Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Presents Candyland

December 13, 2023 – Sarasota

The Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy is poised to present an amazing spectacle as Red Troupe members – the most advanced Sailor Circus students – flip, fly and soar to new heights in the highly-anticipated new holiday production, “Candyland.” 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.

“Candyland” is a sweet holiday adventure that brings the classic children’s board game to life. Each act will represent part of the game, including the heroes – King Candy, Princess Frostine and Princess Lolly – and the villain, the evil Lord Licorice. The four ringmasters will play to save the kingdom, drawing cards and moving through the game, visiting favorite spots such as the Rainbow Slide, Gumdrop Mountains, Peppermint Forest, Licorice Lagoon and Candy Castle. But will the ringmasters succeed in their mission of saving their beloved Candyland from Lord Licorice?

Acts audience will enjoy include the trampoline wall, high wire, cloudswing, slack rope, hammock, juggling, bike for five, web, lyra, hand balancing, acro dance, skating, unicycle and – of course – the traditional closing act, the flying trapeze.

For nearly 75 years, students ages 8-18 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 love this year’s holiday offering. 

Creative Director Jared Walker pointed out that many in the arena, regardless of their age, will be familiar with the game that inspired the show. He affirms there will be a lot to love about “Candyland,” whether a previous patron or Sailor Circus first-timer.

“This is a very beautiful show – very colorful – with all-new costumes, set pieces and the LED presentation providing additional visual interest while lending more cohesiveness to the storyline,” Walker said. “We’re also fortunate to have many returning students, which means the acts themselves will be more advanced.”

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.

All performances take place at the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota). Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday, December 27-30, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40. Call the Box Office at 941-355-9805 or visit circusarts.org.