Cirque de Soleil - MusicianWages.com

This topic has 3 voices, contains 6 replies, and was last updated by RobertJ 212 days ago.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

Author	Posts
Author	Posts
October 13, 2011 at 1:41 am #6866
RobertJ	<p>I was wondering if anybody had an experience or knew much about working for Cirque de Soleil as a musician. I’m a pianist looking at tons of different options after I graduate (just two more months!) and stumbled across Cirque de Soleil. I downloaded the audition pack and can definitely play the Keyboard parts so I will definitely be sending in an audition video. I was just wondering if anybody knew much about it. I’m not sure exactly what I’m auditioning for (national, international, touring?), but Cirque seems like something that could be a great experience. Looking forward to any insight! Thanks! </p>
October 13, 2011 at 2:38 am #7889
Nick Rosaci	I have a friend that’s the bandleader with La Nouba here in Orlando. From what I know about it, it’s ten shows in a six day week. Very well paid, but the gig will also primarily be the only thing you’re doing. In other words, you will pretty much have no life outside of the gig. You can liken it to a ship gig. It’s a tough gig for that aspect, but after knowing the guys here, I have to say the audition material must be deceptively easy. I’ve seen the audition stuff myself, but after hearing the guys here, you will be up against some of the best musicians in the world. So, even if the audition is easy, you have to pretty much make it the best damn performance of that material.
October 13, 2011 at 1:06 pm #7891
RobertJ	Thanks for that Nick! The keyboard audition parts aren’t that “easy,” but most of it is just technical…but I guess that’s why we study Liszt? :P As someone who will otherwise be unemployed, a well paying, fun, time consuming job doesn’t sound like a bad idea! Thanks again!
October 17, 2011 at 2:32 am #7894
David J. Hahn	I auditioned for Cirque a year ago. I was recommended by someone who had worked previously for Cirque. They called me the day after I submitted my video, and I think it was a week or two later they flew me to Japan to do live auditions and interview for a week. This was my video: http://vimeo.com/15856952 The auditions and interviews were tough. In the end, they went with the candidate who had more experience with the gear (rightly so, after I saw what the job entailed). It was an interesting experience for me. I think Nick’s right, though – if you work for Cirque, Cirque is your life. The pay is competitive and they take care of your health, but the schedule can be busy. And I also agree that Cirque doesn’t mess around – they only hire the absolute best.
October 18, 2011 at 12:36 am #7898
RobertJ	I would hate to lose a job like that based just on the gear that I own…Poor college student with loans to pay back doesn’t fare well in those circumstances…
October 18, 2011 at 1:30 am #7899
David J. Hahn	No harm in trying though! Being proactive like this is really good.
October 18, 2011 at 5:18 am #7900
RobertJ	Oh yea of course I’m auditioning still! As soon as I finish this show I’m doing now so I get a second to learn the music! I don’t think I’d mind a free trip to Japan either :P