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May 2007 Edition Of Excellence
 The "L" Word! (L for Love, L for Life and L for
Luscious)
Hello
America
,
This
month was a very busy month for me. I've put behind me, 4 prelims, the MGA
Retreat, and my first official Miss Gay America review show.
Miss
Delaware
was held in the Christiana Fire Hall (hot firemen on hand thank you very much)
on March 31st. Scott and Barry pulled out the stops to host a fabulous
state contest. There were 5 contestants to show up for battle. A
packed house watched as Miss D. Meanor took a bow and took home the title of
Miss Gay Delaware as well. A lovely, Lady Lords was thrilled to place 1st
alternate and secure a ticket to Miss Gay America.
Miss
Western States was held on April 7th at the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom in
Tucson
,
AZ.
As you already know, this was a special prelim for me as it was the
prelim that I won to send me to MGA last year. 5 contestants showed up
ready for the title. Alina Maletti edged out the competition to snatch the
crown with Mikaila Kay offering a strong showing and placing 1st alternate.
Miss
Maryland
was held on April 21-23 at the Hippo in
Baltimore
,
MD.
Yet another, well structured, well run prelim. 10 contestants
battled it out for my
2nd state prelim this year. After a flawless opening production number
(don't ask me how many costume changes) by Andora Tetee and family, a top 5 was
called and Akasha Cassadine won top honors with Tattiyana Voche qualifying as
her 1st alternate.
Miss
Tri States was held on April 29th at The Complex in
St. Louis
,
MO.
The crowd filed in to cheer on 4 contestants and 5 Miss Gay Americas (1
in the audience).
Evelyn
Forest
was on point the entire evening as she helped me to conduct contestant and
judge's orientation, helped to emcee a category as well as perform. The
very professional, and very busy red head helped me to crown Symphony Alexander
Love as Miss Tri States America with Regina Aigner’ as her first alternate.
There
is some kind of theme from Prelim to Prelim to try to get me as fat as possible.
You shady queens!
Delaware
hosted a hefty luncheon with delicious sandwich wraps, Western States drove me
and my MGA sisters directly from the airport to a flawless heavy lunch that put
me in a coma until the review show.
Maryland
hosted an Italian contestant/formers dinner that consisted of pasta and
chicken. Tri-States did a luncheon for the contestants/formers catered by
Vicki Vincent that was to die for with grilled chicken, pasta, salad and
deserts.
I'll need to start a whole new newsletter... L for Lunch, L for Laziness, L for
Lay out and go to sleep because I have eaten wayyyy too much…
I've
decided to set my Final Night opening presentation as "One Night in
Hollywood
". I chose this as the theme because I wanted to go out in style,
however I wanted to be able to leave you all with a performance that would be
characteristic of the legacy that I hope to leave within this system. I
want each of us, contestants, formers and myself to embody all that is glamorous
for this one special night. Contestants in white, old
Hollywood
attire, formers in royal blue, and me in red! "LIGHTS, ACTION,
HOLLYWOOD
!"
Contestants
and supporters mark your calendars to gear up for 2 upcoming prelims. This
weekend I will be heading to
Omaha
,
NE
for the revival of the regional prelim, Heart of America. I've heard nothing
but rave reviews about The Max in
Omaha
. I'm excited about working with the girls there!
Also,
East Coast is going to be taking place at the Deerpark Lodge in
Boonesboro
,
MD
in May. Good Lord, the heavy hitter regionals are happening early on in
the year. I know that neither of these prelims will disappoint.
I'm
excited about attending Miss Gay USofA this year to watch Alyssa Edwards as she
crowns her successor. I will be there to cheer on 2 of my MGA sisters.
Dominique Sanchez and Nicole Dubois as they compete for USofA and USofA Classic
respectively. Good Luck ladies!
Hot Tracks
(here are some that I've done on tour that I keep getting emails about)
1. Round We Go - Big Sista
2. A Prayer Away - Yolanda Adams
3. Push the Button - Color Purple (Broadway musical)
Until next
time, Happy eating!
Luscious
 From the desk of Larry & Terry
Censorship or Enforcement of Good Taste?
Greetings to all. We hope that each
of you are taking a moment to enjoy this beautiful spring season prior to the
madness, that the “full swing” of the preliminary competition, will bring.
