supporting events and learning the behind-the-scenes elements of professional circus production.
Program Expectations
Students enrolled in CAST are held to high standards both physically and academically. Participants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, meet attendance requirements, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to training. The program is structured to develop not only circus artists, but well-rounded leaders prepared for collegiate, athletic, or professional pathways.
Apply Now
The CAST Program represents the primary training pipeline connecting Sarasota High School students with the Circus Arts Conservatory’s professional and youth programming.
Students interested in applying to the CAST Program should begin the application process here: CAST Application
Learn More
Explore curriculum details, student expectations, performance opportunities, and enrollment information.
Learn More
Contact Us
For more information or assistance, please contact:
Ms. Dakota Carrera – Program Director
dakota@circusarts.org (preferred)
dakota.carrera@sarasotacountyschools.net
