Jamieson Lindenberg discusses his journey from being let go as an usher to eventually directing “Kooza,” which runs in Hong Kong through July 13.
I WAS BORN IN
In St. Petersburg, Florida, back in 1984, my mother would affectionately call me Mr. Sparkles or Mr. Showman. I constantly put on performances for anyone nearby. Entertaining people came naturally to me; it seemed like second nature. It became clear early on that this was more than just playacting—I possessed a certain flair. This might be why they supported my interest in theater. They could see there was something uniquely captivating about me, recognizing an inherent talent.
NO ONE KNEW
I might have been around nine or ten years old when I started singing. Once they heard me perform with the school choir, it led to them encouraging me by saying, “Let’s get him some lessons and support his development as much as possible.”
I STUDIED AT
A high school focused on performing arts with an emphasis on theater and dance. I received my primary education and artistic vocal training at this conservatory during my youth. It was there that
Cirque du Soleil
they came to enlist ushers. After an interview, they extended me an offer to work as an usher for a performance titled
Quidam
That took place at the Tropicana Field (located in St. Petersburg). It was my initial job. I was 15 years old.
Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
I’D NEVER HEARD OF
Cirque du Soleil, but I was absolutely blown away by what I was seeing. I was studying theatre, so it was quite a contrast to Broadway, which is what I went on to do.
I BROKE SOME OF
The rules—I showed up extremely tardy to my job as a 15-year-old high school student—and consequently got dismissed. Although I felt disheartened, I never considered joining Cirque du Soleil or pursuing performance opportunities since I had completed my education with a focus on theater.
I went to New York’s
I attended Marymount Manhattan College to pursue studies in theater and directing. Following my graduation, I worked on Broadway musicals such as
Rent
I traveled internationally for its Asian tour where I performed in children’s shows as well as various theater productions.
I WAS IN BETWEEN
Two gigs when Cirque received a booking for a show titled
Zumanity
In Las Vegas, I went in for the audition, and they actually asked, “Would you mind submitting for
Quidam
I thought, no chance, that’s the program I worked for as an usher.
I SANG FOR
QUIDAM
For nearly nine years. After that, the show ended, and I moved on.
Varekai
As the lead vocalist, singing was often considered my strong suit, yet I must admit I didn’t always feel enthusiastic about it. I frequently share with others that you can excel at something, and still have everybody cheering for you to make it big on Broadway or embark on a world tour.
Idol
Or perhaps aspire to become a singer, recording artist, or dancer, yet you might not genuinely feel deeply enthusiastic about it.
MY PASSION IS DIRECTING
, envisioning, bringing ideas to life, and realizing the concepts of others while bridging connections between individuals. This process involves narrative creation rather than musical performance. Consequently, it posed significant challenges for me. Eventually, I decided to distance myself from that aspect of who I am. In 2013, I began venturing into independent work and undertaking smaller initiatives. During my free time, I engaged in producing my own performances. I initiated a cabaret show along with an LGBTQ+ themed circus production.
I CREATED A SHOW
That conveyed an important message for LGBTQ+ individuals. It seemed as though I was somewhat pioneering this effort—opening avenues for queer and transgender artists, and conveying the message I aimed to communicate.
gender identity
And our perspective on identity.
I WAS PROFOUNDLY
It was both humbling and an honor to witness people paying to experience our work. Seeing 500 to 600 individuals each evening for three consecutive weeks—purchasing tickets to attend performances, even choosing to stand and enjoy them—made me realize: This is indeed the correct direction for my career.
IN 2018,
KOOZA
HAD
a position opened up for an assistant artistic director. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to return to Cirque du Soleil with a broader perspective, focusing more on editing and directing aspects.
THE PANDEMIC WAS A
A crucial moment for me was realizing many of us in the arts and entertainment sector found ourselves washing dishes. This harsh truth meant having to reshape oneself completely. For those at Cirque du Soleil, both our income and personal identities depend heavily on what we do. Our lives revolve around constant traveling and performing together. Once these elements vanished, one starts questioning their entire sense of self. It wasn’t merely about financial survival; it involved deep introspection as well. During those three or four years, there was an ongoing struggle with “Now what? And where next?”
NOW MY LIFE IS ON A
A small island named San Juan (located in Washington state), where I relocated during the pandemic and acquired a business — quite a transformation! My venture focuses on wedding rentals since this place is all about grand weddings.
MY BEST FRIEND
, who hails from Cirque, purchased a company named San Juan Shindigs. Over the past couple of years prior to my return to Cirque, we essentially transformed it entirely. During that time, I handled tent rentals as well as an extensive collection—thousands upon thousands—of cutlery and dishware items. We provided these supplies for numerous high-profile weddings and events. It feels like I have experienced countless different lifetimes through these varied endeavors.
AFTER THE
PANDEMIC
, I returned as the artistic director for Cirque’s latest production,
Songblazers
, which is our country music program that concluded last year. Here I am once more, returning to
Kooza
In an administrative leadership position, essentially ushered into the role of artistic director!
MY GOAL IN LIFE
The aim is to produce art or grand-scale works that resonate with audiences and amplify the voices of many, leaving a significant impact. As a child, I possessed great empathy; I defended my peers and frequently pointed out instances of unfairness or injustice. This ability to understand and share the feelings of others aids me greatly in my current role as an artistic director when connecting with various artists.
THE FUTURE FOR ME
Is to join forces with more prominent figures and grander spectacles. In the realm of circuses, this represents the pinnacle. However, am I envisioning the same scale? I’m uncertain. Perhaps I am.
WE HAD A MAJOR
A celebrity who recently visited us had just taken home several Grammy awards. While speaking with her, I started imagining potential concepts for her upcoming show. The prospect truly excites me. Our plan involves a massive pink UFO that will ‘beam’ you up, set against an ambiance reminiscent of 1960s Italy but in outer space. Figuring out how to achieve this entails coordinating logistics, setting the artistic direction, assembling the stage design team, and planning the choreography—bringing every element together according to the artist’s vision sounds incredible. Accumulating hands-on experience from such significant events brings one step nearer to mastering the craft.
I WOUND UP ON
This journey. Regardless of whether you subscribe to fate or destiny, the circus essentially took hold of me. It persists repeatedly. It’s strange—even when I feel “done,” the locomotive of delight returns once more.
More Articles from SCMP
The Shangri-La Dialogue: France’s Macron cautions that consistency in condemning warfare is crucial for maintaining credibility.
Unitree Robotics transitions into a joint-stock limited company, fueling IPO speculations.
Wang Yi initiates a new phase of China-driven mediation through a Hong Kong-based legal organization.
China nears lift of Japanese seafood restrictions following ‘significant headway’ in discussions
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