We
are in process of revision to the regulations for Emcees and Entertainers to
include, no drinking at the podium and the prohibition of profanity of the
emcees and entertainers, including that in the music lyrics of those who perform
at the official preliminary events (preliminary night competition and final
night competition). As a result, the
question has been asked, concerning the prohibition of profanity in the Talent
and Solo Talent categories, of the contestant. While we, at this time, are not
going to include the specific verbiage that profanity is prohibited, we trust
that the good common sense of the contestant will prevail and they will realize
that if they are going to be a serious contender for the title of Miss Gay
America, they will want to present a “clean” package that has few
opportunities for the judges to discount points because of “opinion” about
language used in the talent. We will however, reiterate, that the judges will be
provided the job description summary, which will include detail of the
Entertainer Regulations. The judges will also be informed of what we are looking
for in a Miss Gay America titleholder and will be reminded that they should
select the contestant that has the best consistent presentation and who
demonstrates the qualities we look for in a national titleholder. For the last
several years, many contestants have been told by the judges, during the
critique session, that points were deducted from the score, for the use of
profanity. Again, we remind contestants that the goal of competition is to
appeal to as many of the judges as possible, therefore, competition
presentations should be “clean” so as to not “give” points to opponents.
Some have used the words such as
“censorship” to describe our opinion about the profanity on the microphone
and in the entertainer lyrics. We however, consider the prohibition of profanity
to be an enforcement of what we think to be tact and good taste. We understand
that the majority of the pageants will be held in a “predominantly gay night
club” that caters to patrons of at least twenty-one years of age” but we
want to reiterate that we attempting to market the national contest, to not only
increase the contestant base and the audience base, but we also want to increase
the level of corporate sponsorship and we want to be able to present to
potential supporters, a completely quality and tasteful product that appeals to
everyone.
Those who entertain and emcee for the official events of this pageant system,
serve as an employee of L & T Entertainment, either directly or indirectly,
and said expectation of compliance with the entertainer regulations will not be
compromised. Additionally, contestants should also be subject to consequence for
their action, including but not limited to point deduction from the panel of
judges.
When one invests any amount of money, time and energy into a particular product,
it should only make good common business sense that the product should appeal to
as many different types of people as possible. We want to be clear, that we are
attempting to grow this contest in many areas, including entertainment quality,
audience base and sponsorship base, and we will continue to make decisions about
the management of this system in what we think is in the best interest of this
pageant system. By expanding the support of this contest, all, including
contestants, promoters and former titleholders, can benefit from the increased
support.
So
while the opinion of some, regarding this issue, might be that this is a form of
censorship, we will continue to make clear, our expectations of the
titleholders, entertainers and emcees and will expect the judges to decision
accordingly. And yes, we agree that it takes more effort to coordinate
entertainment performances that comply with the prohibition of profanity but we
want to showcase a talent of the entertainer that will appeal to most all. We
want to be able to forward to anyone, the video taped performances without
having to make apology for any actions that might be offensive, and trust that
new support will be obtained as a result of the overall quality, class and tact
of the entertainers of this pageant system.
Again,
we want to make this pageant system, the best it can be, and show the world,
that this pageant system is much more than just “late night” entertainers,
but are also the professionals who understands and respects the audience…Our
message to the world, will go much farther into the communities, if there are
less actions, that are deemed to be offensive, so that the viewers can see just
what the Miss Gay America pageant system, continues to be, which is the very
best and highest quality, in the art form of female impersonation.
Until next time,
Larry and
Terry
From
the Promoters Perspective….
By
Joie Dimercurio (Co-Promoter of Miss Gay Missouri America pageant)
Miss
Gay Missouri America is a multi-time nominee for the Miss Gay America State
Preliminary of the Year Award and received the State Preliminary of the Year,
for the 2005 season, Award
Many
Questions face us about interview…..
10
steps to blowing your interview….
Many contestants have asked me
for years ..."how do you do so well in interview" and "what is
the key to a good interview." Well as we all may know public speaking
terrifies so many because it is the moment of surprise, and the fear of the
unknown. Having been in many contests, the interview part has always been one of
my favorite categories. This is where the people and the judges get to know who
you are outside the entertainment arena. I explain to contestants that if you
are walking away with your head hanging down then perhaps some of these reasons
will explain why. Understanding what you do not do will jumpstart your drive for
improvement.
