Cirque du Soleil has laid off about 95 percent of its worldwide workforce as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Las Vegas Sun reports that in a video announcement circulated to employees Thursday, Cirque CEO and president Daniel Lamarre called the layoffs temporary and said that a small fraction of staff would remain on the company payroll.
Senior executives and managers were included in the cuts.
Sponsor Message
In a separate statement last night, Cirque said it would extend medical coverage for affected employees during the layoff period and will prepare for rehiring as soon as productions are allowed to resume.
The layoffs follow the company’s closure of both touring and resident shows this past week.