Strike a Masters pose

Suzie Harrison

It’s time to put your best pose forward this weekend for the Pageant

of the Masters annual casting call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to

5 p.m. Sunday.

People of all ages and sizes are needed each year to pose for the

world-renowned show.

“It’s a nice reunion for cast members and a good time to invite

new people,” director Diane Challis Davy said. “Last year we had

almost 1,000 people come to a casting call. It’s a 20 year record for

us.”

Prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed.

“It’s not an audition and doesn’t take any special prerequisites,”

Challis Davy said.

The only requirement is the ability to stand still.

“We have at least a 50% return rate of cast members,” Challis Davy

said. “But our needs vary from year-to-year. Last year we had a

smaller cast, and this year we’ll be testing the limits of space

backstage.”

Challis Davy said it would require two casts of 160 people.

“Normally we have lots of children volunteers,” Challis Davy said.

“It will especially be a banner opportunity for young people this

year. We have several pictures with lots of children.”

She said they are recruiting cast members as young as 4, which is

the youngest cast age they’ve ever had.

“The oldest -- rumor has it that some men in their 80s are in the

Last Supper, and they look very well preserved,” Challis Davy said.

Challis Davy encourages Laguna residents to come.

“Only 10% to 12% are from Laguna Beach and we hope to interest

more residents to sign up,” Challis Davy said. “This year we’re

hoping to attract whole families, there are roles for all ages.”

The volunteers are the most important aspect of the show and

without them it could not be done.

“We’re also looking for people who might have some special talents

like gymnastics or juggling,” Challis Davy said.

Positions for make-up artists, wardrobe, headdress and other

duties backstage are needed too. No experience is required.

The 2005 Pageant of the Masters, “On the Road -- A Crash Course in

Art and Popular Culture,” will be staged July 7 through Sept. 1.

Casting will be held back stage at the Irvine Bowl on the Festival

of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For information, call (949)

494-3663.