Cirque du Soleil Performer

What's the audition process for Cirque du Soleil like?

Asked by dan79 almost 12 years ago

Auditions for Cirque are very competitive. It's many people's dream to be on the stage with Cirque. Dancers, clowns, jugglers all come by the hundreds. People travel internationally to attend the casting calls with the hopes their skills will stand out. Obviously for most it doesn't end up with a position but I think, I hope, it's a very interesting and rewarding experience for them anyway. The casting scouts and agents themselves have great interpersonal skills. It's their job to encourage people to show their true selves and push their boundaries in an uncomfortable environment. They might ask you to play weird characters, dance with the intent of a particular emotion, improvise a routine to music you've never heard. There's a good documentary following some artists through the audition process to give you a better idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLouxprAHtQ Personally I'm speaking from secondhand knowledge as I bypassed the audition process. I had been contacted by cirque requesting technical advice during the development of a show that I ended up being cast to. I knew the fire artist on that show, had worked with him, and he had recommended they contact me for advice when they found themselves in a tricky situation with fire fuels. I had already submitted material to the casting department some time ago and due to my unique/rare skill-set I had been accepted onto the database as a potential candidate without an audition. When that fire artist decided to leave the show I was in a unique position, with just the right techniques, very similar props and movement, and the right level of experience. I got an email from them shortly afterwards requesting a phone conversation and took it onwards from there.

What's the worst you've ever been hurt either in practice or in a show?

Asked by trussle almost 12 years ago

Worst? hmm well, luckily none of my injuries have been what you'd call properly severely major. I'll just list a few. I've torn my hamstring rather badly, main muscle body and attachment, that took 12 months. But I got to try a very cool cutting edge technique to treat it called plasma injection prolotherapy. I fractured my left forearm, ulna, but it was a hairline fracture that went undiagnosed, couldn't figure out why what I thought was a ligament strain was so painful and ended up working through it only figuring it out later. Tore a very inconvenient ligament in my left wrist. Had to spend 20 minutes taping it up before every show. For 5 months. Burnt all the skin off the tops of my fingers dealing with someone else's f*ckup. Set my back on fire once, that one was totally my own fault :-) I've completely ruptured some of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in my right wrist. Still hurts to do handstands, which really sucks. But worst.... yeah worst would have to be a full back muscle spasm I had during a show. I pushed through it, finished the act, staggered offstage and couldn't walk for a week. Back injuries suck big time. For over a year I kept getting twinges, had to modify my training and conditioning a lot, and always had a fear in the back of my head when heading up to stage that it was going to happen again. That one took a very long time to get over. I think it was really a turning point and the end of my feelings of youth and invincibility. The rest, smacks, cuts, strains, burns, are all just part of the deal and not really worth mentioning. My discipline is actually rather lightweight. Talk to a teeterboard artist whose doing 12 shows a week about their knees and ankles. Ever seen an MRI of a shattered femur?

Is it REAL fire you use, or is it something created for performers that's been designed not to burn you?

Asked by t.schmidt almost 12 years ago

It's real fire. I deal with real heat, real burns. Over the years I've learnt how to work with it very closely. I've found the limits by constantly pushing them. I've always wanted to bring the maximum possible fire to the stage with my props. To drag it over my skin, to hear the audience gasp. The pain is momentary, a challenge, and its something you learn to push through. It brings authenticity and intensity to the performance. It comes down to timing, muscle memory, costume material selection and pain tolerance. For me, it's worth it, for the amazement of the crowd, for doing the seeming impossible, for having the chance in my life, to do something no one else has done before, to try to be the best at something, for a brief moment, so fleeting in the scale of things, but to shine as brightly as I can. You can see some of my work here: vimeo.com/sparkfire

Why can't you take pictures at a show? Is it because it distracts the performers, or because they don't want you republishing the pictures?

Asked by dave almost 12 years ago

On the Zaia show they were happy for the audience to take pictures to try to spread the word back into the difficult to penetrate mainland Chinese market. I think flash photography is obviously a safety hazard. As far as the rest I guess it's to help keep people coming to watch the shows rather than seeing it on youtube.

