Ever wonder what it would be like to become a Cirque du Soleil artist? Of course you have! Who hasn’t? Wonder no longer! Through a series of interviews on their casting website, Cirque du Soleil invites us to get to know some of their performers (past and present), and discover how each of them went from a career as an athlete, circus performer, instrumentalist, singer, dancer, actor, clown, or in another specialty to becoming a Cirque performer. They’re fantastic reads if you’ve had the pleasure, and if you haven’t, well, don’t despair. We’ve collected all 30 artist interviews for you to peruse in this series, which, due to the page count, we’ll publish in six parts, beginning with Part One: Anthony Gatto (Manipulation), Claudel Doucet (Aerial), Denise Stefanie Gonzalez (Female vocals), Eric Scribner (Percussion instruments), and Eve Castelo Branco (Classical & Contemporary dance)
PART ONE
ANTHONY GATTO
United States | Juggling
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I hold 11 juggling World Records and I am the only juggler to win the Golden Clown in the history of the “Festival International du Cirque de Monte Carlo”.
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I have been training since I was 3 and performing since I was 8. I have 26 years of show business experience performing all over the world and at nearly every major casino in Las Vegas.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I joined in March 2007.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
I was contacted by Cirque many years ago but had never found the right project until the creation of KOOZA.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
I didn’t have to audition. David Shiner, the director of KOOZA, has known me since I was child. He came to see my show in Las Vegas and decided that I would be a good fit for the show.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN THE SHOW?
Due to my prior engagements I was the last artist to join and was thrown right into the mix… it was quite a busy month!
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
This was an opportunity for me to experiment with a character other than the ones I had been doing all my life. Performing is all about growing and Cirque provides a good atmosphere to grow as an artist.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Cirque was the next level for me, the next frontier. It’s a great feeling to have made it here.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
The transition was smooth. Nearly all of my performing career I have had a busy schedule:
2 shows a day, 6 or 7 days a week, and that really helped.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
No other venue takes care of its artists the way Cirque does. And there is a certain sense of security knowing that Cirque will be around for a long, long time.
CLAUDEL DOUCET
Canada | Aerial Silk
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I studied at the “École nationale de cirque” in Montreal where I took a general formation for the first 5 years and then specialized in Aerial Silks. After finishing school I worked for various Circus Companies and trained.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I began rehearsing in January 2005 and started performing in March 2005.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
Having grown up in Montreal and being exposed to the Circus Arts I was always close to the action, and ever since I was a child I would go see each new Cirque du Soleil show as it premiered.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
My audition was specifically for the role of Azalaa. It was a little weird for me because many of my friends were rehearsing for Corteoin the gym where my audition was taking place.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
My integration went by quite quickly. However, because I was finishing a prior engagement with another company at the same time, the workload was particularly great. Once I arrived on tour, I had a further 2 weeks of rehearsals to get fully integrated into the show.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I like traveling and being on stage. Cirque allows me to do both.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
Because I was already a circus performer before joining Cirque du Soleil, my transition was very natural.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
Cirque offers an excellent working environment for artists with an incredible support staff; the trainers, physiotherapists, tour services and artistic team are all second to none.
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR?
I decided to get into the circus arts because I wanted a job where I would travel. Life on tour demands a lot from you, but it is also an exhilarating experience.
DENISE STEFANIE GONZALEZ
United States | Singing
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I began recording professionally at age 8 and recorded my first Jazz album when I was 12. My first touring experience was playing the main character in the Broadway Musical, Selena Forever. I have performed in front of 45,000 people at a televised music awards show and for an audience of 650,000 people at Fiesta Broadway, the largest Latin music festival in Los Angeles!
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I started my formal voice training at Mt. San Jacinto College at 8. I also attended “El Conservatorio De Las Rosas” in Morelia, Mexico, the oldest music conservatory in North America. When I was 12 I began studying Jazz and classical voice at Idyllwild Arts Academy on a full scholarship, but my stay was brief because I joined Quidam. After performing in Quidam for a year and a half, I returned to my studies and attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. where I majored in Music.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I joined in 2002, when I was 13.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
My agent contacted Cirque du Soleil and, soon after recording some demos from Quidam, I was invited to an audition in Los Angeles.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
I was surprised how relaxed the feel was for this audition; everyone was so friendly and made me feel so comfortable, it was like I was singing to my friends! After my audition someone from casting came with me to meet my family and chat. Best audition experience EVER!
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN MONTREAL AND IN THE SHOW?
I arrived in Montreal at the beginning of January, so it was COLD! But I loved the city, and my time at the studio. I was in the 8th grade at the time so I had school in the morning followed by voice classes, “jeu” class and a movement class. I left for Quidam at the beginning of March.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
As a singer, to be able to perform at your best it is important to find yourself internally; both mentally and emotionally… and you need to do it on a daily basis. It takes a lot of focus, consistency and knowing oneself extremely well. Once this is mastered you can really enjoy making every show your best show.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
What I love most about being a part of Cirque du Soleil is traveling, performing, the wonderful energy from the audience and being surrounded by so much talent. And as if that weren’t enough, I feel like I have a family on tour.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
I believe I was lucky to have started working with Cirque du Soleil at such a young age because I quickly adapted and had my mom accompanying me! However, now that I travel alone, I find transitions easier to make.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
It is an opportunity to make a career out of what you love to do. Not to mention the excitement of exploring new cities and the diverse cultures, languages, and people you work with. Also, there is always something new to learn… I began a singer and now I practice aerial acrobatics!
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR?
Life on tour is definitely different. Learning to live out of a couple suitcases is always challenging, especially if you love shoes like me! It is great though, and arriving in a new city is always exciting because there are so many things to see and explore! Life on tour is NEVER boring.
