Laguna Beach Performing Arts
With a long history as an arts colony, Laguna Beach is the ultimate California destination for the art lover.
Featuring art in all forms, the performing arts were established in 1920, with the founding of the Laguna Playhouse. Still in operation today, the Playhouse is one of the oldest operating theaters on the West Coast. They’ve welcomed stars from Val Kilmer, to Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford to their stage over the last nine decades.
In 1933, local artists staged a publicity stunt (the first of many) to draw attention to an art exhibit. A parade of local volunteers costumed as characters in famous works of art – Whistler’s Mother, Mona Lisa and Atlas, among others – marched downtown along the Coast Highway holding their poses as tableaux vivants — “living pictures.” Together, the parade and show were entitled “The Spirit of the Masters Pageant.” The ‘living pictures’ show still continues today, however is referred to as the Pageant of the Masters. Celebrating 85 years, the show runs annually, every summer.
More recently Laguna Beach has become home to an annual modern dance festival and music festival. Both showcase world famous performing artists and incorporate educational events for inspiring artists.
