After Hours

Photos: Backstage at Cirque du Soleil

By // July 18, 2006, 8:43 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • The main soundboard, which controls all the music the audience hears during Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo," is entirely digital and commands a terrific view of the stage during a rehearsal in San Francisco.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • The opening act of the second half of "Corteo," which is titled "Paradise," involves a precisely installed 150-foot-long trampoline on which a dozen artists leap high into the air.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • "Corteo" features two huge track systems that arch over its stage. A computer controls the movement of the dollies along the tracks, from which every act in the show featuring midair artists or props is suspended.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • "Corteo" is the only traveling Cirque du Soleil show that uses all digital mixing boards.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • One of the early acts in "Corteo" features acrobats swinging and gyrating on three large chandeliers suspended from the tracks above.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • "Corteo" performers practice the chandelier act hours before the curtain opens for a Wednesday evening show.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • A "Corteo" technician works at the controls of the computer that runs the show's advanced dolly movement system.

    Daniel Terdiman

  • "Corteo" is held inside one of Cirque du Soleil's trademark blue and yellow big tops. This one has also hosted "Varekai" and "Quidam," two other traveling shows.

    Daniel Terdiman

The main soundboard, which controls all the music the audience hears during Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo," is entirely digital and commands a terrific view of the stage during a rehearsal in San Francisco.

Daniel Terdiman

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...