Take a backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil

By Delen Goldberg

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 | 12:59 p.m.

Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Now’s your chance.

Cirque du Soleil is offering fans a behind-the-scene look at its productions. Participants can learn how to mime, help a stagehand move a set or interview an acrobat.

For $165, you can attend two shows and two workshops. A backstage pass to all seven of Cirque’s Las Vegas productions costs $561. Cirque Week runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 10.

“We are excited to offer fans Cirque Week for the second year,” Jordan Fiksenbaum, vice president of marketing and public relations, said in a statement. “We were able to take comments from last year’s attendees and make Cirque Week 2011 even better.”

Here’s what fans have to choose from:

“O” artist workshop: Characters from the aquatic adventure show “O” will teach guests how to mime, dance and clown. The class will take place on the Bellagio stage, but don’t worry, the pool will be covered. After the workshop, attendees will have a chance to ask the artists and coaches about their craft.

Theater technology demonstration at “Love” Theater: Take a backstage tour of one of the most technically advanced theaters in Las Vegas. Listen to classic Beatles tunes through the venue’s more than 6,300 speakers, and receive a crash course in how to configure 360-degree theater seating. (Hint: the custom-built stage depends on 11 lifts.)

“Mystere” bungee demonstration and costume primer: Watch a private demonstration of the bungee act from “Mystere,” and talk to the artists who perform the feat 10 times a week. See a fashion display of elaborate costumes, and listen as the head of wardrobe explains the challenges of maintaining acrobats’ clothes.

Behind the scenes with “Zumanity”: Sit through a live rehearsal of one of the show’s acts, then question the artists and crew about how they do such things. Attend a presentation by company president Daniel Lamarre, casting agents and marketing executives for a peek into the business side of Cirque.

Q&A with the cast of “Viva Elvis”: Find out what it takes to bring the King to life every night. Learn how to move a three-story, 90,000-pound Jailhouse Rock set and uncover the mysteries of performing upside-down.

“Battle 2011” with the cast of “Ka”: Discover what it takes to make a major change to a production. The final battle of “Ka” depicts a showdown between good and evil and has been in transition for more than a year as new characters and choreography have been added. Talk to the cast and crew to find out how hard it is to change a routine after six years and more than 3,000 performances.

Meet and greet with Criss Angel: Schmooze with magician Angel, star of “Believe.” But act fast. Only the first 100 guests who purchase weeklong show passes will get invites to the event.