Cirque du Soleil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Type	Private
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	16 June 1984; 41 years ago (1984-06-16)
Founders	Guy Laliberté Gilles Ste-Croix
Headquarters	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Daniel Lamarre (president and CEO)
Revenue	C$850 million (FY 2018)
Number of employees	4000+
Divisions	Cirque du Soleil Images Cirque du Soleil Events + Experience
Subsidiaries	Blue Man Group VStar Entertainment Group The Works Entertainment 4U2C Outbox Enterprises

Cirque du Soleil (which means "Circus of the Sun" in French) is a famous Canadian entertainment company. It is known as the biggest producer of contemporary circus shows in the world. The company started in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, on June 16, 1984. It was founded by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix.

Before becoming Cirque du Soleil, the founders had a group called Les Échassiers (The Stilt Walkers). They toured Quebec from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, they received a special grant from the government. This helped them perform for the 450th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's journey to Canada. Their first big show, Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil, was a success in 1984.

Cirque du Soleil became famous for its unique style. Their shows tell stories through amazing acts and live music. They do not use performing animals, which was a new idea for circuses at the time. This style helped define what is now called "nouveau cirque" or contemporary circus.

The company grew very quickly in the 1990s and 2000s. It went from having one show to many shows in hundreds of cities around the world. By 2017, Cirque du Soleil had about 4,900 employees from 50 different countries. Millions of people worldwide have enjoyed their productions. Many permanent shows in Las Vegas entertain thousands of people every night.

Over the years, the ownership of Cirque du Soleil changed a few times. In 2015, new investment groups bought most of the company. Later, in 2020, after facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company reorganized its business. It was then sold to a group of its lenders.

Cirque du Soleil has won many awards for its creative shows. These include several Drama Desk Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. The company also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2002, it was added to Canada's Walk of Fame.

History of Cirque du Soleil

How Cirque du Soleil Began (1979–1983)

In 1979, Guy Laliberté helped organize a summer fair. To get government funding, Gilles Ste-Croix walked 56 miles (90 km) on stilts to Quebec City. This helped fund their stilt-walking group, Les Échassiers, which toured Quebec in 1980.

Though popular, Les Échassiers faced money problems. Laliberté and Ste-Croix then started La Fête Foraine, a festival with circus acts and workshops. In 1983, a government grant helped them create Cirque du Soleil's first show, Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil.

Early Shows and Growth (1984–1989)

Le Grand Tour performed in Quebec in 1984 and was a success. With more government help, Laliberté hired Guy Caron. Caron became the artistic director and helped create the company's unique style.

Cirque du Soleil started telling stories through its acts, inspired by circuses worldwide. This led to theatrical shows with live music and no visible stage crew. In 1985, Franco Dragone joined as a director.

In 1987, Cirque du Soleil performed in Los Angeles. Their show Le Cirque Réinventé was a huge hit, even with limited funds. This success helped them earn money and tour across North America.

Big Successes and World Expansion (1990–1999)

By 1990, Cirque du Soleil faced financial challenges. They created Nouvelle Expérience with Franco Dragone returning as director. This show was a big success, touring North America and having a long run in Las Vegas.

Nouvelle Expérience's success led to a deal in Las Vegas. Cirque du Soleil opened its first permanent show, Mystère, in 1993. Its popularity led to more permanent shows, like O and La Nouba. The company also built its main headquarters in Montreal.

First Journeys Around the World

Cirque du Soleil first performed outside North America in 1990 in London and Paris. In 1995, Saltimbanco toured Europe, making the company famous there.

In 1992, Cirque du Soleil toured Japan with Fascination. This show combined acts from earlier productions. Its success helped the company grow in Asia and the Pacific region.

Fast Growth and New Shows (2000–2009)

In the early 2000s, Guy Laliberté became the main owner. The company grew fast, creating new touring shows like Varekai and resident shows like Kà. They also began producing TV shows, such as Fire Within.

In 2006, two major shows premiered: Delirium, their first large arena tour, and The Beatles Love, a collaboration with The Beatles. The company opened many shows each year, expanding to Macau and Tokyo.

Changes and Reorganization (2010–2014)

From 2010 to 2014, Cirque du Soleil launched new shows like Totem and Amaluna. Some new productions closed earlier than expected. The company also started making changes to its operations.

In 2013, Cirque du Soleil reorganized its team, reducing staff to be more efficient. Despite this, they continued to innovate. New shows opened, like Michael Jackson: One and the popular Kurios. They also launched their first dinner theatre show, Joyà, in Mexico.

New Owners and More Variety (2015–2020)

In 2015, Guy Laliberté sold most of his ownership to new investment groups, keeping a small share. Under new leadership, the company focused on profitability and new entertainment ideas.

Cirque du Soleil created shows like Toruk – The First Flight, inspired by the movie Avatar. They also launched their first Broadway musical, Paramour. For younger audiences, they produced the TV series Luna Petunia for Netflix.

The company grew by acquiring other entertainment groups. In 2017, they welcomed the Blue Man Group. In 2018, they acquired VStar Entertainment Group, known for children's shows. This helped Cirque du Soleil offer more types of entertainment.

Facing Challenges and Rebuilding (2020–Present)

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped all Cirque du Soleil shows. The company faced big financial problems and had to change its team. In June 2020, Cirque du Soleil announced a plan to reorganize its business.

By November 2020, the company completed its reorganization. It was then acquired by a group of lenders, led by Catalyst Capital Group. This allowed Cirque du Soleil to start rebuilding for the future.

