When it comes to pageants, most pageant directors know exactly what they want and can even see in their mind exactly how the pageant looks and how it will flow. The difficult part is making these concepts a reality. It�s already a full-time job promoting your pageant and recruiting and maintaining delegates, contestants, judges and more. I�ve been producing, directing and involved in the pageant world for years, so I�ve compiled a list of common questions that I�ve been asked and some that I feel are important to produce a successful pageant.

Q Does it matter where I produce my pageant as long as they have room for us?

A The location is not only important logistically for the contestants, but also for the production. Some facilities such as hotels and smaller auditoriums are not equipped with proper lighting, audio, dressing rooms and loading areas. Bringing in additional equipment and installing it can be quite expensive and time-consuming and NOT bringing the additional equipment in can result in a �sub-par� pageant. So, choosing a �suitable� venue could be less expensive in terms of the overall budget.

Q How much attention should I give to lighting, scenery and sound?

A In regards to scenery and lighting, we are a very visual society and pageants are very visual. Scenery can help make a statement or create an atmosphere. Levels help add definition, dimension and more visibility to the contestants. Lighting is essential. Of course white light is needed, but stark white lighting helps to amplify flaws in scenery and people. Softer pinks are better for skin tones. Blues and magenta added warmth and create a softer tone. Bright ambers, reds and greens can add energy and power to the stage. Specialty lighting, such as moving lights, adds punch and sophistication. As for sound, make sure that there is enough amplification (power) and speakers to cover the room. Not enough amplification can cause distortion. Wireless microphones help make for a more elegant and flexible production.

Q What elements make a successful pageant production?

A Preparation, preparation, and preparation! It�s very important for the show producer to have pre-designed all of the pageant elements before arriving. Lighting and audio should be sufficient. Scripts should be finished and in the emcee�s hands weeks beforehand. Music should be arranged in an orderly fashion. All of the stage numbers for the contestants and entertainers should be choreographed and ready to teach immediately. Professional emcees and entertainers add sophistication and polish � and the list goes on and on. Meticulous preparation is essential.

Q Why should a pageant director hire an outside producer?

Professional staging can add an air of elegance to any event.

A Mainly, because it can make you look great! Professional scenery, emcees, scripting, singers, dancers, etc., can add flair, style and creativity to a pageant. A show producer also takes the worry away from the pageant director. Pageant directors have so much to think about besides producing the actual stage show. The producer�s role is to take care of all the stage-show elements so the director can concentrate on the contestants.

Q Can you hire an outside producer and still make a pageant cost-effective?

A Hiring an outside producer who can oversee and coordinate the set, music, production numbers, script, emcee(s), choreography, etc., allows the pageant director the freedom to continue to recruit contestants and sponsors, adding to the cash flow. A producer can also streamline the rehearsal process, which reduces the amount of hours for the venue and local crew rental. Many hours of rehearsals can be eliminated, reducing days of hotel room and food bills for the contestants and crew. It really can end up saving money, lots of stress and can make for a beautiful pageant. Ultimately, it also creates a positive mood for the contestants, which reflects positively on the pageant director

Q What responsibilities should I expect the show producer to take on?

A The producer is responsible for any aspect that occurs on stage: show script, choreography of the contestants, scenery, music, production numbers, coordination of the lights, audio, stage crew, etc. The producer�s job is to take all of these elements and make them flow seamlessly together. The producer should also work directly with the pageant director to determine the style and theme of the show. Most of the time, they meet to develop a theme, which then determines such things as wardrobe, scenic design and musical numbers. Then, once they determine the theme, the producer is off and running and the worry becomes his or hers, not the pageant director�s.

Q What are the biggest improvements that I should expect to see by hiring a show producer?

A The director should see a higher show quality, creating a higher return rate of contestants (the �build it and they will come� approach); a professional and controlled atmosphere during the rehearsal and planning process, which reduces the amount of rehearsal time on the contestants and the dollars spent on the venue, crew, rooms, and food; and, finally, significant stress-reduction on the pageant director.

Matt Davenport is a producer/director who has written and directed award-winning productions in Myrtle Beach, Branson and Pigeon Forge, TN, where his 2001 �Show of the Year,� Country Tonite, is open daily. He�s also written, produced and directed numerous successful touring productions, including American Rhapsody (A Salute to George and Ira Gershwin), Ropin� the West and Birth of the Beat (The Routes of American Music). Matt has worked in numerous pageant systems for many years, including Miss America, Mrs. International and America�s National Teenager.