I hereby grant you the power to choose the theme and music for the next major Cirque du Soleil show. Impress me:)

Asked by dragonslayer almost 12 years ago

'Ghost in the Shell' would be cool. A bit different for a change, neo-tech Japanese cyborg mech kinda thing. Could use some of the latest projection mapping, holographics and animatronics in the design.

Do you get scared during your fire performances? If not, at what point in your training did the fears subside?

Asked by duch almost 12 years ago

Scared? no. There's still stage nerves sometimes. New act, big show, tough crowd etc. But scared of what I do? No. I've worked with fire and my props for a very long time. I've never been afraid of the fire. Sometimes it demands respect, and sometimes you push to far and you have to deal with some pain, but it's much scarier to stand on stage without fire all around me.

What kind of workout and diet regimen do Cirque du Soleil performers keep? I'm envisioning lots of cardio and ballet, but very few carbs...

Asked by MayDay305 almost 12 years ago

Varies greatly by discipline. Violinists, jugglers, acrobats, breakdancers, aerialists, trampolinists, singers, all have different requirements. Everyone comes to Cirque with a very high level of experience and have their own training backgrounds and lifestyles. Although there are combined training sessions for the group acts, which sometimes incorporate conditioning (i.e. ankle training for the teeterboard cast, shoulder training for the trapeze cast, generally run by the physio's) it's each artists responsibility to maintain his or herself to the levels demanded of them.

Are there other shows like Cirque du Soleil and if not, why do you think they haven't been copied, given how successful they are?

Asked by GLuc1 almost 12 years ago

Many small companies borrow inspiration from Cirque du Soleil shows, costume styles and makeup being the obvious influences. Other more established companies like Les 7 doigts de la main or Cirque Éloize go beyond Cirque du Soleil and explore completely unique and distinctive styles all their own. I find that much more compelling. Working for companies like those can in some ways be even more highly regarded than performing for Cirque du Soleil as these smaller elite troupes require an equally world class level but with multiple skillsets / disciplines generally required from their casts.

Is this your dream job? When did you know it's what you wanted to do?

Asked by imdepressed almost 12 years ago

Dream job. hmm. No. That would be wingsuit basejumper or Dj superstar... or something that takes less work. When your on a contract the show takes up a very large part of your life. It does get easier as it goes, and you can be making good money, but your away from friends and family, often in a place you wouldn't choose to live for a resident show, or constantly unpacking/repacking for a touring show. When your not on a contract and freelancing your working all the time. 7 days a week your answering emails, fielding enquiries (if your lucky) pitching proposals. Otherwise your calling agents, sending out promo material, shooting new material, photoshopping, videoediting, fixing your website, designing costumes, debt collecting, fixing equipment, dealing with logistics and itineraries for gigs, and if your really lucky you get time to choreograph, rehearse and practice somewhere in there. There's often nothing dreamy about being a performer, but getting in with Cirque can make certain things easier, it shifts your focus to body and mind maintenance, which is what most want. You do have to learn how to adapt your performances for the long haul, night after night after night. As far as when I knew what i wanted to do? I haven't figured that out yet. This is just what I'm still doing in the meantime.

How often do little things go wrong in a show that the audience doesn't notice? I've seen 5 Cirque shows and am blown away that every single jump/flip/catch seems executed perfectly.

Asked by elie8 almost 12 years ago

Well the key there is it's not a mistake if the audience doesn't realise. There are obvious mistakes, jugglers dropping, acrobats falling over, these happen once in awhile, as rarely as we can make it! Then there are the times when something wasn't done quite as smoothly as it could have been, when an artist is sick and can only give 90%, when an injury means a trick is skipped, these are more often than you'll ever know.

How long does it take you to get into full costume and makeup?

Asked by Marni almost 12 years ago

It took me 2 hours in the beginning. After quite a few months of doing the same makeup day after day I got it down to a comfortable 35 minutes. If I really need to I can do it in 22 minutes, but it's definitely cutting a few corners. I've seen an acrobat (who will go unnamed) do his in 15 minutes when he was really late, but you'd not want to get caught by the director looking like that. For photoshoots or media appearances they'll have the head makeup artist do alot on us and it can take several hours.

