As a result Cirque du Soleil shows occur predominantly in cities with higher socio-economic status.
There has been a decrease in birth rate in industrialized nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as a larger number of families are choosing to have fewer or no children. This has led to an increase in expenditure on luxury goods, allowing Cirque du Soleil a great deal of commercial success with touring shows in these areas. Many traditional circuses face hindrances when entering countries due to animal activist groups and legal barriers. Cirque du Soleil chooses not to employ animals as part of their show. As a result, travel between countries is made easier which affords Cirque du Soleil a greater number of potential destinations.
The rise of developing nations, such as China, has presented new opportunities for expansion of show destinations. Cirque du Soleil touring shows require a 65% seat capacity to break even (Simpson, 2011). To ensure the substantial costs of travel and production are covered, shows are generally performed in cities with large populations (Simpson, 2011). The Global Financial Crisis overall led to an increase in savings and a reduction in disposable income, therefore reducing ticket sales.
Recent expansions in media technology have led to improvements in Cirque du Soleil's media sector, with the development of a 3D animated feature (Casadesus-Masanell and Aucoin, 2010). The introduction and improvement of web-based ticket sales and event management has also meant operation costs in both fixed location and touring shows have been reduced (Casadesus-Masanell and Aucoin, 2010). Improvements in technology across the entertainment industry permits Cirque du Soleil to constantly expand their creative scope, allowing development of better stages with more complex lighting, sound and stage systems, and costumes.
Cirque du Soleil utilizes very high personal safety standards regardless of their location.
