Every light, sound, and stage in Las Vegas, renowned as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” feels enchanted.
The true magic, however, is in the amazing fusion of talent, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous planning that takes place behind the scenes.
The great combination of artistry, innovation, and unwavering commitment from both the visible performers and the unseen heroes behind the curtain is what makes Las Vegas shows so spectacular.
How are these wondrous shows in Las Vegas brought to life?
The talent on stage: performers
Las Vegas shows feature performers from all walks of life, each adding something special to their productions.
Musical Tributes
Comedy Shows
Adult Shows
Interactive shows
Acrobatic shows
- Singers and musicians: Many shows have a strong musical core thanks to performers like Chris Tuly, who transitioned from drumming to singing. Reminiscent songs from the 1950s and 1960s have been performed by legendary performers like Paul Anka, Sam Cooke, Richie Valens, and the McGuire Sisters. Even unexpected cameos by celebrities like Frankie Avalon keep viewers alert.
- Acrobats and Specialty Acts: Shows such as Mystère show, KÀ show, and O by Cirque de Soleil feature amazing stunts from contortionists, high divers, aerial hoop artists, and fire performers. Many go through rigorous auditions and years of training. To further demonstrate their dedication to the art, they apply their own intricate makeup every night.
Backstage team: production crews
Every great show naturally has a huge team behind it that makes sure everything goes according to plan.
- IATSE Local 720: Supporting the entertainment industry in Las Vegas since 1939. There are now more than 4,000 stage professionals in what began with just nine. They even staffed the original Flamingo Hotel shows with Bugsy Siegel.
- Family Traditions: The Hayes and other families have a long history in the industry. In keeping with his father and grandfather, who influenced the development of early Las Vegas entertainment, Craig Hayes is a third-generation member of IATSE.
- Diverse Roles: Over 100 crew members are needed for some shows. They consist of stagehands, riggers, audio engineers, lighting designers, and carpenters. Over the course of his more than 40-year career, Craig Hayes alone has performed in over 20,000 shows.
- Choreographed Crew: The crew’s movements backstage are often as meticulously practiced and choreographed as those of the performers on stage, ensuring seamless transitions and safety
The technology behind the magic
Modern Las Vegas productions heavily rely on cutting-edge technology to produce and perform the magic.
Stage Automation
Hydraulic Systems: To conceal equipment or add seating, platforms at locations like The Smith Center can descend 11 feet. Giant lifts are used in Cirque du Soleil’s O to quickly transition between land and water scenes.
Rigging: Fly rails aid in lifting bulky curtains and props during rigging. 88 pipes, each capable of supporting up to 2,000 pounds, are used in certain systems. Lights and sound equipment are also supported by overhead grids.
Lighting and visuals
- Theatrical Lighting: According to Robert Brassard, head of lighting at the Smith Center, theater uses black panels known as “borders” and “legs” to cover glaring lights in order to achieve a “black box” effect, in contrast to rock and roll, where lights are visible. Actors are tracked using follow spots, an antiquated stagecraft technique. It can take 12 to 14 technicians eight to ten hours to set up the lighting for a Broadway production.
- The Sphere:
The Las Vegas Sphere is a new standard for entertainment technology that opened in September 2023.
- Exosphere: The Sphere’s exterior, known as the Exosphere, is the largest screen in the world, covered with 1.2 million hockey puck-sized lights—each containing 48 LEDs—that blend to create sharp visuals from afar.
- Main Screen: Inside, the massive curved main screen wraps around the audience and is 20 times larger than the biggest IMAX. With 256 million pixels and ultra-thin, sound-permeable tiles, it offers the highest resolution of any screen worldwide.
- Big Sky Camera System: Developed by Sphere Studios, this custom 316-megapixel camera captures 18K footage at 120 fps, generating 60GB of data per second. Operated by a 12-person team, it uses a unique 1-foot fish-eye lens with a 165° field of view and a near-square sensor.
Audio Systems
- Targeted Audio: With 167,000 speakers concealed behind the screen, the Sphere boasts an extraordinarily sophisticated sound system created by Holoplot. By sending specific sound to each seat, this system can provide different languages, custom audio, or soundtracks to different parts of the theater. Similar to how a laser beam focuses light, this is accomplished by carefully regulating sound wave interference.
- On-Set Audio: To capture clear sound during interview sessions, advanced audio equipment such as Road ntg5 microphones, a MixPre 62 mixer with noise assist, and whisper-quiet preamps are utilized.
Creating the immersive experience
The prime goal of Las Vegas performances is to give viewers an emotionally and completely immersive experience.
- Sensory Immersion: Shows are intended to provide a “sensory immersion,” drawing viewers away from everyday life. For instance, the Sphere has 10,000 haptic seats that vibrate in response to sounds and images. To improve the experience, the seats can also create fog, wind, and scents.
- Thematic Storytelling: Cirque du Soleil productions such as “O”l use aquatic acrobatics to explore themes, “KÀ” tells the story of an epic survival journey, and “Mystère” explores whimsy, surrealism, and the origins theme. “KOOZA” blends a tale of human connection with traditional circus arts.
- Connection with the Audience: Performers are inspired to give their best work when they sense the presence, hunger, and thirst of the audience. Some venues’ intimacy makes it possible for a lot of energy to flow between the audience and the performers. The audience’s laughter is referred to as the “very expensive gas” that keeps the show going.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Some performances, such as “O” by Cirque de Soleil and “The Beatles’ Love” provide insider access or behind-the-scenes tours in order to provide a deeper understanding. Guests could even meet artists backstage prior to the performance as part of the “KOOZA” VIP experience.
The hidden foundations: operations and logistics
Extensive logistical planning and operational accuracy are necessary for the flawless performance of Las Vegas shows.
- Meticulous Preparation: The crew’s experience and essential technical components are essential to a smooth production. With many backstage employees wearing harnesses and depending on clear communication tools like in-ear systems and light signals for seamless scene changes, the team makes sure everyone is safe. A sonar-like beep in “O” alerts divers in the pool to stage movement.
- Makeup and Wardrobe Management: Every day, the wardrobe departments for programs like “Mystère” and “Michael Jackson ONE” handle thousands of intricate costumes, many of which are painstakingly made and incorporate safety elements like harnesses. Performers apply their own makeup every night after being trained by makeup artists to create consistent looks.
A legacy of entertainment
Over the course of its long history, Las Vegas entertainment has developed into the magnificent spectacle that it is today.
- Foundations: The early entertainment industry’s infrastructure Families like the Hayes, who began their careers at iconic establishments like The Mint, helped to build Las Vegas. The Sands Hotel and Casino featured must-see performances by artists like Frank Sinatra and the “Rat Pack.”
- The Development of Cirque du Soleil: In 2023, commemorating the 25th anniversary of “O” and the 30th anniversary of “Mystère,” Cirque du Soleil celebrated 30 years in Las Vegas. What started out as a “fledgling circus trying to grow a flower in the desert” has since blossomed into an artistic and emotional empire.
- Innovation in Live Entertainment: Organizations such as Madison Square Garden (MSG), the company behind the Sphere, are always trying to reinvent live entertainment by bringing together professionals from different fields to realize their goals.