:Cirque du Soleil

In 1979, after having quit college and learned the art of fire breathing, Guy Laliberté organized a summer fair in Baie-Saint-Paul with the help of Daniel Gauthier and Gilles Ste-Croix. As part of a publicity stunt to convince the Quebec government to help fund this production, Ste-Croix walked the {{convert|56|mi|km|0}} from Baie-Saint-Paul to Quebec City on stilts. This gave them funding for the stilt-walking troupe Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul, which then toured Quebec the following year in 1980.{{cite web|url=http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=193619|author=Molaro, Regina|title=Creative Mystique|access-date=2 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060212200506/http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=193619|archive-date=12 February 2006}}

Although well received by audiences and critics alike, Les Échassiers was a financial failure. Laliberté spent the following winter in Hawaii while Ste-Croix stayed in Quebec to set up a nonprofit holding company named "The High-Heeled Club" (Club des Talons Hauts) to mitigate the losses of the previous summer. This allowed Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul to break even by fall 1981. The following summer, Laliberté and Ste-Croix founded La Fête Foraine, a street performance festival that featured circus performances and workshops to teach the circus arts to the public.{{cite web|url=http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/laliberte-guy-biography|title=Laliberté, Guy|author=Hermann|first=Eve M. B.|website=eNotes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922221827/http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/laliberte-guy-biography/print|archive-date=22 September 2007|access-date=18 December 2019}} Laliberté managed and produced the fair for 2 more years, becoming a moderate financial success.

In 1983, the government of Quebec gave him a $1.6 million grant to host a production the following year as part of Quebec's 450th anniversary celebration of the French explorer Jacques Cartier's arrival in Turtle Island (North America). This became Cirque du Soleil's first production Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil.{{cite web|url=http://www.islandconnections.com/edit/guy_laliberte.htm|author=Morgan, Kaya|title=Billionaire Head of the World's Fastest Growing Circus|access-date=2 August 2007|archive-date=14 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814070004/http://www.islandconnections.com/edit/guy_laliberte.htm|url-status=live}}

The company's first production Le Grand Tour performed in Quebec for 13 weeks in summer 1984. Although several issues persisted during the first tour (including a collapsed tent and conflict between artists), it was a financial success. After securing funding from the Canadian government for a second year from the help of Quebec premier René Lévesque, Laliberté hired Guy Caron, head of the National Circus School, as Cirque du Soleil's artistic director. Laliberté and Caron reworked the company's performance style to emulate that of Moscow Circus by having the acts tell a story. Further influences from the Circus of China, Cirque Arlette Gruss, and Circus Roncalli led Cirque du Soleil to approach their shows in a more theatrical fashion with live music and no technical crew on stage. To assist in this shift towards a theatrical production, Laliberté and Caron hired Belgian director Franco Dragone to direct segments of their 1985 production, Cirque du Soleil.{{cite web|url=http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/anthropology/theses/rushing/Thesis.htm|title=Thinking Outside the Big Top: Transformations of Ritual and Culture in the American Circus|author=Rushing, Kelly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103030417/http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/anthropology/theses/rushing/Thesis.htm|archive-date=3 November 2007|access-date=2 August 2007}}

The company's first non-Quebec performances in Ontario in 1985 were unsuccessful, leading to a $750,000 deficit. To enable a 1986 tour, the Desjardins Group covered $200,000 of bad checks, financier Daniel Lamarre represented the company for free, and the Quebec government allotted it an additional year of funding. La Magie Continue, their 1986 production, proved more artistically successful with the direction of Franco Dragone. This extended to the creation of their 1987 show Le Cirque Réinventé.

In the summer of 1987, Cirque du Soleil was invited to present Le Cirque Réinventé at the Los Angeles Arts Festival. Despite only having enough money to make a one-way trip, the company agreed to open for the festival in September of that year. Le Cirque Réinventé's first American performances were an instant critical and financial hit, allowing them make a profit of over $1.5 million by the end of 1987.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2004/0315/100.html|title=The Acrobat|author=Miller, Matthew|date=15 March 2004|work=Forbes|access-date=2 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128002426/http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2004/0315/100.html|archive-date=28 January 2007}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cirque-du-soleil|title=Cirque du Soleil|author=Solman|first=Paul|date=19 March 2001|website=PBS|access-date=2 August 2007|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219033913/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live}} Over the next two years the show continued to tour Canada and the United States, making its first appearance at New York's Battery Park in March 1988.Le Cirque du Soleil, Newsday, May 20, 1998, p.30-Weekend In 1989 plans for a second touring show named Éclipse started developing. Due to artistic differences with these plans, Guy Caron, along with a number of artists, left the company causing the plans to be shelved. Gilles Ste-Croix, who had been away from the company since 1985, subsequently replaced Caron as artistic director.

File:Cirque7.jpg]]By the end of 1989, the company once again faced deficit due to internal conflicts amongst the company's leaders as well as from lukewarm reception to their revamped tour of Le Cirque Réinventé in the United States. In response to this, Cirque du Soleil took their plans for their previously shelved show Éclipse and developed it into Nouvelle Expérience. Franco Dragone returned as director in addition to a creative team made up of costume designer Dominique Lemieux, set designer Michel Crête, lighting designer Luc Lafortune, choreographer Debra Brown, and composer René Dupéré. Nouvelle Expérience premiered in May 1990 to critical acclaim, touring North America through the end of 1991 and later taking up a one-year residency in Las Vegas until 1993.{{Cite book|title=La création d'un spectacle Saltimbanco|last=Boudreault|first=Julie|publisher=Nuit Blanche|year=1996|isbn=978-29-2105-356-3|language=fr}} The following touring shows created by the same creative team — Saltimbanco, Alegría, and Quidam — proved to be equally successful.

The success of Nouvelle Expérience's contract in Las Vegas led to a deal between Cirque du Soleil and the Mirage Casino-Hotel to create a permanent show, Mystère, residing in Treasure Island Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. It premiered in December 1993.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-06-fi-cirque6-story.html|title=Cirque's Outlook -- Some Call It a Mystere|last=Hirsch|first=Jerry|date=6 July 2003|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-19|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219033916/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-06-fi-cirque6-story.html|url-status=live}} Its success as the company's first permanent production would later allow for the creation of two more permanent shows in 1998: O in Las Vegas and La Nouba at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. During this time of expansion, the company also founded their International Headquarters in Montreal's Saint-Michel neighbourhood and their multimedia division Cirque du Soleil Images, which produced their first film Alegría in 1999, also directed by Dragone.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/alegria-2-1200456456/|title=Alegria|last=Loewenstein|first=Lael|date=19 January 1999|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061532/https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/alegria-2-1200456456/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/goodbye-big-top-hello-arena/article24356635/|title=Goodbye big top, hello arena|last=Hays|first=Matthew|date=23 January 2006|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924223034/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/goodbye-big-top-hello-arena/article24356635/|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|title=Dans les coulisses du Cirque du Soleil|last=Beaunoyer|first=Jean|publisher=Québec Amérique|year=2005|isbn=978-27-6440-242-9|language=fr|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/danslescoulisses0000beau}}

Following the premiere of La Nouba, the creative team made up of Dragone, Lemieux, Crête, Lafortune, and Brown (as well as Benoît Jutras who took over as in-house composer after Dupéré in 1994) departed Cirque du Soleil. Starting with the creation of Dralion in 1999, the company began producing shows with entirely new creative teams.

Le Cirque Réinventé marked the company's first performances outside of North America when it performed in London and Paris in 1990. The show received a mixed reception and was not followed by another production until Saltimbanco's 1995 European tour, which better solidified Cirque du Soleil's presence in the European market.{{Cite book|title=Quel Cirque!|last=David|first=Jean|publisher=Un Monde Différent|year=2005|isbn=2-89225-592-9}}

Cirque du Soleil also toured Japan in the summer of 1992 at the behest of the Fuji Television Network. Combining acts from their previous shows Nouvelle Expérience and Le Cirque Réinventé, they created their first arena show Fascination which toured Japan from May to August of that year. Fascination's positive reception allowed Cirque du Soleil to play Saltimbanco there in 1994, thereby establishing the company's market in the Asia and Pacific region for their subsequent tours in the late 1990s and 2000s.

In 2000, the company produced their IMAX film Journey of Man.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/cirque-du-soleil-journey-of-man-1200462184/|title=Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man|last=Loewenstein|first=Lael|date=18 May 2000|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061542/https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/cirque-du-soleil-journey-of-man-1200462184/|url-status=live}} Shortly afterwards, at the beginning of 2001, Daniel Gauthier left the company and was bought out by Guy Laliberté, bringing his ownership stake in the company to 95%. Gilles Ste-Croix also soon left to found the horse-based touring show Cheval, leading Laliberté to hire Lyn Heward and Daniel Lamarre as Presidents and C.O.O.'s of the company's Creative Content and New Ventures divisions, respectively.

In 2002, the company created the touring show Varekai and in 2003 premiered the resident show Zumanity in Las Vegas, their first "X-rated" show performed only for adults aged 18 years and older. The company also produced their first television shows that year: the documentary reality miniseries Fire Within and the variety series Solstrom. In 2004, Cirque du Soleil premiered the resident show Kà at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, directed by Robert Lepage. In September of that year, the company launched their record label, Cirque du Soleil Musique, after their agreement with BMG Canada expired.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-09-23/cirque-du-soleil-unveils-record-label/556836|title=Cirque du Soleil unveils record label|date=2004-09-23|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308223614/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-09-23/cirque-du-soleil-unveils-record-label/556836|url-status=live}}

