How Cirque Happened

Back in September of 2008, a talent scout for Cirque du Soleil found my pic on Now Casting and e-mailed me about Cirque’s upcoming Vegas show about Elvis. I was asked if I was interested in auditioning for the role of Elvis’ mom, Gladys. After figuring out that it wasn’t a scam (I mean, who would believe that Cirque du Soleil would just contact me out of the blue?), I went to the audition. After I did my monologue with the director (who I recognized from being a judge on Bravo’s Step It Up and Dance), I was asked to stick around. Just me and four other guys. What followed was an intense but amazing 3-hour audition of movement, improv, etc. By the end, 3 of us were told that we were going to be put into Cirque’s database for future shows.

A few months later, I got an e-mail that I had been a finalist for Gladys but that I didn’t get the role. I would be kept in mind as an alternate if a replacement was needed.

Then, about two weeks ago (just 2 weeks ago!?!?), I was asked to submit a tape of a dance and a dramatic improv. The role of the Nanny/Nursemaid in KA was open. A few days after sending that, I was asked to come to Vegas for a live audition. They flew me out, put me up and treated me to the show on Wed night. And the show was incredible. I auditioned on Thurs (more improv, more movement) and the artistic director stepped into another room with the casting director for a brief chat. They called me in a few moments later and offered me the role!!!!

I’ll be moving to Vegas in just a couple of weeks.  At some point, they’re going to fly me to Montreal for a week for some personalized costume fittings (I would just wear what they have in stock in Vegas until my own costume would be made).

So that’s the news and needless to say, I’m excited and overwhelmed.  Come back soon for frequent updates on my adventures!