Cirque du Soleil recently put the new Casting section of its website online, making it easier for artists to submit their profiles by allowing them to apply via the Web.
Developed in seven languages, the site acts as a "virtual talent scout" that is present on every continent at once. It provides information on career possibilities at Cirque du Soleil while simultaneously identifying candidates' skills and interests. "With a growing number of shows, recruiting artists is becoming a bigger and bigger challenge for us," explains Line Giasson, Casting Director – Talent Sourcing at Cirque du Soleil. "This innovative new platform will allow us to get in touch with candidates we would not have been able to contact by traditional means."
Designed with "Let your talent shine" as its theme, the website immerses candidates in the unique world of Cirque du Soleil, using video footage of some hundred different acts to portray the many disciplines featured in Cirque's shows. The site also provides information on the working environment, personal stories from artists and mentors and profiles of talent scouts, not to mention all the details on how to apply.
The new Casting website has already won two awards: the prestigious "Site of the Day" title from Favourite Website Awards (United States), and the Grand Prize in the "B2B Website" category at the most recent Boomerang Awards, which recognize Quebec's best interactive communications achievements of the year.
Along with numerous partners in countries far and wide, the Casting team boasts some 50 employees, including over 20 talent scouts who constantly scour the globe for new talent. In 2008, the Casting team will hold approximately 60 auditions around the planet and attend sports and artistic events worldwide.
The Casting team scours the planet for artists, athletes and acrobats with specific athletic or artistic skills and who are ready to express their creativity. Currently over 1,000 artists from nearly 50 countries breathe life into Cirque du Soleil shows around the globe every day. Visit the Casting site at
www.cirquedusoleil.com/casting.
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 nearly 4,000 employees, including 1,000 artists, hailing from close to 50 different countries.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to nearly 80 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2008, the organization will be presenting 18 shows simultaneously around the world. Cirque du Soleil has received many prestigious awards, including the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gemini, Félix and Rose d'or de Montreux. Its International Headquarters are located in Montreal, Canada.
