16x9 | Getting into Cirque Du Soleil [Audition Documentary]

Circus L.A.: Behind the Scenes

The introduction sets the stage for a behind-the-scenes look at Circus L.A., highlighting its significance and allure in the world of entertainment.

Circus L.A. - An International Sensation

• Circus L.A. has evolved from a small town Quebec troupe to an international sensation with over 1300 artists performing globally.

• The casting department at Circus L.A. plays a pivotal role in selecting talent through talent scouts, auditions, and training camps in Montreal.

Mystique of Circus L.A.

• Stepping into the world of Circus L.A. is described as intoxicating, where imagination thrives, and audiences are captivated by its unique blend of circus artistry.

• Aspiring performers view Circus L.A. as the pinnacle of entertainment, with dreams of being part of this elite group.

Casting Process at Circus NASA

Delve into the rigorous training and selection process at Circus NASA headquarters in Montreal.

Elite Athletes Training at Circus NASA

• 28 athletes embark on four months of intensive training at Circus NASA after successful auditions or scouting processes.

• Athletes like Trishawu, Andrew Price, and Justin LaPra undergo specialized training on new apparatus like Chinese poles and Russian swing under coach Mitch Head's guidance.

Rigorous Selection Criteria

• High-performance athletes like Andrew, Trishawu, and Justin face intense training challenges to qualify for a show at Cirque du Soleil.

• The emphasis is on minimizing errors during training sessions to excel in demanding acts like Russian swing.

Global Talent Scouting by Cirque du Soleil

Explore Cirque du Soleil's extensive global scouting network for talented performers across various disciplines.

Casting Department Operations

• Cirque du Soleil boasts the largest casting department globally with scouts seeking diverse talents worldwide.

• The company operates akin to an agency, maintaining a talent roster for future productions while prioritizing innovation and technical excellence.

Sport Background Influence

• Over half of Cirque performers come from sports backgrounds, emphasizing athleticism alongside artistic skills.

Cirque du Soleil Auditions and Training

The section provides insights into the rigorous auditions for Cirque du Soleil, showcasing the diverse talents vying for a spot in the prestigious company.

Audition Process

• The audition process is intense, with numerous talented individuals being cut after each round.

• Making it through to the next round is seen as a rewarding achievement by participants like Elijah Hope and Austin Ray.

• Stringent medical evaluations are crucial for all artists to ensure they can sustain the demanding performances.

Artistic Skills Evaluation

• Apart from physical abilities, candidates must showcase acting, dance skills, and flair during auditions.

• Lack of proficiency in certain areas like dancing can lead to disappointment despite making progress in other aspects.

Results and Future Opportunities

• Not everyone makes it through the auditions, but those who do receive a chance to be part of Cirque du Soleil's talent pool for potential future shows.

• Participants express gratitude for the experience and hope for future opportunities within Cirque du Soleil.

Challenges at Cirque du Soleil Training Camp

This segment delves into the grueling training regimen at Cirque du Soleil's headquarters, highlighting the physical and mental challenges faced by aspiring performers.

Transition to Circus Training

• Gymnasts Justin, Trisha, and Andrew navigate pain and fatigue as they transition from traditional sports to circus training under Coach Mitch Hed's guidance.

• Complex moves like "The Superman" test their strength and endurance, pushing them beyond their limits.

Physical Strain and Endurance

• Participants endure bruises, muscle soreness, and physical strain as they adapt to the demands of circus training.

• Balancing physical exertion with explaining their new journey to loved ones back home poses additional challenges.

Dance Challenges

• Despite excelling in various aspects of training, participants struggle with dance classes that are mandatory for general training consideration.

• The importance of coordination and overcoming inhibitions in performance arts becomes evident during dance evaluations.

Dance Training Challenges at Cirque du Soleil

This section explores how participants face unique challenges during dance training sessions at Cirque du Soleil as they strive to meet the company's artistic standards.

Artistic Demands

• Even accomplished performers find dance classes challenging due to Cirque du Soleil's high artistic standards that demand coordination and expression.

Cirque du Soleil Auditions: Behind the Scenes

This section provides a glimpse into the rigorous audition process at Cirque du Soleil, where only a select few performers make it through to be considered for roles.

The Audition Process

• Julio Scatola and his team seek exceptional talent, focusing on minute details that differentiate between acceptance and rejection.

• Dancers showcase their skills, with precision and fitting the required profile being crucial for selection.