In summer 2021, Cirque du Soleil slowly reopened shows. Many Las Vegas and touring productions returned. New shows premiered, like Drawn to Life (2021), Mad Apple (2022), and Echo (2023). The company continues to bring its magical performances to audiences.

Amazing Shows and Performances

Each Cirque du Soleil show is a mix of circus styles from all over the world. Every show has its own special theme and story. Live music is always a big part of the performance. Performers often change props themselves, making the show flow smoothly.

Touring shows usually last between 2 and 2.5 hours, including a break. Permanent shows are typically 70 to 90 minutes long without a break. Both touring and resident shows often perform about 10 times a week. Touring shows usually have one day off, while resident shows have two.

List of Shows

Upcoming Productions

Cirque du Soleil is always working on new and exciting shows!

• Ludõ: This will be a second dinner theatre show in Mexico. It is planned to open in December 2025 at a special 600-seat theatre in Nuevo Vallarta.
• Alizé: A new resident show called Alizé is planned to premiere in October 2025. It will be performed at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany.
• Cirque 2027: A new show for the Grand Chapiteau (big top tent) is being planned for 2027.

How Cirque du Soleil Works

Cirque du Soleil has created other companies to help with its worldwide activities. These include tools for selling tickets and creating multimedia experiences.

Outbox Technology

Outbox helps event organizers sell tickets directly to their customers. This system lets them manage ticket sales and customer information without needing other companies.

4U2C

4U2C creates amazing visual environments using video, sound, lighting, and special effects. They make these for different types of projection screens.

45 Degrees

45 Degrees creates unique and custom-made experiences for clients. They offer high-quality creative services for special events.

Other Creative Projects

Cirque du Soleil also works on many other exciting projects and collaborations.

Special Projects

• Cirque du Monde: This social program started in 1994. It helps young people by teaching them circus arts.
• One Drop: In 2007, Cirque du Soleil founded One Drop. This charity works to bring clean water to communities.
• Jukari Fit to Fly: In 2009, Cirque du Soleil teamed up with Reebok. They created a gym workout inspired by trapeze acts.
• Safewalls: This project hired street artists in 2011 to create visual art for the company.
• Felix & Paul Studios VR: Between 2014 and 2017, Cirque du Soleil Media created virtual reality videos based on shows. One video won a Daytime Emmy Award.
• Cirque du Soleil Theme Park: In 2014, plans were announced for a theme park in Mexico. It would feature Cirque du Soleil experiences and an outdoor evening show.
• One Night for One Drop: From 2013 to 2019, Cirque du Soleil held an annual event. This special night raised money for the One Drop clean water charity.

Cirque du Soleil Events + Experiences

For many years, Cirque du Soleil created special events and performances. In 2015, this part of the company became a subsidiary called 45 Degrees. This group continued to produce special events and also designed new show concepts. In 2019, 45 Degrees became a division called "Cirque du Soleil Events + Experiences." It now develops all the company's special events and projects.

Shows on Cruise Ships

Cirque du Soleil has also brought its magic to the seas!

Working with Celebrity Cruises

In 2004, Cirque du Soleil first worked with Celebrity Cruises. They created "The Bar at the Edge of the Earth" on two cruise ships. It featured live characters and projections. Later, they created a 30-minute acrobatic show called A Taste of Cirque du Soleil.

Cirque du Soleil at Sea

In 2015, Cirque du Soleil partnered with MSC Cruises. They planned to create eight new shows for four of MSC's Meraviglia class ships. These shows, known as Cirque du Soleil at Sea, began in 2017 with Viaggio and Sonor. More shows followed on other ships until the COVID-19 pandemic caused them to close.

Luna Petunia TV Series

In 2014, Cirque du Soleil Media and Saban Brands created Luna Petunia. This was an animated TV series for preschool children. It started airing on Netflix in September 2016. In 2018, Hasbro acquired Luna Petunia.

The Wiz Live!

Cirque du Soleil's theatrical division worked with Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television. They co-produced the TV broadcast of The Wiz Live! in December 2015. This show was based on the famous musical The Wiz. Many well-known actors and singers starred in the broadcast.

Touring the World

Night shot of Quidam's grand chapiteau in Barcelona, Spain

Cirque du Soleil's touring shows often perform under a grand chapiteau, which means "big top tent." This huge tent and all the equipment travel from city to city. This includes a large entrance tent, an artistic tent, a kitchen, and even a school for the performers' children.

It usually takes about eight days to set up the entire site. Taking it down only takes three days. Around 100 local workers are hired to help, guided by the company's tent masters.

Before 2006, Cirque du Soleil mostly performed in tents or permanent theaters. Then, Delirium in 2006 became their first big touring show for large arenas. Its success led the company to adapt many of its big top shows for arena tours.

Cirque du Soleil tours also help the local economies of the cities they visit. They rent spaces, buy supplies, and hire local staff. For example, when Koozå visited Santa Monica, California, in 2009, it brought an estimated $16.7 million to the city and local businesses.

Music and Movies

Discography

Filmography

Cirque du Soleil's multimedia division, Cirque du Soleil Images, creates films and TV shows. These productions have won many awards, including Gemini Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Key People in Cirque du Soleil

Here are some important people connected to Cirque du Soleil:

• Criss Angel, a magician who has worked with the company.
• Anthony Gatto, a famous juggler.
• Guy Laliberté, the founder and former CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
• Stephane Lefebvre, the current President and CEO.
• Mathieu Laplante, a producer, director, and choreographer.
• Thom Wall, a juggler and writer of circus books.
• Mason Ryan, a former wrestler who is now a Cirque du Soleil performer.