Cirque du Soleil has confirmed that it will eliminate approximately 70 positions at its Montreal headquarters. This reduction is part of a broader effort that will see around 100 positions cut company-wide, affecting locations including Montreal and Las Vegas. Several of the positions being eliminated were already vacant, according to a statement from the company.
Background of Job Cuts
This job cut announcement follows a series of similar measures taken by Cirque du Soleil in the past year. Nearly 110 employees were laid off last year at the Montreal headquarters, which represented about 2% of the workforce at that time. The current restructuring comes amid a decline in demand for Cirque du Soleil performances.
Factors Influencing Changes
- Weak demand for shows, both in residency and touring.
- A downgrade by S&P Global in October 2023.
S&P Global noted that Cirque du Soleil’s performance in 2025 fell short of expectations, contributing to negative growth projections. The agency indicated that improved cost management and the potential end of certain productions could help manage the company’s debt ratios.
Future Outlook
The economic landscape remains challenging for Cirque du Soleil. There are persistent risks regarding the company’s ability to enhance sales and achieve sustainable profitability. In November 2022, the company welcomed Mark Cornell, a British businessman, as its new CEO, which may signal a shift in strategic direction.
