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April 2006 Edition Of Excellence
Du'Bois' Dish By Nicole DuBois (MGA 2006)
Hello all, this month has truly flown by. It seems as though I just finished my
last article, and then I find myself again at the computer pecking away.
Earlier in the month I had the pleasure of working in Hattiesburg, MS. at a
fabulous bar called Groove. College town and college boys... need I say more.
Bar owner Brandon and staff were just amazing, as well as working with old
friends Vanessa, Nikki, and Bambi. You girls ROCK...I would also like to take
this opportunity to let everyone know that this awesome bar will be the host
club for Miss Mississippi Regional, to be held Saturday, July 29th. Please
continue to visit the Miss Gay America Web site on a regular basis to view
pageant dates, excellence articles, and national pageant info.
Speaking of our Web site, I would like to welcome Bruce Lamensdorf as our new
Web site Administrator. Bruce is not a stranger to MGA, as he was promoter for
Miss Southern Elegance… Love ya, Bruce....
Last weekend I was back in New Orleans and worked with my friend Brittney from
Texas. We worked with Tiffany, Raquel, and Anastasia in our spotlight and Sunday
shows. For those who do not know Brittney, she is one crazy chick. FYI, do not
ever share a room with her because you will think that King Kong is sleeping in
the bed next to you... Love you GIRL.
I would like to take this time to talk about the word Professionalism. What does
this word mean to you? Be able to explain your definition, using examples,
including yourself, and professional entertainers/artists, who you admire and
respect. Professionalism is not only important in appearance, interview and
talent, but it is essential in the pageant world as in any other career choice.
A professional should be aware of information about the organization to which
he/she is applying for that particular job. Miss Gay America is a job for the
winner and must have a sense of grace, style, confidence, enthusiasm and pride.
Plus remember... how does a PROFESSIONAL act or react upon winning or NOT
winning a pageant. Just something to think about when planning for a state,
regional, or national title.
They say that only 10 percent of the brain is ever used. I believe it's true of
our hearts and spirits as well. I also believe that we are here on earth to make
the most of what we've got and who we are, and contribute to the world so it's a
little better when we leave it. In the words of the AMAZING Kevyn Aucoin, I am
not saying that putting on make-up will change the world or even your life, but
it can be a first step in learning thing's about yourself you may have never
discovered otherwise.
See you all very soon... Keep Painting!!!!!!!!
Much Love, Nicole
From the desk of Larry & Terry
A winning
Talent…….
The category of talent is the highest scoring category
within the Miss Gay America pageant system. Some contestants tend to primarily
focus on this category to ensure the maximum number of points, in effort to win
a competition when in fact, consistently high scores in each category is what
usually yields the winner. Concerning talent, you name it, and we have seen it
but there remain many untapped sources of originality. The talent category is
designed to showcase your ability to entertain, coordinate costume and create
stage set-up that will be entertaining to both the judges and the audience. Very
few have been successful in being a “one-man band” during talent but it can be
done…. One does not need to have a huge production to be successful, but if you
choose compete with no-one or nothing but you (the contestant) on the stage; it
has to be quality enough to sustain scrutiny of the judges. Because you are
allowed seven (7) minutes, does not necessarily mean that you should take the
entire time allowed for your talent presentation. We have heard some judges
comment that some talent presentations should be greater in length, while others
should be shorter in length. When selecting a talent, you need to understand the
sub-category scoring and be sure that you will score well when subject to the
scrutiny of the judges. It has been said, many times, that the outcome of a
contest might have been totally different with a different panel of judges
however your ultimate goal should be to select a talent that will score well
with any panel of judges (from all races, genders, and backgrounds). This is not
so easy to accomplish but rest assured that if you consider your talent
presentation based on the subcategory scoring components, you will score higher.
We have detailed below the sub-category descriptions of the Talent category and
have noted questions that you might wish to ask yourself when selecting a
talent. Remember, that in any phase of competition, your choice what you will do
in that category should appeal to the majority of the panel of judges. You may
wish to think of your talent for the values noted below, then consider if the
talent selection would appeal to most people.
TALENT
Showmanship and Set Design- 0 to 60 Points
Choreography- (Physical Coordination and Stage Presence (Including Dancers) 0 to
80 Points
Quality (Lip-Sync, Live Vocal, and/or Other Entertainment) 0 to 80 Points
Value of Presentation as Entertainment - 0 to 80 Points
Total points 300 possible points per judge
Showmanship and Set Design
What is the look of the set design?
