Press release concerning all the new shows on the way with Cirque…
Putting Creation First
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL OFFERS STIMULATING CREATIVE PLATFORMS
FOR CREATORS FROM HOME AND ABROAD
Montreal, September 13, 2007 – Ever since its founding in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has chosen to empower its creators and make creation the focal point of its activities. Over the last 23 years, more than a 100 creators have contributed their talent and vision to a Cirque du Soleil production. With new creation teams coming onboard for future projects, the total number of designers who have helped shape Cirque du Soleil shows is expected to reach 200.
Creativity is the driving force behind the organization’s unflagging growth. By 2010, Cirque du Soleil is expecting to open eight new shows, and no fewer than 60 creators from home and abroad are already hard at work conceiving and developing the new productions. “There’s no end of creative projects at Cirque du Soleil,†says Gilles Ste-Croix, Senior Vice‑President of Creative Content. “We have the good fortune of being able to attract renowned creators who want to work with us on a wide range of projects. Cirque du Soleil offers them stimulating creative platforms where they can explore and innovate. In turn, our creators’ vision and positive influence help expand Cirque du Soleil’s own ability to break new ground.â€
“There’s no doubt that creativity is thriving in Quebec,†continues Gilles Ste-Croix. “In the years between now and 2010, Cirque du Soleil will be recruiting many Quebec-based directors and creators for its new shows. Quebec is overflowing with creative talent, and we are very proud to be able to offer them a high-profile international showcase.â€
To successfully carry out so many creative undertakings at the same time, Cirque du Soleil sets up an independent creative unit to manage every project. Each unit is composed of nearly 100 dedicated individuals whose sole priority is to see their specific project through to a successful conclusion.
Below is a brief rundown of Cirque du Soleil projects currently in creation. Over the next three years, eight new shows will open around the world, joining 14 other shows already in performance. The directors and some creators have already been identified for these new creations.
Wintuk
Seasonal show opening at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, New York City in November 2007
Richard Blackburn Director
Fernand Rainville Director of Creation
Patricia Ruel Set and Props Designer
François Barbeau Costume Designer
Simon Carpentier Composer
Jim Corcoran Songwriter
Catherine Archambault Choreographer
Yves Aucoin Lighting Designer
Francis Laporte Projections Designer
Jonathan Deans Sound Co-designer
Leon Rothenberg Sound Co-designer
Daniel Cola Acrobatic Performance Designer
Guy St-Amour Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Eleni Uranis Make-up Designer
Tokyo 2008 (working title)
Resident show opening at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan in 2008
François Girard Writer and Director
François Séguin Set Designer
Line Tremblay Director of Creation
Renée April Costume Designer
René Dupéré Composer
Debra Brown Choreographer
David Finn Lighting Designer
François Bergeron Sound Designer
Scott Osgood Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Florence Pot Acrobatic Performance Designer
Macao I (working title)
Resident show opening at the Venetian Hotel in Macao, China in 2008
Gilles Maheu Director
Neilson Vignola Director of Creation
Guillaume Lord Set Designer
Dominique Lemieux Costume Designer
Axel Morghentaler Lighting Designer
Violaine Corradi Composer
Steve Dubuc Sound Designer
Martino Muller Choreographer
Guy Lemire Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Rob Bollinger Acrobatic Performance Designer
Luxor 2008 (working title)
Resident show with Criss Angel opening at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas in 2008
Serge Denoncourt Director
Pierre Phaneuf Director of Creation
Christiane Barette Assistant to the Director of Creation
Ray Winkler Set Designer
Meredith Caron Costume Designer
Jeanette Farmer Lighting Designer
Eric Serra Composer
Jonathan Deans Sound Designer
Jaque Paquin Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
André Simard Acrobatic Performance Designer
Francis Laporte Projections Designer
Cirque 2009 (working title)
Touring show to be launched in Montreal in April 2009
Deborah Colker Director
Chantal Tremblay Director of Creation
Gringo Cardia Set Designer
Elvis 2009 (working title)
Resident show opening at City Centre Project in Las Vegas in 2009
Vincent Paterson Director
Armand Thomas Director of Creation
Mark Fisher Set Designer
Stefano Canulli Costume Designer
Marc Brickman Lighting Designer
Jonathan Deans Sound Designer
Guy St-Amour Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Daniel Cola Acrobatic Performance Designer
Macao II (working title)
Resident show inspired opening in 2010 at a hotel yet to be built in Macao (China)
René Simard Director
Serge Roy Director of Creation
Stéphane Roy Set Designer
Alan Hranitelj Costume Designer
Alain Lortie Lighting Designer
Michel Cusson Composer
Steve Dubuc Sound Designer
Dubai 2010 (working title)
Resident show opening in 2010 at a hotel yet to be built in Dubai
Guy Caron Co-director
Michael Curry Co-director
Fernand Rainville Director of Creation
Cirque du Soleil
From the 20 or so performers that the company featured when it all began in 1984, Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil has become a leading provider of quality entertainment with over 3,800 employees, including 1,000 artists, from 40 different countries.
Cirque du Soleil has thrilled over 70 million spectators in more than 100 cities on four continents. In 2007, the organization will be presenting 15 shows simultaneously around the world. Cirque du Soleil has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gemini, Félix and Rose d’or de Montreux. Its International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.
More information on Cirque du Soleil is available at www.cirquedusoleil.com.