How to Become a Cirque Du Soleil Performer

Anyone who has ever dreamed of running away to join the circus could find his or her dream turning into reality in the Cirque Du Soleil. This dazzling human circus is filled with spectacular performances that delight audiences around the world. Multiple shows run concurrently around the world, and an average of 1000 performers is busily engaged in circus life each year through Cirque Du Soleil.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The acts in each Cirque Du Soeil show vary widely but generally consist of singers, athletes, acrobats, dancers, actors, musicians, and clowns. Many different types of human performance are utilized across the various shows ranging from more traditional circus arts to street performance arts.

It is critical that each Cirque Du Soleil performer not only be highly skilled in their area of performance, but they be adaptable enough to learn new skills and new routines very quickly. Over the years, Cirque Du Soleil has had to deal with many last minute changes and before-show and during-show mishaps that have tested the ability of everyone to adapt quickly.

According to a quote from Bernard Petiot, Vice President of Casting and Performance, on the Cirque Du Soleil website, adaptability is not all that is required. "Athletes who join Cirque du Soleil must continue to develop their skills and challenge their limits. However, unlike the situation in the competitive environments they came from, they now do so by working in cooperation with their peers. Everyone is interdependent. Because when all is said and done, the true winner at Cirque du Soleil has to be the show."

ROLES AND DUTIES

The Cirque Du Soleil performer may be fulfilling his or her duties anywhere around the world. The company recognizes the strain that can put on families and offers many benefits to help alleviate the stress. Competitive pay, health benefits, and accommodations and schooling for the children of performers help make Cirque Du Soleil a particularly attractive circus to run away to.

Each performer is required to train heavily upon hire and before performing for Cirque Du Soliel. Workshops and an integration process also make up each new hire's required workload before becoming an official performing member of the circus. The specifics will vary upon the new Cirque Du Soleil performer's area of expertise, and upon how quickly they develop the required skills.

HOW TO GET NOTICED

Veteran international circus artisan and judge Aurelia Cats repeatedly stated on Celebrity Circus (2008) that the key to doing well is to not only have the technical aspects of the performance perfected, but to also perfect the showmanship aspect that captivates and entertains the audience with its magic, fluidity, grace, and style.

Aurelia heavily criticized one celebrity for doing the same thing repeatedly as his performance. She emphasized that doing the same routine repeatedly in your act is boring and lazy. A great performance will highlight a wide variety of moves, tricks, and skills. Her advice echoes that of interviewed Cirque Du Soeil talent scouts across the years.

HOW TO APPLY

Sometime around 2008, the process for adding new talent to Cirque Du Soleil was modified. Cirque Du Soleil performer hopefuls may now begin the application process online. Each discipline is separated so that the applicants may begin the application process in their own specific area of skill.

The process consists of three basic steps that may take months or even years to complete. The first step is to submit a profile made up of a CV, video clips of your skills, and a photo.

The second step may only be taken by invitation from the Cirque Du Soleil casting team. This step consists of auditioning in person for the casting team. This audition will be videotaped, and it may last from one hour to two days. Immediately following the completion of the audition, each candidate will be informed of his or her results.

The final step in the hiring process may involve a very long wait. Successful candidates are placed on a waiting list. Once a position opens up in his or her area, the candidate will be contacted. If he or she opts to proceed, the new Cirque Du Soleil performer may begin the training process.

RESOURCES:

Cirque Du Soliel Official Website

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirquedusoleil/default.htm

Cirque Du Soliel Casting/Application

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/casting/join/how_to_join.htm

The History of Cirque Du Soleil: Dazzling Human Circus and More

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/507657/the_history_of_cirque_du_soleil_dazzling.html

Celebrity Circus - 2008 Season http://www.nbc.com/Celebrity_Circus/