In 2005, Lamarre took over as President of Cirque du Soleil from Laliberté while Heward took on the role of executive producer for special projects.{{Cite web|url=https://lentreprise.lexpress.fr/rh-management/le-show-multinational-du-cirque-du-soleil_1537800.html|title=Le show multinational du Cirque du Soleil|last=Henebelle|first=Isabelle|date=2005-05-23|website=L'Entreprise|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074037/https://lentreprise.lexpress.fr/rh-management/le-show-multinational-du-cirque-du-soleil_1537800.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79354/cirque-du-soleil-r-the-spark-by-created-by-lyn-heward-and-written-by-john-u-bacon/|title=Cirque du Soleil: The Spark by John U. Bacon|website=Penguin Random House|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074040/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79354/cirque-du-soleil-r-the-spark-by-created-by-lyn-heward-and-written-by-john-u-bacon/|url-status=live}} In that same year the company premiered the touring show Corteo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/11/17/playful-corteo-is-a-bouncy-blast-in-san-francisco/|title=Playful 'Corteo' is a bouncy blast in San Francisco|last=Jones|first=Chad|date=2005-11-17|website=East Bay Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074040/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/11/17/playful-corteo-is-a-bouncy-blast-in-san-francisco/|url-status=live}} The same year, the Cirque du Soleil switched ticketing companies to go with Outbox's technology, a white label system, of which it also became a shareholder.{{cite news |title=A second chance at the ticket promotion business is a global success |url=https://financialpost.com/entrepreneur/fp-startups/a-second-chance-at-the-ticket-promotion-business-is-a-global-success |newspaper=Financial Post |date=10 February 2014 |language=en-CA |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424193041/https://financialpost.com/entrepreneur/fp-startups/a-second-chance-at-the-ticket-promotion-business-is-a-global-success |url-status=live |last1=Bitti |first1=Mary Teresa }}

File:Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil sign.jpg sign at the Mirage Hotel]]

Cirque du Soleil premiered two shows in 2006: Delirium, their first significant touring arena show, in January of that year and The Beatles Love, their first collaboration with The Beatles, in June.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20101211/292092137018161|title=Quidam: making the move to a bigger big top|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=11 December 2010|website=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074039/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20101211/292092137018161|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du-soleil-1200515029/|title=The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil|last=Gallo|first=Phil|date=2006-06-30|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074038/https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du-soleil-1200515029/|url-status=live}} Similarly, in 2007 they opened two more productions with the resident show Wintuk in New York City and the touring tent show Koozå.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20071114/282402690031810|title=Cirque du Soleil aims Wintuk at youngsters|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=14 November 2007|website=Times Colonist|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074039/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20071114/282402690031810|url-status=live}} In July 2007 the company made their first effort to convert tent shows to arena settings by launching Saltimbanco's arena tour in London, Ontario (this custom would be followed by other tent shows in later years).

The company opened three resident shows within the span of 3 months in 2008 — Zaia in Macau, China, Criss Angel Believe in Las Vegas, and Zed in Tokyo, Japan — which furthered their practice of producing multiple shows at the same time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/girard-premieres-permanent-cirque-show-in-tokyo-1.761865|title=Girard premieres permanent Cirque show in Tokyo|date=2 October 2008|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001024013/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/girard-premieres-permanent-cirque-show-in-tokyo-1.761865|url-status=live}} That year Cirque du Soleil also announced that they sold a 20% stake in the company to Dubai investors Istithmar World and Nakheel in order to finance their goals, including plans for a resident show in Dubai directed by Guy Caron and Michael Curry (according to Laliberté, these plans were later "put on ice" due to the 2008 recession).{{Cite web |date=7 August 2008 |title=Istithmar and Nakheel buy 20% Cirque du Soleil stake |url=https://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/retail/istithmar-and-nakheel-buy-20-cirque-du-soleil-stake-2008-08-07-1.224234 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916223945/http://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/retail/istithmar-and-nakheel-buy-20-cirque-du-soleil-stake-2008-08-07-1.224234 |archive-date=16 September 2014 |access-date=2019-12-21 |website=Emirates 24/7 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McArthur |first=Rachel |date=7 March 2009 |title=Cirque on the Palm by 2012 |url=http://www.emirates247.com/2.277/retail/cirque-on-the-palm-by-2012-2009-03-07-1.94196 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721041058/http://www.emirates247.com/2.277/retail/cirque-on-the-palm-by-2012-2009-03-07-1.94196 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |access-date=2019-12-24 |website=Emirates 24/7}}Sylt, Christian.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/privateequity/8290380/Cirque-du-Soleil-may-leap-for-new-partner.html "Cirque du Soleil may leap for new partner"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916151855/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/privateequity/8290380/Cirque-du-Soleil-may-leap-for-new-partner.html|date=16 September 2018}}

In 2009, they launched 3 more shows: the touring tent show Ovo, the touring theatre show Banana Shpeel, and the resident show Viva Elvis in Las Vegas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-with-bug-themed-show-ovo-1.842513|title=Cirque to celebrate 25th anniversary with bug-themed show Ovo|date=8 April 2009|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929052557/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-with-bug-themed-show-ovo-1.842513|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.traveller.com.au/new-9-billion-casino-redefines-vegas-strip-kyjt|title=New $9 billion casino redefines Vegas strip|date=17 December 2009|website=Traveller|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224091833/https://www.traveller.com.au/new-9-billion-casino-redefines-vegas-strip-kyjt|url-status=live}} At this time Cirque du Soleil began being criticized for the quality of their productions. Banana Shpeel became labelled as one of the company's first "failures" when it was panned by both critics and audiences;{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/26/theater/26shpeel.html|title=When Cirque du Soleil Met Theater: 'Shpeel' Failure|last=Healy|first=Patrick|date=2010-06-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-21|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/26/theater/26shpeel.html|url-status=live}} Criss Angel Believe and Viva Elvis also received negative reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/criss-angel-believe-1200472545/|title=Criss Angel Believe|last=Gallo|first=Phil|date=2 November 2008|website=Variety|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071815/https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/criss-angel-believe-1200472545/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/viva-elvis-cirque-du-soleil-brings-the-king-back-to-vegas.html|title=Theater review: 'Viva Elvis' -- Cirque du Soleil brings the King back to Vegas|last=Lewis|first=Randy|date=20 February 2010|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/viva-elvis-cirque-du-soleil-brings-the-king-back-to-vegas.html|url-status=live}}

File:Cirque du Soleil in Santiago, Chile; 2016.jpg

The touring show Totem premiered in 2010{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2010/04/08/cirque_du_soleil_explores_evolution_with_totem.html|title=Cirque du Soleil explores evolution with 'Totem'|date=8 April 2010|website=The Star|language=en|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071819/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2010/04/08/cirque_du_soleil_explores_evolution_with_totem.html|url-status=live}} and was soon followed by three more shows in 2011: the resident show Iris in Los Angeles and the touring shows Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour and Zarkana.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/theater/guy-laliberte-guides-cirque-du-soleil.html|title=Guy Laliberté Guides Cirque du Soleil|last=Zinoman|first=Jason|date=2011-06-03|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-22|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217170529/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/theater/guy-laliberte-guides-cirque-du-soleil.html|url-status=live}} Although the company was still growing at this time, it continued to face several issues with its newer productions. Zarkana and Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour received poor reviews{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/zarkana-new-york-reviews|title=Zarkana New York Reviews|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=2011-07-02|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071818/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/zarkana-new-york-reviews|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/arts/cirque-du-soleils-michael-jackson-immortal-world-tour-spans-absurd-shallow|title=Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour spans the absurd to the shallow|last=Varty|first=Alexander|date=2011-11-05|website=The Georgia Straight|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://www.straight.com/arts/cirque-du-soleils-michael-jackson-immortal-world-tour-spans-absurd-shallow|url-status=live}} and the company had a string of closures. Banana Shpeel closed in Toronto in October 2010 after cancelling its previously-announced engagement in San Francisco.{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October10,2010.html|title=Broadway To Vegas: October 10, 2010|last=Deni|first=Laura|date=2010-10-10|website=Broadway to Vegas|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071817/http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October10,2010.html|url-status=live}} In July 2011, Cirque du Soleil announced the closure of Zed due to poor ticket sales as a direct result of the March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-to-close-show-in-japan-1.1009711|title=Cirque du Soleil to close show in Japan|date=2011-07-25|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920212838/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-to-close-show-in-japan-1.1009711|url-status=live}} In November 2011 MGM Grand asked the company to close and replace Viva Elvis by the end of 2012 due to poor ticket sales.{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/the-demise-of-viva-elvis-in-las-vegas-dont-blame-elvis|title=The Demise of Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas: Don't Blame Elvis!|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=2011-11-28|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/the-demise-of-viva-elvis-in-las-vegas-dont-blame-elvis|url-status=live}} In February 2012, the company announced the closure of Zaia due to disappointing ticket sales{{Cite web|url=http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/visit/cirque-du-soleil-macau-871570/|title=Cirque du Soleil leaves Macau|last=Li|first=Zoe|date=20 February 2012|website=CNN Travel|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920210626/http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/visit/cirque-du-soleil-macau-871570/|url-status=live}} and in November 2012, despite critical praise, announced the closure of Iris, also due to low ticket sales.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-1201-cirque-closes-iris-20121201-story.html|title=Cirque du Soleil's extravagant 'Iris' will close Jan. 19|last1=Ng|first1=David|last2=Zahnister|first2=David|date=2012-11-30|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071817/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-1201-cirque-closes-iris-20121201-story.html|url-status=live}} In December 2012, the company announced a new division — Cirque du Soleil Média — in conjunction with Bell Media, followed by the release of their second film Worlds Away.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/cirque-du-soleil-and-bell-media-complete-joint-venture-transaction-and-announce-new-company-cirque-du-soleil-media|title=Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media Complete Joint Venture Transaction and Announce New Company, Cirque du Soleil Media|date=18 December 2012|website=Bell Media|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071317/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/cirque-du-soleil-and-bell-media-complete-joint-venture-transaction-and-announce-new-company-cirque-du-soleil-media/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cirque-du-soleil-worlds-away|title=Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away|date=2012|website=Metacritic|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803084132/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cirque-du-soleil-worlds-away|url-status=live}} At this time Cirque du Soleil also announced 50 layoffs. The layoffs consisted mostly of 30 employee positions at their International Headquarters in Montreal, including three vice-presidents.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20121215/282480001113357|title=A final bow, but no last rites|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=15 December 2012|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071819/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20121215/282480001113357|url-status=live}}

With the high output of shows between 2007 and 2011 in combination with its multiple closures, the company began slowing down its operations. In 2012 and 2013 it only opened two shows: the touring tent show Amaluna and the resident show Michael Jackson: One in Las Vegas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.montrealgazette.com/Review+Cirque+Soleil+Amaluna+poetry+acrobatic+motion+with+video/6522270/story.html|title=Review: Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna is poetry in acrobatic motion (with video)|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=26 April 2012|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en-ca|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071819/http://www.montrealgazette.com/Review%2BCirque%2BSoleil%2BAmaluna%2Bpoetry%2Bacrobatic%2Bmotion%2Bwith%2Bvideo/6522270/story.html|url-status=live}} On 16 January 2013, Cirque du Soleil announced that it would be laying off 400 of its 5000 employees worldwide, most of which at their International Headquarters. The company noted that it had not been profitable in 2012 despite having garnered over $1 billion in revenue that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2013/01/16/cirque_du_soleil_announces_400_layoffs.html|title=Cirque du Soleil announces 400 layoffs|last=Wyatt|first=Nelson|date=16 January 2013|website=The Star|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071817/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2013/01/16/cirque_du_soleil_announces_400_layoffs.html|url-status=live}} Later that year, on 30 June 2013, the company faced headlines when acrobat Sarah "Sasoun" Guyard-Guillot died after falling during a performance of Kà in Las Vegas, its first on-stage death in its history.

