Fans of all ages from all over the world can beat the heat this summer for moderate prices while enjoying the very best of circus arts because of the ongoing partnership between The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. This year’s Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year with the world’s most thrilling acts signing on for the hour-long, action-packed spectacle.
Its 2023 Summer Circus Spectacular is now a popular event for tourists, locals, groups, and families. It will occur in The Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota) from June 9 to August 12.
“This show is not only an affordable entertainment choice for all ages, but is also a perfect family-friendly summer event. The ability to showcase circus talents in The Ringling Historic Asolo Theater is a great way to make it an unforgettable and distinctive shows in town,” said CAC Executive Vice President/COO Jennifer Mitchell. “All of our shows throughout the year bring circus talent from around the world as well as top artists here in the U.S. With daytime and evening options available at The Ringling, there will always be a convenient time to come and enjoy the magic of the circus arts!”
The line-up to be part of this year’s Summer Circus Spectacular includes:
Heidi Herriott, Master of Ceremonies: Herriott is proud of her roots as a third-generation American performer in the circus. She has traveled across North America performing as an aerialist, equestrian, and Ringmaster. Her career highlights include appearances in “America’s Got Talent,” Studio 54 Night Club, Animal Planet, Walt Disney World, Ringling Bros. Circus, Circus Sarasota, Big Apple Circus, Excalibur/Las Vegas, and many more.
The Alexis Brothers Hand BalancersPerforming together for over 40 years, Brothers Marco And Paulo Lorador have shown their beauty, strength, and grace throughout the globe – from a command show before Queen Elizabeth and the most prestigious festivals of circus in Europe as well as their legendary 25-year tenure as part of Cirque du Soleil. In their early teens, they were awarded top prizes during the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival. They also have worked on numerous projects together with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born in a family of circus performers, their extraordinary journey began between the ages of 7 and 9, performing in the Big Top with their father, Alexander. In honor of Alexander, they are known under the Alexis Brothers. They previously served with Circus Sarasota (2021) 2021 and will perform at The Summer Circus Spectacular for the first time.
Serge Sergeev and Aurika Annaeva Balance: Serge and Aurika are the second generation of world-traveling performers. They have performed their art in various styles, including dance, juggling, acrobatics, and horseback riding. They have displayed their diverse talents across the globe, which include France, Australia, China, Singapore, Brazil, and Argentina. They have performed on numerous shows and have appeared on multiple television shows. In 2013, they came up with the Crystal Balance act, which they enjoy performing to audiences.
Dick Monday and Slappy, ClowningDick Monday, and Tiffany Riley, have headlined circuses and festivals across the globe for many years. They formed The New York Goofs clown troupe and the Laughter League. This non-profit organization is dedicated to improving people’s lives by providing entertainment and education. Riley completed a master’s program, which she utilized to help write the book “Beyond the Red Nose: The Serious Business of Healthcare Clowning.” Monday has been a renowned clowning instructor since 1988 and was the director of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. They continue to work together on stage and off, striving to keep performing and create a new generation of clowns through performance and education opportunities.
Tersit Asefa Dersu Bounce JugglerDersu was born in Addis, Ethiopia, Ethiopia but is now residing in Seattle, Wash. She has participated in a professional circus since childhood and was educated and certified through the Ethio Selam circus school in Ethiopia. The performer has performed her distinctive solo version of juggling bounce professionally for the past 12 years on various circus stages throughout the world, including Egypt (International circus); Eilat, Israel (Wow Show); European tour (Mother Africa show) as well as The Caribbean (Suarez Brothers Circus); U.S. tour (Dream Holidays) and Denver, Colo. (Spirit of Christmas).
Garrett Allen, Aerial Rope: Allen, who is from San Diego, Calif., started his circus career when he was 10. In the early years of learning handstands, aerial shows such as contortion, dancing, and other performing art, he began to show his skills across California and the neighboring states at the age of just. When he was 18, He began performing at different theaters, festivals, evening clubs, touring shows, theme parks, and cruise ships across the globe. He is now 28, eager, and happy to be back traveling and performing in the post-pandemic world.
“It is such a pleasure and an honor to bring a live, professional circus show to the beautiful Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, which works to preserve the history and legacy of the circus,” said CAC CEO and founder Pedro Reis. “Our goals are closely linked – we strive to educate, inspire and entertain. Our partnership has brought unimaginable happiness to hundreds of fans of the circus over the years.”