Cirque du Soleil represents the evolution of entertainment and technology.
Do you remember seeing your first live circus performance? Or maybe it wasn’t even a circus —it could have been a concert, comedy show or stage play. Nothing can replace the immersive experience of attending a live show in person.
Over the past 20 years, technology has transformed entertainment and changed our expectations of what live shows can offer. This evolving fusion of streaming technology and live performance is the future of entertainment.
Technology in live entertainment
Live entertainment traditionally combines multiple artistic mediums to draw the audience into the show. Automated technology has become one of these mediums, the newest innovation in interactive experiences.
One of the world’s leading live entertainment businesses, Cirque du Soleil are constantly using technology in and around their shows. amaluna has fully programmed keyboards accompany live vocalists, digital soundboards edit instrument voicing, stage lighting is timed, and hydraulics lift massive props. Digital technology can even take the place of stagehands with automated follow-spots.
Now, there are corporate events, like Cirque du Soleil’s EPIC, that give exclusive workshops and a behind-the-scenes look at how themes like technology help to unify and elevate the show to new levels.
Adapting to societal expectations
For generations, circuses recalled ring masters, bizarre characters, and animals as the primary performers.
In 1984 the world got its first glimpse of the future of the circus. Two former street performers from Canada, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix, founded Cirque du Soleil (“Circus of the Sun” in Baie-Saint Paul). The show included jugglers, musicians, fire breathers and dancers – but not a single animal.
For the first time, people saw a brilliant human-focused circus. The extravaganza included colorful costumes, original music and magical lighting, all crafted by local experts and artisans. By 1990, digital technology – especially incredible light shows – were already par for the course. Cirque du Soleil had solidified itself as an international phenomenon.
Laliberté chose the name Cirque du Soleil because “the sun symbolizes youth, energy and strength.” These three themes are now the primary focus of modern entertainment.
Diversity fuels evolution
It’s important to keep in mind that, at any time in history, theater and entertainment have reflected current societal norms and the issues of the day. The themes of unity and diversity have brought people together time and time again over the past two decades.
As the world becomes more connected through cell phones and internet technology, it is more important than ever to remain timeless while always evolving. Eclectic, all-inclusive shows with diverse casts such as Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna have universal appeal. Such shows transcend cultural norms and embrace the direction this new, united world is moving towards – the perfect place to foster meaningful business relationships that stimulate the imagination and drive creativity. Cirque du Soleil allows you to learn from its experts through interactive workshops and conversations.
The emotional aspect of entertainment
With the advent of modern technology and more scientific methods, audience surveys and serious research have become increasingly important for maintaining profit margins. Cirque du Soleil hired the Lab of Misfits, a team of neuroscientists, technologists and artists, to find out why people liked their performances so much.
When asked about the purpose of the study, Kristina Heney, Cirque du Soleil’s Chief Marketing and Experience Officer explained, “Fans and critics alike have been calling our shows ‘awe-inspiring’ for more than 30 years now, and yet when we asked fans as marketers, ‘How do you feel? How do we connect with you?’ they were not able to explain it.”
Beau Lotto, Lab of Misfits director, Beau Lotto, Lab of Misfits Director said that they were interested in understanding what about their performances managed to elicit a feeling of awe in the audience. He explained that it begins with a sense of surprise that quickly leads to a sense of wonder at the unexpected.
Lotto added, “You want to know. You have a desire to understand the source of that surprise. Awe then goes further and says, ‘I want to know, but in order to know, I’m going to have to shift my reference frame. It’s impossible. I can’t figure out how that bit works.’”
Their research findings indicated that during moments of awe, audience members didn’t focus on looking at things and just took in everything around them instead. Imaginative thought and memory increased. The performance inspired daydreaming and creative visions.
The advent of innovation and automation
Today’s audiences expect to be awed by spectacular live performances. They also want personal involvement in the show. Interactive corporate packages, such as escape rooms and murder mysteries, invites the audience to become participants and performers themselves.
Amaluna’s’s corporate packages bring groups into the Big Top for an up-close look at the show. With EPIC, audiences gain access to innovative and immersive experiences, exploring how Cirque du Soleil implements technology, art, and make-up to create a world class stage performance. These experiences act as gateways to form a new understanding of leadership and teamwork.
Technology and innovation have changed the way we shop, eat, live and access entertainment. Cirque du Soleil remains ahead of the curve with larger-than-life shows that harness the power of technology.
Are you ready for the entertainment experience of a lifetime? Inspire them with Amaluna’s Hennessy Black VIP Experience or an exclusive peak behind the curtains with EPIC.
{ SOURCE: USA Today }