In January 2014, Cirque du Soleil announced the creation of Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, a division aimed developing more traditional theatre productions in order to diversify their production output.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-taps-scott-zeiger-to-launch-new-theatrical-division-1201055994/|title=Cirque Du Soleil Taps Scott Zeiger to Launch New Theatrical Division|last=Cox|first=Gordon|date=2014-01-14|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071259/https://variety.com/2014/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-taps-scott-zeiger-to-launch-new-theatrical-division-1201055994/|url-status=live}} The company subsequently announced numerous subsidiaries in addition to its Theatrical division, including the Sandbox Hospitality Group, 45 Degrees, 4U2C, and Outbox Enterprises.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/guy-laliberte-on-a-mission-to-rejuvenate-his-cirque-du-soleil/article18502374/|title=Guy Laliberté on a mission to rejuvenate his Cirque du Soleil|last=Cousineau|first=Sophie|date=6 May 2014|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=18 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918181847/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/guy-laliberte-on-a-mission-to-rejuvenate-his-cirque-du-soleil/article18502374/|url-status=live}} In April 2014, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities, a touring tent show, premiered in Montreal to critical acclaim{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2014/05/02/kurios_is_cirque_du_soleils_strongest_act_in_years_review.html|title=Kurios is Cirque du Soleil's strongest act in years: review|author=Ouzounian, Richard|date=May 2, 2014|work=Toronto Star|access-date=27 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2014/05/02/kurios_is_cirque_du_soleils_strongest_act_in_years_review.html|url-status=live}} and was followed in November 2014 by Joyà, both the company's first resident show in Mexico and their first dinner theatre production.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201411/22/01-4821487-le-cirque-du-soleil-au-mexique-le-nouvel-eldorado.php|title=Le Cirque du Soleil au Mexique: le nouvel eldorado|last=Siag|first=Jean|date=2014-11-22|website=La Presse|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071312/https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201411/22/01-4821487-le-cirque-du-soleil-au-mexique-le-nouvel-eldorado.php|url-status=live}}

On 20 April 2015, Guy Laliberté announced that he had sold a 90% joint stake in the company to the investment groups TPG Capital, Fosun Capital Group, and La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) for approximately $1.5 billion, while retaining a 10% stake in the company himself.{{Cite news |url=https://financialpost.com/news/fp-street/cirque-du-soleil-sold-to-investor-group-led-by-private-equity-firm-tpg-capital |title=China 'is ready for us': Cirque du Soleil sold to investor group led by private-equity giant TPG Capital |last=van der Linde |first=Damon |date=2015-04-20 |website=Financial Post |language=en-CA |access-date=2019-12-23 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919232631/https://financialpost.com/news/fp-street/cirque-du-soleil-sold-to-investor-group-led-by-private-equity-firm-tpg-capital |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://lactualite.com/culture/le-nouveau-pari-du-cirque-du-soleil/ |title=Le nouveau pari du Cirque du Soleil |last=Morin |first=Marie-Claude |date=16 May 2016 |website=L’actualité |language=fr-CA |access-date=2019-12-26 |archive-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071304/https://lactualite.com/culture/le-nouveau-pari-du-cirque-du-soleil/ |url-status=live}} The sale received regulatory approval from the Government of Canada on 30 June 2015.{{cite news |date=30 June 2015 |title=Cirque du Soleil sale to American, Chinese private equity firms gets approval |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-sale-to-american-chinese-private-equity-firms-gets-approval-1.3134174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701184048/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-sale-to-american-chinese-private-equity-firms-gets-approval-1.3134174 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=1 July 2015 |publisher=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press}} Under the new ownership, the company began majorly restructuring its executive leadership in order to focus on increasing their profitability. Their finance director, chief operating officer, and numerous vice-presidents were all replaced within six months of the company's sale. Notably, the position of Chief Operating Officer held by Charles Décarie was given to finance lawyer Jonathan Tétrault.{{Cite web |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/759373/cirque-soleil-tetrault-decarie-spectacles |title=Changement de direction et de culture au Cirque du Soleil |last=Gerbet |first=Thomas |date=13 January 2016 |website=ICI Radio-Canada |language=fr-ca |access-date=2019-12-23 |archive-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227072800/https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/759373/cirque-soleil-tetrault-decarie-spectacles |url-status=live}}

In November 2015 the company premiered the touring arena show Toruk — The First Flight based on James Cameron's Avatar franchise.{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/review-of-the-cirque-du-soleil-show-toruk-the-first-flight|title=Review of the Cirque du Soleil show Toruk – The First Flight|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2015-12-22|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071302/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/review-of-the-cirque-du-soleil-show-toruk-the-first-flight|url-status=live}} It was followed shortly after by the touring tent show Luzia and the company's first Broadway musical Paramour, both opening in April 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/cirque-du-soleils-luzia-is-a-magical-mexican-spectacle/article29837400/|title=Cirque du Soleil's Luzia is a magical Mexican spectacle|last=Everett-Green|first=Robert|date=3 May 2016|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924195316/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/cirque-du-soleils-luzia-is-a-magical-mexican-spectacle/article29837400/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/paramour-lyric-theatre-vault-0000014143|title=Cirque du Soleil Paramour Broadway @ Lyric Theatre|website=Playbill|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/http://www.playbill.com/production/paramour-lyric-theatre-vault-0000014143|url-status=live}} By the end of 2016 the company had also launched the preschool television series Luna Petunia on Netflix.{{Cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2016/12/12/new-netflix-toon-aims-to-make-mindfulness-matter/|title=New Netflix toon aims to make mindfulness matter|last=Whyte|first=Alexandra|date=12 December 2016|website=Kidscreen|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=4 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104220413/http://kidscreen.com/2016/12/12/new-netflix-toon-aims-to-make-mindfulness-matter/|url-status=live}} In 2017, it launched three more productions. Séptimo Día — No Descansaré, an arena show based on the music of Soda Stereo, premiered in March for a short year-long tour targeted largely at South and Central American audiences.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|title=Cirque du Soleil Pays Tribute to One of Argentina's Most Iconic Bands With Soda Stereo's 'Sep7imo Dia'|date=10 March 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071301/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|url-status=live}} In April 2017, it premiered the touring tent show Volta and in October, Crystal, the company's first ice show.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|title=Volta, du Cirque du Soleil: appel d'adrénaline !|last=Siag|first=Jean|date=2017-04-06|website=La Presse|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071313/https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|title=Review: Crystal is lots of fun, but it's also sign of a new commercial Cirque|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2017-12-21|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|url-status=live}}

Under the ownership of TPG Capital, Fosun Capital Group, and La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Cirque du Soleil took steps to diversify and rebrand the company. On 6 July 2017, Cirque du Soleil announced that it had acquired the Blue Man Group as a new subsidiary of the company for a reported cost of US$65.5 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|title=Blue Man Group Is Bought by Cirque du Soleil, With Plans to Expand|last=Deb|first=Sopan|date=2017-07-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-29|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707175333/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/blueman-cirquedusoleil-idUSL1N1K10KQ|title=LPC: Cirque du Soleil shells out US$66m for Blue Man Productions|last=Berlin|first=Andrew|date=2017-07-10|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-12-29|language=en|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073238/https://www.reuters.com/article/blueman-cirquedusoleil-idUSL1N1K10KQ|url-status=live}} On 21 November 2017, the company announced the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group as the name of the organization's new umbrella company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO-N7j7zfU4|title=NEW ICONS for a NEW ERA|date=21 November 2017|website=YouTube|access-date=2019-12-28|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804111235/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO-N7j7zfU4|url-status=live}}

On 25 April 2018, the company announced that 45 Degrees, their special events subsidiary, had taken over the main company's creation and production department.{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-to-revive-its-classic-show-alegria-in-april-2019|title=Cirque du Soleil to revive its classic show Alegria in April 2019|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2018-04-25|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073237/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-to-revive-its-classic-show-alegria-in-april-2019|url-status=live}} On 5 July 2018, they announced their acquisition of the children's entertainment company VStar Entertainment Group and its subsidiary Cirque Dreams. Cirque du Soleil launched the children's show Big Top Academy through TVO in October 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/09/24/big-top-academy-le-cirque-du-soleil-cree-une-serie-jeunesse|title="Big Top Academy": le Cirque du Soleil crée une série jeunesse|last=Lauzon|first=Yan|date=24 September 2018|website=TVA Nouvelles|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073238/https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/09/24/big-top-academy-le-cirque-du-soleil-cree-une-serie-jeunesse|url-status=live}} In November 2018, it premiered the touring tent show Bazzar in India, the company's first production to tour in that region. In 2019, the company opened six shows: the touring tent show Alegría: In a New Light; the touring arena shows Axel and Messi10; the touring theatre show 'Twas the Night Before; and two resident shows — X: The Land of Fantasy in Hangzhou, China and R.U.N in Las Vegas.{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-to-bring-its-1994-show-alegria-into-the-21st-century|title=Cirque du Soleil to bring its 1994 show Alegria into the 21st century|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2019-02-12|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220215446/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-to-bring-its-1994-show-alegria-into-the-21st-century|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-reinvents-the-big-arena-rock-show-with-axel|title=Cirque du Soleil reinvents the big arena rock show with Axel|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2019-09-04|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073239/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-reinvents-the-big-arena-rock-show-with-axel|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/3958327/lionel-messi-gets-the-cirque-du-soleil-treatment-a-surreal-tribute-to-the-barca-legend|title=Lionel Messi gets the Cirque du Soleil treatment: A surreal tribute to the Barca legend|last=Marsden|first=Sam|date=2019-10-14|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209082308/https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/3958327/lionel-messi-gets-the-cirque-du-soleil-treatment-a-surreal-tribute-to-the-barca-legend|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=18 July 2019 |title=Cirque du Soleil & MSG's New Family Holiday Show 'Twas the Night Before… to Play Chicago & NYC |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196410/cirque-du-soleil-msgs-new-family-holiday-show-twas-the-night-before-to-play-chicago-nyc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073235/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/196410/cirque-du-soleil-msgs-new-family-holiday-show-twas-the-night-before-to-play-chicago-nyc/ |archive-date=29 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-29 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lesoleil.com/arts/cirque-du-soleil-x--land-of-fantasy-un-theatre-magique-a-hangzhou-be9a533cd8eac0ba0d2266613da86177|title="Cirque du Soleil X : Land of Fantasy": un théâtre magique à Hangzhou|last=Desloges|first=Josianne|date=2019-08-05|website=Le Soleil|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073239/https://www.lesoleil.com/arts/cirque-du-soleil-x--land-of-fantasy-un-theatre-magique-a-hangzhou-be9a533cd8eac0ba0d2266613da86177|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/cirque-du-soleils-new-las-vegas-show-r-u-n-is-a-live-action-thriller|title=Cirque du Soleil's new Las Vegas show R.U.N. is a live-action thriller|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2019-04-30|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720200915/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/cirque-du-soleils-new-las-vegas-show-r-u-n-is-a-live-action-thriller|url-status=live}} During this time Cirque du Soleil also acquired The Works Entertainment company for $40 million to further diversify its subsidiaries.

