I’m finally getting the chance to tell you about my Cirque du Soleil behind the scenes tour of Zarkana, the resident show of the ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The show itself was magnificent, and to be able to find out what goes on behind the scenes was such a treat.
Most Cirque du Soleil artists are multi-generational circus performers who’ve gone to school for it, and many are Russian. As they age out of acrobatic work, they can transition into other roles, like clowns. Also, because each act is so specialized, there are back-up acts in case someone is out for the night.
When we went into the theater, they were in rehearsals using recorded music. For actual performances, the music is always performed live.
You don’t realize the massive scale of the set and what it means to make sure the live action, stage effects, lighting and projections are seamless for the audience until you see it from a different angle.
The Zarkana stage consists of a sliding platform that retracts to allow for rapid set and equipment changes, and the lighting is designed to make these transitions practically unnoticeable.
As an act is performing, the following one is running through their act behind the scenes. There’s a huge area where that takes place. Who knew?
Also backstage, they display the international flags representing each of the countries of their performers, and this is done for every Cirque du Soleil show, not just Zarkana.
We were able to take a look at the wardrobe and costume department, and boy, do they have a big job. All costumes are precisely fit to each performer’s body and wigs are fit to their head.
But, each performer is responsible for doing their own makeup. Can you imagine?
All costumes are cleaned daily, so the bubbles on these costumes have to be removed and replaced with every cleaning. Good thing they use velcro!
Even shoes are touched up every single day.
There are two Zarkana shows a day, five days a week, so I’m sure these ladies are kept very, very busy.
It was so interesting to hear what goes into Zarkana behind the scenes. They sure have it down to a science, and it shows through in every performance. No wonder Cirque du Soleil shows are so beloved.
Have you been to see Zarkana yet? Any other Cirque du Soleil shows?
Stefani Tolson says
I have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show but it is something I would like to see one day. I like that you got a behind the scenes tour!
Katie says
I LOVE Cirque shows – I have only seen 2 (Ka and Zumanity), but they are so amazing. The performers are incredible!
Tisha Berg | Biz Mommy says
How cool to get a backstage tour! I love cirque du soliel shows, they are so unique and inventive. We went to Cavalia last year and my girls and I were mesmerized.
Karen says
I have only seen them on TV but would love to see them in person. The costumes are so wonderful.
Melinda says
We went to the laast Cirque show and it was amazing. I wish we had gotten to see the behind the scenes, it looks so cool!
Camesha says
The pieces that make those shows come to life are amazing. I’ve only gone to two Cirque shows. They are amazing.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
That is soo neat! We love Cirque du Soleil! Looks like an amazing tour! That’s so neat to get the behind the scenes scoop. Thanks for sharing with us!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
I have not been to Zarkana but I would love to! I’m a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil.Their shows are always so intriguing and creative. I love your behind the scenes tour… wow! So much going on back there 🙂
Myrabev says
Never attended a cirque before but this looks so awesome i am so jealous and would love to one day attend one. Thanks for sharing, I love the costumes
Donna says
I did see a Cirque du Soleil show years ago, but seeing a behind the scene glimpse really is amazing to see! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Melanie says
What an amazing inside view of a show I love. Thanks so much for sharing some truly amazing pictures. How fun for you! Glad to have seen it through your eyes!
Penelope says
Oh my gosh, what an adventure! They obviously care about the details, and that is why it’s a success. Can I buy those toe shoes?
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
Wow, what an experience! I would love to go back stage to see the ins and outs.
debra p says
That sounds like a fascinating experience behind the scenes. I love Cirque de Soleil shows and would love to see Zarkana.
Maggie says
How neat you got to go backstage and see where the magic really happens! Great pictures!
Singapore Mum Blog says
I would love to go backstage to see cirque de soleil any time!! We’ve watched a few shows and they are so so good!! It’s so interesting to see what goes on behind!
