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June 2006 Edition Of Excellence
Du'Bois' Dish By Nicole DuBois (MGA 2006)
As we say good bye to the month of May, my
reign as MGA 2006 is half way complete. Everyone has said to savor each and
every moment, and I have done exactly that. I now look forward to the rest of my
reign with great excitement and much anticipation.
Miss Tri-States Regional was
held April 30th, 2006 @ The Complex, in St. Louis, Missouri. This
contest had 4 fantastic contestants, and by night’s end Evelyn Forest of Grand
Rapids, Michigan was victorious, with Regina Aigne’r as first- alternate….two
more lovelies on there way to the finals in October. Earlier, the day of the
pageant, the multi-talented Vicki Vincent, MGA 89 had prepared lunch for the judges and contestants. Then, she did
double duty the night of the pageant with her amazing emcee abilities, as well
as entertained the kids. It is always great to see you sis!!! Also on hand were MGA005- Raquel Chevalier, and my friend,
and crowd favorite China Collins (first alternate to Miss Mid America 2006 and
on her way to the nationals in Memphis, in October) working it out. I also got
to see and chat with Missouri Promoter and former Miss Continental Plus 2000-
Tumara Mahorning, (love you and can’t wait to see you again soon).
If you are visiting our web
site
MissGayAmerica.com, you now know that our theme has been
announced. Contestants can go to the “MGA 2007” button, and look up all the info that you will need for your
opening presentation costume. We are going to have a royal time on final night
and look for some exciting changes in the format of that night as well. Although
I have requested that your hair be an up do, please be creative with the style,
use barrettes, combs, hair jewelry, etc. You can also rent the movies- Vanity
Fair, Casanova, and Ever After, and look at the ball sequence of the movie, to
get ideas as well. I hope you will be as excited as I am about this night. If I
do not get a chance to say thank you to you all, THANKS….
My MGA sisters- you will be receiving a letter very soon, along with pictures
that will give you some idea as to what direction we will be going. Once again,
thank you for all of your continued support and words of wisdom and
encouragement. You all ROCK…
As a licensed Cosmetologist
I would like to give you my ideas of some Do’s & Don’ts about your hairstyle
for Evening Gown, as well as your Male Persona.
- Get a hairstyle that
represents you.
- Let your look/ hairstyle
be distinctive
- Don’t over style. Avoid
too much teasing and hairspray.
- Work with your hair, not
against it.
- Fashion trends should
influence your style, not dictate it.
- Your hairstyle should be
realistic and interesting.
- Avoid stereotypical
looks.
- Have a definitive style/
not necessarily all the time, Vary it.
- Challenge your stylist to
produce new ideas.
The only rule in hair that’s
worth following is to allow yourself total freedom in expressing your
individuality. Hair is an extension of ourselves, like the clothes we wear,
reflect who we are. Rather than being a dedicated follower of fashion, be a
dedicated follower of your own heart. The only other thing I would like to say
is that if you care for and love your hair, you will already be making the right
choices. That is what having confidence is all about. You will feel better going
into male interview, as well as having a lovely hairstyle for Evening Gown. Now
just DO IT!!!
In closing I would like say
congratulations to Maya Douglas on her resent victory in capturing the title of
Miss Continental Elite, and also to Chelsea Pearl’s victory @ Miss Gay USofA
Classic, and finishing off with kudos to Alyssa Edwards, on winning the coveted
title of Miss GayUSofA. I wish you all the very best during your year. May your
reign be filled with much happiness and awesome memories that will carry with
you for a lifetime.
Much Love, Nicole
From the desk of Larry & Terry
All By Yourself In Solo Talent….
(an article published in “The Excellence” Newsletter in June 2006)-page 1 of 2
pages
Have you ever seen a titleholder and wonder how they won a
particular contest? Ever wish the performance of an entertainer would end as
soon as it begins? We hope that the Solo Talent phase of competition will assist
the judges to determine who is truly talented. This category is designed to
allow the contestant to express what type of entertainer they might be, as they
travel representing the coveted title of Miss Gay America. The purpose of the
Solo Talent category is to showcase, only you, the contestant, and your ability
to entertain the audience. There can be no hiding behind a dance troupe or stage
props as it is up to you, to entertain the audience. There are many different
types of Solo Talent competitions that have been presented by the contestants…
drama, comedy, dance, acrobats and there has been success in each of these types
of solo talent presented by the contestants but generally speaking, there is
none of these types, which have consistently scored higher than others.
The following, is the sub-category descriptions and questions, that you, as
contestant, may wish to consider, when choosing a performance for your Solo
Talent competition.
