Hundreds of people convinced they can hold a pose for exactly 90 seconds came out to be a cast member in the upcoming Pageant of the Master’s production “Wonderful World.”
The show uses two casts of 150 people who rotate each week. The volunteers, wearing costumes, makeup and headpieces, pose in the artworks known as living pictures, or tableau vivants. Measurements are very specific to each piece that is portrayed and, beyond skills at standing still, is key to getting a specific part.
This year’s show opens July 7 and runs through Sept. 3. Director Diane Challis Davis partners with longtime pageant scriptwriter Dan Dueling and narrator Richard Doyle for her 26th season.
Posing in the pageant is popular among many in Orange County and typically about 40% of the cast has been in the show before.
Though everyone who auditions might not fit perfectly into the artwork, there are behind-the-scenes roles such as volunteering with hair or makeup, or on stage assisting with the set. There are also opportunities to be a substitute.
Those cast will be notified as early as the end of January and as late as June. The pageant rehearses one to three set pieces each week.
Volunteer benefits include complimentary tickets, a cast party in September and credit for volunteer service hours for high school students.
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