Opinion:Behind the Scenes of the Proposed Circus Merger
What Circus Sarasota can do for the Sailor Circus, and vice versa is the key question.
By Stan Zimmerman
August 30, 2011
News of merger talks between the Police Athletic League’s Sailor Circus of talented young amateurs and Circus Sarasotas’ cast of world-class professionals caused a bit of head-scratching around this old circus town.
Why would the PAL relinquish control of a 63-year-old county tradition? And what could Circus Sarasota gain from taking over an after-school extra-curricular activity? After speaking with PAL’s leader, Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight, a few common interests emerged that are pushing the talks forward.
But first a little background. The Sailor Circus is unique in the United States. Students from all over Sarasota County train after school with coaches and big-top vets to stage a real-life circus. Clowns, trapeze artists, wire walkers, unicyclists, jugglers, web acts, gymnastics, the quality is exceptional, even breathtaking at times. For locals, it’s a show never to be missed.
But seven years ago, the school system pulled the plug. The old building needed refurbishment, the staff costs were high, and the man holding it all together – Coach Bill Lee – retired. PAL stepped forward and “The Greatest Little Show on Earth” was saved. That motto, by the way, received the blessing of the Ringling show, which agreed it does not infringe on their legally protected logo.
PAL opened up the circus to all school aged children – home schooled, private schooled or public school students. Previously it was open to public school students only. And PAL provided tutors, because students who fell behind in their grades couldn’t participate.
Circus Sarasota is at the other end of the showfolk spectrum. Professional artists in their prime showcase their talents. They come from around the world to perform for one of the world’s most demanding circus audiences. How could these two groups find common ground?
Why would the PAL relinquish control of a 63-year-old county tradition? And what could Circus Sarasota gain from taking over an after-school extra-curricular activity? After speaking with PAL’s leader, Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight, a few common interests emerged that are pushing the talks forward.
But first a little background. The Sailor Circus is unique in the United States. Students from all over Sarasota County train after school with coaches and big-top vets to stage a real-life circus. Clowns, trapeze artists, wire walkers, unicyclists, jugglers, web acts, gymnastics, the quality is exceptional, even breathtaking at times. For locals, it’s a show never to be missed.
But seven years ago, the school system pulled the plug. The old building needed refurbishment, the staff costs were high, and the man holding it all together – Coach Bill Lee – retired. PAL stepped forward and “The Greatest Little Show on Earth” was saved. That motto, by the way, received the blessing of the Ringling show, which agreed it does not infringe on their legally protected logo.
PAL opened up the circus to all school aged children – home schooled, private schooled or public school students. Previously it was open to public school students only. And PAL provided tutors, because students who fell behind in their grades couldn’t participate.
Circus Sarasota is at the other end of the showfolk spectrum. Professional artists in their prime showcase their talents. They come from around the world to perform for one of the world’s most demanding circus audiences. How could these two groups find common ground?
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