In February 2020, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced that it had acquired Guy Laliberté's remaining 10% stake in Cirque du Soleil, bringing its total ownership in the company from 10% to 20%.

On 19 March 2020, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cirque du Soleil announced that all 44 active shows worldwide would be suspended, and that 4,679 employees, comprising 95 percent of their staff, would be temporarily laid off, effective immediately. These actions brought the company into a state of financial collapse with a debt of over $1 billion.{{cite web|url=https://media.cirquedusoleil.com/portals/ksyxpbzi/2020-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319235939/https://media.cirquedusoleil.com/portals/ksyxpbzi/2020-03-18|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2020|title=CMarch 19, 2020: Important Ann ouncement From Daniel Lamarre|website=media.cirquedusoleil.com|access-date=19 March 2020|date=19 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20200319mo57000/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-announces-company-wide-temporary-layoffs-as-a-result-of-coronavirus-pandemic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320000741/https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20200319mo57000/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-announces-company-wide-temporary-layoffs-as-a-result-of-coronavirus-pandemic|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 March 2020|title=Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Announces Company Wide Temporary Layoffs as a Result of Coronavirus Pandemic|website=morningstar.com|access-date=19 March 2020|date=19 March 2020}} Although it received financial support with a $50 million injection from its shareholders and a $200 million loan from the Quebec government, on 29 June 2020 the company announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and was terminating 3,500 employees who had previously been laid off.{{Cite web |title=Will Cirque du Soleil Rise Again? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/world/canada/cirque-du-soleil-coronavirus-debt.html |last=Bilefsky |first=Dan |date=2020-05-17 |website=The New York Times |access-date=2020-05-27 |archive-date=25 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525120530/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/world/canada/cirque-du-soleil-coronavirus-debt.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Quebec pledges up to $200M US to support Cirque du Soleil |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/quebec-govt-cirque-soleil-support-covid-coronavirus-1.5585509?cmp=rss |date=2020-05-26 |website=cbc.ca CBC/Radio-Canada |access-date=2020-05-27 |archive-date=27 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527131847/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/quebec-govt-cirque-soleil-support-covid-coronavirus-1.5585509?cmp=rss |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/press/news/2020/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-comprehensive-plan-to-restart-business|title=Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Announces $50 Million in Funding from Existing Investors TPG, CDPQ, and Fosun|website=www.cirquedusoleil.com|access-date=23 July 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723170850/https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/press/news/2020/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-comprehensive-plan-to-restart-business|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|title=Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy and cuts 3,500 jobs|date=2020-06-29|access-date=2020-06-29|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629224328/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/cirque-du-soleil-layoffs_ca_5efb3899c5b6acab2847029a|title=Cirque du Soleil Slashes 3,500 Jobs, Moves Toward Bankruptcy|publisher=HuffPost Canada|date=30 June 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714052224/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/cirque-du-soleil-layoffs_ca_5efb3899c5b6acab2847029a|url-status=live}} CEO Daniel Lamarre stated the intention of the company was to rehire "a substantial majority" of terminated employees once coronavirus-related shutdowns were lifted and operations could resume, business conditions allowing.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53221516|title=Cirque du Soleil cuts 3,500 jobs to avoid bankruptcy - BBC News|work=BBC News|date=29 June 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710182038/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53221516|url-status=live}}

In connection with the filing, Cirque du Soleil entered a stalking horse bid from its shareholders with the intention of drawing outside bidders to buy the company.{{Cite web|author=Jordan Valinsky|title=Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy protection and cuts 3,500 jobs|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|access-date=2020-07-12|website=CNN|date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630202522/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|url-status=live}} In July 2020, the company's shareholders offered a proposal that would allow its creditors to obtain a 45% stake in the company while the current shareholders would maintain a 55% shared stake.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-10|title=Cirque du Soleil returns to court on Friday|url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-returns-to-court-on-friday-1.5018689|access-date=2020-07-12|website=Montreal|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713082947/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-returns-to-court-on-friday-1.5018689|url-status=live}} On 17 July 2020, a takeover proposal by the company's creditors valued at US$1.2 billion was approved as a benchmark bid in the company by the Quebec Superior Court.{{Cite web|date=17 July 2020|title=Quebec court gives OK to Cirque du Soleil's 'stalking horse' deal to sell itself|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cirque-du-soleil-sale-1.5653656|access-date=2020-07-17|website=CBC|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718010545/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cirque-du-soleil-sale-1.5653656|url-status=live}} On 17 August 2020, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec reported that it had to write off the US$75 million investment which it had made only four months prior, in February.{{cite news |last1=Rastello |first1=Sandrine |title=Quebec Fund Lost $75 Million in Four Months With Cirque Deal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-17/quebec-fund-lost-75-million-in-four-months-with-cirque-deal |access-date=5 October 2020 |work=Bloomberg News |date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009042218/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-17/quebec-fund-lost-75-million-in-four-months-with-cirque-deal |url-status=live }} On 24 November 2020, it was announced that the company emerged from bankruptcy and was sold to a group of its creditors led by Canadian investment company Catalyst Capital Group.{{Cite news |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7481558/cirque-du-soleil-sale-coronavirus/ |title=Cirque du Soleil wraps up sale transaction, emerges from creditor protection |work=globalnews.ca |date=2020-11-24 |access-date=2020-11-25 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125012107/https://globalnews.ca/news/7481558/cirque-du-soleil-sale-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2021, the company's previously announced 2021 production Nysa was cancelled as a direct result of the pandemic.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Nysa kommt nicht ins Theater am Potsdamer Platz|url=https://berlin.cirquedusoleil.de/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117002701/https://berlin.cirquedusoleil.de/|archive-date=2021-01-17|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Nysa kommt nicht ins Theater am Potsdamer Platz|language=de-DE}}

With the exception of the resident shows Joyà and X: The Land of Fantasy, which reopened with limited capacities in the summer of 2020, Cirque du Soleil did not reopen its shows for over a year following its worldwide COVID-19 performance suspension in March 2020. In the summer of 2021, the company began gradually reopening several of its shows, beginning with all its Las Vegas-based resident shows (with the exception of Zumanity, which permanently shut down in November 2020) and some of its touring shows in late 2021 and 2022.{{Cite news|last1=Willis|first1=Andrew|last2=Praet|first2=Nicolas Van|date=2020-06-09|title=Catalyst Capital is among the top lenders in a group vying for Cirque du Soleil|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-catalyst-capital-is-among-the-top-lenders-in-a-group-vying-for-cirque/|access-date=2021-12-27}}{{Cite web|last1=Oliver|first1=David|last2=Gilbertson|first2=Dawn|date=2020-06-29|title=Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas Strip mainstay, filing for bankruptcy protection amid coronavirus|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/06/29/cirque-du-soleil-files-bankruptcy-protection-amid-coronavirus/3279279001/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=USA Today|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Fung|first=Lisa|date=2021-04-21|title=Cirque anchors a post-COVID comeback in Las Vegas|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-04-21/cirque-du-soleil-las-vegas-reopening-o-mystere|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Praet|first=Nicolas Van|date=2021-11-30|title=Stéphane Lefebvre named Cirque du Soleil CEO as circus giant aims to rebuild business shattered by pandemic|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-stephane-lefebvre-named-cirque-du-soleil-ceo-as-circus-giant-aims-to/|access-date=2021-12-27}} However, some touring shows that had been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic were retroactively permanently closed at this time, including Totem, Volta, and Axel.{{Cite web|title=Our Shows|url=https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/about-us/our-shows|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Cirque du Soleil|language=en}}

In November 2021, the resident show Drawn to Life premiered — the company's first new production since the start of the pandemic. Later that month, Cirque du Soleil announced that Daniel Lamarre would be stepping down as president and CEO of the company and transitioning into the role of executive vice-chairman of the board, while former chief financial officer and chief operating officer Stéphane Lefebvre would take over as president and CEO, effective 1 December 2021.{{Cite web |last=Henriquez |first=Gloria |date=2021-11-30 |title=Daniel Lamarre steps down as Cirque du Soleil CEO and president |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8413759/daniel-lamarre-cirque-du-soleil-leadership-change/ |access-date=2021-12-27 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-11-30|title=Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre to step down after 21 years|url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-ceo-daniel-lamarre-to-step-down-after-21-years-1.5687770|access-date=2021-12-27|website=CTV News|language=en}}

In 2022, Mad Apple opened in the former Zumanity theatre at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, followed by the touring show Echo in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |date=2022-02-22 |title='It's not just a Cirque show': Cirque du Soleil's 'Mad Apple' to debut in Las Vegas this spring |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/las-vegas/2022/02/22/cirque-du-soleil-las-vegas-nyc-mad-apple/6887351001/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lacroix-Couture |first=Frédéric |date=11 October 2022 |title=New Cirque du Soleil show set to premiere in Montreal in 2023 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9190700/cirque-du-soleil-premiere-montreal-echo/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Global News |language=en-US}} In July 2024, the touring theatre production Songblazers premiered, but was shortly cancelled in November of the same year due to "logistical reasons."{{Cite magazine |last=Nicholson |first=Jessica |date=2024-07-02 |title='A Love Letter to Country Music': How Cirque du Soleil's 'Songblazers' Highlights Country's Decades-Spanning Influence |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/country/songblazers-cirque-du-soleils-country-music-1235723160/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Hooper |first=Monica |date=2024-11-05 |title=Cirque du Soleil cancels Songblazers performances, local ticketholders to receive refunds |url=https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2024/nov/05/cirque-du-soleil-cancels-songblazers-performances/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette |language=en}} That same month, the company announced the closure of two performance venues in its Blue Man Group subsidiary as well as a round of layoffs at their Montreal and Las Vegas headquarters, including the complete closure of their Las Vegas costume and fabrication workshops.{{Cite web |last=Katsilometes |first=John |date=2024-11-23 |title=Cirque closing shows with combined 61-year history |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/cirque-closing-shows-with-combined-61-year-history-3217507/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}

