Las Vegas Weekly

August 11, 2008 · 9 AM

A day in the life of Mark Jenkins, head of props for LOVE

By Robin Leach

The lights dim, four familiar voices from Liverpool, England, echo in the darkness and another performance of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil is underway. For Mark Jenkins, this is just another day at the office. Or is it?

As head of the prop department for LOVE, Mark’s role is to make sure the 520 props that are in the show are in tip-top condition. With a crew of 10 prop technicians, it is a constant battle to make sure the props are not only show-worthy but also safe. At 476 shows a year, you can imagine the wear and tear the props endure. Every time they go on stage they need to look like it is their first time.

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

Mark Jenkins with props used in the show.

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

Mark Jenkins with props used in the show.

Many of the props in LOVE have a character of their own: for instance, the small remote controlled tricycle used during “Blackbird." It is an old, rusted tricycle driven by what appears to be two yellow boots. The boots represent a child of Lady Madonna. The truth is that the tricycle has a motor hidden on it and is driven, remotely, by a prop technician. "To take an inanimate object and give it life is reward enough but to see the audience reaction is very fulfilling," Mark said. "Many of the props in this production are an extension of the performer’s character. I feel they help the audience understand what the artist is trying to portray."

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

The tricycle used in LOVE.

Originating from Morecambe, England, a town about hour north of Liverpool, Mark grew up being influenced by art and football (soccer). He studied art and design at college as well as played semi-professional soccer. Wanting to broaden his horizons, Mark set off around the world working as a technical director on cruise ships. Having had his fill of tropical islands and beaches, he decided to utilize his skills in Hollywood. He applied his artistic and scenic skills with Universal Studios, film and music videos as well as several prop and scenery shops.

At the turn of the new millennium the bright lights of Las Vegas beckoned. Mark worked on a couple of large productions that came and went but finally found his home with Cirque du Soleil. He joined the circus with the creation of Zumanity and spent two happy years there before the lure of the Fab Four whisked him away to his current home at LOVE.

He told Luxe Life: “Each Cirque du Soleil show is run as its own entity but the reality is we are all one big family. It is true there is a certain ownership and pride that comes with your show because we all feel we have the best show on the Strip but the reality is that we all move around within the umbrella of Cirque du Soleil and there are pieces of all of us at the other shows.

“I will never forget my experience at Zumanity and I am very proud of what we achieved there. Those memories are now with me at LOVE. This goes for artists and technicians who are now spread out all over the globe and yet are still working for Cirque du Soleil. There are not many companies that can stimulate your artistic and creative juices and still be able to give you such a diverse employment opportunity.”

In addition to using his artistic talents for LOVE, he created many pieces of art outside of the threater. "I designed and created the Cirque du Soleil mural Humble Beginnings situated at the Arts Factory for the Las Vegas Centennial. Just recently I unveiled a new collection of artwork at www.thewindowstothesoul.com, labeled 'Vegas Icons' in honor of all the celebrities that have made Las Vegas what it is today. These are all original acrylics on canvas but in a stark contrast you can also see my more traditional artwork at www.markjenkinsfineart.com. I feel most at ease when I am painting,” and he even put on my home page, “When I paint, I feel a certain sense of spiritual calmness ... We live in a hectic world and that is the one time of day when I can go into my own place and truly relax.”

Mark's life is definitely busy. In addition to working for Cirque du Soleil and nurturing a budding art career, he also finds the time to coach soccer to 6-year-olds. "To be able to pass on your knowledge and experience to others, especially a new generation, is something we should all strive to do. I am lucky to have been given opportunities to do this."

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

In addition to his work with LOVE, Jenkins also coaches soccer to 6-year-olds.

“A typical 'day in the life' of a Cirque du Soleil employee can be very exciting or it can be just another day at the office. It really is up to the individual. I am blessed to be able to work in an environment surrounded by talented artists and performers from all over the globe. The show is ever evolving and will continue to and with this comes the constant challenge to improve the props, design new ones, and of course, replace the old ones. I truly enjoy my job and to see the audiences' reactions, night after night, is why I do it.

“It is true that we are all living in difficult times right now and the fact that for 90 minutes, people can come to LOVE and forget about whatever troubles they may have is very gratifying. I leave the show each night knowing that I played my small part in bringing happiness to these people.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil was born out of a personal friendship and mutual admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. LOVE premiered June 30, 2006, at the Mirage Resort and has performed to more than 2 million people.

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

Candles on a train during LOVE.

Photo: Cirque du Soleil

Drum and shoes used during LOVE.

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