Miriam Schulman ( SchulmanArt) says
holy cow! What a cool fun behind the scenes look ~ I have never een to one of their shows but this blog post has definitely piqued my interest and I will look into it.
Jennifer Pritchard says
Wow! That’s so cool to see a behind the scenes view of Cirque de Solei! Must have been an awesome experience.
Jen - Life With Levi says
Ok, I’m super jealous you got to go behind the scenes – that’s awesome! I love getting a sneak peek at how the performers prepare for the amazing shows they put on. Thanks so much for sharing your photos!
Tammy Woodall says
I wish they would do a pay-per-view for a Cirque Du Soleil show for those of us that its too far to travel to see the show. That would be great.
Tracey says
Cirque has always been on my bucket list and now the urgency to see a show is even bigger! So much work and time is put into these amazing productions, I need to experience one!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I would love to go to a show soon! It’s amazing what all goes on behind the scenes.
Betty Manousos says
awesome! would love to go there, too.
happy sunday!
(and congrats on the new blog name! you’re too brave.
for me, the risk of changing the name of something people have grown to know and love is too big.)
Debbie L. says
I would love to go to one do their shows – behind the scenes had to be so much fun!
ellen beck says
I have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show but have always wanted to go. It looks magical, like fantasy like flying.
Its so cool you got to see the costumes and go backstage I bet the costumes were mind boggling!
Margarita Ibbott says
I have not seen this Cirque du Soleil show. I love going when they come to town or in Vegas. So jealous that you got to go back stage
Jenn says
Wow, I guess I never thought of all the work that goes on behnd the scenes, like cleaning costumes.
Carly says
I had no idea that they did their own makeup! I love cirque, the shows are always amazing!
Rebecca Parsons says
That is pretty awesome. I saw a show the other day on how hard the acrobats work and it is amazing how much time they have to spend together to get timing right on everything. Sure makes you appreciate the show even more.
Meghan says
I never knew they had to do their own make up. WoW! I can barely do my own makeup which is way less than they do.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
What a treat, Liz! I do love Cirque. Whenever we go to Vegas, I spend every night seeing shows.
sandra davis says
What a great opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes. I have never got to see a performance before but I have heard wonderful things from people I know that have seen it.
Lisa Rios says
The show looks amazing & I am sure you would have had great fun in enjoying in knowing what is happening behind the scenes. The pictures are so great as well. I would love to take my kids to visit sometime soon.
Bradley Finnearty says
Cirque du Soleil has always interested me. I have never had the opportunity to see them in person. To bad, it looks like so much fun for the family.
Michele P says
wow, you never really know what goes on behind the scenes of a huge production like this until you see it first hand. I’ve never seen this show, but heard good things about it. I always thought they had someone do their makeup, so I was surprised they had to do their own… I find it interesting too that the performers are from so many countries, I always thought they were all from Russia or Eastern Europe but looking at the flags there are many countries involved in this show. Thanks for sharing what goes on behind the scenes, it definitely makes me more appreciative of all the hard work the performers and all the others involved in the twice daily shows do…
Raine says
Wow, what a huge undertaking. I love anything behind the scenes, I always find it so interesting. How cool that you were able to see all if that. I know there’s a lot involved in the Cirque du Soleil productions but that’s more than I expected, especially that ththe performers do their own makeup. Thank you for the great ‘tour’.
Lauren says
I love cirque de soleil but I’ve never seen this one! It looks really awesome, and I want to see it! Thanks for the fun pictures!
Shaney Vijendranath says
Wow this sounds amazing! I haven’t watched it yet but would love to. I can’t imagine doing such hectic makeup everyday. They definitely pros at it.
Alissa Apel says
That looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to one of their shows. We do have one of their DVDs. Mica in particular loves it!
Tess says
I’ve never been to a show before. I really would like to see one somevday.