• Quick and precise cuts are made, narrowing down the pool of dancers significantly.

• Finalists perform choreography from Cirque's production, showcasing their abilities under pressure.

• The goal is to join Cirque's elite group of talented performers in their data bank.

Training at Cirque du Soleil: Transforming Athletes into Performers

This segment delves into the transformation athletes undergo to become performers at Cirque du Soleil, highlighting the challenges and rewards of this transition.

Transition from Athlete to Performer

• Overcoming initial discomfort to embrace self-expression through acting and performance.

• Training includes voice, percussion, acting, culminating in showcasing new skills through mini performances.

• Scouts search for unique talents like clowns who can captivate audiences without relying on words.

Acting Auditions at Cirque du Soleil: Unconventional Selection Criteria

This part explores the unconventional nature of acting auditions at Cirque du Soleil, emphasizing physical expression over traditional dialogue-based performances.

Unconventional Acting Auditions

• Actors must convey emotions and presence solely through physical movements rather than words.

Learning Trust and Teamwork in Circus Training

The transcript delves into the training process of circus athletes, emphasizing the importance of trust and teamwork in mastering complex maneuvers.

Building Trust through Teamwork

• Coach Mitchhead addresses issues with partners hitting poles during spins, highlighting the need for synchronization and communication.

• Emphasis on timing and coordination during spins to ensure a smooth execution without accidents.

Risk Factor in Training

• Increased risk as skill levels advance, illustrated by Trisha attempting a Russian swing jump without safety gear.

• Andrew's exceptional performance sets high standards, showcasing diverse skills on the Russian swing.

The Role of Pushers in Circus Training

• Highlighting the crucial role of pushers who maintain momentum on swings through intuition and strength.

• Introduction to show contracts, creating anticipation among participants awaiting results.

Unpredictability in Circus Auditions: Open Sport Edition

The transcript explores an unconventional circus audition featuring diverse acts like parkour and wushu, adding an element of surprise for both performers and scouts.

Unconventional Audition Acts

• Introduction of unique acts like parkour, wushu, free running, and hand balancing challenging traditional circus norms.

• Scouts identify standout performers early on, such as Wushu gold medalist Sang Muc-o from Seoul.

Selection Process Intensifies

• Tension rises as cuts are made during auditions, impacting participants like Stefan Vickers who face elimination.

• Celebration for selected performers like Sang Muc-o highlights the competitive nature of auditions.

Evolution of Athletes in Circus Training Program

Tracking the physical and mental transformation of athletes throughout their training program culminating in a final performance evaluation.

Transformation Through Training

• Reflection on identity shifts from athlete to artist or performer due to evolving skills and body changes.

• Physical changes noted among athletes like weight loss/gain indicating rigorous training regimes.

Culmination of Training Program

• Final performance marks the end of general training program with mixed emotions regarding potential show contracts.

New Section

In this section, the focus is on the excitement surrounding Andrew's guaranteed spot in a search show and his upcoming role in Sultan Banco.

Andrew's Guaranteed Spot

• Andrew, the high-flying aerialist, has secured a guaranteed spot in the touring show Sultan Banco.

• "Andrew has been signed to the touring show Sultan Banco and is slated to join the cast."

Feeling of Accomplishment

• Andrew expresses his excitement and satisfaction at achieving this milestone.

• "Yes, I feel so good. But for those who are still waiting today's final performance could help set them apart."

New Section

This part highlights the intense competition among athletes striving for contracts after years of training.

Intense Competition

• Only three out of nine athletes from the same training class as Trisha, Justin, and Andrew will secure contracts.

• "Of the nine athletes who enter general training in the same class as Trisha, Justin and Andrew, only three at the end of the show are walking away with a contract."

Unexpected Opportunity

• Justin receives a surprise announcement that he has been selected for a contract with Sultan Banco.

• "A visit from the senior advisor in artist training, looking for Justin. It's to announce that you have a contract with Sultan Banco."

New Section

This segment delves into Justin's emotional journey towards securing a coveted spot in Cirque de Soleil.

Emotional Journey

• After nine years of dedication and hard work, Justin is overwhelmed by emotions upon receiving his contract offer.

• "It's been nine years since Justin first auditioned for Sirk to Soleil... You're like this about to change? Yeah, drastically."

Fulfilling Dream

• The realization that he will soon perform on a Cirque stage marks a significant achievement for Justin.