Pageant of The Masters

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant of the Masters as the best presentation of its kind.

What is the Pageant of The Masters?

Celebrating their 90th anniversary, Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. This 90-minute performance brings famous works of art to life on the stage. Taking place at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, audiences are amazed by tableaux vivants ("living pictures"), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces.

Fun Facts

  • Around 1,200 people (volunteers) try out to be in the show. Approximately 500 are either cast or work behind the scenes. They contribute more than 60,000 hours. The youngest cast member to date was 4 years old and the oldest cast member was in their late 80s.
  • The first Pageant of the Masters in 1933 ran only 8 days. Today, the Pageant has 56 performances.
  • Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper was first presented as the traditional finale in 1936. Since then, there have only been 3 years that da Vinci's The Last Supper was not re-created in the show.
  • The Pageant has rained out only three times in its entire history!

2023 Theme "ART COLONY: IN THE COMPANY OF ARTISTS"

ART COLONY: IN THE COMPANY OF ARTISTS acknowledges the deep connections of the Festival and Pageant to the early artists who settled in Laguna Beach. It will also feature other memorable stories of artists assisting one another through cooperation and fellowship in vastly different eras and circumstances around the world.

When

July 7 - September 1, 2023 (starts at 8:30 p.m. and lasts for 90 minutes)

Where

650 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (outdoor amphitheater)

Admission

Tickets $35-$150

A Pageant ticket entitles one to free, unlimited admission to the Festival of Arts grounds all summer long. The Festival of Arts is the longest-running outdoor fine art exhibition in California, which features artwork from 140 award-winning artists from Orange County. Live concerts, dessert pairings and tours are also part of the festival that runs from July 5 - September 1, 2023.

In addition, you may also gain free admission to Laguna Art-A-Fair on the day that your Pageant ticket is valid. The Laguna Art-A-Fair is a fine art festival that includes over a hundred local and national artists, fine cuisine and workshops. 

Rentals

Binoculars 
Seat Cushions 
Blankets for purchase


A behind the scenes look

Casting


Make-Up


Headpiece Application


Costume


Stage


Tableau Vivant/Living Picture

Related Partners