Pageant of the Masters “Improvised Tableau Vivant” in 1936. Frank Hevener (left), board president in 1936, and Roy Ropp, early Pageant director, improvising a tableau as a publicity stunt. Roy Ropp is considerd the Father of the Pageant of the Masters. In 1935, he and his wife, Marie, along with friends and family members transformed the parade of pictures into a popular sit-down theatrical performance as we know today. He is also credited with renaming "The Spirit of the Masters Pageant" to the "Pageant of the Masters." This summer, over 150,000 people will enjoy the Pageant of the Masters.