Each Cirque du Soleil production is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. Shows employ continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props.{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/theater/cirque.htm|title=How Cirque du Soleil Works|last=Nixon|first=Elizabeth|date=2004-03-31|website=HowStuffWorks|language=en|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002102/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/theater/cirque.htm|url-status=live}}

The duration of each touring show is typically between 2 and 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2019/5/22/18635968/cirque-du-soleil-volta-review-chicago-breathtaking-thrills-a-minute-heartwarming-life-journey|title=Cirque du Soleil's 'Volta' a breathtaking, thrills-a-minute, heartwarming tale|last=Sullivan|first=Catey|date=2019-05-22|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002046/https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2019/5/22/18635968/cirque-du-soleil-volta-review-chicago-breathtaking-thrills-a-minute-heartwarming-life-journey|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/theater/la-et-cm-cirque-du-soleil-amaluna-review-20190426-story.html|title=Review: Cirque du Soleil's 'Amaluna' puts women at the center of a super-theatrical show|last=Miller|first=Daryl H.|date=2019-04-27|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002044/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/theater/la-et-cm-cirque-du-soleil-amaluna-review-20190426-story.html|url-status=live}} Permanent shows are usually between 70 and 90 minutes in length without an intermission.{{Cite web|url=https://www.treasureisland.com/shows/2/mystere-by-cirque-du-soleil|title=Mystère by Cirque du Soleil|website=Treasure Island|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002105/https://www.treasureisland.com/shows/2/mystere-by-cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/arts/cirque-du-soleil-adds-mexican-jewel-to-its-crown|title=Cirque du Soleil adds Mexican jewel to its crown|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=2014-11-21|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002048/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/arts/cirque-du-soleil-adds-mexican-jewel-to-its-crown|url-status=live}} Typically touring shows as well as resident shows perform a standard 10 shows a week.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/04/cirque-du-soleil-offers-a-new-twist-for-job-seekers.html|title=Cirque du Soleil offers a new twist for job seekers|last=Rogers|first=Kate|date=2016-11-04|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217002048/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/04/cirque-du-soleil-offers-a-new-twist-for-job-seekers.html|url-status=live}} Touring shows usually have one "dark day" (with no performances) while resident shows have two.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/showtime-for-cirque-du-soleil|title=Showtime for Cirque du Soleil|website=CBC Archives|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929032550/https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/showtime-for-cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live}}

• Ludõ: In November 2019, Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil announced the creation of a second dinner theatre resident show in Mexico, performed in a specially designed 600-seat theatre in Nuevo Vallarta. In November 2024, the title, Ludõ, was revealed, as well as a November 2025 premiere date, which was later pushed to December 2025.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-26 |title=Nuevo Vallarta's Cirque du Soleil Dinner Show expected to begin in 2021 |url=https://www.vallartadaily.com/nuevo-vallartas-cirque-du-soleil-dinner-show-expected-to-begin-in-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213020446/https://www.vallartadaily.com/nuevo-vallartas-cirque-du-soleil-dinner-show-expected-to-begin-in-2021/ |archive-date=13 December 2019 |access-date=2019-12-13 |website=Puerto Vallarta Daily News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-16 |title=Un nouveau projet important pour le Cirque du Soleil |url=https://news.dayfr.com/divertissement/3943177.html |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=News Day FR |language=fr}}
• Alizé: In November 2024, the company announced the creation of Alizé, a new resident show at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, premiering in October 2025.{{Cite web |last=Gottfried |first=Gideon |date=2024-11-20 |title=ALIZÉ: Cirque du Soleil Premiers First Permanent European Show In Germany - Pollstar News |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/11/20/alize-cirque-du-soleil-premiers-first-permanent-european-show-in-germany/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |language=en-US}}
• Cirque 2027: a new Grand Chapiteau show originally planned to premiere in 2026 but postponed to 2027.{{Cite news |last=Siag |first=Jean |date=2025-05-01 |title=Le Cirque du Soleil reporte sa création sous chapiteau en 2027 |url=https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles/2025-05-01/le-cirque-du-soleil-reporte-sa-creation-sous-chapiteau-en-2027.php |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=La Presse |language=fr-CA}}

With the intent of diversifying its activities worldwide, the Cirque du Soleil has created subsidiaries, such as multimedia environments and ticket selling tools.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/-/media/cds/images/pressroom/presskits/corporate/pdf/cirque-du-soleil-at-glance.pdf?la=en&vs=1&hash=5802E67867D8D4FAED2DF34B63A67AD7E37BD265 |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428142738/https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/-/media/cds/images/pressroom/presskits/corporate/pdf/cirque-du-soleil-at-glance.pdf?la=en&vs=1&hash=5802E67867D8D4FAED2DF34B63A67AD7E37BD265 |url-status=live }}

Outbox was built around the idea that event producers need a white label system to support them in selling tickets directly to customers. It allows all live entertainment venues to control their inventory, pricing, and consumer data without any third party involvement.{{cite web|author=Morris, Chris|date=2010|title=Ticketmaster exec to head Outbox|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2010/music/news/ticketmaster-exec-to-head-outbox-1118025504/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193128/https://variety.com/2010/music/news/ticketmaster-exec-to-head-outbox-1118025504/|archivedate=23 April 2021}}

4U2C creates multimedia visual environments that combine video, sound, lighting and special effects for a variety of projection surfaces.

45 Degrees produces custom-made experiential content for clients who are seeking high-end creative services for their events.

• Cirque du Monde: A social action project founded in 1994 designed to reach marginalized youth nationally and internationally by teaching circus arts and skills.{{cite web|url=http://www.thepoint.org/cirquedumonde/Cirque.html|author=The Point|title=Cirque du Monde|access-date=19 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010173900/http://www.thepoint.org/cirquedumonde/Cirque.html|archive-date=10 October 2007|url-status=dead}}
• One Drop: In 2007, Cirque du Soleil founded One Drop, a charitable project designed to bring clean water to developing countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.onedrop.org/en/|title=One Drop}}
• Jukari Fit to Fly: Cirque du Soleil collaborated with Reebok in 2009 to create a gym workout set based on trapeze work.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportswear-international.com/news/stories/REEBOK-CIRQUE-DU-SOLEIL-LAUNCH-JUKARI-FIT-TO-FLY-1474|title=REEBOK, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL LAUNCH JUKARI FIT TO FLY|last=Yap|first=Tim|date=26 February 2009|website=Sportswear International|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928213914/https://www.sportswear-international.com/news/stories/REEBOK-CIRQUE-DU-SOLEIL-LAUNCH-JUKARI-FIT-TO-FLY-1474|url-status=live}}
• Safewalls: An artistic outreach project in which urban street artists were hired to create visual artworks for the company in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.ruefrontenac.com/spectacles/artsvisuels/33433--cirque-du-soleil-safewalls |title=Arts visuels—Le Cirque du Soleil vient en aide aux artistes urbains |publisher=Rue Frontenac |access-date=4 March 2011 |date=8 February 2011 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211085621/http://ruefrontenac.com/spectacles/artsvisuels/33433--cirque-du-soleil-safewalls |archive-date=11 February 2011}}
• Desigual inspired by Cirque du Soleil: Cirque du Soleil partnered with Desigual fashion design in 2011 to develop a collection of clothing and accessories, which were made available at Desigual stores and Cirque du Soleil show boutiques.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/se-lleva/20110602/54164594428/desigual-se-inspira-en-el-universo-creativo-del-cirque-du-soleil.html|title=Desigual se inspira en el universo creativo del Cirque du Soleil|date=2011-06-02|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103052520/https://www.lavanguardia.com/se-lleva/20110602/54164594428/desigual-se-inspira-en-el-universo-creativo-del-cirque-du-soleil.html|url-status=live}} The partnership was discontinued in 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.desigual.com/es_ES/moda-mujer/ropa/ver-todos/|title=Colección Cirque du Soleil|website=Desigual|language=es|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409201819/http://www.desigual.com/es_ES/moda-mujer/estilo-cirque-su-soleil/|archive-date=9 April 2015|access-date=2020-01-03}}
• Movi.Kanti.Revo: In association with Google, Cirque du Soleil released a Google Chrome extension in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/19/movi-kanti-revo-google-and-cirque-du-soleil-launch-a-sensory-chrome-experiment/|title=Movi.Kanti.Revo: Google And Cirque Du Soleil Launch A "Sensory Chrome Experiment"|publisher=TechCrunch.com|date=19 September 2012|access-date=20 September 2012|archive-date=21 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921082141/http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/19/movi-kanti-revo-google-and-cirque-du-soleil-launch-a-sensory-chrome-experiment/|url-status=live}}
• Felix & Paul Studios VR: Between 2014 and 2017, the Cirque du Soleil Média collaborated with Felix & Paul Studios to create a number of virtual reality videos based on Zarkana, Kurios, Kà, O, and Luzia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.twice.com/product/samsung-reveals-gear-vr-availability-54909|title=Samsung Reveals Gear VR Availability|last=Tarr|first=Greg|date=2014-11-12|website=TWICE|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919165646/https://www.twice.com/product/samsung-reveals-gear-vr-availability-54909|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://uploadvr.com/felix-paul-cirque-du-soleil-masks-luzia/|title=Felix & Paul And Cirque du Soleil's Launch Through The Masks Of LUZIA|last=Mingail|first=Laura|date=2017-06-20|website=UploadVR|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511214447/https://uploadvr.com/felix-paul-cirque-du-soleil-masks-luzia/|url-status=live}} Inside the Box of Kurios later won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016.
• Cirque du Soleil Theme Park: On 12 November 2014, Cirque du Soleil, Grupo Vidanta, and Goddard Group announced plans for a theme park in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The plans called for at least two lands, the Village of the Sun and the Village of the Moon, as well as an outdoor evening show accommodating as many as 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, and may include a water park and nature park elements.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-mexico-cirque-du-soleil-theme-park-20141112-story.html|title=Cirque du Soleil plans its first theme park, chooses Mexico site|last1=Forgione|first1=Mary|date=13 November 2014|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113164618/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-mexico-cirque-du-soleil-theme-park-20141112-story.html|url-status=live}} The opening was initially delayed from 2018 to a mid-2019 opening.{{cite web|url=http://planoinformativo.com/nota/id/513461/noticia/cirque-du-soleil-abrira-parque-tematico-en-mexico|title=Cirque du Soleil abrirá parque temático en México|date=30 March 2017|website=Plano Informativo|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=17 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417154855/http://planoinformativo.com/nota/id/513461/noticia/cirque-du-soleil-abrira-parque-tematico-en-mexico|url-status=live}} Further delays have subsequently pushed the projected opening date to 2023.{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparx.com/cirque-du-soleil-theme-park/|title=Cirque du Soleil Theme Park|website=Themeparx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523080258/http://www.themeparx.com/cirque-du-soleil-theme-park/|archive-date=23 May 2019|access-date=2 January 2020}} The last press release about this project was submitted in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-09 |title=Vidanta World: Cirque du Soleil show and park in Nuevo Vallarta |url=https://www.vallartadaily.com/vidanta-world-cirque-du-soleil-show-and-park-in-nuevo-vallarta/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Puerto Vallarta News |language=en-US}}
• One Night for One Drop: From 2013 to 2019, Cirque du Soleil organized an annual one-night event in support of the clean water charity One Drop.{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=David S. |date=2013-04-05 |title=One Drop Foundation Works to Help One Billion People Get Clean Water They Need |url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/one-drop-foundation-works-to-help-one-billion-people-get-clean-water-they-need-1200332867/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onedrop.org/en/events/one-night-for-one-drop-2020/|title=One Night for One Drop|date=2020}}
• NFL Experience Times Square: A short-lived project with interactive displays about the National Football League.{{Cite web |title=NFL Experience Times Square Unveils Sneak Peek of New One-Of-A-Kind Immersive Football Experience |url=https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/press/news/2017/nfl-experience-unveils-sneak-peek |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.cirquedusoleil.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2018-09-20 |title=NFL Experience to close its doors |url=https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2018/09/20/nfl-experience-to-close-its-doors/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Touchdown Wire |language=en-US}}

