How to enter a pageant

So you want to be in a pageant? Our first suggestion is to find a decent pageant. Although most pageants are well run and legitimate, that’s not to say that there are some awful $ scamming pageants out there. Start by checking out the well known pageants such as Miss America or Miss USA pageant. They are not only the most well known but they typically have local pageants in your area. First you win the local title, then compete for their state crown. If you win your State, you get to go onto the main Miss America Pageant or Miss USA pageant. 

It seems like a lot of work, and it is but the local and state pageants prepare you for what is to come.  And practice makes perfect.  You can find out how to enter by going to their web sites. Once you determine which pageant you would like to try, the next step is to fill out their application. This of this as your job application.

Click here for tips on shopping for the perfect pageant evening gown.

Your Application:

• Make sure your application is typed. (Most applications will be viewed by the judges and this is their first impression of you. Make a good impression. Look at this like you would a job application.
• If there is a hobby category, place your most interesting hobby first. I drove a Harley Davidson and the judges picked up on this right away. They thought it was impossible for a 110 lb girl in a pageant hairdo and evening gown to drive a 600 lb Harley. Due to this fact, I blew away the interview time with easy questions regarding my hobby. The more unusual hobbies you can list will take time away from the answer to interview questions that are hard or unknown to you. So make your resume interesting with topics you’d like to discuss.
• Make your resume easy to read. Don’t clutter it with unimportant items. Keep it clean.
• Have someone you know proofread your work. If you find an error, fix it!
• Keep a copy of your application and make sure you know everything on it because chances are you will be asked questions directly from your application.
• Never lie or exaggerate on an application. Judges can see right through deceit.
• Make sure to return your application by the deadline. All pageants have deadlines.

About Contest Fees:
Almost all pageants have the contestant pay a contestant fee. This fee helps the pageant stay in business (after all most pageants are a business, they are not just in it for fun, they need to make a living too). Never pay in cash and always keep your receipt or canceled check to prove you paid. 

Find A Sponsor:
Most pageants require sponsors. Network with friends and family for sponsors. If you have trouble recruiting sponsors, contact the director of the pageant, as they may be able to help you figure out the best way to go about raising funds.

If you can’t find sponsors, try other ways of raising $$$. For instance, some pageants let you sell ads in their program books. 

Don’t forget to thank your sponsor immediately after your pageant with a handwritten note letting them know how you did. This will give them incentive to sponsor you again in the future.

The Clothes:
Budget yourself, because pageants can run to be expensive. Plan on needing the following at the very least: an interview suit, Interview shoes and jewelry, evening Gown, evening gown shoes and jewelry, costume or swimsuit, swimsuit shoes, work-out clothes, make-up, Packing tape (normally used to give yourself cleavage, talent costume, stay in place spray (normally to hold your swimsuit in place) and alterations so that all of the above fit properly. Find a good tailor. A bad tailor can ruin your entire look. I was once marked off for the hem on my evening gown being 1/2″ too short.

Photos:
Usually a photo is submitted. Find a wonderful photographer who specializes in pageants. Most girls have professional headshots taken. There are photographers who specialize in pageant photography. The photograph will see your photo before they see you in person. Make it a good first impression.  If there is a photo contest in the pageant, we suggest to enter it. The more a judge sees your face the better.

Other Helpful Hints:

1. Make sure to bring a thread and needle. Just in case something breaks.
2. I always brought vaseline so that I could smile even after my mouth went dry. (Keep in on your gums.)
3. A judges decision is final. Never argue. If you ever enter another pageant, they could be judging again.
4. Get in shape. Most winners are normally thinner (not skinny). If all else fails remember dark colors slim.
5. Get over being shy. Most winners are normally outgoing. They need to be because the winner will probably have to do a lot of speaking engagements after the pageant.
6. Cover those tattoos with make-up. No extra piercings other than one hole in each ear for the earrings.
7. Never get a dark tan for competition.
8. NEVER CHEW GUM

*Note: This web site makes only recommendations.

Remember every pageant is different and every pageant has its own set of rules and regulations to follow. We can only share with you what we know from our experiences with pageants.

Make sure to ask questions and take notes from the director of the Pageant you are entering. The director will know what the judges are looking for.