Measuring up

Pageant of Masters takes stock of volunteers to build cast and crew. A bumper crop of hopeful volunteers were measured and photographed last weekend for the 2006 Pageant of the Masters cast and backstage crews.

More than 600 folks showed up for the annual casting call, and more are expected to make appointments for late reviews. First-timers and veterans alike were asked to fill out the applications that staff members use to cast the tableaux vivants -- living reproductions of artistic masterpieces.

“We may hit an all-time high this year,” said pageant director Dee Dee Challis Davy.

Requirements change with each pageant. One year, a large number of large men were drafted to portray Native Americans. In 2005, children took center stage.

“This year, we made a special request for couples,” Challis Davy said. “Many of the vignettes feature people wrapped in an embrace.”

Not to mention that they are scantily -- or not at all -- clad.

“We never have a problem casting nudes,” Challis Davy said.

The only requirements are that cast members have the right body type, be at least 18 years old and be able to hold a pose for at least 90 seconds without a twitch.

Nude works in the 2006 show, male and female, include the Paul Manship sculptures “Flight of Europa,” “Diana” and “Acteon”; a glass perfume bottle in the shape of a woman; and two pieces of Art Nouveau jewelry depicting the human body.

“A Passion for Art (Images of Love and Obsession)” is the theme of the new show, chosen by Challis Davy last February.

The show hangs on a framework of timing and continuity.

“There is no room for rearranging,” Challis Davy said. “I am never able to drop a piece.”

The number of vignettes does not determine the number of bodies needed or the demographics of the cast. Last year’s cast included the largest number of children ever in the pageant.

This year, probably due to the theme, not as many children will be required, but that doesn’t exclude them from the cast.

Physical size is often an illusion.

“Sometimes the scale of a piece dictates using children,” said Nancy Shirkani, the casting director and a staff member for 22 years.

A re-creation of Japanese screens, in which only heads and shoulders will appear on the level above the main stage, will be cast only with children, according to Shirkani.

The Talpash girls -- Jacqueline, 14, Meghan, 12, and Katie, 10 -- are cast veterans. It’s a family tradition. Their mother, Rhonda, has been on the makeup crew for two years and has subbed in the cast. This will be the fifth pageant for their father, Pete, who portrays the disciple Philip in Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Last year, he was one of the two strong men in the Tiffany display. His twin brother played his duplicate on the other side of the stage.

This will be the third season for Wendy Radin of Laguna Beach. She is part of the team of runners that calls cast members up when it is time for them to scramble into their sets. Radin is stationed at the top of the backstage stairs.

“It’s a little bit of a panic when they don’t show up, and a feeling of relief when they do,” Radin said.

In the absence of a cast member, volunteer crew members have been known to be hauled into the makeup and costume departments. On at least one notable occasion, a member of the public was plucked off the grounds and thrust on stage.

While volunteers come and go, paid staff rarely leaves.

Rick Lang has been photographing applicants for 36 years. Scenic artist David Rymer has been on staff for more than 20 years. Lead sculptor Judy Parker, who carves the stationary pieces such as St. George’s jeweled steed, has been on the job for 23 years. Shop foreman Jack Clancy has been around for 25. Master electrician C. W. Keller has been on the paid staff for six years but associated with the pageant since 1981, first as a cast volunteer and then on the stage crew.

Ann Webster worked in makeup for 28 years before she ran for the board and had to give up her job.

“No one leaves -- we all know this an extraordinary place, and we are honored to be here,” said Susan Davis, director of special events and Festival of Arts memberships.

One notable change this year is the retirement of costume director Marcy O’Malley after 20 years. She is moving to Hawaii. Her replacement has not been announced.

Long time Festival of Arts exhibitor David Cooke has been named a scenic painter.

It’s a year-round job for employees and volunteers, who work alternate weeks during the two-month run of the pageant.

Cast rehearsals will begin in February, said Cindy Perdue, assistant to marketing director Sharbie Higuchi. All of the new volunteer crew members get training, Webster said.

The festival, godparent to the pageant, is California’s oldest outdoor art show. More than 140 artists participate. Festival membership dues range from $25 to $2,500. Perks include invitations to special events, a subscription to the festival newsletter, voting privileges for Orange County residents and, in the upper reaches, tickets to pageant previews with dinner and cocktails at Tivoli Terrace. For more information, call (494) 464-4235.

Volunteers who were unable to attend the weekend casting call may make an appointment by calling (949) 494-3663. (LA)From left, Steve Brio of Anaheim and Dan, Alice and Briana Bowden of Yorba Linda look at images of the artworks that will be re-created for the pageant. 20060113isy8hincPHOTOS BY MARK DUSTIN / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Christina Wagner, left, measures Ene Rahu’s neck during Sunday afternoon’s casting call for the Pageant of the Masters. 20060113isy8i0ncPHOTOS BY MARK DUSTIN / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Christina Wagner, left, measures Ene Rahu’s neck during Sunday afternoon’s casting call for the Pageant of the Masters.