So You Want to Direct a Pageant

So you would like to direct a pageant? It’s not going to be easy and it can take a couple of times before you get it completely right. Here’s just a few hints and tips on how to run a successful pageant.

1.) Come up with a good name for the pageant. Here are some examples of pageant names that are in use: Miss Relay for Life, Miss Reelfoot, Miss Western Days, Miss Lake County, etc… Make sure your name isn’t already taken by another pageant in the area.

2.) Don’t use judges that are from the same town or even the same county. If they know a girl they can either score her bad or try to make her queen. That’s just one way your pageant can become rigged.

3.) Find a place with good lighting and possibly a stage. Most high schools will rent out their stage for you as long as you call ahead of time.

4.) Decide if you want to start a BIG pageant or just a small local pageant. If you do a BIG pageant you must decide on what days they will be, if they include interview, swimsuit, evening gown, talent, questions, etc… These pageants are usually done in hotel convention centers. If you do a small local pageant you can decide if onstage questions is a must for your pageant, but beware some girls refuse to do these kinds of pageants. You can also decide if you want to do side categories like most photogenic, best hair, prettiest smile, best dressed, best model, etc… I wouldn’t advise best personality unless you do onstage questioning.

5.) Decide what your prizes are. You can use trophies, certificates, crowns & tiaras, roses, money, gift certificates, etc… I would use trophies for the Queen and her court along with a Crown & roses for the Queen. Side Categories would get certificates.

6.) Most pageants start around the end of March and end in May. There are some pageants that go on every holiday. Some of these can be a big success if they are advertised to a wide group.

7.) Decide if you are having a open pageant or a closed pageant. Open pageant means that it’s open to any girls in any county. A closed pageant means it is only open to girls in the county the pageant is being held.

8.) You also need to decide if you want to include girls over the age of eighteen. You could do a Misses which would include anyone not in high school to the age of 25. Then a Mrs. which would include anyone engaged, married, divorced, or widowed. Doing a misses pageant usually doesn’t get a lot of attention unless your pageant helps them get to a preliminary pageant for a state pageant. (good idea to look into if you do a BIG pageant)