From the 1990s until 2015, Cirque du Soleil produced a variety of public and private events and performances under its Special Events division. In April 2015, the company announced that its Special Events division formed a subsidiary company called 45 Degrees. Led by Yasmine Khalil, the new company continued to produce special events for Cirque du Soleil while expanding to offer creative content outside Cirque du Soleil as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.infopresse.com/article/2015/4/10/la-division-evenements-du-cirque-du-soleil-devient-les-evenements-45-degrees|title=La division d'événements du Cirque du Soleil devient les Événements 45 degrees|last=Brasier|first=Anaïs|date=10 April 2015|website=Infopresse|language=fr|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103052516/https://www.infopresse.com/article/2015/4/10/la-division-evenements-du-cirque-du-soleil-devient-les-evenements-45-degrees|url-status=live}} 45 Degrees later merged with the C-Lab (creative laboratory) division of the main company, continuing to produce special event performances while also designing shows with new concepts (such as the dinner-show concept in Joyà and the ice concept in Crystal).{{cite news|url=http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2018/04/25/pour-son-25e-anniversaire-alegria-sous-chapiteau-en-avril-2019|title=Pour son 25e anniversaire: "Alegria" sous chapiteau en avril 2019|last=Vigeant|first=Caroline|date=25 April 2018|website=Le Journal de Montréal|language=fr|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623033407/http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2018/04/25/pour-son-25e-anniversaire-alegria-sous-chapiteau-en-avril-2019|url-status=live}} In April 2019, Cirque du Soleil announced that the 45 Degrees subsidiary had become a division named "Cirque du Soleil Events + Experiences" under which the company now develops its special events and projects.{{cite press release | url=https://events.cirquedusoleil.com/uploads/4/5/8/9/45898503/pressrelease_ee_20190514.pdf | title=45 Degrees Becomes Cirque du Soleil Events + Experiences | publisher=Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group | date=30 April 2019 | location=Montreal | access-date=6 June 2019 | archive-date=5 June 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605184043/https://events.cirquedusoleil.com/uploads/4/5/8/9/45898503/pressrelease_ee_20190514.pdf | url-status=live }}

In March 2004, Celebrity Cruises announced its first collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1079|title=Celebrity Teams Up With Cirque du Soleil|date=25 March 2004|website=Cruise Critic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=2 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502130718/http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1079|url-status=live}} By the end of that year, the collaboration had launched "The Bar at the Edge of the Earth" on both the Constellation and Summit cruise ships, a bar and lounge inspired by Cirque du Soleil featuring live characters and projections. However, due to lukewarm reception, Celebrity Cruises announced in October 2005 that it would be removing the live characters and projections from the lounges and retooling its Cirque du Soleil offering so as to create a more standard circus performance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1421|title=Celebrity Puts Cirque on Hiatus|date=7 October 2005|website=Cruise Critic|language=en-us|access-date=2009-05-17|archive-date=16 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916151836/https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1421|url-status=live}} In December 2005, the collaboration premiered the 30-minute acrobatic show A Taste of Cirque du Soleil on both ships.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/cirque-du-soleil-back-on-board/article1131274/|title=Cirque du Soleil back on board|last=Immen|first=Wallace|date=3 December 2005|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924200127/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/cirque-du-soleil-back-on-board/article1131274/|url-status=live}} It continued through 2006 and was eventually discontinued.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2795213/Cirque-du-Soleil-juggles-money-and-magic.html|title=Cirque du Soleil juggles money and magic|date=2008-08-23|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2020-01-03|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103200631/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2795213/Cirque-du-Soleil-juggles-money-and-magic.html|url-status=live}}

On 9 November 2015, Cirque du Soleil announced that it would be re-entering the cruise ship business in collaboration with MSC Cruises. The partnership plans included a $21 million investment by MSC to create special theatre spaces in four of their Meraviglia class ships while Cirque du Soleil would create eight new shows, two on each ship in alternating performances.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trb-msc-cruises-cirque-du-soleil-20151109-story.html|title=MSC Cruises partners with Cirque du Soleil for entertainment at sea|last=Forgione|first=Mary|date=2015-11-10|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805220902/https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trb-msc-cruises-cirque-du-soleil-20151109-story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/cruiselog/2015/11/09/msc-cruises-cirque-du-soleil/75456100/|title=Cirque du Soleil creating new shows for MSC Cruises|last=Stieghorst|first=Tom|date=9 November 2015|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194130/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/cruiselog/2015/11/09/msc-cruises-cirque-du-soleil/75456100/|url-status=live}} The partnership was later branded as Cirque du Soleil at Sea.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/msc-cruises-reveals-concepts-for-the-two-new-cirque-du-soleil-shows/|title=MSC Cruises reveals concepts for the Cirque du Soleil shows|date=2017-05-18|website=World of Cruising Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103195800/https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/msc-cruises-reveals-concepts-for-the-two-new-cirque-du-soleil-shows/|url-status=live}}

In June 2017, it launched its first two productions on the MSC Meraviglia — Viaggio and Sonor. This was followed by Syma and Varélia on the MSC Bellissima in March 2019{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Bellissima-getting-two-new-Cirque-shows|title=MSC Bellissima getting two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows|last=Stieghorst|first=Tom|date=5 December 2018|website=Travel Weekly|language=en|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194232/https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Bellissima-getting-two-new-Cirque-shows|url-status=live}} and Cosmos and Exentricks on the MSC Grandiosa in November 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/4623/|title=MSC Cruises Reveals Details of New Cirque de Soleil Shows on New Ship, MSC Grandiosa|last=Barnes|first=Rebecca|date=17 October 2019|website=Cruise Critic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194919/https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/4623/|url-status=live}} Two more shows were planned to launch on MSC Virtuosa in 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced all Cirque du Soleil at Sea productions to close.{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/Here-are-the-New-Cruise-Ships-Set-to-Hit-the-Water-in-2020|title=Here are the New Cruise Ships Set to Hit the Water in 2020|last=McCarthy|first=Daniel|date=18 December 2019|website=Travel Market Report|language=en|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194830/https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/Here-are-the-New-Cruise-Ships-Set-to-Hit-the-Water-in-2020|url-status=live}}

Following the opening of The Beatles Love in Las Vegas in June 2006, Cirque du Soleil opened the Revolution lounge at The Mirage resort in 2007, its first venture into the Las Vegas nightlife business. The lounge was based on the work of The Beatles, in conjunction with the concept of The Beatles Love.{{cite web|url=http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Entertainment/cat_index_las_vegas_entertainment/The_Beatles_LOVE_by_Cirque_Du_Soleil.php|title=The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil|author=Haya Zoubi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928052108/http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Entertainment/cat_index_las_vegas_entertainment/The_Beatles_LOVE_by_Cirque_Du_Soleil.php|archive-date=28 September 2007|access-date=19 August 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://lightgroup.com/las-vegas-ultra-lounge-revolution/|title=Las Vegas Ultra Lounge Revolution|publisher=The Light Group|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209003150/http://lightgroup.com/las-vegas-ultra-lounge-revolution/|archive-date=9 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011}} In 2009, the company opened the Gold Lounge at the Aria Resort and Casino based on the life of Elvis Presley and their show Viva Elvis.{{cite web|url=http://lightgroup.com/las-vegas-ultra-lounge-gold/|title=Las Vegas Ultra Lounge Gold|publisher=The Light Group|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209160731/http://lightgroup.com/las-vegas-ultra-lounge-gold/|archive-date=9 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011}} In May 2013 the Light Group opened the Light nightclub in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in concurrence with the premiere of Michael Jackson One.{{cite news|url=http://wuot.org/post/reviving-las-vegas-less-sin-more-city|title=Reviving Las Vegas With Less Sin, More City|date=25 November 2013|access-date=18 May 2014|publisher=91.9 FM WUOT|archive-date=19 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519041315/http://wuot.org/post/reviving-las-vegas-less-sin-more-city|url-status=live}} It would later be host to the musical For the Record, the company's first project out of its theatrical division.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/curtain-call-how-cirque-du-soleil-started-covering-songs-from-the-movies/|title=Curtain Call: For The Record Finds New Life With a Cirque Du Soleil/Baz Luhrmann Mash-Up Los Angeles Magazine|last=Byrd|first=Craig|date=2015-07-15|newspaper=Lamag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103061303/https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/curtain-call-how-cirque-du-soleil-started-covering-songs-from-the-movies/|url-status=live}}

