The world’s largest “big top” has set up shop in Camarillo, and it promises to bring some energy to the local economy powered by more than 60 horses. The 58,000-square-foot, 12-story tent – located at the Santa Rosa exit just off the 101 freeway – is home to Canadian media company Cavalia Inc.’s traveling “equestrian adventure” live production. Titled “Odysseo,” the $30 million show is described by the company as a marriage of “equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech special effects,” featuring aerial performers, 18 high-definition projectors and 68 horses. “It’s a massive undertaking,” David Latourelle, Cavalia’s chief operating officer, told the Business Journal. “There’s nothing like it in the world.” Odysseo offers more than a visual feast. The mammoth production could generate as much as $5 million in revenue for Camarillo, according to the city. Cavalia has brought jobs to the area as well, hiring 200 local employees to assist with the show during its stay. Additionally, it has contracted with dozens of local vendors to establish what the company refers to as the “Cavalia village,” its on-site operations facility. “The city is encouraged by the opportunity to have this type of show in town for our citizens through the holiday season,” said Joe Vaca, community development director for Camarillo. “This is also a good way to supplement businesses in the area during the holiday season.” Why Camarillo? This is not Cavalia’s first time bringing Odysseo to local audiences. The big top set up in Burbank back in 2013, where it generated roughly $57,000 in tax revenue for the city over the course of its three-month stay. It also set up in Irvine from November through January this year. “We travel to California a lot,” Latourelle said. “The reaction in California has always been amazing.” During its earlier stints in Irvine and Burbank, the company noticed that the production was particularly popular with visitors from Ventura County. This time, Cavalia wanted to bring the show to them, Latourelle said. “We just felt it was a great opportunity,” he said. Weeks out from its Nov. 11 opening, the show already has sold more than 20,000 tickets and added new dates in December. “People are really excited for this to be part of the community,” Latourelle said. “Sales are doing amazing – it looks like it was a very good fit.” Camarillo offered significant advantages for the company. Finding a place to put a tent the size of a football field is no easy task, Latourelle noted, not to mention enough room for stables, equipment, a catering kitchen, a training facility and administrative offices. The location must also have easy access to electrical and water hook-ups to facilitate operations, including behind-the-scenes activities as well as the show’s special effects. “We’re basically bringing a village,” Latourelle said. “For that to take place, there’s a lot of space that’s required.” Accessibility and visibility are important factors, too. The location where the show has set up can be seen from the freeway, making it easily found by out-of-town visitors and piquing the interest of curious passerbys. “The site is so big and the infrastructure so majestic that we want people to know the show is on,” Latourelle said. “What we have right now in Camarillo is an amazing site.” Horsepower In the show, humans and horses glide, prance and dance for two hours across a cinematic set sculpted from 10,000 tons of sand, rock and earth. The stage transforms into a lake, a forest and a mountain during the performance with the help of natural elements and special effects. “Odysseo comes from the idea of a journey between man and horse across the most beautiful landscapes around the world,” Latourelle said. “We create an environment under the big top where we transport the audience to different lands.” The show hires up to 200 residents in every city it visits to help bring the voyage to life. Workers are found through job fairs, which it advertises in local newspapers, as well as hiring agencies. The temporary employees serve in a variety of roles, ranging from ticket booth operators to stable hands. “It’s a great opportunity for students or anybody who wants to try something different,” Latourelle explained. The sheer size of the production mandates that it rely on local suppliers to meet its operational needs. “If you look backstage, the people don’t see it, but we have plumbers, electricians, welders, carpenters – whatever you need in a village, it’s all there,” Cavalia Founder and Artistic Director Normand Latourelle – David’s father and an early general manager of the Cirque du Soleil production company – explained. “That’s why we call it the ‘Cavalia Village.’” In addition to employees, Cavalia establishes temporary vendor relationships with local businesses. For instance, the Camarillo show will rely on Southern Power Inc. in Camarillo for electricity, while HD Supply White Cap in Ventura will provide construction equipment. Agoura Hills fence company Fence Factory is supplying fences. To house performers and permanent staff, Cavalia has worked out deals with local hotels. The company has established contracts with the Residence Inn Camarillo and the Courtyard Marriott, both part of the Marriott Corp. system. It also has booked Oakwood Corporate Housing properties in Oxnard, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. Between performers, staff and special guests, Cavalia affiliates will take around 3,500 hotel nights in the region, the company estimates. “Unlike a typical touring show that’s there for a limited amount of time, our runs – depending on the success in every city – tend to be multiple weeks,” Latourelle said. Cavalia likes to return to each of its host cities at least once, he noted, which is why building good business relationships is crucial to its success. To Camarillo, the show is off to a strong start. “I think we’ve had a good working relationship so far,” said Vaca with the city.
