Behind the Scenes at Kà Theatre: A Unique Massage Experience with Cirque du Soleil

When you think of Cirque du Soleil’s Kà, you probably imagine the breathtaking aerial stunts, the colossal rotating stage, and the powerful storytelling that has captivated audiences since 2005. What you might not know is that behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to keep the performers in peak condition. I had the rare opportunity to join this world by providing sports massage to the artists and crew backstage at the Kà Theatre inside the MGM Grand.

My journey in sports massage backstage with Cirque du Soleil's Kà

A Hidden Gem at MGM Grand

The Kà Theatre is tucked away behind the casino floor of the MGM Grand resort in Las Vegas. It is my favorite Cirque show because it’s not just any theater; it contains a unique stage. It's a marvel! It's a 360-degree rotating platform that splits, tilts, and spins, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience. This engineering feat is probably what earned Kà the record as the most expensive theatrical production in history. This space is unlike any other, designed specifically to support Kà’s gravity-defying acrobatics, martial arts, puppetry, and projections. It's the Cirque show that I've seen the most.

Being backstage felt like stepping into a different world. The energy was electric. Warm and welcoming, the staff treated us massage therapists like family from the moment we arrived.

Preparing to Support World-Class Performers

Chris Melmoth is the one who invited me to the opportunity. Chris is a respected figure in the massage therapy community, who has worked alongside Cirque trainers for many years. He invited me to participate in a “Cirquassage Event” alongside 13-14 other massage therapists. Before we could start, Chris led us through two training sessions focused on the specific needs of Kà’s performers. These athletes are not just artists; they are elite athletes who push their bodies to the limit for 2 shows per night, 5 nights a week, 50 weeks a year!

Chris's (soon to be Dr. Chris) massage training for the "Cirquassage Event" emphasized techniques tailored to the rigors of getting ready for their 6:00pm and 8:30pm performances, including recovery strategies and injury prevention. It was clear that sports massage plays a crucial role in maintaining their stamina and flexibility.

The Backstage Experience with Cirque du Soleil

After dropping our gear at the loading dock (my wagon was full!), we set up massage tables backstage. The performers, crew, and technicians came to us for treatments before their 6:00pm show. Working on these world-class entertainers was eye-opening. Their bodies told stories of strength, endurance, pain dissociation, and performance precision. Each client had a deep understanding of their unique physical demands of their role. For example, I had the neat experience of working on a dude whose job was a harness anchor for 20 years. He had specific muscle group tension that I hadn't seen before and the experience broadened my understanding of the range of the human body.

The performers were gracious and open, yet focused. The crew, including riggers, lighting technicians, and trainers, also benefited from the treatments. Everyone was committed to excellence, and the atmosphere felt like a close-knit family supporting one another. I mean, they trust each other with their lives 10 shows a week, for 50 weeks per year so I could see how that would bond people.

My wagon was packed with sports massage equipment for the Cirque du Soleil Kà event backstage

What Makes Kà So Special

Kà by Cirque du Soleil has been a long-standing show. The show features 80 artists from around the world, blending acrobatics, Capoeira, martial arts, and puppetry into a cohesive performance. The original soundtrack adds emotional depth, enhancing the visual vividness

(is that a word?). Every single detail is uniquely crafted for the show. I have the DVD at home for how they trained at Yosemite and Mount Charleston. I won it in a gift package when I served as a volunteer for the Las Vegas Springs Preserve in the sustainability building for nearly 2 years. They hosted a volunteer appreciation day and I won whole Kà package. It was something like a t-shirt, key chain, 2 show tix, and a DVD. That was when my late husband was alive. I remember we sat in the second row during the show and that was when they still had pyrotechnics right at the front of the stage. I was warm from being so close to the flames. The other times that I have since seen the show, they were no longer lighting up the stage. In those days, the the interpretation of the dude in the yellow jacket and tall shoes was creepy, like Voldo from Soul Caliber 1. The vibe is different these days.

The rotating stage is an impressive feat of engineering. The stage movement and lighting allows scenes to unfold in a cinematic style, making the audience feel as though they are a part of the adventure. They even made up their own language for the production, but don't worry, even my 13-year-old followed the story without understanding language. I have the attention span of a gnat, so I don't follow the story despite seeing the show about 5-6 times. I feel the music and soak in the cinematography vibe while watching unmatched acrobatics.

This production demands peak physical condition and charisma and timing from everyone involved. The performers’ ability to execute complex, nuanced, aerial maneuvers with arrows shooting at them is remarkable. Even though I know what's coming after all the times I've watched it, I get emotional.

A Personal Highlight

One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was working alongside my peers backstage at MGM Grand. The extra training from Chris Melmoth enriched my skills, and applying those techniques on such exceptional athletes was an honor. The entire staff, from trainers to technicians, made the experience enjoyable and memorable.

As a bonus, I received four tickets to see the show with my family. Watching Kà from the audience after working behind the scenes gave me a new appreciation for the performance. Sharing this favorite Cirque du Soleil show with my life partner and my kids was a special moment I will always cherish.

Why Sports Massage Matters in Performing Arts

Performers in shows like Kà face intense physical demands. Sports massage helps by:

• Reducing muscle tension and soreness

• Enhancing circulation for faster recovery

• Improving flexibility and range of motion

• Preventing injuries through targeted therapy

• Supporting mental relaxation and focus

  
  

These benefits allow artists to perform at their best night after night, ensuring the show’s quality remains high.

How You Can Experience Kà

If you haven’t seen Kà yet, I highly recommend getting tickets. The combination of storytelling, acrobatics, and innovative staging makes it a must-see. Knowing the care and effort behind the scenes adds a new layer of understanding for me. You can purchase tickets directly through the MGM Grand or official Cirque du Soleil channels. Bring your family or friends and prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary production!