Well, I was dissapointed that more of the performers weren't gay given their impressive skill set, but that's personal. Is there a lot of hooking up that goes on behind the scenes amongst performers?

Asked by TDub almost 12 years ago

Not really. I mean there's some relationships that happen, good friends of mine have found long term meaningful relationships, but on my show many of people either came with their partners, or had relationships outside the show cast. It's a shame to destroy peoples illusions of super flexy sexy orgies of ripped acrobats, but the reality is we all have a very high degree of professionalism and are generally very cautious when it comes to disrupting what has to be a very focused work environment. Relationships are not frowned upon or anything, I think everyone's just careful not to fuck with their work place.

Which do you think is the best of the Cirque shows in Vegas?

Asked by SG87 almost 12 years ago

I haven't seen them live myself except for recordings. Personally I really dig 'Ka'. Love the costumes. Many others absolutely go for 'Love'. Out of all of cirques shows 'O' has been the most successful, even referred to as the mother show sometimes as it's proceeds subsidize many of the less profitable shows.

how much does the average performer get paid

Asked by drmzcometrue over 11 years ago

From 30K USD for new recruits in certain acts, up to 250K USD for established artists who hold exclusive rights to their act.
sources:
- Brian d Johnson, Macleans magazine, "cirque du soleil" July 27 1998
- Cirque_du_Soleil HRM Practices ICMR center for Management Research, Manasi Pawar 2007

Do a lot of CdS performers branch off together and start their own shows?

Asked by freyberg over 11 years ago

Not that I know of. Not in the sense of full shows. Most have their acts which they perform with other companies.

When you got into the cirque database, how long was it till you got a contract? I recently got in and I'm just wondering if I should keep like doing what I do, or wait for a contract.

Asked by Tia K over 11 years ago

Keep doing what your doing. No doubt about it.

You can be on the database for years before the right position opens up for your particular skillset and profile, no matter how talented you are.

Plus Cirques just cut a lot of artists positions, around 80 in total from various shows, so they're not really in an expansive phase right now and they'll have alot of experienced talent on the side lines so to speak.

Just keep your material updated in case that opportunity comes.

Did or (or do you) get stage-fright, and do you have any tips on how to overcome it?

Asked by jittery1 over 11 years ago

Adrenilne always comes. Trust your muscle memory. Rehearsed it enough and your body knows what it's doing.

Cirques a tough stage because you feel like you have to deliver not just for yourself or for the audience, but for every other artist and technician and every bit of sweat and love they've put into making the show work. It's high pressure because you respect and value your fellow artists and crew so highly.

Day in day out, it's tough to find the balance between that push and your own energetic limits.

Have your physical and metal routines to prepare yourself. Take some deep breathes, thank the universe for the chance to challenge yourself once again...

For general corporate gig work, as long as I've got fire in my hands I know I'm all good, more fire is always better than less, got the tap on that raw power and can ride it. Better for me to come off stage with burns than feeling like I didn't bring enough.

What are the best and worst types of crowds to perform for?

Asked by beast in the machine over 11 years ago

Worst, Chinese. Very unresponsive. Different social backgrounds.

Best, to be honest I love performing at festivals best, when there's some fat dubstep or drum n bass rockin out and I can go wild and the crowds there with me for every drop... Like this:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=372227859566075

how much does an average performer make

Asked by lee over 11 years ago

From 30K USD for new recruits in certain acts, up to 250K USD for established artists who hold exclusive rights to their act.

Sources:
- Brian d Johnson, Macleans magazine, "cirque du soleil" July 27 1998
- Cirque_du_Soleil HRM Practices ICMR center for Management Research, Manasi Pawar 2007

Have you ever seen these guys from Mystere? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gqOYnFnpXc
The most insane feat of performance strength I've ever seen. Audience's jaws dropped when I saw it live. The hamstring curl he does at 4:15 is ridiculous.

Asked by toneloc almost 12 years ago

Yeah their act actually used to be alot more hardcore, they're getting old. Check out their earlier stuff.

