No two days are alike at Cirque du Soleil, and that is especially true for interpreters. Some days, they might spend hours helping a single artist perfect a floor routine, while the next, they could be supporting a multilingual aerial group act. Whether it’s ensuring an artist understands the intention behind every artistic movement or relaying detailed feedback from coaches during the rehearsal of daring feats, interpreters help bridge the gap between vision and execution.
From facilitating tax meetings to assisting during physiotherapy sessions or makeup classes, interpreters adapt swiftly to meet the ever-evolving needs of the artists and the company. They effortlessly switch between English, French, and at least one other language. At times, up to half a dozen languages might be interpreted simultaneously in a single session—a vivid reflection of Cirque’s extraordinary diversity. As Sandy Gonçalves, a Foreign Language Specialist with over 20 years of experience, puts it: “It’s like a miniature United Nations operating just behind the curtain!”
The work of interpreters can be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet all day—climbing platforms or kneeling on padded mats to discreetly shadow artists who aren’t fluent in English. They often work with multiple disciplines, moving constantly between studios to ensure smooth communication across various projects.
“The nature of live entertainment makes our work both very exciting and unpredictable. I check my schedule at least five times a day because it’s constantly changing,” shared Sandy, who interprets and translates for Cirque du Soleil’s artists, coaches, and creative minds.
.Cirque du Soleil’s interpreters are fluent in a wide array of languages. While Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese are among the most spoken, the team also handles requests in Mandarin, Japanese, Hungarian, Amharic (Ethiopia), Mongolian, and more, depending on the company’s needs.
- Simultaneous Interpretation: During large-scale company meetings, such as Panorama, interpreters work from soundproof booths while attendees listen through headsets. Given the intense focus required, two interpreters rotate every 20 minutes to maintain accuracy and pace. During training sessions, where equipment is impractical, interpreters shadow artists very closely as their “plus one,” providing real-time interpretation on the move.
- Consecutive Interpretation: For one-on-one sessions, such as doctor appointments or phone calls, interpreters take turns speaking to ensure clarity and precision.
- Translation of Technical Documents: While most translations at Cirque are outsourced due to volume, interpreters step in when specialized terminology requires their expertise.
At Cirque, interpreters’ roles extend far beyond traditional translation (written) and interpretation (oral). Our unique environment often calls for additional contributions, such as helping performers perfect pronunciation in foreign languages for shows like OVO, Alegría, and Kurios. “These side projects make our job even more special. Like the time I had the opportunity to narrate the entire Crystal show in Portuguese!”, Sandy shared.
Sometimes, interpreters even step in during training sessions if a scene requires an artistic partner or if the team needs someone to record a sequence. “Our work may be invisible, but it’s absolutely essential to making everything come together in perfect harmony,” Sandy explained.
In addition to language services, interpreters help artists become more autonomous by informally teaching basic English. For many performers, joining Cirque is a lifelong dream, comparable to competing in the Olympics. However, for the nearly 20% who arrive without English proficiency, the transition into a new and often intimidating environment can be daunting. Interpreters ease this process, ensuring that performers feel welcomed, supported, and confident enough to thrive both on and off stage.
“We are the first to offer comfort during challenging times and the first to celebrate alongside performers in moments of triumph. Artists often refer to us as their safe haven. Expressing yourself in your mother tongue provides a unique sense of comfort and reassurance—there’s no need to explain or justify certain things because much of it is inherently cultural,” Sandy said.