Sailor Circus

The Sailor Circus of Sarasota has been called "The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth."  Operated by the Police Athletic League of Sarasota County, Inc. ("PAL"), Sailor Circus provides an opportunity for young people ages 8 to 18 to learn about, experience, and participate in circus arts.  Sailor Circus is the longest-running youth circus in the United States.

Since 2004, the Sailor Circus has been under PAL’s direction.  The over-fifty-year-old program was in danger of closing, but Sarasota Sheriff William Balkwill recognized the value of the Circus in providing a unique learning experience for children and a safe environment in which young people may thrive.  The circus is used as an alternative teaching method and, at times, an intervention program for youth in the greater Sarasota area who are at risk when lacking a creative outlet. 

More than 100 students participate in each of the two annual sessions, one in spring and one in winter, learning circus skills such as clowning, costuming, flying trapeze, high-wire performance, juggling, rigging, tumbling, riding a unicycle, and, of course, performance.  The participants learn dedication, leadership, and teamwork as they prepare for the wonderful ultimate performance experience

The Sailor Circus Arena is located at 2075 Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota.  Tickets are available through the Box Office, which can be contacted at (941) 361-6350, or by mail.  The 2007 Spring Performance theme is "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Circus Factory."  Regular performances are held Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., with an 11:45 a.m. matinee on Saturdays.  Ticket prices are currently $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children under the age of 10.  General admission for a single section of the Arena only is $10.00 per person.

Past shows by Sailor Circus have included "Broadway" in spring of 2005, "Children of the World" in winter of 2005, "An American Road Show" in spring of 2006, and the recent 2007 Holiday Spectacular with a theme of "The Grinch Who Store Christmas," which drew 6,400 audience members.

Participants practice between 20 and 30 hours per week.  Adult volunteers are welcome and necessary to the success of the program.  Cost of registration is $125 per session, but Sailor Circus offers several scholarships for prospective students with financial need.  More information is available by calling Sailor Circus at (941) 361-6350, or online at http://www.sailorcircus.org.