In October 2015, Cirque du Soleil renounced its intention to be involved in Las Vegas nightclubs and has since dissociated itself from all its lounges and clubs.{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2015/oct/07/hakkasan-group-is-out-of-light-and-so-is-cirque-du/|title=Hakkasan Group is out of Light — and so is Cirque du Soleil|date=7 October 2015|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=16 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916151856/https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2015/oct/07/hakkasan-group-is-out-of-light-and-so-is-cirque-du/|url-status=live}} Both the Revolution and Gold Lounges closed in 2015{{Cite web|url=https://vegas.eater.com/2015/10/12/9503907/las-vegas-nightlife-beatles-revolution-lounge-mirage-shutter|title=Hello, Goodbye to The Beatles Revolution Lounge|last=Stapleton|first=Susan|date=2015-10-12|website=Eater Vegas|language=en|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103052514/https://vegas.eater.com/2015/10/12/9503907/las-vegas-nightlife-beatles-revolution-lounge-mirage-shutter|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://vegas.eater.com/2015/12/21/10631966/herringbone-menu-aria|title=Behold, the Fish Meets Field Menu of Herringbone at Aria|last=Martin|first=Bradley|date=2015-12-21|website=Eater Vegas|language=en|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103052515/https://vegas.eater.com/2015/12/21/10631966/herringbone-menu-aria|url-status=live}} while the Light nightclub is no longer affiliated with the company.

In 2014 Cirque du Soleil Média and Saban Brands produced Luna Petunia, an animated series for preschool-aged children. It began airing on Netflix in September 2016.{{cite web|title=Netflix announces Cirque du Soleil|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-acquires-cirque-du-soleil-799749|publisher=the hollywood reporter|date=3 June 2015|access-date=4 June 2015|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717230135/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-acquires-cirque-du-soleil-799749|url-status=live}} On 1 May 2018, Saban Brands sold Luna Petunia to Hasbro.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-01/hasbro-acquires-entire-power-rangers-property-from-saban/.131069|title=Hasbro Acquires Entire Power Rangers Property From Saban|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106021444/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-05-01/hasbro-acquires-entire-power-rangers-property-from-saban/.131069|url-status=live}}

In a collaboration with Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television, the Cirque du Soleil Theatrical division co-produced the television broadcast of The Wiz Live! (based on the musical of the same name) which aired in December 2015 on NBC. Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon directed the show along with Broadway writer/actor Harvey Fierstein, who contributed new material to the original Broadway script. Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Stephanie Mills, Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier, Common, Elijah Kelley, Amber Riley, and Uzo Aduba and Shanice Williams starred in the broadcast. It was speculated that a live version of the show would play on Broadway during the 2016–2017 season, however this plan fell through.{{cite web |last=Agard |first=Chancellor |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Queen-Latifah-Mary-J-Blige-Will-Ease-on-Down-the-Road-in-NBCs-THE-WIZ-LIVE-20150728 |title=Breaking News: Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige Will Ease on Down the Road in NBC's THE WIZ LIVE! |publisher=Broadwayworld.com |date=28 July 2015 |access-date=28 July 2015 |archive-date=30 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730030036/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Queen-Latifah-Mary-J-Blige-Will-Ease-on-Down-the-Road-in-NBCs-THE-WIZ-LIVE-20150728 |url-status=live }}

File:Circo del Sol.JPG

Touring Cirque du Soleil shows are customarily mounted under a grand chapiteau (i.e. big top) hauled from site to site along with a large entrance tent, artistic tent, kitchen, school, and other items necessary to support the cast and crew.{{Cite web |date=17 December 2017 |title=Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna raises the big tent |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/cirque-du-soleils-amaluna-raises-the-big-tent |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061536/https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/cirque-du-soleils-amaluna-raises-the-big-tent |archive-date=20 December 2019 |access-date=19 December 2019 |website=DailyHive |language=en}}

It typically takes eight days to set up and three to break down the site. About 100 local workers are hired as temporary staff, overseen by one of the company's tent masters.

Before 2006, Cirque du Soleil performed exclusively in tents and permanent theatres, with the exception of the brief arena tours of Le Grand Tour du Cirque du Soleil in 1984 and Fascination in 1992. 2006's Delirium was the company's first significant touring show for the arena market.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/markets-festivals/cirque-du-soleil-delirium-1200513302/|title=Cirque du Soleil: Delirium|last=Martinez|first=Julio|date=18 September 2006|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061537/https://variety.com/2006/legit/markets-festivals/cirque-du-soleil-delirium-1200513302/|url-status=live}} Its success led Cirque du Soleil to re-stage its Grand Chapiteau shows for arena tours, beginning with Saltimbanco in 2007 and subsequently with most of their major Grand Chapiteau productions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/archives/not-your-father-s-circus/article_8ddfea62-50f1-5109-9eee-c6ec013defd5.html|title=Not Your Father's Circus|last=Kyzer|first=Kevin|date=11 May 2011|website=Free Times|language=en|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061540/https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/archives/not-your-father-s-circus/article_8ddfea62-50f1-5109-9eee-c6ec013defd5.html|url-status=live}}

The company's tours contribute to venue cities' economies: renting lots for shows, parking spaces, selling and buying promotions, renting hotel rooms, purchasing food, and hiring local help. For example, during its 2009 stay in Santa Monica, California, Koozå brought an estimated {{US$|16700000|2009}} to the city government and local businesses.{{cite web|url=http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2011-04-25-71709.113116-City-Hall-close-to-bringing-back-Cirque-du-Soleil.html|title=City Hall close to bringing back Cirque du Soleil|publisher=Santa Monica Daily Press|date=26 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729001631/http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2011-04-25-71709.113116-City-Hall-close-to-bringing-back-Cirque-du-Soleil.html |archive-date=29 July 2012}}

{{main|Cirque du Soleil discography}}

The company's multimedia division Cirque du Soleil Images creates original products for film, television, video, and DVD and distributes its productions worldwide. Its creations have garnered numerous awards, including a multiple Gemini Awards and seven Primetime Emmy Awards for Fire Within, Corteo, Dralion, Nouvelle Expérience, and Le Cirque Réinventé.

In November 2003, gymnast Matthew Cusick (represented by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund) filed a discrimination complaint against Cirque du Soleil in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.{{cite journal|url=http://www.americanbar.org/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/human_rights_vol31_2004/fall2004/irr_hr_fall04_casestudy.html|author=Hayley Gorenberg|title=Confronting HIV discrimination in the workplace: A case study|journal=Human Rights Magazine|volume=31|number=4|date=Fall 2004|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118132450/http://www.americanbar.org/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/human_rights_vol31_2004/fall2004/irr_hr_fall04_casestudy.html|url-status=live}}Sarah Kaufman, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/fired-by-cirque-du-soleil-matthew-cusick-landed-on-his-feet/2011/09/13/gIQAWuHjPK_story.html Fired by Cirque du Soleil, Matthew Cusick Landed on His Feet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116163701/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/fired-by-cirque-du-soleil-matthew-cusick-landed-on-his-feet/2011/09/13/gIQAWuHjPK_story.html |date=16 January 2017 }}, Washington Post (13 September 2011). Cusick (a trainee performer who was scheduled to begin working at Mystère) alleged that in April 2002, Cirque du Soleil fired him because he tested HIV-positive, even though company doctors had already cleared him as healthy enough to perform. Cirque du Soleil alleged that due to the nature of Cusick's disease coupled with his job's high risk of injury, there was a significant risk of his infecting other performers, crew or audience members.{{cite news|url=http://www.advocate.com/news/2004/03/30/matthew-cusick-stronger-mighty-cirque|author=Patrick Letellier|title=Stronger than the mighty Cirque|work=The Advocate|date=30 March 2003|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116185824/http://www.advocate.com/news/2004/03/30/matthew-cusick-stronger-mighty-cirque|url-status=live}} Cirque du Soleil said that they had several HIV-positive employees, but in the case of Cusick, the risk of him spreading his infection while performing was too high to take the risk. A boycott ensued and Just Out ran a story on it with the headline "Flipping off the Cirque".{{cite web|url=http://www.washblade.com/2003/8-15/news/localnews/cirque.cfm|author=Bryan Anderton|title=D.C. gymnast says Cirque "crushed" his dream|access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185236/http://www.washblade.com/2003/8-15/news/localnews/cirque.cfm |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead}} Cirque du Soleil settled with Cusick in April 2004. Under the settlement, the company began a company-wide anti-discrimination training program; changed its employment practices pertaining to HIV-positive applicants; paid Cusick $60,000 in lost wages, $200,000 in front pay, and $300,000 in compensatory damages; and paid $40,000 in attorney fees to Lambda Legal.

