December 13, 2007
Contact:  Gayle Williams, (941) 377-6709

Winter Season in Estero – 22 Performances

March 11 - 30, 2008

DID YOU KNOW ?

• Circus Sarasota is a unique non-profit circus with enriching and educating outreach programs 365 days a year for seniors and children.
• Since Circus Sarasota was founded in 1997 by former star aerialist Pedro Reis and "Queen of the Air" aerial artist Dolly Jacobs, it's raised awareness and appreciation of the circus arts and developed a loyal audience of traditional arts patrons from the symphony, ballet and theater.
• Each season, Circus Sarasota produces a brand new show introducing artists who receive top-billing in circuses throughout the world.
• In March 2008, Circus Sarasota will take the show on the road for the very first time to Estero, Florida with performances at Miromar Outlets from March 11 through 30.  The goal is to establish a base to provide outreach and educational services in Lee and Collier counties as soon as Spring 2008.
• Circus Sarasota developed a human service program called Laughter Unlimited in 2000 to provide regular goal-oriented sessions with professional, volunteer clowns and entertainers for seniors in assisted living and nursing homes as well as other institutions such as UCP. Today the program is producing measurable results in terms of short-term memory and socialization of those with Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Big Top Education, a regular activity in many elementary and middle schools in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, provides lively illustrations of curriculum-based language arts, math and science content by utilizing the circus arts.
• Circus Sarasota's after -school programs in Girls and Boys Clubs and Girls, Inc. provide enriching and educational experiences throughout the school year.
• Nearly 80% of the program funds to run Laughter Unlimited and Big Top Education come from box office proceeds during the winter performances.
• Scores of volunteers and hundreds of donors provide the skills and financial support to make the Circus Sarasota fulfill its mission to enrich, educate and entertain.