Interview: Pageant Of The Masters Artistic Director Diane Challis Davy Shares Her Vision Of An Incredible Summer UNDER THE SUN

The world-famous Pageant Of The Masters, a theatrical celebration of great art recreated in tableaux vivants, and celebrating its' 85th anniversary of "living pictures" as part of Laguna Beach's Festival of Arts, is in full bloom in Laguna Beach, with performances nightly through September 1. This season's theme is "Under The Sun". The Pageant began as a publicity gimmick for the second Festival of Arts in 1933 but quickly grew into a summer tradition that now attracts over 140,000 patrons every summer. At its helm is Pageant producer-director Diane Challis Davy, once again summoning her creative energies and inspiring her talented team of theatrical artists as they breathe life into this one-of-a-kind entertainment that presents spectacular stage illusions with original, live music by the Pageant orchestra and informative and engaging narration also performed live each night under the stars.

Audiences for Under the Sun can look forward to a healthy sense of theatrical fun, including a classic "builder," those moments when they open up the curtains and show how a living picture is put together. "Builders have been audience favorites since they were first included in the 1966 Pageant." And an elaborate tribute to art and music associated with the Southland's surf culture will no doubt be a highlight. Under the Sun is Challis Davy's 23rd Pageant as director. I had the opportunity to catch up with this brilliant creative artist to talk about everything Pageant Of The Masters. Here are a few excerpts from that conversation.

DG: How long have you been the Artistic Director for The Pageant Of The Masters and how did your relationship with The Pageant come about?

DCD: My family lived in Laguna Beach (my father Richard was an art gallery owner on Coast Highway beginning in 1947). My brother David and I were cast volunteers in the Pageant in the 1970's. Later I was given a paying job as a seamstress making costumes for the Pageant (1980). Having some skill at background painting I moved up to Assistant Director. I took on the top job in 1995, producing my first Pageant in the summer of 1996.

DG:Where are your from and how did your life lead you to a career as an artist and artistic director?

DCD: I hoped for a career in the theatre and did some acting in theatre at the local playhouse and in high school. I could draw and craft and had an affinity for art, so I decided to pursue costume design as my major. I spent 2 years at Cal Arts in Valencia, in a very small costume department-so I had an opportunity to actually MAKE COSTUMES and work on shows as an undergraduate! (That is not usually the situation at University) I spent two summers working behind the scenes for Chichester Festival Theatre in England, making props and doing some sewing and alterations. Even though I have no prior experience in stage directing, I have gradually adapted to the role of "Director". Unlike most theatrical directors I am in the booth for every performance, calling the lighting cues. (This was a "Pageant" convention of my predecessors) My love of the theatre and incorporating all that I have seen in many many shows make up for my lack of formal training -- or so I would like to believe!

DG: What is the theme of this season's Pageant?

DCD: This year its UNDER THE SUN (celebrates the history of California, Laguna Beach and the painters who worked out of doors) and next year THE TIME MACHINE.

DG: How are the annual themes selected and who does that?

DCD: I try to select a theme that maximizes our ability to showcase a variety of art periods and styles. I start programming with the finale of ACT 1 for maximum showmanship and impact.

DG: Can you talk about the process of creating the show each year, from the selection of artwork to music to script?

DCD: Brainstorming is an everyday thing with me. Eventually, about a year in advance, I decide on a theme. As soon as the present show closes in September, I will work with Dan Duling (scriptwriter) to focus in on the stories we want to tell. We have a "show and tell" session with our volunteer research team. It is a fun gathering where the volunteers get to participate in the art selection process. Then Dan and I work on refining the ideas, crafting the show-flow, creating a storyboard of images. We have to finish our general plan and storyboard by the November Festival of Arts membership meeting. We will show a video of all the final selections set to music. In January Dan starts writing, so that i can get the composers working on the music. Richard Doyle our narrator makes script demo recordings for the contracted composers.

DG: How does the casting process work for the actors who bring The Pageant to life?

DCD: We start at the beginning of the year in January with our annual open Casting Call. About 1300 people come to volunteer over the first weekend. We take measurements and a photograph, but most important is the height. Our cast members have to be the right "scale" depending on what picture they are in.

DG: How many people are involved in a nightly production of the Pageant -- from cast to crew to orchestra etc.?

DCD: Total Cast: 300 (2 alternating casts-7 days on -seven days off) Musicians 28; Stage Crew 20; Makeup Artists 35; Dressers 8; Runners 8; Headpiece 5; Full-time Staff 13, Tech Staff 3; Narrator 1

DG: Is there a particular Pageant or Pageant moment that stands out to you as your favorite?

DCD: My favorite presentation was a series of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints in 2015. The artworks were presented along with authentic Japanese dancers in traditional kimono. We were inspired by Kabuki images, conventions and poetry. It was simple and beautiful and respectful of Japanese ideas about art and the appreciation of nature. We created a kabuki curtain, a helium-filled full moon and a tea-house in the landscape of the amphitheater.

DG: What is the most unexpected thing that has happened during a Pageant production?

DCD: We perform in an Amphitheater, so the very worst intrusion is RAIN! Although it does not happen very often. We have had to cancel four times in the last 40 years. Occasionally local wildlife makes an appearance-a skunk in the orchestra pit and raccoons in the trees.

DG: What do you hope audiences walk away with after an evening spent at The Pageant?

DCD: I hope they come away with knowing more about the lives of famous- and not-so-famous artists. Perhaps in the future, they will want to take the time to appreciate art in a new way. Take time to look- and enjoy.

The Pageant of the Masters runs through September 1, with performances nightly at 8:30 pm, in The Irvine Bowl at The Festival of The Arts in Laguna Beach. For tickets and information visit www.PageantTickets.com or call (800) 487-3378.

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