An additional complaint was filed on Cusick's behalf by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Their complaint stemmed from the City of San Francisco's ban on city contracting with employers that discriminate based on HIV status; the circus leases property owned by the city-owned Port of San Francisco.{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/11/22/BAGG838H771.DTL|first=Vanessa|last=Hua|title=S.F. to probe firing of circus worker|access-date=11 August 2007|date=22 November 2003|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|archive-date=22 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222185626/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2003%2F11%2F22%2FBAGG838H771.DTL|url-status=live}}

Cirque du Soleil opposed Neil Goldberg and his company Cirque Productions over its use of the word "Cirque" in the late 1990s. Goldberg's company was awarded a trademark on its name "Cirque Dreams" in 2005.{{cite web | url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/performingarts/article972823.ece | title=Cirque Dreams founder sets his creation apart | work=Tampa Bay Times | date=3 February 2009 | access-date=4 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012170730/http://www.tampabay.com/features/performingarts/article972823.ece | archive-date=12 October 2012 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:2uk23d.4.2 | work=United States Patent and Trademark Office | title=Word Mark: CIRQUE DREAMS | date=17 June 2004 | access-date=4 November 2012 | archive-date=17 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017223522/http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:2uk23d.4.2 | url-status=live }}

In August 1999, Fremonster Theatrical filed an application for the trademark Cirque de Flambé. This application was opposed by the owners of the Cirque du Soleil trademark in August 2002, on the grounds that it would cause confusion and "[dilute] the distinctive quality" of Cirque du Soleil's trademarks. A judge dismissed the opposition and the Cirque de Flambé trademark application was approved in 2005.{{cite web | url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/foia/ttab/other/2004/91152686.pdf | publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office | title=THE DREAM MERCHANT COMPANY, KFT. v. FREMONSTER THEATRICAL. Opposition No. 91152686. | date=17 June 2004 | access-date=4 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216222213/https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/foia/ttab/other/2004/91152686.pdf | archive-date=16 February 2017 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=|first=|date=17 June 2004|title=Word Mark: CIRQUE DE FLAMBE|url=http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:2uk23d.2.57|access-date=4 November 2012|work=United States Patent and Trademark Office|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017223521/http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:2uk23d.2.57|url-status=live}}

In April 2016, Cirque du Soleil filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Sony Music Entertainment in federal court in New York, alleging that Timberlake's song "Don't Hold the Wall" (co-written with Timbaland) from his third studio album The 20/20 Experience (2013) infringed the copyright of Cirque du Soleil's song "Steel Dream" from its 1997 album Quidam.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-timberlake-sony-lawsuit-idUSKCN0WX2VY Justin Timberlake sued by Cirque du Soleil over hit song] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422072411/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-timberlake-sony-lawsuit-idUSKCN0WX2VY |date=22 April 2017 }}, Reuters (1 April 2016). The two parties settled out of court.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Kellie |date=2016-09-09 |title=(EXCLUSIVE) Justin Timberlake Reaches Settlement in Cirque du Soleil Lawsuit Over Stolen Music |url=https://thejasminebrand.com/2016/09/09/justin-timberlake-reaches-settlement-cirque-du-soleil-lawsuit-stolen-music/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=theJasmineBRAND |language=en-US}}

In 2016 the company cancelled of all touring shows to North Carolina, including Ovo in both Greensboro and Charlotte, and Toruk in Raleigh, following signature of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (commonly known as "HB2") by North Carolina governor Pat McCrory.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/cirque-du-soleil-north-carolina-hb2-legislation-1201738515/|title=Cirque Du Soleil Cancels N.C. Performances To Protest Anti-Gay Law|website=Deadline|access-date=5 January 2020|date=15 April 2016|first=Greg|last=Evans|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127064644/https://deadline.com/2016/04/cirque-du-soleil-north-carolina-hb2-legislation-1201738515/|url-status=live}} Cirque du Soleil was criticized for this decision and accused of taking a double standard, for cancelling the shows in North Carolina while many times they have performed their shows in countries like the United Arab Emirates which violates a number of fundamental human rights.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-ct-disney-cirque-north-carolina-bathroom-20160510-snap-story.html|title=For Cirque, Disney and others, does standing up for LGBT rights require ethical acrobatics?|first=David|last=Ng|website=Los Angeles Times|date=27 May 2016|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151321/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-ct-disney-cirque-north-carolina-bathroom-20160510-snap-story.html|url-status=live}}

On 16 October 2009, 24-year-old performer Oleksandr "Sacha" Zhurov, of Ukraine, died at a hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from head injuries he had sustained during a training session.{{cite news|title=Cirque du soleil fined for accident that killed acrobat|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-fined-for-accident-that-killed-acrobat-1.525733|access-date=20 May 2017|author=The Canadian Press|date=23 June 2010|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063135/https://www.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-fined-for-accident-that-killed-acrobat-1.525733|url-status=live}} He had been with the company only a few months at the time of the accident.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-of-head-injuries-1.783628|title=Cirque du Soleil performer dies of head injuries {{!}} CBC News|work=CBC|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-US|archive-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329081443/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-of-head-injuries-1.783628|url-status=live}} An initial report of the incident said Zhurov had fallen off a trampoline{{Cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-after-trampoline-fall-1.444534|title=Cirque du Soleil performer dies after trampoline fall|date=2009-10-17|work=CTVNews|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-CA|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320043902/https://www.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-after-trampoline-fall-1.444534|url-status=live}} but, in 2010, it was reported he had fallen while doing training exercises on a Russian swing. An investigation by Quebec's occupational-safety board decided that while Zhurov made the error that ultimately resulted in his death, the company should be fined $1,915 for failing to adequately determine the risks associated with equipment.

On 29 June 2013, 31-year-old performer Sarah "Sasoun" Guyard-Guillot, of France, died in an ambulance en route to hospital as the result of blunt force trauma she had sustained from a fall during a performance of Kà in Las Vegas, Nevada.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-artist-dies-after-fall-in-vegas-1200503411/|title=Cirque du Soleil Denies Safety Harness Failed in Fatal Fall|last=Cohen|first=David S.|date=2013-07-01|work=Variety|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-US|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320043820/https://variety.com/2013/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-artist-dies-after-fall-in-vegas-1200503411/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web

| title = Cirque du Soleil Tragedy Puts Focus on Aerial Acts

| work = Wall Street Journal

| date = 22 April 2015

| access-date = 25 April 2015

| url = https://www.wsj.com/video/cirque-du-soleil-tragedy-puts-focus-on-aerial-acts/A62E2235-A7CE-4169-A7F7-5D6300FFF416.html

| archive-date = 25 April 2015

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150425011358/http://www.wsj.com/video/cirque-du-soleil-tragedy-puts-focus-on-aerial-acts/A62E2235-A7CE-4169-A7F7-5D6300FFF416.html

| url-status = live

}}{{cite web|title=Cirque du Soleil artist killed in fall from stage during 'Ka' at MGM Grand|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2013/jun/30/cirque-suffers-another-accident-artist-falls-ka-mg/#ixzz2XkDExLwb|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=30 June 2013|date=2013-06-30|archive-date=1 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701114736/http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2013/jun/30/cirque-suffers-another-accident-artist-falls-ka-mg/#ixzz2XkDExLwb|url-status=live}} She'd been with the company since 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/jul/09/on-stage-death-cirque-du-soileil|title=Performer's on-stage death adds to Cirque du Soleil's troubles|last=Nestruck|first=Kelly|date=2013-07-09|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-03-19|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110914/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/jul/09/on-stage-death-cirque-du-soileil|url-status=live}} It was originally thought that Guyard-Guillot's safety harness had failed her and that was what resulted in her fall but, in actuality, a cable responsible for keeping her in the air had been cut after accidentally being knocked loose by movement during the performance.{{Cite news|url=https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2014/dec/09/sarah-guillot-guyard-family-has-been-taken-care-of/|title=Sarah Guillot-Guyard's family 'has been taken care of' as Final Battle Scene returns to 'Ka'|date=2014-12-09|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105400/https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2014/dec/09/sarah-guillot-guyard-family-has-been-taken-care-of/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cirque-du-soleil-performers-death-579930|title=Cirque du Soleil Performer's Death Ruled Accidental|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029234823/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/cirque-du-soleil-performers-death-579930/|url-status=live}} Reports as to how far Guyard-Guillot fell differ from source to source, with some saying she fell as little as 50 feet and others as much as 94 feet. The show resumed 17 days after the death without the final aerial battle scene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-cirque-du-soleil-ka-20130714-story.html|title=Cirque du Soleil says 'Ka' performances will resume Tuesday|last=Ng|first=David|date=2013-07-15|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-05|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919055113/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-cirque-du-soleil-ka-20130714-story.html|url-status=live}} The company was fined as a result.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38174331|title=Cirque du Soleil tech dies on set|date=2016-12-01|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029234834/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38174331|url-status=live}}

On 29 November 2016, 42-year-old set technician Olivier Rochette, from Canada, died in San Francisco, California, from head injuries he had sustained after accidentally being hit in the head by an aerial lift while preparing for a production of Luzia.{{Cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3099817/son-of-cirque-du-soleil-co-founder-dies-after-accident-at-luzia-show-in-san-francisco/|title=Son of Cirque du Soleil co-founder dies after accident at 'Luzia' show in San Francisco|work=Global News|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320045615/https://globalnews.ca/news/3099817/son-of-cirque-du-soleil-co-founder-dies-after-accident-at-luzia-show-in-san-francisco/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/circus-horror-founder-cirque-du-9370443|title=Founder of Cirque du Soleil's son killed in freak circus accident|last=Haworth|first=Jessica|date=2016-12-01|work=mirror|access-date=2018-03-19|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105421/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/circus-horror-founder-cirque-du-9370443|url-status=live}} Rochette was the son of Cirque du Soleil co-founder Gilles Ste-Croix.

On 17 March 2018, 38-year-old aerial straps performer Yann Arnaud, of France, died at a hospital in Tampa, Florida, after falling during a performance of Volta.{{Cite web

| title = Un artiste du Cirque du Soleil meurt après une chute sur scène

| work = Le journal de Montréal

| date = 18 March 2018

| access-date = 18 March 2018

| url = http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2018/03/18/un-artiste-du-cirque-du-soleil-meurt-apres-une-chute-sur-scene-1

| archive-date = 18 March 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318204453/http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2018/03/18/un-artiste-du-cirque-du-soleil-meurt-apres-une-chute-sur-scene-1

| url-status = live

}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cirque-du-soleil-star-yann-arnaud-plunges-death-during-florida-n857761|title=Cirque du Soleil aerobatics star plunges to death during Florida show|work=NBC News|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319144616/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cirque-du-soleil-star-yann-arnaud-plunges-death-during-florida-n857761|url-status=live}} He had been with the company for 15 years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/french-cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-after-fall-at-florida-show-1.3848026|title=French Cirque du Soleil performer dies after fall at Florida show|date=2018-03-18|work=CTVNews|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-CA|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319134126/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/french-cirque-du-soleil-performer-dies-after-fall-at-florida-show-1.3848026|url-status=live}}

• Criss Angel, magician and frequent collaborator
• Anthony Gatto, juggler
• Guy Laliberté, founder and former CEO
• Mathieu Laplante, producer, director, choreographer, and former circus performer
• Thom Wall, juggler and publisher of academic circus books
• Mason Ryan, former WWE wrestler and current Cirque du Soleil performer

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Cirque du Soleil}}

• {{Official website|www.cirquedusoleil.com/}}
• {{NYTtopic|organizations/c/cirque_du_soleil}}
• [https://www.nfb.ca/film/cirque_american_odyssey/ The Cirque: An American Odyssey], documentary film about Cirque du Soleil's 1988 U.S. tour, National Film Board of Canada

{{Cirque du Soleil}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Music Film}}

{{Circus skills}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Good article}}

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