Leah says
I’ve never seen a Cirque de Soleil show, but I’ve heard they are wonderful! I so surprised to hear that the performers to their own makeup; it looks so intricate!
Franc Ramon says
I can see how much time and effort are put into cirque de soleil shows. They really pay attention to the details.
Colleen says
I would so love to see a show sometime!
toughcookiemommy says
I think that Cirque Du Solely is such a beautiful show. I can’t wait to take my family to see it.
Angela says
I am such a huge fan of the Cirque shows. This is one that I am dying to see. I love that you got to go behind the scenes.
brian miller says
ha. cool to see a bit of the magic behind the scenes….
i would love to take in a cirque de soleil live sometime…
Real Talk Moms says
I have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show but it is on my list of things to do! I would love to see Zarkana. Thanks for the backstage view of the show.
Kecia says
What an experience, getting to go behind the scenes like this! I went to my first Cirque de Soleil show last year – Amaluna. We also got to chat with the PR rep and a couple people from the costumes and props departments. It was amazing!
lisa @bitesforbabies says
I can’t believe that I still haven’t been to a Cirque du Soleil show!!! I’ve heard (and I think it’s pretty obvious) that they’re amazing!
Erin says
That is so incredible! I’ve always wondered what it was like behind the scenes!
Eliz Frank says
It is amazing how much effort goes into creating such a spectacular show. I’d love to go see a show again. It’s been a while.
Debra says
This is so cool! I have always wanted to see a show!
Jess Weaver says
I have never seen a show. The behind the scenes tour you shared makes me very interested in checking it out.
Kori says
I love Cirque Du Doleil. It’s just like poetry in motion, such a beautiful show all around.
Jennifer Sikora says
Looks like you had an amazing time!! I have always wanted to see the Cirque de Soliel.
HilLesha says
I have never attended a Cirque du Soleil show before, but it’s my dream to do so one day! Hopefully, soon. 🙂
coolchillmom says
I love their show and the behind the scenes makes me appreciate them more. Amazing how intricate their costumes are!
Amy Desrosiers says
Something about those framed pictures is so creepy; yet cool! I love the magical nature of these shows.
Debi @ Life Currents says
That must have been fun. I love those shows.
Francine says
What an amazing opportunity!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
This looks like soo much fun! We love cirque du soleil.
Life As A Convert says
I’ve never seen one, but I would love to. I think the costumes are great.
lisa says
Cirque de Soleil is so cool! I couldn’t imagine doing my own makeup for these shows though!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I would love to see a cirque du soleil show. I think it would be very enjoyable.
Diane N - Philzendia says
How exciting! I know Cirque Du Soleil shows are always so over the top, so I bet you got to see a lot of really neat things behind the scenes.
Digna D. says
These are amazing photos. I would so love to see one of these Cirque du Soleil shows. Maybe this Summer in Vegas, when we head that way to visit our daughter.
Krystal says
Those are truly beautiful costumes. I hope to go one day!
Lynsey Jones says
Ohhh this is so AWESOME!!! I love Cirque – and I am pretty sure I saw Zarkana. I have been to so many – I absolutely love them all. I want to go to the water one in Vegas. It is seriously top of my To Do list.
Trisha says
It’s so cool that you had the opportunity to go behind the scenes! The costumes are amazing and it’s interesting to read about how they are cleaned daily.
Ashley Gill says
I am so hoping to see a Cirque Du Soleiel show sometime!! I am so amazed by what they can do and the behind the scenes look is awesome!!
cat says
Its so cool seeing behind the scenes. I would love to go one day, but for now I will enjoy your post. Thanks for sharing!
Cynthia R says
I would have loved to experience this, I saw my first and only Cirque du Soleil show with my aunt and cousin as a gift. It was amazing, I have never seen any performance look so beautiful. Such talent!
Raijean says
Wow, I love Cirque du Soleil shows, I saw 2 while I was in Vegas. Love the behind the scenes look.