Does the set design compliment the theme of your talent?
If props are on stage, will they be used (example: why have a chair in your set
design if it does not compliment the theme of your talent, nor will it be used
by you during the talent?)
Are the costumes appropriate for the talent (including dancers, if used)?
Are costumes properly fitted? (any flaws in the costume, including ill-fitted
costumes should cause point deduction)
Is the music professionally mixed?
Do songs used in your mix relate to your talent?
Does your talent tell a story that you want to tell?
Choreography-(Physical Coordination and Stage Presence (Including Dancers)
Is choreography appropriate for the talent?
Do dancers, “out-stage” the contestant?
Do dancers have good “chemistry with each other?
Do dancers have good “chemistry” with the contestant?
Does the choreography flow?
Is your choreography too repetitive?
Does the appearance of the dancers compliment each other (example: a very tall
dancer and a very short dancer usually look odd on stage, while together)?
Do dancers know the routines (as their mistakes become your point deductions)?
Quality-(Lip-Sync, Live Vocal, and/or Other Entertainment)
Do you know your words (look as if you are actually singing)?
Do your dancers know their words?
Do you or your dancers “over dramatize” the words? Under dramatize the words?
If live vocal, do you sing on key? On beat?
Value of Presentation as Entertainment
Is your talent truly entertaining?
Does your talent stir emotion (laughter, sadness, etc)
Is the length of your talent too long?
Is the length of your talent too short?
Whatever your talent is….be sure that it is entertaining. Many contestants might
score well in all subcategories of Talent, except for the value as entertainment
subcategory, and this could be crucial to your overall scoring in the pageant.
Talent is a very difficult category of the competition as the contestant must
choose if the talent is fitting to his capability as an entertainer. Too often
contestants go for a quantity stage presence and get lost in the production. It
is important to remember that any point deductions can accumulate and cost you
the contest therefore the smallest of details should be reviewed to ensure that
you are not loosing points. Just because you are entertained by a particular
talent does not mean that others will be, therefore it is a good idea to consult
with many who will give you their honest opinion about your talent presentation.
Talents is to showcase the contestants ability to entertain an audience,
including stage presence and production, so as with any presentation, choose
wisely to ensure that the talent presentation and your ability to execute your
presentation, will be pleasing to the eye and ear…..
Until next time…
Raquel's Reality By Raquel Chevallier (MGA 2005)
 Hello
everyone! It seems like such a very long time since I’ve sat down and written an
article for the Excellence. After an endless year of traveling and making
wonderful memories, I had already planned on a much needed break from the road,
but, of course, I didn’t know last August that I was going to have to deal with
the aftermath of a major hurricane.
Needless to say, I’ve had plenty to deal with, helping to put our city back
together, one drag show at a time. We’ve been back in our home for about two
months now and New Orleans is slowly brushing herself off and polishing up like
a brand new rhinestone. Don’t get me wrong, there are still areas of the city
that are just getting electricity, but we’ve got hope and faith.
After all this going on, I had to search on how much traveling I wanted to get
back into. I suppose after the break from traveling and getting our lives back
together, I realized that life is all too precious and that you’ve got to live
for today. I have missed seeing so many friends that I’ve made throughout the
years. I was so proud to be able to lead us through a transitional year in the
Miss Gay America pageant that resulted in growth within our system. Now, I am
ready to work with my sisters and continue the momentum and to help keep you on
your journey to find dreams.
You will all be in very good hands with our reigning Miss Gay America, Nicole
Dubois. She is very experienced within the MGA system, both as a competitor and
administrator and knows what performers and promoters need to do a fabulous job.
I have two bits of advice to pass your way. Keep your composure and style all
year through. You never know who will see you and who will be your next judge
sitting on the judge’s panel. And keep pushing the envelope, while still
maintaining the Miss Gay America expectance of grace, glamour and Excellence.
All my love,
Raquel Chevallier
Miss Gay America 2005
A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters of the Miss Gay America Pageant System throughout the year. Should there be any issue or topic of discussion a promoter would like to see addressed (or to write an article to be published) in a future newsletter, please contact the editor via
Email.
Please note, any article, comments, or opinions faxed, mailed, (postal or electronics),
or otherwise sent to any of our "addresses" become our property and carry an implied consent of publication should we choose to do so. No articles will be published in which one or more of the following occurs:
- complete identity of the author is not known
- plagiarism
- defamation of an individual or company
- false or misleading information (as we are able to determine)
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