Cirque du Soleil announces mass layoffs due to Covid-19
The Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has announced “significant temporary staff reductions”, set to affect 95% of its workforce, as the coronavirus pandemic causes the closure of all its shows worldwide.
Cirque du Soleil, which earlier this month partnered with live entertainment giant AEG and venue operator ASM Global, says the short-term layoff of over 4,500 employees is “a necessary measure to stabilise the company for the future”.
The group has halted all its 44 active shows as governments around the world impose limitations on public gatherings.
The company is taking steps to provide support for affected employees, including paid vacation time, insurance coverage throughout the temporary layoff period and access to the group’s employee support program.
“Unfortunately, this decision is our only option as we are forced to position ourselves to weather this storm and prepare for eventual re-openings”
A core support team will continue working to maintain basic operations, continue tour planning and ticket sales for shows later this year and in 2021. Cirque du Soleil is preparing for rehiring as soon as productions can resume.
“It is the most difficult day in Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group history. We’re deeply saddened by the dramatic measures taken today, as the temporary layoff includes many hardworking, dedicated people,” says Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
“Unfortunately, this decision is our only option as we are forced to position ourselves to weather this storm and prepare for eventual re-openings.
“As one of the most trusted brands and successful live entertainment organisations, we are confident that when the day comes when we can reopen our shows, we will be ready to welcome the millions of fans who come to our shows worldwide.”
Photo: Ivan Sarfatti Photographer
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
AEG, ASM Global partner with Cirque du Soleil
Live entertainment powerhouse AEG and venue operator ASM Global have formed a multi-year partnership with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
The deal brings Cirque du Soleil’s touring shows to AEG and ASM Global venues, which include the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London and 4,350-capacity Mercedes Platz in Berlin (AEG), and ASM’s Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (17,000-cap.), P&J Live in Aberdeen, Scotland (15,000-cap.), Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (83,500-cap.), the SSE Arena, Wembley in London (12,500-cap.) and the in-the-works Gateshead Quays in Newcastle, UK (12,500-cap.).
“Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is truly pleased to announce this partnership that promises extensive touring possibilities across the world and more opportunities for current and future fans alike to experience Cirque du Soleil’s one-of-a-kind productions,” says Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
“We are excited to partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the very best in live family entertainment to consumers around the world”
“AEG and ASM Global have built a strong portfolio of advanced venues that allow us to push further our artistic creativity and innovative vision to present state-of-the-art creations that have never been seen before. This partnership is part of our greater live entertainment offering.”
AEG president and CEO Dan Beckerman adds: “We are excited to partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the very best in live family entertainment to consumers around the world. Cirque du Soleil’s iconic shows continue to be in strong demand across the globe and this partnership will bring new immersive entertainment to passionate fans of all generations.”
The result of a mega-merger between AEG’s venue management arm AEG Facilities and Onex-owned SMG, ASM Global operates over 300 facilities worldwide.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
LN to co-produce Cirque du Soleil Berlin residency
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has announced its first European resident show, which is to take place at the Potsdamer Platz theatre in Berlin in a co-production with Live Nation.
The new production will make its debut in the winter of 2020, with an expected annual attendance of approximately 400,000.
Cirque du Soleil is responsible for the artistic content of the new show, which is inspired by the German capital. Live Nation, the operator of the 1,800-seat Theater am Potsdamer Platz, will co-produce the show.
“We are excited about this world premiere as we all share the same fantastic vision of inspiring audiences with outstanding events”
“This is a beautiful way of celebrating [our] 25-year relationship with the city,” comments Cirque de Soleil Entertainment president and CEO, Daniel Lamarre. “This new and exciting production is most certainly the best way to highlight the privileged bond we have with Berlin.”
“We are excited about this world premiere as we all share the same fantastic vision of inspiring audiences with outstanding events,” says Marek Lieberberg, CEO of Live Nation in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
“That’s exactly what the new original Cirque du Soleil show at Theater am Potsdamer Platz will achieve. My special gratitude to our partners for the trust they have placed in us.”
Tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s Berlin residency go on sale at the end of November 2019. More information can be found here.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.