In the days since Circus Arts Conservatory co-founder Dolly Jacobs’ Sept. 11 announcement that she had been terminated by the organization’s board of directors, fans of the legendary aerialist, supporters of the nonprofit and members of the Sarasota circus community have reacted with shock, outrage and vows to discontinue support for the organization.
“The circus community is beyond outraged,” says Kay Rosaire, an eighth generation circus performer and founder of the Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota. “This was her dream. I remember when they started. She actually painted the bleachers with the volunteers and started in her garage. She is our queen. Circus people are outraged and we’re not going to help them anymore.”
Others stunned by the news expressed concern about the impact of Jacobs’ ouster on the CAC’s annual winter big top show, its historic Sailor Circus Academy and other educational programs and long-term prospects for the organization’s future.
Jennifer Mitchell, who became CEO and president in 2024, said she could not specifically address any issues that led to Jacobs’ removal from the CAC board of directors earlier this summer or her dismissal from the organization, where she served as a vice president and the public face of the circus…