Donella Crigger says
I haven’t been to any of their shows yet, but I’m amazed by what they can do. The performers are so talented!
noelle d says
I have been before, not this one though…
Actually got to take Broxton to one not too long ago.
They are amazing!
melisasource says
Oh wow! How amazingly cool is this!! Looks and sounds like an awesome show and experience!
Diane /ElGeorgia says
What an amazing experience to go behind the scenes. This would be a dream come true for me! Love!
It must have been incredible to see how everything gets designed!
Cathy says
Cirque du Soleil shows are simply amazing. AMAZING! Going behind the scenes would be such a fun treat.
paula schuck says
My husband and I went to Vegas two years ago. We stayed at The Wynne which is drop dead amazing and Le Reve was playing there. I think it is still on there actually. It was spectacular. I can’t even begin to believe all of the preparation and costuming and special effects that go into the Cirque shows. I am a bit surprised they do their own makeup. I would LOVE to see another one of these shows any day. Spectacular!!
Dhemz Apdian - Dias says
I’ve been to one and saw them last Christmas….I’m a fan of CDS shows, and they’re phenomenal!
Crystal says
I’ve always wanted to go to one of these shows. I’ve only seen them on TV and even then it’s amazing.
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life says
I have always wanted to go to Circe. I think when it comes to Boston the next time I am going to get us tickets. Everyone says its amazing.
Amanda says
Going to a show is on my bucket list! I think they look amazing!
Stacy says
I have seen La Nouba (the show at Downtown Disney in Orlando) twice – once when it first opened and then a few years ago I took my husband for his birthday. I also saw one of the traveling shows about two or three years ago. I know it was at Tropicana Field in St Pete, but I cannot remember the name. I traveling show I saw had the Wheel of Death, and that is one of my favorite acts!
Penny Struebig says
How fun to get to see back stage! We’ve been to several Cirque shows and think they are fabulous! It would be so cool to see the behind the scenes stuff.
TJ @ Any Given Moment says
I positively, absolutely want to see a Cirque show some day. Every time I see reviews like this, or talk to a person who’s been, It gets me even more fired up about getting there! Thanks for the behind the scenes look, Liz. Happy Friday 🙂
Tanya Lara says
Wow, this looks like a good show! I’ve only seen Cirque’s “Beatles Love,” which I absolutely adored! Great sets, fantastic music of course. It was visually stunning, gentle tribute to the Beatles; and “Zumanity,” which didn’t impress me much (except for the contortionist).
Akhil Sharma says
Not yet, but I am looking forward to see this amazing spirited journey
Lois Jones says
That is so neat!! What a treat to get to see things behind stage! I would love that!!
Erinn S says
We just saw this In November. We see a Cirque show almost every Vegas jaunt. Fun!
Pam says
That was very interesting. I have never been to one of their shows although we go to Vegas several times a year. I will have to put it on my list of things to do next time we go.
Caitlin says
What a cool place!! Looks like a place I need to check out
Christine says
I love backstage tours! I do theater, so I always love seeing the innerworkings of shows…especially ones like this!
Deborah Caudill says
Zarkana looks fabulous. I had no idea that all that went on backstage and no idea that it was so huge backstage. I have never been to a Cirque du Soleil, but would love to go.
Crystal says
It’s such a unique experience! Hope you make it one day.
Notorious Spinks says
I haven’t yet but I def want to. Your pics are gorgeous. I’m def adding this to my bucket list of events.
Crystal says
I am blown away by how much work it is to get from one show to the next. All of that cleaning must take forever!
Christie says
I’d love to get behind the scenes one day. The costumes are just amazing
Ashley says
What a great behind-the-scenes view! I saw Cirque once back in 2008 and it was incredible. Talk about incredibly talented performers!
