Stéphanie Leroy (M09): “The Cirque du Soleil almost didn’t survive COVID”

Stéphanie Leroy (M09) has been working for Cirque du Soleil in Montreal for the past 10 years. Here, she takes us behind the scenes at this unique entertainment company that only just made it through the worst crisis in its history. 

ESSEC Alumni: Why did you decide to move to Montréal?

Stéphanie Leroy: My parents are French but I was born and grew up in Quebec. Following my specialist masters in Strategy & Management of International Business at ESSEC and a few jobs in the USA, Spain, and India, I decided to return home. I like Montreal with its multiculturalism and open mind, its mix of the French and English languages, and its North American and European influences, but also for its safety, working hours that are compatible with raising a family, its nightlife, and its internationally renowned restaurants, not to mention its architecture and green spaces.

EA: How did you end up working for the Cirque du Soleil?

S. Leroy: I’d just moved to Montreal when I went to a Christmas night out for ESSEC alumni living in the city. There I met Carole Garnier (M96) who was working for the Cirque du Soleil. We got on really well and two months later I was hired in the procurement department! 

EA: What does the Cirque du Soleil do today?

S. Leroy: Cirque du Soleil Group is still a one of a kind. The adventure began in 1984 with around 20 acrobats who completely reinvented the circus arts. Over the years, the Cirque du Soleil became the world leader in live entertainment. It’s a fascinating, dynamic company, that since its launch has amazed more than 190 million spectators in almost 450 cities in 60 countries. It’s worth noting that, contrary to what some might think, there are no animals in the Cirque du Soleil: everything is focused on human performance and pushing the limits of our imaginations. 

EA: What is your role at the Cirque du Soleil? 

S. Leroy: I’m currently director of procurement for the Cirque’s tours. My team issues calls for tender and negotiates and manages contracts with the suppliers and business partners for all of our touring shows – more than 20 of them worldwide, at least before the pandemic. 

EA: How did Covid affect the Cirque du Soleil?

S. Leroy: The pandemic severely affected our work. In just one week, our 44 shows were all shut down, including our resident shows in Las Vegas and those linked to special events and our subsidiaries. In other words: all of our income was cut off overnight. For the first time in 36 years, the troupe’s survival was at stake. Almost 4350 out of 4500 employees had to be dismissed, and we were placed under the protection of bankruptcy laws before being sold on to new owners. 

EA: After those challenging times, how does the future look for the Cirque du Soleil?

S. Leroy: The troupe is finding its feet. Six shows are back up and running in Las Vegas, and our first big top has recently been erected in Houston, Texas. We’ll soon be starting touring again with Alegria. The other shows will gradually return to work. 

EA: What are your ambitions for the Cirque du Soleil? 

S. Leroy: For the time being we are focusing on our recovery, which demands a lot of agility with our reduced workforce, as well as all of the relationships to rebuild with our internal customers and suppliers alike. We need to show we are flexible, adjust to new market realities, and be versatile in how we work. It’s going to be a tough time, but also an extremely rewarding one! 

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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Image : © Cirque du Soleil