Types of Pageants

Pageant winner celebrating.

There are several types of pageants, each with a different set of goals for bettering the people who enter. Some pageants award winners with scholarships for furthering their education while some pageants help teach interview and public speaking skills. Pageant types are classified by the monetary and time commitments from the contestants and their families.

Glitz

Glitz pageants are the most expensive and time consuming pageants to enter. Glitz is the most sophisticated, high class pageant with the most money in prizes and the stiffest competition. Yearly financial obligation can run up to $40,000 because each dress is custom-made and a professional coaching staff is recommended for anyone entering this type of pageant. Dress includes full pageant gowns, flippers or false teeth and full makeup. Winners practice year around, every day. Entry fees are steep, from $300 and up, but prizes for overall winners can be up to $10,000 in bonds.

Hobby

Hobby pageants are for people who want to build confidence with some cost and time commitments involved. Hobby pageant goers may be practicing before entering a glitz competition or working on their pose and confidence. Hobby pageants are usually small weekend events, and dresses and other clothing for most contestants can be purchased at the mall or a local dress shop. Registration fees run around $200, and winners can receive toys, discounted entry fees for glitz pageants and $500 gift bonds.

Scholastic

Scholastic pageants aren't as heavily focused on dress or the glamor aspect as much as the glitz and even hobby pageants. Scholastic pageants often have a longer interview section, and the prizes are bonds and scholarships to be used in pursuing higher education, be it college, private school or a trade certificate.

Natural

Natural pageants are usually for people who just want to gain a little confidence and education, such as skills for speaking in public. Natural pageant goers often compete once or twice a year and do not have a professional coach, instead relying on friends and family to help coach them. Prizes can range from a photography shoot, business cards, clothing, cash and trips. Heavy makeup and wigs are not often used during this type of pageant.

References

• The Cute Kid; Levels of Pageantary; Kim Josie Emery
• The Reflector; Pageants Proid Poise, Confidence, for Girls; Becca Horton; January 2011