Angelic Sinova says
AHHHH I want to see Zarkana SO BAD! I love Cirque du Soleil! I’ve been to Cirque du Soleil Quidam and OVO in Chicago and Cirque du Soleil La Nouba in downtown Disney <3
Debbie says
This is really neat. I love this behind the scenes look.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
What an incredible experience! I had no idea the performers did their own make up…so fascinating!
Rosey says
We saw a show a couple of years ago at a Michigan casino. It was good. I’m not surprised there’s so much going on behind the scenes…there’d have to be for it to go so wonderfully smoothly/well. I am surprised they clean everything every single day. That’s a good thing, but I bet time consuming. Cool tip on the make-up! That’s fun that they do their own!
Crystal says
Wow! You really get an idea of the scale when you’re up that close. It looks just breathtaking.
Dawn says
This is extremely neat! I have always wanted to see this show in person!
Karen says
What an amazing and fun experience. I have only seen Cirque on TV.
touristmeetstraveler says
Cirque du Soleil is so beautiful, I love seeing the shows; I just can’t believe how talented people are in this world!
Cat Davis says
Woah, that’s some crazy cool stuff they have. I’ve always wanted to see one of the shows but I don’t think they perform in our small town. I’d have to go to St. Louis or Chicago most likely.
Rena McDaniel says
Wow! I bet you had a blast! This looks like so much fun I’ve always wanted to see one of their shows.
Heather says
I got to go behind the scenes – not to the dressing rooms but to the technical/lights part of Zumanity 2 years ago and it’s so interesting!
Debbie L. says
Seeing a Cirque de Soleil show is on my to do list. To be be able to be behind the scenes – extra fun
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
So cool! I would love to go see that show!
Lorane says
I love Behind the Scenes posts, those Clown shoes had me in stitches. It takes a lot of skill to walk in those things. The Costumes ( dresses ) are so beautiful
Tammy Woodall says
I’ve heard that each of the shows are unique – but wonderful. The costume look beautiful.
Dee Mauser says
I’ve never been to one of those but boy does it ever look cool. It looks like a cross between a museum and a circus.
Shell says
I’d love to see a Cirque du Soleil show! How incredible that you got to go behind the scenes!
Stephanie Keeping says
Wow. It looks like a lot of fun. I love that blue dress.
Sharon says
I used to LOVE working behind the scenes for shows and plays! No one truly knows how crazy it is until they get a chance to see it themselves. I am sooooo jealous you got to hang out with the cirque de soleil!
Susan says
I saw the Cirque du Soleil O show many years ago and it was amazing! How fun and interesting that you got to see the costumes up close.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I haven’t seen any Cirque de Soleil shows – but I would LOVE TO! Those shoes are super cool – and I can’t image cleaning all those costumes so often!
Shauna says
Now this is just awesome. We saw a couple of shows in Vegas years ago and fell in love. They are coming to TX this month 🙂
Amber NElson says
Oh for fun. I want to see this when I go to Vegas in May.
Lisa Sheldon says
I always thought the costumes were spectacular. It is interesting to see how they are made and taken care of.
becca says
I have been wanting to attend a show but haven’t yet. This may be my year though.
Andrea Kruse says
What an amazing production! I have seen a few of these on DVD, never live, but would love to experience a show one day. So much creativity and artistry goes into the performance as well as the look, set, etc. What an amazing experience!
Michelle de Guzman says
These guys do every show to the nth degree. I am so captivated by the costumes and poetry of movement. Love Cirque!
Jeanine says
Wow! I absolutely love Cirque. We went and saw a show in Montreal when I was a kid. I don’t remember which, but I would love this! I need to go again!
Diane /ElGeorgia says
Wow! What an awesome experience to go behind the scenes. The costumes are beautiful. We have been to Cirque Du Soliel before and loved it. I love the pics!!
Digna D. says
Excellent post. How exciting it must have been. We have always wanted to see one of these shows. One of these days we will. Thank you for sharing.
