Community & Contouring
Cirque du Soleil’s onboarding process seeks to introduce performers to the Las Vegas community by prioritizing their needs as people as well as performers, such as where someone will live and activities they might enjoy in their free time.
Once they are settled in, new Cirque du Soleil performers begin with one-on-one coaching with a makeup artist to learn how to apply their own makeup before every show. This process is photographed and documented, eventually compiled into a file that performers can reference once they are on their own. While this can take hours at first, experienced performers can apply their makeup in less than 45 minutes.
Some integral aspects of the makeup application process include: blending, contouring, discerning between which sponges and brushes are necessary for their respective purposes, etc.
There are a lot of steps to follow when the performers apply their own makeup every night before the show. Some of the important makeup techniques they learn include the ability to blend the colors used to contour their faces and blending eyeshadows well to add intensity to the base colors. Learning how to blend properly with sponges and brushes is one of the keys to achieving a good makeup look.
The idea of talented performers being their own makeup artists is unique to Cirque du Soleil. Each performer has their own nuanced application process, and their own process for removing their makeup, depending on their personal preferences and skin types.
Kati Renaud, Senior Artistic Director (Resident Shows Division), on Cirque du Soleil’s holistic approach to onboarding and team development:
“When we hire artists, part of the process is to do the audition. To see, of course, like, creatively, technically, what they can contribute, but then we also have an interview process. I call it more of a meet-and-greet than an interview, because it’s more about getting to know each other.”
“Have you been to Vegas? If they haven’t, that’s when we talk to them a little bit about what to expect. If they have, well, what did they love about it? How do you see yourself living here? Lifestyle things, I think, are really important for artists and staff alike, just because Vegas is such a different kind of city to live in.”
“It’s easier to live here than it was back in 1992, 1993, but we still discuss life off-Strip.”
Jack Ricks, Costume Specialist, on onboarding:
“You look for technical skills, people who are skilled in stitching and building, as well as crafts. All of the shows have a need for expert sewers, but also people who can paint, some need people who can do molding. Shoe experts are really important. Also, people who are really good with their soft skills, who can dress a show and know the importance of putting a show on every night and they’re good with others.”
“When it came time to transition from being on stage to working back stage, it was a smooth transition. Working with crews and artists gave me the understanding of what they experience on stage, and to learn to listen to the artist.”