Pageant of the Masters casting call to provide rare look at rehearsal

Those hoping to land a part in the latest installment of the Pageant of the Masters likely believed their chance had come and gone, but an additional open casting call has been scheduled in March.

The Pageant of the Masters, a long-running show that casts its volunteers as living pictures of the artwork they are sent out on stage to portray, is held annually during the summer inside the Irvine Bowl.

“Gold Coast: Treasures of California,” this year’s production, will be staged from July 5 to Aug. 29.

This time around, the Pageant of the Masters is especially in need of individuals under 5 feet tall and men exceeding 6 feet in height for sculptural roles. The additional casting event will take place on Thursday, March 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts premises.

For many in the audience, a view from a seat inside the amphitheater is as close as they will get to the tableaux vivants. Next month’s casting call, however, will provide a behind the scenes look at a rehearsal, Pageant officials said.

“The energy at our January event was incredible, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more volunteers in March,” Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy said in a statement. “This is a rare opportunity to step into the world of living pictures and experience the magic of the Pageant firsthand.

“It’s also a chance for local residents, especially those in South Orange County, to get a behind-the-scenes look at our backstage process and even watch a private rehearsal for the upcoming summer show.”

Hundreds of volunteers showed up to be measured from head to toe and photographed during a three-day casting event in January.

Apart from the desired measurements to best duplicate the featured artwork, the Pageant is always looking for volunteers with an ability to stand still for 90 seconds — the approximate length of a scene in the show. Backstage roles are also available in the costume, headpiece and makeup departments.