SPEAKER PREVIEW: Programming and content – lessons from Cirque du Soleil

Audiences are more demanding – and more diverse – than ever. Competition for their time and their money is at an all-time high.

So, how does one of the world’s showbiz success stories continue to drive attendance through creative programming? And, at the same time balance the art of attracting new customers while not alienating their existing client base?

And what role does the venue play in creating those experiences?

We are delighted to welcome Jack Kenn, VP Arena Shows – Touring Shows Division, Cirque du Soleil to the international AuditoriumsMeet 2012 programme to explore just that…

Joining our special roundtable session ‘Programming and Content’ on Day 2 of the conference programme, Kenn will discuss how Cirque du Soleil is positioning its new arena tours, and share the company’s insight into market/audience profile trends.

Bringing together executives from the world’s concert halls, arenas, theatres, festivals and performance spaces, AuditoriumsMeet 2012 is the essential industry meeting for venue owners, operators and developers.

REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US IN EDINBURGH

About the speaker:

Jack Kenn joined Cirque du Soleil as Assistant Technical Director during the creation of “O” in 1997. Two years later, he went to work on Blue Man Group at the Luxor Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, where he was Company Manager for five years. He then took on the position of Director of Technical Operations for the production Le Rêve at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

Jack Kenn rejoined Cirque du Soleil in 2007 as the Company Manager for KÀ. After one year in that role, he was promoted to the position of Vice-president and General Manager of the Resident Shows Division where he headed the general operations for six shows in Las Vegas and two shows in Asia. He handled relations with partners, show calendars as well as general management of a staff of over 1,500 people.

In 2012, Jack Kenn became Vice-president – Arena Shows at Cirque du Soleil. Now based in Montreal but still traveling extensively, he manages the operations for five touring arena shows. The bulk of his responsibilities require a big picture outlook on tour planning, with a view to opening new markets in outlying cities all over the world for arena shows.

Jack Kenn began as a technical director in theatre during his studies in the Boston area before launching his career in the entertainment industry as a specialist in company, technical and general management.