Laguna Beach, CA – Ever dreamed of stepping into an art masterpiece? Now’s your chance! The world-famous Pageant of the Masters will host its annual Open Casting Call this weekend, January 9 through 11, 2026 on the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach. Participants can sign up for both on-stage and backstage roles for the upcoming 2026 Pageant production, The Greatest of All Time, which will run July 9 – September 4, 2026.
Open Casting Call will take place at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, on the following dates:
Friday, January 9, 7–9 pm
Saturday, January 10, 1–4 pm (Family Fun Fest)
Sunday, January 11, 1–4 pm (Family Fun Fest)
Volunteers of all ages are invited to join the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants, either on stage or behind the scenes. On-stage roles involve posing in live re-creations of artwork, while backstage volunteers help with makeup, costumes, and headpieces. No experience is required—training will be provided. During the Casting Call, participants will have photos taken and measurements recorded, and guests can preview some of the 2026 Pageant artwork up close. No appointments are necessary. For more information about Casting Call and volunteering with the Pageant of the Masters, visit www.foapom.com/volunteer.
Family Fun Fest Returns, Now Bigger Than Ever
Adding to the excitement of Casting Call and back by popular demand, the Festival grounds will come alive with the return of the Family Fun Fest, with two fun-filled days of activities on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11, from 1pm to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy music, activities, face painting, art projects, and food from local favorite food trucks like Feeding Frenzy and Los Compadres. Volunteers who sign up during the Fest will receive a voucher for one free item from a participating food truck.
Backstage, guests can also get an up close look at Pageant sets and take photos, enjoy snacks, and explore the Bizarre Bazaar, which includes Pageant stage props, artwork, costumes, and other one-of-a-kind treasures for sale with proceeds supporting scholarships and arts programming at the Festival of Arts.
“There’s nothing quite like volunteering for the Pageant,” said Sharbie Higuchi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “It’s a truly extraordinary experience—whether on stage or backstage, you’re helping bring not only masterpieces but also a Laguna Beach tradition to life, all while creating incredible memories.”
For more information about the Casting Call and volunteering with the Pageant of the Masters, visit www.foapom.com/volunteer. For those who are interested in volunteering, but are unable to attend the Open Casting Call, private appointments may be set up by calling the Casting Department at (949) 494-3663 or casting@foapom.com.
Stay connected with the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters by visiting www.foapom.com or following @FestivalPageant on social media.
Editor’s Note: As an added visual, please consider including or embedding this video with your story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpjtmflJYEo It includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Pageant of the Masters and interviews with volunteers. Additional images and video available upon request.
ABOUT FESTIVAL OF ARTS
The Festival of Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has long been a leader in supporting the growth of the arts and community in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, its mission is to promote, produce, and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study, and performance of the arts. For over 90 years, the Festival has produced two world-class events: the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together, these shows attract nearly 200,000 visitors to Laguna Beach each year. For more information, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or call (949) 494-1145.
