- Christian Fitzharris
- USA
- Clowning and improvisational comedy
- KOOZA
When did you join Cirque du Soleil?
In October 2006, for the creation of KOOZA.
What was your first contact with the organization? What was the context?
Through David Shiner’s workshop and audition for the creation of KOOZA.
What kind of an experience was your workshop and audition?
The audition was a one-week workshop under the direction of David Shiner with 19 other clowns from all over the world.
It was the best performing week of my life.
How did your integration go in Montreal and on the show?
We worked from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , Monday through Friday to improvise and create ideas and material to be integrated into the storyline and clown acts. The hours were long, but we were in a constant state of creativity and productivity. Very exciting.
How does being part of a Cirque du Soleil show allow you to express yourself in your discipline?
At every show I am able to experiment with ideas and audience interaction. I learn new ways of communicating a funny idea or a bizarre outlandish concept for the benefit of the audience and my own career as a performer. It is priceless and an opportunity which is not given to many people, especially at the calibre that
Cirque du Soleil delivers.
What do you like the most about being part of Cirque du Soleil?
I appreciate my craft being synonymous with the quality and excellence that the
Cirque du Soleil brand is known for all around the world.
How did the transition go between your former career and your current Cirque career?
The transition was a bit bumpy, but there are always growing pains when you are taking yourself to the next level. You leave your friends and family, but you gain a new outlook and a completely transformative experience that there is no going back on.
How is life on tour?
In a lot of ways touring is what I expected it would be: the hardest I have ever worked in my life AND the most creatively fulfilling work I have ever done. A tiring blend but one for which I am thankful.