Q. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
My experience with Cirque du Soleil has been one of great excitement. I began to work with the company at age 13 and traveled all through North America and even Japan. I left Quidam to finish high school and go to the University and, after completing one year at college, I am now back on tour with Cirque du Soleil working on Corteo. I am so honored and I anticipate working for Cirque du Soleil in the future!
ERIC SCRIBNER
United States | Drummer
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
Worked for major Las Vegas production shows.
Q. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND BEFORE JOINING CIRQUE.
I began drumming at age 3. I moved to Las Vegas when I was 19 and began freelancing with various bands.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I was hired as a replacement artist at ZUMANITY in January 2004 and at “O” in 2005, and then in 2006 I was hired permanently at KÀ.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
A friend invited me to an informal and mostly informational meeting of local musicians organized by a representative from Cirque casting.
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
My audition as a replacement artist revolved around four pieces of music from ZUMANITY and I got to audition in the showroom with the full orchestra. It was a blast.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO IN THE SHOW?
I was very fortunate because I was given six weeks to learn the show, so my transition went very smoothly.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
At Cirque, artists are encouraged to contribute ideas… so this environment allows me to be creative every night.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
What I like most about Cirque are the people. There is such an amazing, energetic and positive vibe here.
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
I’ve always been a musician, so it wasn’t so much a career change. However, I now have insurance benefits and scheduled vacations.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
Great people who ask you to be creative and want you to evolve as an artist.
Q. HOW IS LIFE IN LAS VEGAS?
Life in Vegas is a great community with schools, libraries and outdoor recreation… you just happen to be near the best nightlife anywhere.
Q. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Working at Cirque has been a dream come true!
EVE CASTELO BRANCO
Canada | Dance
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIOR TO JOINING CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I’ve been dancing various styles of dance since I was 8. My artistic background is mostly based on movements, improvisations and interpretations of modern dance. As a teenager I participated in some Drum Corps International Championships which gave me the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of spectators and to travel.
Q. WHEN DID YOU JOIN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I joined Cirque in 2005 right after graduating from “Les Ateliers de Danse Moderne de Montréal Inc.” during the creation of DELIRIUM.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZATION? WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?
In May 2005, Gillian Ferrabee saw me perform at the LADMMI graduates performance and invited me to audition for LOVE. Soon after, Cirque approached me for a role… but it was for DELIRIUM!
Q. WHAT KIND OF AN EXPERIENCE WAS YOUR AUDITION AND/OR TRAINING AND/OR WORKSHOP?
In my audition I played characters, did some improvisation and danced and danced. Like all auditions, it was exhausting, but it was an exceptional experience that I will never forget.
Q. HOW DID YOUR INTEGRATION GO (EITHER IN MONTREAL OR IN A SHOW)?
My integration was fantastic. It was like diving head first into a universe where dreams mix with extraordinary ideas, all the while meeting incredible artists from all over the world. And because the show was being created in my Montreal I was able to live at home, surrounded by my family and friends.
Q. HOW DOES BEING PART OF A CIRQUE DU SOLEILSHOW ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
DELIRIUM is a show that gives its dancers an incredible opportunity for improvisation and exploration, which I just love. I get to dance in nearly all the acts, which means dancing in many styles; from urban dance, to African and even the tango. In 2007 I began an aerial act after learning Aerial Silks with Émilie Therrien. So now, on top of dancing, I get to have fun with something new.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?
I love traveling, seeing new places and meeting people from around the world. DELIRIUM changes town every two weeks which allows for ample time to see the towns we visit! Another thing I love is being able to perform night after night in front of thousands of people. It’s incredible!
Q. HOW DID THE TRANSITION GO BETWEEN YOUR FORMER CAREER TO YOUR CURRENT CIRQUE CAREER?
Because I started with Cirque right out of school, I would have to say that my transition was quick and easy.
Q. WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AN ARTIST TO JOIN CIRQUE?
Being a Cirque artist allows you to meet incredible people from all over the world and you get to travel and experience incredible things. On top of it all, we get to do what we love to do the most! What could be better!
Q. HOW IS LIFE ON TOUR?
Life on tour can sometimes be difficult, we change city so often without ever fully unpacking our bags. Having said that, I must say that touring is a unique experience that I truly enjoy.
Stay tuned for more pieces of this series coming soon! In Part Two, we’ll hear from Hassan El Hajjami (Hip-hop & Breakdance), Jean-François Houle (Bandleaders), Jeanne Dioman Gbou (Ethnic & Traditional dance), Julia Lopatkina (Acrobatic gymnastics), and Kristin Allen (Acrobatic gymnastics). In Part Three: Lionel Hamel (Stringed instruments), Lisa Skinner (Artistic gymnastics), Marco De Santi (Extreme sports), Melissa Urbano (Martial arts), and Michael Joseph Hachey (Stringed instruments). In Part Four: Miho Kono (Synchronized swimming), Miro Lacasse (Physical Actors), Noriko Takahashi (Diverse abilities), Odmaa Bayartsogt (Other disciplines), and Oleksandr Pylypenko (Athletes). In Part Five: Paulo Lorador (Balancing), PJ Bogart (Diving), Raphaël Sanchez (Keyboard instruments), Ross Gibson (Tumbling), and Sabú Alegría (Wheels). And in the final installment: Suo Liu (Martial arts), Tumelo “Michael” Moloi (Other dance styles), Vanessa Convery (Jazz & Tap dance), Zara Tellander (Female vocals), and Zeng jiao JIAN (Martial arts).
