Montréal is renowned as the Circus Capital of the World, not least because it’s the founding place of the world’s most famous circus, bar none: Cirque du Soleil. Montréal’s circus scene boasts a crowd-drawing circus summer festival, a 40-year-old circus school, an incredible specialized circus performance centre, along with some world-renowned circus troupes — from 7 Fingers to Cirque Éloize and Machine à Cirque — that entertain all year round. If you want to add a little acrobatic pizzazz to your events, you’re in the right place! Here are the service providers that can help you do it.
Cirque du Soleil
Headquartered in Montréal, the Cirque du Soleil is one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies specializing in contemporary circus arts. It employs over 1,300 from nearly 50 countries. More than 180 million spectators in over 400 cities in some 60 countries across six continents have enjoyed the Cirque’s shows. In short: it makes people happy! Delight your delegates with a trip to the circus thanks to their selection of group possibilities, ranging from standard group offers (discounts, some priority seating opportunities) all the way to premium VIP Salon offers (private section of the VIP Suite for up to 60 guests, cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres before the show, sweet treats during intermission, exclusive gifts and more).
Le Monastère
Le Monastère is a non-profit company that supports the growth and development of contemporary circus by offering artists a platform to showcase their original creations, in an incredible space — a retrofitted church — that has the allure of a classic German cabaret. Le Monastère will provide highly trained circus acts that can be tailored to your group’s theme or special project. Contortionists? Jugglers? Tightrope walkers? Yes, yes, and yes. Le Monastère can develop shows according to your vision, privatize its Cabaret space for events of up to 350 people, or simply offer a 10 to 15% discount to their regular programming for groups, depending on details. Think of it as a turnkey entertainment provider sure to exceed expectations.
7 Fingers
With a long list of prestigious awards to their credit, 7 Fingers have kept true to their mandate of creativity and community. They’ve put on spectacular international appearances and performances — including Olympic ceremonies, fashion spectacles, music events and immersive experiences — and have a reputation as trendsetters is known the world over. Beside the troupe’s performative talents, the 7 Fingers Creation Centre also has spaces for events that will suit from 20 to 700 people — and there’s even an outdoor option for the warmer months.
TOHU
TOHU, Montréal’s home to the circus arts, has won awards for its distinctive impact on tourism. Its unique offering stands alone in the world for the sheer size of its space and its endeavours, for its impact on the downtown core during the summer months thanks to festivals and activations, and for its positive impact on the local circus community. Situated at the heart of the Cité des arts du cirque, the TOHU headquarters are home to a unique performance hall in North America: a circular, 360-degree room that can hold up to 1,200 people.
Cirque Éloize
Since its inception in 1993, Cirque Éloize has ranked among the world’s leading contemporary circuses. Its head office and creative studio boast 360° video mapping, to transport up to 350 guests into a totally immersive environment. Cirque Éloize offers three custom-tailored options for performances in their studios or the location of your choosing. When planning a prestige evening gala, intimate celebration or other event, add a daring dash of festive creativity characteristic of Cirque Éloize performers and their masterful team; and if you time your event to coincide with one of their shows onsite, know that they can be privatized for groups and combined with a festive cocktail.
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