Artistic Director – ‘Auana

Artistic Support

Full-Time Position

Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has pushed the limits of imagination, delivering creative and magical performances that transcend audiences around the world. Innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do, and our people are the driving force behind it all.

We are looking for passionate, ambitious individuals who thrive on creating exceptional experiences and want to grow with a team unlike any other. Join the Cirque adventure!

The Artistic Director is the creative and artistic steward of ‘Auana who is responsible for preserving the integrity of the show while continuously elevating its Artistic excellence. This role leads the mentorship and development of the Artistic team, upholds quality standards under the governance of Show Quality. The ideal candidate will foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive artistic culture, with a strong emphasis on the Hawaiian culture at the heart of ‘Auana.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, and working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Show Quality, the Artistic Director bridges Artistic vision with operational priorities, fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment where creativity and cultural authenticity thrive. This is a full-time, in-person position based in Honolulu, HI.

Artistic Quality & Standards

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  • →Ensure the show meets and maintains high artistic and performance standards as established during creation, including staging, choreography, cues, musical score, costumes, make-up, lighting, and sound design.
  • →Implement and follow up on artistic, acrobatic, and technical adjustments in alignment with the governance of Show Quality.
  • →Make recommendations to the General Manager and Senior Director Show Quality for any artistic or acrobatic changes needed for the show's continued excellence.
  • →Drive consistency and innovation across all Artistic elements of ‘Auana and uphold the significance and importance of Hawaiian Culture in the essence to which ‘Auana was created.

Team Leadership & People Management

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  • →Directly manage core Artistic functions including Artists, Coaches, Stage Management and Performance Medicine for ‘Auana.
  • →Oversee all daily general, artistic, and acrobatic operations of the Artists and Artistic team (Coaching, Performance Medicine, General Stage Manager, and their staff).
  • →Guide performance management decisions for Artists in collaboration with the General Manager.
  • →Partner with the General Manager on Artist contract renewals and the annual salary review.
  • →Communicate with all Artists to ensure they are current on the specifics of their roles and cues and provide ongoing Artistic notes to maintain quality.
  • →Plan and prepare performance evaluations for Artists with the Artistic team.

Casting, Integration & Rehearsals

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  • →Be responsible for all casting needs for ‘Auana and collaborate with Senior Director of Show Quality as needed.
  • →Oversee the integration of new Artists, new acts, and returning Artists (including those returning after medical rehabilitation) into the show.
  • →Oversee rehearsals and performance training, ensuring alignment with artistic priorities.

Collaboration & Culture

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  • →Share best practices and foster cross-functional collaboration, ensuring synergy between the Artistic functions of all shows.
  • →Collaborate with other departments to balance artistic and operational needs.
  • →Model the principles of co-leadership, fostering shared accountability.
  • →Promote a positive, inclusive, and creative working environment for Artists and staff, encouraging innovation and professional growth.
  • →Maintain a professional and constructive working environment with peers and Artists.
  • →Champion the cultural integrity and significance of Hawaiian culture as a foundational element of 'Auana, ensuring its authentic representation is honored and thoughtfully woven throughout all artistic, choreographic, and performative aspects of the show.

Budget & Operations

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  • →Support the artistic budget, in collaboration with the General Manager, ensuring resources are used efficiently to maintain artistic excellence.
  • →Respond to emergencies and support operational adjustments as needed.
  • →Always remain accessible for emergencies.

Education & Experience

• • College diploma in Drama, Dance, Acrobatics, or a related Artistic/Production field, OR equivalent relevant work experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in live show entertainment for large-scale productions, with exposure to automation and aerial cues.
  • Strong leadership experience managing Artists and Artistic disciplines, including related administrative processes, in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Past on-stage experience as a performer within a dance background (preferred).

Skills & Attributes

• • Proven ability to align artistic and operational priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent observational, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor others.
  • Multicultural experience and sensitivity; fluency in spoken and written English required (additional languages are a strong asset).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft applications in a Windows environment.
  • Availability on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by show schedules.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace. As a proud ambassador of equality in employment, we are committed to eliminating discrimination based on age, skin color, origins, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other characteristic. Neutral and inclusive writing is preferred for all job postings.

Working with a circus is unlike any other organization, and our employer proposal reflects that. You can expect a variety of events to enhance your experience, meaningful challenges to boost your career, and a group insurance program, all within a community known for its extraordinary spirit of togetherness.