Before you performed for Cirque du Soleil, did you go to a normal college or a special circus training one? Also, what was life like before performing?

Asked by Amanda over 11 years ago

No special training. My discipline is a self taught one. When I started there wasn't even youtube videos to learn from, which I think gives you a special something, to have to learn and discover the hard way from scratch.

I was performing at festivals from my early teens, during and after finishing high school. Work wise most jobs I've had felt like a waste of time compared. I prefer to spend my hours developing something that expands myself, my learning, abilities, or buisness acumen... and often that only comes from running your own buisness.

I certainly had much more of a home base and stable life before performing full time though. I had to give up a lot to follow the performance path, it's a tough choice to make, but lifes full of those.

Still on the lookout for what to do next. The toughest question for any performer as it's not a great career to grow old with!

What brand of makeup do the performers use?

Asked by Renee over 11 years ago

MAC  and NYE

i would just like to know in the new movie. how does the fire keep contained and not spread?

Asked by karen over 11 years ago

Haven't seen it yet. I'll update this answer when I have.

Are there understudies for every role in a Cirque show, just like on Broadway? How can there be when every act requires such unique talents? Have you ever had to miss a show and do they just skip your fire act if that happens?

Asked by ontehprowl almost 12 years ago

Group acts have rotations so different versions can be performed depending on whose out and there's always a contingency plan. The lead roles have backups. The acts can be modified, or if it's a specialty act there's often a backup act other artists can do. If not then the act can be cut. The backup artists and acts are usually rotated into the show once or twice a week to keep them practiced at it. Artists are also rotated through different show cues so they can be covered if necessary. Cirque encourages artists to continue to develop other skills that it can utilise for backup acts. If the injury happens during show the artist is assessed by the physios and the call is made to stage management as to whether they'll be out of the next show fully or on a modified track, for example cues only, no jumping etc. If you've gotten sick or injured outside of work, or an injury has worsened, you're expected to notify a minimum of 3 hours prior to show so stage management can modify the lineup accordingly. If an artist from a specialty act is out with a serious injury for quite awhile, i.e. surgery, then another temporary replacement act can be sourced and flown in. If an act is already out, and someone from a backup act gets sick there might be an emergency staging to modify the show as necessary. So really, there's quite a few variations that can occur on the shows, and we have to keep on our toes! As for myself, when I was too injured to perform at all (which was only once for a couple weeks) the two chinese dancers who I had been coaching fire performed a duo as replacement.

How many different Cirque du Soleil shows are there? Does Guy Laliberte still have an active role in creating every different show?

Asked by O0O almost 12 years ago

I believe there's currently 19 shows running. Nope, Guy doesn't have much to do with the shows anymore. Daniel Lamarre is president and CEO. The one time Guy came to see Zaia there just happened to be a world poker championship on in Macau at the same time :-) Fair enough I reckon. He's earned the right to enjoy his success.

Do CDS performers wear special undergarments or equipment to keep the skin-tight costumes from being too... revealing?

Asked by mokensteff almost 12 years ago

Nope. Just normal dancers underwear.

Are the majority of male Cirque du Soleil performers gay?

Asked by bella cosa almost 12 years ago

Majority? No.

Were you required to maintain a certain body type, or did it not matter as long as you could perform your routine? Like could you put on 20 pounds of fat or would they tell you to lose it so that you looked more fit?

Asked by baci over 11 years ago

Maintaining a stage worthy physique is part of the contract.

Obviosuly some characters or acts can get away with slipping more than others.

If your an aerial flyer you can get bet your partners will come down on you pretty quick if you start putting the pounds on.

Thanks for this, it's really interesting!! Do different cultures react differently to your performances? Are some more excitable / subdued / appreciative / wowed than others?

Asked by Vicki over 11 years ago

Yes, Mexicans are great, British are very enthusiastic but it's because they get very drunk, Japanese are reserved but appreciative, Chinese watch a show like a TV set, no response. Different culture.

