How to run a local pageant season

Start four to six months before competition.

• Choose your board roles: who handles paperwork, appearances, money, show night and communication
• Set the competition date, venue and rehearsal dates
• Decide what each title includes: scholarships, prizes and services
• Check your state’s deadlines for sending titleholders to state

Open applications well before your deadlines.

• Share an application page people can find from your website and social media
• Keep a list of people who asked to hear when applications open, and tell them first
• Hold an information night for contestants and parents

Give contestants one list of everything due, with dates, and review uploads as they come in rather than all at the end.

• Send back anything incomplete with a clear note
• Remind everyone who still owes something a week before each deadline
• See the pageant paperwork checklist

Schedule interview practice, talent rehearsals and on-stage walk-throughs.

• Mock interviews work best with specific notes on what went well and what to work on
• Share rehearsal schedules early so families can plan
• Collect talent music in the format your sound crew needs

Make one place families can check for the week.

• Drop-off and pick-up times and places
• When families can watch rehearsals
• Dressing-room rules, packing lists and who to call
• Volunteers for check-in, backstage and the door

Write a run of show with times for each segment, and give the emcee a script that follows it. Test the sound with every contestant’s music, plan ticket sales and check-in at the door, and keep results confidential until they’re announced.

After crowning, help your titleholders plan appearances, log their service and prepare for state. Confirm each appearance as it happens so hours add up through the year, and pay scholarships as they’re requested.