How to Be a Pageant Director

Becoming a pageant director might mean hosting your own pageants.

Pageants are a growing business in the United States, a business that is stimulating economies and even motivating young women through scholarship opportunities and cash prizes. Directing pageants can be both lucrative and enjoyable, especially for people who have extensive pageant experience. Former pageant contestants usually have the best opportunities when it comes to snagging jobs as pageant directors. While you can look for a job as a pageant director, you can also start your own pageants and direct them.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer

Instructions

1. Gather your contacts. Chances are you have experience in pageants already, and you know the people who normally compete in them. Make a mail list through your word processor for both e-mail and postal mail.

2. Find sponsors. Call local businesses who might be willing to sponsor your pageant. You'll need operating capital to pay for a space to hold the pageant and the supplies it will take for decorating, as well as providing the appropriate environment for the contestants.

3. Book a venue. It should be large and have a stage and an area for people to be seated to watch the pageant. You should pick a date several months in the future to ensure you have time to hire your staff and organize the pageant.

4. Hire your staff. You will need staff to choreograph the pageant, organize the space and manage people on the day of the pageant. In addition, if you are providing refreshments at the pageant, you will need to have staff on hand to handle that aspect of your pageant.

5. Book your contestants. Using the mailing list you have already compiled, send out notices containing information on what will be required of the contestants and what the prize will be for the winner and runners-up. Include information on how they can sign up to compete.

6. Put on five to 10 pageants yourself with sponsors. Make sure to have a photographer or videographer document your pageant successes, so you have more material for a portfolio or body of work. Prepare a resume and portfolio from your own pageants. Then make a move toward larger organizations to direct well-known pageants.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay educated throughout the process. Several trade magazines can help you stay educated about the latest pageant news and practices. Also, developing and maintaining contacts is key. The pageant world is partly about who you know, and knowing the right people and keeping good relationships with them will help you move up as a director.

References

• Pageant Director Duties
• Direct Your Pageant