Is there a Cirque show you think is significantly overrated? I just saw Love in Las Vegas and found it pretty pedestrian. Music was great, obv (Beatles), but not as acrobatic as I've come to expect from CDS shows.

Asked by Phelps over 11 years ago

I heard Love was good. I thought ZED wask freaking amazing. The show i was in, Zaia, wasn't my favorite.

People enjoy different shows I guess.

If I passed an audition and became part of the "list of potential performers" 2 years ago but haven't heard anything since, is it worth re-audition to bring myself back to Cirque's attention??

Asked by AJ almost 11 years ago

Just keep your material updated, if your on the database as a potential you'll still be there.

It's best to upload a new skills video every 6 months to show them your still fit and top of your game.

Do you think that new Cirque shows are pushing the envelope too much and getting unsafe for the performers? There seem to have been several injuries and deaths in Vegas shows this year.

Asked by TBCLS3 about 11 years ago

I have no first hand insight into vegas operations.

Off the cuff and totally a personal opinion? People doing crazy shit around heavy machinery and rigging night after night are going to get hurt sometimes.

I'm sure theres always *something* that could have been done better... but its pretty hard to completley surpress human error with up to 500 shows a year.

That doesn't mean it shouldn't be improved. I didn't actually follow the stories at all but heard of some incompetance. I don't know. People get tired. I certainly did and occasionally paid the price.

But I heard Dragone can be even tougher. Its a tough buisness, but I'm sure nearly every artist you ask will say its worth it. 

Personally I experienced very good OH&S with Cirque. 

How does the traveling work with the arists? Are they the same in every country or they rotate? 'Cause i saw a show in Atlanta and then saw the same one in Sao Paulo, Brazil and I could tell some of the artists were not the same ones...

Asked by Desiree about 11 years ago

Casts change. Not because of the tour, if your cast on a touring show you know you'll be on the move, but injuries, end of contracts, show changes etc.

It would actually be pretty rare to see the exact same show on two different nights due to the rotations.

How much money do circus arealists make each year? Should I encourage my daughter to pursue this as a career?

Asked by mother of a future arealist about 11 years ago

You should definitely encourage her if she's enjoying it, even if it doesn't become a career. Too many people are out of touch with their body, at the very least it's beautiful to have a passionate way to keep fit.

On a work level it's a job you should be doing because you love it, not for the money. It's often insecure, transient, hard work... but if your good you may get to travel the world and see amazing places more than you could ever dream. I've performed in 37 countries around the world, and thats not a particularly high count for peers at my level.

Do the performers go though performance reviews, if yes, what is involved in it and how are you rated.

Asked by Student about 11 years ago

We were rated yearly.

Performance, physical maintenance, how we worked with the other artists and stage management, how proactive we were in development, of ourselves and new skills and how many new ideas we came up with, our makeup (that was an important one) punctuality, how well we followed performance medicines physio directions etc etc. all reviewed based on reports from various depts. throughout the year.

Same as any job in a big company I guess. Sometimes it made sense and sometimes it felt like just a procedure.

What happens to the performers after they retire or can no longer do their act?

Asked by Samy Ismael almost 11 years ago

We do something else. I'll let you know when I figure out my own answer to this one. Its a tough problem for every artist.

what got you interested in being a fire performer and how did you get started?

Asked by Cwingen almost 11 years ago

Music festivals in the Australian forests. 

I enjoyed the flow, the continuation of momentum, bending it to the music, syncing with electronic beats and pushing physical boundaries, catching impossible throws, teasing and daring the fire to bite, and getting great positive feedback from audiences.

What recognition has cirque du soleil brought to canada?

Asked by Riley over 10 years ago

Canada is absolutely one of the world leaders in circus arts. I'm sure they would have been up there anyway but having Cirques huge training center there definitely pushes the level very high.

What are some job qualifications you need for the job?

Asked by a dance student almost 11 years ago

Seriosuly? thats a pretty loose question for a cirque artist. 

If you want to be a dancer for Cirque you have to be very good at dance.

I'm 24 years old and I want to start training to be an acrobat...do you think it's too late? are there any performers in Cirque that started training at this age?

