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Working Environment

General conditions

Cirque du Soleil brings together great minds and talents from around the world and provides an exciting and professional environment where they are encouraged to express and challenge themselves. Being part of a show gives our performers not only the opportunity to do what they love best, but also a wonderful chance for them to interact with skilled, like-minded people who become their extended family.

NOTE: The information that follows is intended to provide a general overview of the working conditions of Cirque du Soleil artists, according to the type of show in which they perform (Big Top touring shows, arena touring shows, resident shows or theatre shows). As these conditions are subject to change, this information may not necessarily reflect current conditions accurately even though we try our best to keep it as up to date as possible. Please note that the conditions that apply to theatre shows (e.g. Zarkana) are not included in this section.

We have 22 shows worldwide:

While there are many differences between life on a resident show and on tour (Big Top or arena shows), we always do our utmost to ensure the best conditions. Our aim is to create an environment where our artists can thrive both professionally and personally.

Overview of general conditions on Big Top touring shows:

  • Generally, our artists are offered one- or two-year contracts at a very competitive salary.
  • Artists can usually expect to train an average of 12 hours a week.
  • Lodging is provided either in the form of a private room at a hotel or in shared accommodation, except for artists who have children travelling with them full time. Artists living with at least one accompanying child under 18 years of age will not be required to share their lodging unit with another artist or employee.
  • Tour allowance and cost-of-living adjustment are provided.
  • Access to free schooling (Cirque du Soleil’s own program) is provided for the children of artists.
  • After one year, artists have access to our Educational Assistance Program for continuing education (other than English as a second language classes).
  • Typically, our Big Top touring shows perform 300 to 350 times a year.


Overview of general conditions on arena touring shows:

  • Generally, our artists are offered one- or two-year contracts at a very competitive salary.
  • Artists can usually expect to train an average of 12 hours a week.
  • Lodging is provided either in the form of a private room at a hotel or in shared accommodation.
  • Tour allowance and cost-of-living adjustment are provided.
  • After one year, artists have access to our Educational Assistance Program for continuing education (other than English as a second language classes).
  • Typically, our arena touring shows perform 270 to 310 times a year.


Overview of general conditions on resident shows:

  • Generally, our artists are offered one- or two-year contracts at a very competitive salary.
  • Artists can usually expect to train an average of 12 hours a week.
  • Lodging is provided until two weeks after the artist’s integration into the show.
  • During the creation period of a new show, lodging is provided throughout the process in Montreal and for four weeks when the production moves to its resident city.
  • After one year, artists have access to our Educational Assistance Program for continuing education (other than English as a second language classes).
  • Typically, our resident shows perform 380 to 470 times a year.


Special conditions for artists who are minors

Our underage artists receive the same benefits and remuneration as those who are 18 or older. However, for minors performing in our shows, the following special conditions also apply. Please note that there are no minors on our arena touring shows.

On all shows:

  • Access to free schooling (Cirque du Soleil’s own program) is provided.
  • A “Coogan” trust account must be opened by a parent or guardian for underage artists performing in the United States.
  • If not accompanied by a parent or guardian, minors are placed with a host family.


On our Big Top touring shows:

  • Minors not accompanied by a parent or guardian are offered four return trips home per year; those accompanied by a parent or guardian are offered two return trips home per year.
  • Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian are lodged in double-occupancy accommodation.
  • Minors are provided with calling cards (up to a monthly limit) to keep in touch with family.


On our resident shows:

  • Minors not accompanied by a parent or guardian are offered one return trip home per year.
  • Minors living more than 80 kilometres from the theatre and accompanied by a parent or guardian are lodged in double-occupancy accommodation.

  Global remuneration