Behind the Scenes of the Proposed Circus Merger

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?

“This was a vision of the board of Circus Sarasota,” said Knight. “About three months ago Bob Johnson and Ray Pilon asked me if we’d ever consider a merger.” Johnson is a former state senator, and Pilon is the current statehouse rep. The two said they’d talked to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, which expressed support for a collaboration between the two circuses.

From a PAL perspective, the Sailor Circus is a bit off-focus. The group’s motto is “classrooms not courtrooms.” It’s hard to imagine any of the young people – both in the spotlight, in the volunteer band or behind the scenes – in trouble with the law. “It does take away some resources,” said Knight.

However the Sailor Circus has something Circus Sarasota does not – a permanent location. Circus Sarasota proudly performs under its own (and paid for) big top. The Sailor Circus performs in a building on Bahia Vista east of the Tamiami Trail, a building that recently received a $1.4 million renovation to maintain the illusion of a tent.

Nobody is talking about a fusion of the two organizations. The word is “collaboration,” using the best resources of both to benefit each other. One mechanism under consideration is a Sarasota Conservatory Board. It would act as “an umbrella” over both circuses, said Knight. “It could manage and share the assets.”

One hang-up is insurance. You can imagine the horror on an insurance adjuster’s face as he watches a 17-year-old flying the trapeze...even with a net. Under the proposed business plan, Circus Sarasota would pick up the insurance costs now borne by the school board. 

Would Circus Sarasota abandon their big top for “the greatest little show’s” hall? No way. Instead they are interested in starting up another circus tradition – clown college. It needs a fixed base and could attract would-be clowns from across the world. And it opens the potential to train other circus acts from the sailors’ facility.

In return the sailors would receive coaching and attention from some of the world’s best showfolk. PAL could redirect its resources back to its core mission. And the school board would be relieved of insurance costs.

Will it fly? Negotiations are still underway. Documents are being drawn up for consideration. Knight has a simple bottom line for PAL: “We will have something in writing that the Sailor Circus will remain intact, with its culture and its traditions and its integrity. Nothing will change at the Sailor Circus.”

Full disclosure: Stan Zimmerman is a one-day honorary graduate of clown college – painted face and all – after a reporting assignment in 1980 when the Ringling Circus ran it at its Venice winter quarters.