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Bellagio Theater
Home of the Cirque du Soleil's Aquatic Show ''O''
Home of the Cirque du Soleil's Aquatic Show ''O''
The Bellagio Theatre is part of the casino-hotel of the same name, one of the most romantic and luxurious in Las Vegas. The theatre, designed for Cirque du Soleil aquatic show “O ”, is absolutely unique, from its baroque-inspired architecture, to its aquatic stage and dragonfly-wing cupola.
The stage is a deep pool equipped with 5 hydraulic elevators that allow it to be modified from a conventional stage to a 1.4 million gallon pool. The immense metallic trellis of the cupola roof permits infinite lighting possibilities. A large opening in the centre of the cupola makes it possible to present acrobatics directly over the heads of the audience.
Securing the stage equipment in a damp and corrosive environment was an enormous challenge. It also required the invention of numerous breakthrough strategies, mechanisms...
- ClientsMirage Resorts Cirque du Soleil
- LocationLas Vegas, Nevada, USA
- TypeTheatrical Venue Bespoke Design
- Inauguration1998
- Capacity1,800 seats
Awards
Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology Award
1999
Award of Technical Merit by CITT
1999
Some spectacular features of the theater built specifically for the show “O”
Since challenges involving water were ever-present, every detail was carefully considered
Water Stage Capacity: Features a 25-foot (7.6 m) deep pool containing 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters) of water.
Stage Automation: Five submerged hydraulic lifts transform the floor in a matter of seconds, seamlessly transitioning from a dry, solid stage to an open water pool.
Hydraulic and HVAC Systems: Beneath the stage, industrial pumps circulate 36,000 gallons per minute to treat the entire pool every few hours, while maintaining a constant water temperature of 88°F (31°C) to ensure the performers’ safety during back-to-back performances.
4 underwater technicians: During each performance, a team of 14 certified dive stagehands remains submerged in dedicated underwater stations, equipped with breathing apparatus, to guide the performers and operate the submerged mechanical props.
Custom-designed underwater communication system: The pool is equipped with underwater speakers and specialized hydrophones, allowing the performers below the surface to clearly hear musical cues and stage directions.
Enter Bellagio Theater
The construction of the Bellagio Theater was unlike anything that had ever been done before in the history of theater. We were essentially building a massive water treatment plant and a high-tech underwater facility wrapped in an elegant opera house.
Experience the Iconic Aquatic Show ''O''
Opened in October 1998, ''O '' has surpassed 11,000 performances across more than 25 years. Seen by over 18 million people, it has a consistent occupancy rate above 90%. To read more about this iconic show, head over to this in-depth article.
