The Pageant of the Masters celebrates 90 years since the first "living pictures" – tableaux vivants – were presented as a novelty during the 1933 Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Celebrating this milestone, this summer's production, "Art Colony: In the Company of Artists," acknowledges the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout the world and throughout history, including the art colony established in Laguna Beach in the early years of the 20th century.
At the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters annual membership meeting on Nov. 9, members were updated on the past season’s achievements and among the first to have a glimpse at the 2023 Pageant of the Masters. The event, held at the Festival’s Forum Theater, featured reports on the past fiscal year’s activities, an overview of the 2022 season, recognition of long-time volunteers and staff, and a preview of the 90th Annual Pageant of the Masters “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists.”
Volunteerism keeps alive the Pageant of the Masters, the place where art comes to life
Cast members who play in the “Declaration of Independence” tableaux vivant wait before they take the stage in the 2021 Pageant of the Masters show “Made in America.”
(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)
The lights go up, the audience goes quiet and all else is still.
In that very moment, the crowd is transported to another period as it gazes upon the re-creation of artwork in a unique style known as tableaux vivant.
It is the great draw of the Pageant of the Masters, a show that like the art it replicates, has stood the test of time. The living picture show started in Laguna Beach in 1933.