Circus Arts Conservatory Presents Sailor Circus Holiday Special

December 2, 2022 – Sarasota

The Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy, the nation’s longest-running youth circus, presents an amazing spectacle as students ages 8-18 flip, fly and soar to new heights in the highly-anticipated new holiday production, “Sailor Circus Holiday Special.” Patrons of all ages will enjoy the spirit of the holiday season while being wowed by acts showcasing stunning aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, light-hearted comedy, and more.

This year’s show will draw inspiration from renowned holiday television shows and movies, with the giant LED screen serving as a huge vintage television, creating the feeling of watching a live TV special. Television and movie clips – from classics like “A Christmas Story,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Home Alone,” “Polar Express,” “Elf” and “The Nutcracker” – will transition into related circus acts, which will include trampoline, acrobatics, hammock, unicycle, lyra, dance trapeze, skating, juggling, high wire and – perennial crowd favorite – flying trapeze, plus two brand new acts: solo aerial pole and Cyr wheel.

For nearly 74 years, students involved with the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus program have amazed audiences with a thrilling spectacle of youth circus arts. Circus Arts Conservatory creative director Jared Walker believes audiences will be enthralled by this year’s holiday offering. 

“This is a wonderful show for families to enjoy together – it’s the perfect way to get the community into the holiday spirit!” Walker said. “Audiences will appreciate the glorious sets and lighting and beautiful new costumes as well as, of course, the incredible talent and skill of our students.”

The Sailor Circus Academy is the longest-running youth circus arts training program in the country, training students in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Founded in 1949, it is known as “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth.” The program teaches students more than 30 disciplines of circus arts as well as helps them to learn life management skills, gain self-discipline, bolster confidence, and make a commitment to achievement.

Lead sponsors for the “Sailor Circus Holiday Special” are The Sarasota Tourist Development Council, Culture Builds Florida, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Phyllis Siskel.

Showtimes are Wednesday-Friday, December 28-30, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Saturday, December 31, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40. Call the Box Office at 941-355-9805 or visit circusarts.org.