Pageant of the Masters Living Paintings : Portrait Costume

"With creative roots in Europe, where centuries ago, the art form known as tableaux vivants was developed, the Pageant has been making what's really three dimensional appear as two.

"And Laguna's version has taken this concept to a zenith of technical sophistication so profound that unless one of the volunteers who strike poses on stage night after night gets a case of the nervous shakes, you can't even tell there are people up there." -- Coast Magazine

This year, the the Festival of Arts celebrates its 80th birthday! The dates were July 7 - August 31, 2012. With a theme of The Genius, it will include explorations of the fascinating and unpredictable relationship between art and technology. You'll witness a "cavalcade of masterpieces illustrating how breakthroughs in different fields have also altered the path of art history and the way we see the world."

Quote from a recent year's show: "We'll be telling stories about ancient and modern superheroes and strange, mythical creatures," Duling said. "You don't have to believe in fairies, dragons or beasts like centaurs or griffins to be drawn into the artistic fantasies that help them stay alive in our dreams.

"Only Make Believe will also showcase the creative expressions of artists who devoted themselves to conjuring everything from Victorian historical fantasies to illustrations for fairytales beginning "once upon a time." -- From 2011 program information.

Do you enjoy performance art? The Pageant of the Masters is a world-famous stage presentation featuring living pictures. Volunteer cast members are transformed into a series of famous works of art, intricately faithful art recreations classical and contemporary. They may be posed as characters in a painting, sculpture. They may become part of classic perfume bottles, even pieces of jewelry. The event is held in an outdoor amphitheater.

The Pageant presents these static displays enhanced by the use of a professional orchestra, elaborate costume and make-up, intricate, detailed sets and live narration. They have an expert staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers

Each scene appears suddenly. The masterpiece lives before your eyes. They last for approximately ninety seconds, before fading to black. Can you spot signs of life? Let's hope there aren't any pesky moths around that night. There is skill and training that goes into holding a pose for an extended period of time. Add to it extreme make-up, props, costume, hot lights and an audience and it's even more remarkable.

It's suggested that you get your tickets soon after they go on sale and that you get to the show early.

2000 Pageant of the Masters Official Souvenir Program for the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, California.