Cirque du Soleil to Boost Houston Economy with Local Staff Hires for KURIOS

As Cirque du Soleil prepares for its Houston return in April with KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities, Houstonians can applaud the behind the curtain benefits that the show will bring to the local economy.

Employment may be the biggest impact KURIOS will have on Houston - the show is currently seeking almost 200 staff members to assist in a variety of logistical aspects. These positions include ushers and box office clerks, as well as chefs and costume dressers. The short-term roles begin as early as March 29 and would run through May 23. Although these jobs are temporary, they are critical to the operation of KURIOS and pay up to $18 an hour.

KURIOS' economic impact also comes in the form of permit and site rental fees, construction materials, food and lodging costs for their nearly 200 strong tour staff, not to mention the associated local taxes Cirque du Soleil pays for when the iconic blue-and-yellow "Big Top" comes to town. Neighboring shops and restaurants will undoubtedly see an increase in their business as KURIOS brings hundreds of patrons nightly to witness the show. Although every city and show vary, Redmond, WA saw a direct economic impact evaluated at $10 - 15 million dollars when a Cirque du Soleil show toured their community in 2013.

Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden world - a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.

The Houston engagement of KURIOS will run April 6 through May 21. Ranging from $35 -$175, tickets are available for purchase to the public by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Those interested in employment while the show is in Houston can visit www.adeccousa.com/cirquedusoleil.

Photo: Martin Girard / shootstudio.ca Costumes: Philippe Guillotel © 2014 Cirque du Soleil