Due Friday 3/29/19: Your Paper Is An Individual Case Write-U

Due Friday 3/29/19 Your paper is an individual case write-up

The assignment requires an individual, concise case analysis of Cirque du Soleil, addressing three specific questions: 1) What is Cirque’s product and its business model/strategy? 2) How has Cirque structured and supported its cast to deliver superior performance? 3) What are the challenges to Cirque’s continued growth and/or diversification? The write-up should not exceed three pages, single-spaced, using Times New Roman size 12 font, with one-inch margins on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. A cover page including your name, class number, and section is necessary but does not count toward the page limit. All pages must be numbered, stapled together, submitted electronically via the assignment tool by Friday, 3/29/19 at 12:30 PM, and a hard copy must be brought to class for submission at the beginning of the session. The analysis must be completed individually, with no collaboration or discussion with others, as violations will be considered cheating.

Paper For Above instruction

Cirque du Soleil revolutionized the entertainment industry by creating a unique blend of circus arts, street performance, and theatrical storytelling, establishing a distinctive product and business model that differentiates it from traditional circuses and entertainment companies. Its core product is a live performance experience that combines acrobatics, dance, music, and narrative in a theatrical setting, offering audiences an immersive and artistic spectacle. The company’s strategy hinges on innovation, artistic excellence, and experiential branding, targeting high-end markets willing to pay premium prices for novel entertainment experiences. Unlike conventional circuses that rely heavily on animals and cheap thrills, Cirque emphasizes creativity, artistry, and originality, positioning itself as a cultural brand rather than merely a circus troupe.

Structurally, Cirque du Soleil supports its cast—comprising highly skilled acrobats, dancers, musicians, and performers—through a carefully managed organizational framework that emphasizes collaboration, continuous training, and a performance-driven culture. Its talent management involves rigorous selection processes, ongoing training programs, and performance evaluations aimed at maintaining high standards of excellence. The company's organizational design promotes teamwork, with producers, directors, choreographers, and performers working closely to deliver seamless performances. A performance support system that includes state-of-the-art facilities, creative workshops, and performance feedback mechanisms ensures performers stay at the peak of their abilities, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.

Despite its success, Cirque faces considerable challenges to sustained growth and diversification. The high costs associated with innovative productions, talent retention, and global touring require substantial financial investment. Moreover, market saturation, competition from digital and other entertainment forms, and changing consumer preferences present risks to its traditional live performance revenue streams. The company must also contend with the need to adapt its business model to incorporate digital media, virtual reality experiences, and new formats that appeal to younger audiences. Additionally, recent economic downturns and health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted live entertainment venues worldwide, posing significant threats to Cirque’s operational viability and growth prospects. To sustain its market position, Cirque must innovate further, diversify its product offerings, and expand into new entertainment domains while managing financial and operational risks.

References

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