The Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts was established during the spring of 2005. Founded by Cheryl Lindley and Rogelio Lopez, the Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts grew out of experiences associated with the Fern Street Circus which was founded in 1990 by John Highkin and Cindy Zimmerman. This circus school's course of study entails traditional circus arts and related disciplines in order to provide a modern interdisciplinary approach. To address this mission, the school seeks to offer quality training for children, young people, and adults that will lead to the development of technical and creative abilities in the circus arts. The school emphasizes training in basics such as: acrobatics, flexibility, and development of body strength and coordination; as well as circus disciplines as aerial arts and manipulation arts.

Cheryl Lindley explored commedia dell'arte in the mid 1980s and has appeared throughout the world performing circus acts. She was a member of the Fern Street Circus for fourteen years, and directed the 2004 "Alice in Circusland" and 2005 "Through the Looking Glass" annual showcase productions in San Diego's Balboa Park. In addition she is the star clown for Imagination Entertainment's iL CiRco, an award winning special events circus show. She is the President of the Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts.

Rogelio Lopez participated with the Fern Street Circus as a performer and as vice president of the Board of Directors. He has held administrative positions with non-profit organizations and private corporations. Mr. Lopez is a senior health programs administrator with Health Net of California, and serves as the Director of the Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts. He also operates the San Diego Pa Kua Kung Fu Academy and participates in the circus arts as a diabolo artist.

The Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts is committed to providing a training space for the traditional circus arts in an exceptional learning environment. The school is a training ground for circus artists as well as recreational enthusiasts in San Diego. The school looks forward to being part of the international map of circus schools teaching traditional and contemporary circus arts.

Shane Lindley (Blue Show) and Martin Raabe-Lopez (Red Show) are still on sabbatical from teaching at the Academy. They are in the final months of their one year tour with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBBC). Their tours with the RBBC Blue and Red Shows will end in December. Both Shane and Martin will be returning to San Diego and are looking forward to teaching at the Academy.

The RBBB Red Show performed in San Diego this past August. The Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts performed a large group balancing act in the ring for pre-show entertainment. This act was developed and rehearsed at the Academy under Master Teacher Piero Canestrelli.

We began auditions and rehearsals for the annual "An Angels Gift" show. The show will be performed on December 14,15, and 16, and involves The LindeyLopez Circus with students from the Academy. The rehearsal schedule for this show is set, please check the Classes page for scheduled times and days. The final audition date is 5 PM October 26 at the Academy ( 4241 Park Blvd.). There will be a $100 fee to participate for SIACA students and $200 for non-SIACA students.

Anyone interested please call Cheryl 619.301.1907 or click here to E-Mail Us.