The Summer Circus Spectacular, a family-friendly, action-packed one-hour show, brings the best of circus arts to audiences of all ages this summer. The popular collaboration between The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and The Ringling makes the summer season sizzle with incredibly talented artists and reasonable ticket prices. This year’s show includes fan favorites and international superstars, from here in Sarasota and all around the globe.
The 2025 Summer Circus Spectacular runs from June 13 through August 9 at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota).
“The Summer Circus Spectacular brings the very best circus artists from around the world to Sarasota to perform at the beautiful and intimate Historic Asolo Theater, making this production one of the most memorable and unique arts experiences in town,” said Jennifer Mitchell, CEO & President of CAC. “Enjoying the magic of the circus arts is the perfect family-friendly summertime activity and, with daytime and evening performances, there is an option for everyone!”
The lineup for the 2025 Summer Circus Spectacular includes:
Jared E. Walker (Ringmaster): Jared has made a long career as an equity actor, director, choreographer, costume designer and manager. He attended Shenandoah College & Conservatory in Winchester, VA where he graduated with a BFA in Music and Theatre. In 1995, he moved to New York City to work as a corporate manager, running large events at major venues in the city. A Florida native, he came to Sarasota in the winter of 2004 to play Fred Casely in CHICAGO. He became the director and manager for the Players’ Theatre summer camp for 10 years, and directed 7 years at Southside Elementary. In the summer of 2018, he was cast as the ringmaster for the Summer Circus Spectacular, and became the Creative Director for the Sailor Circus Academy. 
Aidan Bryant (Aerial Straps): Aidan Bryant, inspired by P!nk as a teen, mastered aerial silks, lyra, contortion, hand balancing, straps, sphere, hand loops and even foot archery – all without formal training. In 2020, on America’s Got Talent Season 16, Aidan effortlessly transitioned between straps, sphere, and hammock silk, becoming the show’s first-ever aerialist runner up. In 2023, Aidan won AGT All-Stars in 2023, headlining the AGT Superstars Live show in Las Vegas at the Luxor for one year and was also a finalist in Got Talent España: All-Stars and a contestant on Tú Sí Que Vales in Italy. In 2024’s AGT Fantasy League, judge and Spice Girls band member, Mel B gave him a “Golden Buzzer.” Aidan is dedicated to sharing his passion for performance, keen eye for choreography, and unique artistry with the world.
Juan Carlos Valencia (Clown): Juan Carlos Valencia comes from five generations of circus performers. His family is well-known for performing the flying trapeze around the world and for the famous musical clown, Piripipi. He has performed in a variety of circus disciplines, including the flying trapeze, aerial straps, Russian swing, aerial bungee, trampoline, and juggling, bringing comedy to many of his acts. Having toured all over the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, both as a performer and acrobatic director, he now steps under the lights as a solo comedian clown, bringing laughter to children of all ages.
Nilson Escobar (Speed Juggling): Born and raised in a circus family from Peru, Nilson began performing professionally at the age of 10, learning the art of acrobatics and aerial silks before discovering his true passion at age 13 – speed juggling. Years of hard work and constant practice have paid off, as Nilson’s talents as a speed juggler have taken him all over the world, including the prestigious World Festival of Circus in Moscow, Russia, the Golden Elephant Circus Festival in Girona, Spain and Sarasota’s own Circus Sarasota in 2021, sharing the spotlight with such Circus Luminaries as Dolly Jacobs and Bello Nock. Now he is back in the Sunshine State to thrill audiences at the Summer Circus Spectacular with his rapid fire Juggling skills. Don’t blink or you'll miss it! 
Sian España (German Wheel): Sian España, a 6th-generation circus performer from Sarasota, honors the legacy of his father, Ivan, and the España family, inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in 2018. At the age of four, he maneuvered a motorcycle within the Globe of Death and, at eight, made his professional debut as a tumbler. A skilled acrobat and a fearless daredevil at just 26 years old, Sian has performed on the Globe of Death, the Wheel of Destiny, the Flying Trapeze, and the German Wheel for audiences in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, France, and the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia. In 2021, Sian delivered a groundbreaking Wheel of Destiny performance to standing ovations at the legendary Cirque D’Hiver Bouglione in Paris. Sian adds enchantment to his performances by playing his grandfather’s cherished accordion, his music seamlessly blended with his acrobatic artistry.
Trio Black Diamond (Hand Balance): Trio Black Diamond is an all-female acrobatic hand balance act from Ethiopia, comprised of two talented sisters and a dedicated third artist. They have mesmerized audiences with their precision, strength, and artistry, their exceptional performances earning them accolades at renowned festivals across Europe, including the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, Saint Paul Dax in France, and more. The trio won the gold medal at the International Circus Festival of Nikulin in Moscow. With their unique blend of skill and creativity, Trio Black Diamond continues to make waves in the international circus community, captivating crowds and receiving acclaim from judges worldwide.
Zeman Quick Change (Quick Change Artistry): Karoly “Karchy” Zeman and Ana “Anita” Zeman both come from families of professional circus performers and they have a true circus partnership. Karchy graduated from the Hungarian Circus School and joined a traveling circus. While performing in Ireland, he met Anita, who was performing on the flying trapeze with her family. Three months later, when the season ended, they married and have been together for 30 years. Over the years, they created and toured with a roller skating act and then, five years ago, turned their talents to creating the Quick Change act they perform today.
“Putting the show together is always a challenge, but this year I'm proud to say that you will be seeing some of the best of the best,” said CAC founder and Senior Strategist Pedro Reis. “To have the winner of America's Got Talent, not to mention a trio from Ethiopia, along with several acts that are multi-generational, will make for a true Summer Circus Spectacular.”
The show runs Friday, June 13 – Saturday, August 9, 2025. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $20/adults, $15 children (15 and under); tickets for the 7 p.m. opening night performance and celebration on Friday, June 14 – which includes a gala reception with the artists after the show and refreshments – are $75.
To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for just an additional $5 – an incredible value for a full day’s entertainment. Visit Ringling.org or call the Box Office at 941-360-7399.
DO YOU WANT TO WIN FOUR TICKETS TO THE SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR?
(Date/time of show based on availability)
Giveaway details: One lucky winner will WIN 4 tickets to the Summer Circus Spectacular. The show runs June 13 - August 9 at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling. The winner will pick the date/time of the show (based on availability). Giveaway ends Wednesday, June 25 at 12PM. You must be a subscriber of Macaroni KID Bradenton to be eligible to win. Must be 18 or older and a resident of the area. The winner will be contacted by email (or text message if necessary). The winner must reply within 24 hours, or another winner will be chosen. I also agree to the privacy statement and cookie policy. All information entered will be used for giveaway purposes. Good luck!
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