The Pageant of the Masters: Southern California’s Unique Arts/Theatrical Event

Have you ever been to the Pageant of the Masters? This unique arts/theatrical event is celebrating its 86th year in Laguna Beach.

History of the Pageant of the Masters

The Pageant of the Masters is an annual production by the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts. The initial concept came from an artist named Lolita Perine who called the show the “Spirit of the Masters”. The show was first produced in 1932 and presented in 1933. A local developer named Roy Ropp revamped the show in 1934 and renamed the show the “Pageant of the Masters”. He is known as the “Father of the Pageant”. The event has been held every year since 1934 with the exception of 4 years during World War II, and in 2020 due to Covid-19. When the show was first performed, they only had 8 performances a year. The Pageant has become so popular that they now do 56 performances with alternating “green” and “blue” casts of performers.

The Nature of the Show

The show creates living pictures or in French tableaux vivants of famous works of classical and contemporary art. A group of volunteer actors get into period costumes and makeup to portray the real people depicted in the art pieces. They are backed up by professional theatrical industry people to put on a 90-minute show with a narrator and professional orchestra. The show also includes period songs. The art pieces depicted vary from year to year though Leonardo da Vinci’s the “Last Supper” has been included every year but three.

Tickets/Availability/Venue

The Pageant of the Masters is held at the Irvine Bowl a 2,600 person capacity outdoor amphitheater. All performances start at 8:30 pm. and go to 10 p.m. The season runs from July 7-September 3rd.  The theme for this year is “Made in America”. Tickets are sold in advance, and range in price from $15-$240 a piece. For tickets and availability go HERE.

The Pageant of the Masters event makes a perfect “excuse” to spend a night or two in Laguna Beach, one of our favorite LGBT-friendly destinations in Southern California. We know all the accommodations. Contact us for the best deals.

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