How to Become a Cirque du Soleil Performer

Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Being a modern day Cirque du Soleil performer is a very different lifestyle than the circus performers of the past who traveled from town to town behind the elephants. If you're interested in becoming part of one of the most exciting performances on the planet, this page will help you learn how to become a Cirque du Soleil performer.

Do you have what it takes to become an performer at Cirque du soleil performer?

Introduction

Many children dream of performing in a circus. There's no bigger stage for performers than the opportunity provided by Cirque du Soleil, the "circus without animals" that operates around the world. Cirque du Soleil performers need to be highly accomplished in their field of expertise, be able to function seamlessly as part of a team, and be able to improvise and respond to unexpected situations.

Step 1: About Cirque du Soleil

Are you looking for a chance to perform under the big top? (Creative Commons photo by buncheduptv)

Cirque du Soleil is a performance empire created by two street performers based out of Quebec, Canada, in 1984. What began as a small performance troupe soon evolved into a modern day circus featuring singers, dancers, acrobats, multi-media presentations, and performance art. This unique circus features only human performers; no circus animals are used in its acts.

Founded with 20 street performers in 1984Cirque du Soleil: About Cirque du Soleil
Approximately 4,000 employees, including 1,000 performersCirque du Soleil: About Cirque du Soleil
Will present 19 shows worldwide in 2009Cirque du Soleil: About Cirque du Soleil
Shows have been viewed by 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continentsCirque du Soleil: About Cirque du Soleil

Step 2: Types of Cirque du Soleil Performers

Elaborate makeup is typical of Cirque du Soleil performers (Creative Commons photo by PR)

Cirque du Soleil performers embrace a number of different skills and talents. The circus hires in a number of different areas, and the website even has a catch-all category for "Diverse Abilities," so don't worry if your talent can't be pigeonholed into a traditional skill set.Cirque du Soleil: Discipline If you're a showman with style and a desire to entertain, there may be a place for you in one of Cirque du Soleil's shows. Several of the categories that they are routinely hiring for include:

ActorsCirque du Soleil: Discipline
Circus performersCirque du Soleil: Discipline
ClownsCirque du Soleil: Discipline
DancersCirque du Soleil: Discipline
MusiciansCirque du Soleil: Discipline
SingersCirque du Soleil: Discipline
SportsCirque du Soleil: Discipline
Extreme sportsCirque du Soleil: Discipline
Martial artsCirque du Soleil: Discipline

Step 3: Develop Expertise

Cirque du Soleil performers have a dramatic flair (Creative Commons photo by Valdiney Pimenta)

Cirque du Soleil performers need to be highly talented in their field, but also have a flair for the extravagance and showmanship that is characteristic of Cirque du Soleil shows. The Cirque du Soleil website lists the characteristics of being "a team player with an open mind and a readiness to learn" as prerequisites for being considered as a Cirque du Soleil performer.Cirque du Soleil: Aerial Performers

Acrobatic Background

Many of the Cirque du Soleil performers come from acrobatic backgrounds.Goucher College: Cirque du Soleil Performer Teaches Master Class (February 20, 2009) If you are a gymnast with a flair for the dramatic, Cirque du Soleil might be a great fit for you!

Improvisation Skills

Dealing with the unexpected is an important ability in the Cirque du Soleil environment. Improvisation is a skill that can be learned. Taking the time to study improv techniques will help prepare you for a job as a Cirque du Soleil performer, no matter which discipline you're trying out for.

Step 4: Apply to Cirque du Soleil

The first step for a performer wishing to get a job with Cirque du Soleil is to apply. The application can be accessed online.Cirque du Soleil: Casting

In order to search for and apply for positions, you need to set up an account with Cirque du Soleil. After creating a user name and password, you'll be asked to complete a profile, detailing:
1. Your contact information
2. URLs for your website and up to two YouTube videos
3. Your agent's and/or coach's name and contact information
After setting up your account, you can search for available jobs, and either save them to your account, or apply right away.
After your application is reviewed, you may be invited to an audition.

Step 5: Audition for Cirque du Soleil

You may audition for Cirque du Soleil in two ways. You can be invited to an audition after applying online, or you can attend one of the open auditions that is held periodically. If you've applied online and been turned down, you can still attend an open audition to try to "wow" the casting directors and land a job.

Step 6: Get Noticed by a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout

Cirque du Soleil employs talent scouts who travel the world looking for performers who might be a great fit for them.Cirque du Soleil: Talent Scouts So, even if you haven't been invited to an audition and there are no open auditions near you, keep working hard—perhaps Cirque du Soleil will come to you!

Conclusion

If you're a talented performer who wants to showcase your skills as part of a diverse ensemble, Cirque du Soleil may be the place for you. You can be discovered by a Cirque du Soleil scout, pique their interest with an application, or win the casting directors over with a powerful audition. Hone your skills, and augment your style with dramatic flair and a knack for improvisation to increase your odds of becoming a Cirque du Soleil performer. In the end, it always takes much practice!