Asked by lucia almost 11 years ago

I'm really not sure re current casts, I'm sure theres some late bloomers.

It might be tough, and it would be very hard to reach the same levels of the guys and girls that started at 6. But if you don't mind that then go for it.

If your talking about tumbling then it might be a short career. If your talking about equilibristics / hand to hand then you can go a fair bit longer.

I'm one of those fans that is in love with the world Cirque creates in it's shows.

What is your favorite thing about working with Cirque?
What was the most surprising thing about working with them?

Asked by Casey about 11 years ago

Favorite... as an artist, and one who grew up with it very much as a side career, its pretty special to just be able to dedicate yourself to your skill, train as much as you want (or think you can handle) and most importantly not stress about where the next 'gig' is coming from.

Surprising? Maybe it was the show i was on, which was a bit of an orphaned show out in Asia, but a lack of proactivity in furthering the development of the performers. What I realised was most were coming from sports, and it was a lessening of intensity for them compared to their required skills for competition, although it ends up much more of a continous grind... they have their solid foundation and train the way they want.

Cirque do encourage you to learn new skills and acts etc. But coming from a non classical / dance or gymnastics backgroud I personally really could have used some more help with improvment of biomechanics and long term physical sustainability with my act.

I hope I dont come across as too negative. It really is an amazing and fantastic company to work for and be a part of. I guess I just enjoy bringing light to the less glittery side of things that many people dont get to see ;-)

Can routines be copyrighted or otherwise protected? I saw Absinthe in Vegas (not Cirque, but a lot of amazing acrobatics) that had a 2-man gymnast / balancing act remarkably similar to the Mystere guys mentioned above.

Asked by Chirgo almost 11 years ago

Not that I know of. I mean even if you did you still need the funds to pursue it in court right?

There's many copycat acts out there. They suck balls. If your going to do something amazing be original, or at least improve on what inspired you, take it the next level.

how much does a cirque du soleil performer get paid. resident and traveling show performer.

Asked by aliah almost 11 years ago

Depends on your skills, background, degree of speciality, and negotiation prowess.

Do you think cirque du soleil will ever shut down?

Asked by Riley over 10 years ago

Everything ends eventually. I think it would take a very big change in the world for Cirque to shut their doors entirely. They can always downsize in a depression, people like to be entertained and taken away from their worries into another world.

I know it would be obvious to start getting into plays since I want to be a physical actor. But if I can't get into plays, what other preparations could I do?

Asked by Victoria over 10 years ago

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by plays? As in theatrical work? Not my area of expertise.

What is the best training method in your eyes for someone wanting to persue hand balancing and aerial acts. I have been training since I was 14. I am 20 now.want to join ciruqe database one day.

Asked by Matthew almost 11 years ago

The best training is to start gymnastic very young.

How do you start working at and training for performances like these before a tryout?
Is there a certain age to start learning?

Asked by Francesca over 10 years ago

As young as possible. There's plenty of resources online for the various disciplines but it's best to come from gymnastics or learn at one of the major circus schools.

When you first joined Cirque, Did you have to wait to be casted into a show? and if so, how long?

Asked by The_Wabbit almost 11 years ago

I had material on the cirque database several years before my first position came up.

Sorry to bother but are you in Worlds away?

Asked by Francesca again.... over 10 years ago

No. The aritst doing fire ropes there is Justice Orion.

Im doing a school project & I was wondering how much a performer gets paid each show or how much cirque du soleil charges per show

Asked by NaiiLuna over 10 years ago

https://www.quora.com/How-much-do-Cirque-du-Soleil-performers-make

You wrote something about performers being changed for the next show/act and flexible acts, but what if something goes wrong and a performer gets either badly hurt or knocked out on-stage? Would the show be stopped?

Asked by Kaffi about 10 years ago

Yes, at least temporarily until the performer was brought to safety. Medics are side of stage for every dangerous number.

II'm 20 years old and just discovered my passion for aerial work this year. Is it too late for me to train to become a performer?