Tammy S says
To see Cirque du Soleil is on my To Do list! I think what they do is amazing! I would love to see them. It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Kathy says
I have not see it before..this looks so amazing though! You’re very lucky to have gone behind the scenes. That must have been an awesome experience!
Daisy says
Seeing a Cirque du Soleil show is on my wishlist. We used to live in Las Vegas and I never made it to one of the shows. My husband promised that he’ll take me to a Cirque show for an anniversary one day…. so I’m patiently waiting!
Danette Lykins says
That looks amazing- thanks for sharing!
Lois Alter Mark says
How cool to go behind the scenes. I love Cirque du Soleil and can’t wait to see this show!
Kait says
This is so cool! I love seeing behind the scenes of things like this. These costumes are amazing!
Avry says
Wow.. It’s impressive how organized they are! And to clean the costumes EVERY DAY. You don’t hear of that but I am sure it makes the production look so much better. I wish I lived closer to see this!
Pam says
Wow, I didn’t know the performers were in charge of their own makeup! I bet it’s a pain to clean all those Velcro balls!
Jillian Fisher says
I would love to see one of their shows. Thanks for giving a glimpse behind the scenes!
Stacey - Travel Blogger says
I would love to see this live. I love how much work they put into their appearances for the show.
Pam says
I would love to see the show, too. It looks so creative and the performers are so dedicated.
Crystal says
That is so cool. We saw their Christmas show back in December!
Jenny Temcio says
Two shows a day, five days a week – and they do their own makeup! Wow! These people are busy!
Cindy @MomMaven says
I’ve never seen a Cirque show live. I do have a few videos though.
Theresa says
I am dying to get to a Cirque show! We have one finally coming this Christmas, but that is such a long wait! What an amazing experience getting to go behind the scenes like that!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
Thats so awesome to get a look behind the scenes of this awesome show.
Scarlet says
I absolutely love Cirque du Soleil shows! I have been to two and they were both amazing. Behind the scenes would be so fun! Thanks for sharing a sneak peek of the experience with us!
Christine Luken says
That looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to see a Clique de Soliel show!
Catherine S says
That must have been really neat. I would love to go to a show and go behind the scenes.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
These shows look amazing. How cool that you got a behind the scenes tour!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
What an amazing treat to peek behind the scenes! I haven’t been to Zarkana but I loved Ovo!
Jeannette says
I totally want to check out a Cirque show! They look like they are amazing and I’m even more intrigued after seeing these behind the scenes looks!
Krystal says
I love Cirque du Soleil. I’ve never been to a show, but with all the coverage I’ve seen of animal cruelty in traditional circuses, this seems like a super fun alternative. Yay!
aimee fauci says
I want to go to Cirque du Soleil so bad. The shows are so beautiful and the artists are so talented! We almost went one year but had to cancel.
Jennifer B says
I have always wanted to see a Cirque du Soleil show! This must have been such an amazing thing to see!
Nikki @ Tikkido says
Wow, cool! I’ve always loved amazing costumes and puppetry, and getting to peek at the back rooms of a show like that would be a dream come true!
maria @closetohome says
I have never been to cirque du soleil, and what an amazing behind the scenes look you were able to have.
Vanessa says
This is awesome and what fun. I’d love to see this show!
Amy Desrosiers says
That is so neato that you had the chance to tour behind the scenes! They always have the best costumes there!
Kelsey Apley says
Wow that is a HUGE stage, I have never been to a show, and from the picture it really shows how big it is! Their props and such are so neat looking, I hear they have some of the best live shows ever!
JoAnna says
How cool! I have always, always, ALWAYS wanted to go see Cirque du Soleil. How lucky for you to have a behind the scenes look! Thanks for sharing!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is wicked cool that you got to see the behind the scenes goings on. I saw my first Cirque show last spring and was amazed the entire time.
Jaime says
I’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show. What an amazing experience to learn about all of the behind-the-scenes action!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
If you can get to one, you should. They are really something to see!