Pageant of the Masters to hold casting call

The 2010 Pageant of the Masters is looking for people who can stand very still for 90 seconds — and who enjoy art, theater and music, and like the idea of posing on stage.

Men, women and children are needed to volunteer for next summer’s show, “Eat, Drink and Be Merry.” People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the presentation of tableaux vivants or “living pictures.”

Casting call will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 ; 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10; and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

Next summer’s performances will run nightly at 8:30 p.m. from July 7 to August 31.

During the casting call, prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed, and meet the behind-the-scenes Pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary.

“It takes over 500 volunteers, both onstage and behind-the-scenes, to put on the Pageant,” Pageant director Diane Challis Davy said. “We wouldn’t have a show without our volunteers. They have so much fun backstage, volunteers return year after year to participate.”

Pageant volunteers are also needed for positions in the wardrobe, make-up, and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among other positions.

By volunteering for the Pageant, students can earn credit towards community service requirements. Ticket are now on sale at prices from $15 to $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 487-3378, on online at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. For more information about the Pageant, call (949) 494-3663.