Asked by Sierra over 10 years ago

Not too late to be a performer at all. A gent I knew of began acrobalance at 40 and won several awards. You just have to be realistic about what you want to achieve. You'll never have the general physical capabilities of an ex gymnast, but you can specialise in certain tricks, comedy, character etc. 20's easily young enough to reach a pretty high proficiency.

How long did it take you to get into Cirque Du Solei?

Asked by Jazmine over 10 years ago

Until a position opened that they needed me for. In my case they had my material for several years. They could call you next week, next year, next decade or never, even if your an amazing artist, it's whether they need you specific skills, body type etc.

Have you ever seen a performer do an act you think he stole from you?

Asked by Dominic over 10 years ago

Not a full act but elements. I only hope someone that borrows from me creatively improves upon what I do, then I have no beef.

Do you have to be a certain age before you can join Cirque? If so what age?

Asked by White Rose over 10 years ago

there are minors, accompanied by a responsible coach who is their guardian etc.

I am sure you guys/gals have tough schedules. What do you do after the last show? How you you decompress?

Asked by John Mable about 10 years ago

Beer and stretching. Not necessarily in that order.

How would one run away with the circus? What thrills made you join?

Asked by Breanna almost 10 years ago

Just fell into performing while I figured out what else to do.

I'm writing an essay for school on what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be an aerialist with Cirque Du Soleil. There's a question that I really need an answer to: How much does an aerial performer get paid?

Asked by Kelsey F. over 9 years ago

Depends on how good you are, how unique your act etc. There a lot of aerialists out there. I wouldn't say it's a career you enter for the stable wage, you have to love it and sacrifice a lot to live the life.

Do you know if there is any way I could get in touch with Cirque about a placement or possible shadowing? I have a module on my Dance Performance Course at university that involves arranging a placement.
Any advise would be useful, thank you!

Asked by Beth over 9 years ago

Contact headoffice. Google.

how do you choose what your makeup will look like? who chooses ?

Asked by kelsea swiercz over 9 years ago

Costume/makeup designer in montreal.

what percentage of people in cirque du soleil are performers

Asked by blahblah123 over 10 years ago

off the top of my head 1/4 to 1/3 I think

when did you start getting interested in the world of Cirque?

Asked by Beegirl about 10 years ago

As a performer you always have your eye on them, so when I started performing and became aware of them I guess

Hi Dan,
I was curious as to Cirque Du Soleil deals with performers and pregnancy? I am a singer, so specifically, how do they deal with female singers that get pregnant? Is there a pregnancy-leave period for women just like in normal jobs? Thanks!

Asked by BroadwayGal over 10 years ago

I honestly don't know but I'm sure its well accomodated

Does CDS ever employ acupuncturists? Would performers be interested?

Asked by Simz over 10 years ago

I had dry needling which is similar without the faff and meridian bullshit. Sham acupuncture is just as effective as acupuncture. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19250001

Hi Dan,

Cirque is my absolute dream, and I know for a fact that performing is all I want/need in life. I was wondering if you could tell me what are the major things that can help prepare me and set me on the right track for cirque? Thank you!

Asked by Maggie4444 over 10 years ago

Go to a circus school. Take classic and contemporary dance. Understand your body and learn pilates/functional training/PNF stretching. Understand you might need to move to where the work is. There will be tough times and injuries. you will get old. It's still a great way to see the world and can be hell fun. Go for it.

How old are most of the performers and whats the top age that they will stop recruiting people at

Asked by Mackenzie over 10 years ago

depends if your a gymnast, chinese contortionist or a clown.

How much money did you get paid per week? And is there a difference in salary when performing in a resident show vs a touring show?

Asked by Pablo about 10 years ago

I wont comment on my wages. I don't know the differences on resident vs touring but your paid generally per show so the numbers there will be different.

training in Australia on silks, trapeze and liera. i have for 2 years and did gymnastics for 6 yrs. my hope is to get excepted into the montreal circus school then one day work for cirque de Soleil. was wondering if i should take up a flip class? :)

Asked by chanel 15yrs old over 10 years ago

as in tumbling? can't hurt, but if your trying to get in with an aerial act you might not need it. They tend to use the 'house troupe' of gymnasts for most acrobatics

Do CDS performers like or jam out to the songs they perform to offstage?