Choreography and Appearance-(0 to 30 possible points)-
(Physical Coordination and Stage Presence)
Is the costume appropriate for the talent?
Is costume properly fitted? (any flaws in the costume, including ill-fitted
costumes should cause point deduction)
Is there difficulty/room for error, if you are using “rip-away” costuming?
If there is difficulty, how can you decrease risk of error in the “rip-away”
costume?
Is the music professionally mixed?
Do songs used in your mix relate to your Solo Talent?
Does your Solo Talent tell a story that you want to tell?
Is choreography appropriate for the talent?
Does the choreography flow?
Is each dance move executed to the fullest extent?
Is your choreography too repetitive?
Is your talent so energized at the beginning that the judges will loose interest
toward the end of the presentation?
Is your talent so energized at the beginning that you loose energy at the end?
If you are imitating a character….do you look like the character, do you act
like the character?
Quality-(0 to 30 possible points) (Lip-Sync, Live Vocal, and/or Other
Entertainment)
Do you know your words? (look as if you are actually singing and/or speaking)
Do you “over dramatize” the words?
Do you “under dramatize” the words?
If live vocal, do you sing on key? On beat?
Is there any offensive language in your Solo Talent that might cause a judge to
discount points because of the offensive language?
Value of Presentation as Entertainment-(0 to 40 possible points)
Is your talent truly entertaining?
Does your talent stir emotion (laughter, sadness, etc)
Whatever your talent….be sure that it is entertaining. Many contestants score
well in all subcategories of Solo Talent, except for the “value as
entertainment” subcategory, and this could be crucial to your overall scoring in
the pageant. Simply said, the talent of an entertainer is not about the
popularity of the entertainer, for as the art of female impersonation grows,
you, the contestant (as Miss Gay America), will most likely perform for many who
have never seen you perform, therefore, you are encouraged to seize the moment
and give them a memorable performance that will amaze them considering that you
are a “man, impersonating a woman”.
Solo Talent is a very difficult category of the competition as the contestant
must choose if the Solo Talent, is fitting to his capability as an entertainer.
Sometimes, comedy has scored well, sometimes drama, sometimes dance…but no
matter what “grouping” your Solo Talent is classified, the judges have agreed,
that each of the contestants who have scored well, selected a Solo Talent that
was entertaining. Remember, that quite often, something might appeal to you as a
performer that might not appeal to the spectator therefore, you should ask for
the “honest” opinion of others, then be willing to listen to the “honest”
majority.
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, again, it is a
good idea to consult with many who will give you their honest opinion about your
talent presentation. The key to a successful Solo Talent, is to select one that
will be entertaining to all (or the majority) of the judges, as the panel of
judges are usually comprised of a variety of individuals that each have
different opinions, therefore your Solo Talent should have a good look and be
entertaining.
Solo Talent is to showcase the contestant’s 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…
From the Promoters Perspective
By Roger Dimick-Miss Gay Maryland America promoter
Well, first of all, I was honored to be asked to write an
article for the Excellence Newsletter. Larry and Terry asked me to write an
article for the April edition but it was the month of Miss Maryland America and
needless to say I was very busy….then with my Mom being sick and the death of my
father, I asked if I could write one for the May edition. Larry and Terry, who
have been great with me said yes, and again thank you, Larry and Terry for your
understanding and professionalism… you guys are the best.
Enough about me... When you are having a contest it should be about the
contestants. They should always be first not only because if it was not for them
we would not have a contest, but because with them competing in your prelim,
they are saying to you, “we trust you and are hoping that you are going to run a
fair and honest contest”, so it is your job as a promoter to let them know from
the start, that it is all about, you the contestants and that we (the promoters)
are here no matter what.
I have also found that having great formers is also very important because
sometimes the contestants might think it is easier to talk to them, rather than
you (the promoter). Do not take it personally, just remember we do not all have
to like each other but in the best interest of your contest and the well being
of your contestants, it is important that we show we are family. So, surround
yourself with your former titleholders and you will be surprised how smooth your
contest will run.
As for Miss Gay America, I have seen sixteen (16) Miss Gay America's crowned and
all have been very different. Just remember when they come to your contest, they
are also hoping that you are going to run an honest and fair contest and it is
their job to see that happens, so please put your egos aside and let her do her
job and treat her as you would want to be treated. Don't try to patronize her,
just show her some class. Remember, don’t try to be the best, just do your
best….
Thank you very much,
Roger Dimick, Promoter of Miss Gay Maryland America
P.S. Thank you Nicole for your dressing room visits and follow-up post cards to
the contestants. They are still are talking about them….
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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