Asked by Pablo about 10 years ago

I would be surprised. You hear it every day.

Loved the Beatles show we just saw Vegas. We love your performances. .your all great.

Asked by Diane over 9 years ago

Thanks, i wasn't on either of those but thanks anyway

With so much traveling going on for Mobile town performers and so many nationalities, how do you guys get paid and how do you move your money?

Asked by Sergio Miranda almost 10 years ago

it's complicated.

how much money does the actors make

Asked by chris over 8 years ago

It varies enormously

The life in CdS seems to make everyone dedicated! Just curious if you or if you have heard of people dating outside the CdS/ Acrobatics world?

Asked by Mara over 8 years ago

dating? uhh yeah, sure, we date outside the entertainment industry... but it helps if your partner understands the life / time away

I recently attended "O". I loved it!! I am curious though as to who the acrobats and actors are. The lead actor/moderator did such an amazing job but can not find profiles on them. Also how much do they make?? I am always curious about these thing

Asked by Joseph over 9 years ago

cirquetribune.com used to host this information. I believe the forum is now defunct

How would I get started with fire manipulation? There aren't any courses or teachers in my area (Stoke-on-Trent). Additionally most classes are for 18+...Im only 16. I have started to learn at home but Im struggling a bit and I think I need a teacher

Asked by Angus Darley about 9 years ago

Juggling meetup are the best way. Play festival is a great one in the UK. Or for something larger the European juggling convention

What are the auditions like in Vegas for singers?

Asked by Bianca Turner over 8 years ago

no idea, i dont sing

Do you know what brands of makeup are used on you? Because you guys must sweat a lot and it just stays on!

Asked by Ivy over 9 years ago

MAC and NYE

What the maximum age for auditioning performers?

Asked by Gio over 8 years ago

I think minors are cast for certain roles with an adult supervisor

Are there any people from Norway, Sweden or Denmark in cirque du solei?

Asked by Andreas\ tissue and acrobatic duo performer about 9 years ago

I'm very sure there are. I don't know any personally though.

Have you ever had people who admire your talents ask you to teach them? If so what would you tell them?

Asked by Victoria over 9 years ago

Many performers coach and teach. I still focus on performing myself

how much does a Cirque du Soleil dancer earn

Asked by Diane over 9 years ago

Varies a lot

What happens to the theater, props, costumes, stage, equipment etc. when a cirque show retires? Example: Alegria, Zed, Saltimbanco, Zaia...

Asked by CeciliaBowen over 9 years ago

what doesn't get sent back to HQ is destroyed. They would love to donate it but there are legal/OH&S issues if for instance a harness is donated then fails...Its really a shame when you watch 10 new swivel stunt harnesses cut to pieces.

Do they want jugglers on the show?

Asked by Chicken764 over 2 years ago

Hey, I did some work with the cirque in probably 2002/2003 ish... in Banff. Were you there? Good times, except when that bitch dumped his drink on me when we were all partying in my room. Otherwise, loved partying with the cirque crew.

Asked by jimmie almost 8 years ago

What type of fuel do you use for your fire knife dancers?

Asked by Kika Matsumoto over 5 years ago

How much do you guys get paid

Asked by Avery over 7 years ago

How much for 20 years

Asked by Avery over 7 years ago

How much for 20 years

Asked by Avery over 7 years ago

How Many Countries Have You Been To?

Asked by Leon over 6 years ago

If you sign a 1 yr touring contract do you work the entire contract or are there breaks in between?

Asked by Billy almost 8 years ago

If you sign a traveling 1 yr contract do you get time off in between or work straight through?

Asked by Billy Nelson almost 8 years ago

I am developing a family-friendly touring arena show and would like to consult with an expert on planning and budgeting. Martin.Zitter@RoyalRingball.com

Asked by Martin Zitter almost 7 years ago

Hi there I am only 12 my dream is to get in to cirque du soleil it is my passion I have preformed all around the world with a all kids circus company do you have any tips on how to get in fro the future?

Asked by captain.amaraca.fan over 2 years ago