Okay
we have all seen this happen before, the top 10 are announced and the
contestants prepare to compete in the Onstage Question category. The first
contestant to take the microphone is dressed in a stunning gown, looks amazing
and has done well in all of her categories. She draws her question from one of
the envelopes, begins her answer cautiously, gets confused half way through her
answer and then ends on a weak note. She then looks and feels rejected as she
leaves the stage. While no one plans to make mistakes, the skills required for
interview result in a greater likelihood that slip ups will occur. It always
seems that the same 10 reasons for blowing your interview are to blame... So
here they are.
#1.Contestants
do not prepare for their interview before walking in to see the judges.
Okay I
know many may think this is basic but it is so important to know what your
thoughts are and how to prepare them in such away that it does not stress you
out. Facial exercises are a must to prepare words. Twice as much time should be
spent on the interview than worrying about your wardrobe.
#2.Many
do not establish eye contact with the judges.
Your
ability to establish eye contact with the judges during the interview is
the key to connecting with them intellectually as well as emotionally. If your
eyes wonder around the room and have no direct contact, you have lost the crown
before the interview is even over.
#3.Do
not show relaxed body language during interview.
Believe
it or not ,studies show that 80% of what we communicate is picked up through
body language. You need to show the judges that you will be relaxed and
approachable when making your royal appearance. Shake out your nerves before
entering with a collective sigh, yawn or deep blow of breath. You will be amazed
at the outcome.
#4.Some
do not have good speaking skills or eliminate regional speaking habits.
This
is where things get tricky. Everyone comes from a different region and has
natural speaking patterns that reflect the area where you grew up. You need to
make sure that your speech does not reflect the slang of your area that is too
difficult to understand. Expand your vocabulary. Read everything. Pronounce
every syllable. Practice by watching the television broadcast journalist who are
trained in "accent natural" speech.
#5.Clothing...dressing
for success.
Let's
be honest here. Can we talk. You do not have to spend a fortune on your
interview suit, but it does need to fit well and be a style that is appropriate
for a business setting. Make sure you budget a few dollars to have your suit
tailored. A sloppy appearance in interview will give the impression of a sloppy
titleholder.
#6.Do
not give a cheesy incomplete answer.
So
often in an interview, a contestant will answer the interview with a one line
answer. BORING! Generally a good answer is 2 to 3 sentences long. Giving an
answer that is too short gives the impression that you are shy and incoherent,
do not really have anything to say on the topic, or not confident in your
answer. It is okay to disagree with a judge, it states opinion over matter and
shows that you are an administrator that would stand up to lead.
#7.Talking
and Talking and Talking..........................
Of
course the flip side to #6 is excessive talking. As judges say… babbling.
Committing to this will bore the judges especially if it is all directed with
attitude towards oneself. Once you have lost the judges you will never get them
back. If your sentence becomes a paragraph in then the interview you might as
well as pack up and leave. Judges needs to know who you are not what you are.
#8.Contestant
say one thing and lie to a different stroke.
Is
it just me or does this one drive you all nuts as well? The contestants claims
to be one thing, lies about a job or accomplishments and then contradicts
themselves in the next sentence. Do not send a negative false statement about
oneself. If you work in fast food restaurant or clean streets for a living then
say this. It will only show the judges honesty, humility and a sense of being
proud of your life and whom you are as a person.
#9.
Contestants that show no respect for the pageant system, judges or other
contestants.
Can't
you always sense when you meet a contestant that thinks he is better than anyone
else? They show no respect and it makes it impossible to like them too, right?
That is exactly how the judges will feel if you come across as a "know it
all contestant" who thinks he is the next know it all pageant diva in the
making. Make sure you treat the judges, the pageant staff, and all the
contestants with respect at all times. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING!!!
#10.
Contestants who do not look like they are enjoying the interview.
While I
know many are nervous and dislike the interview segment of the pageant, you must
at least look like you are having a good time. If you maintain an overall
serious look it gives the impression of defeat before it all happens. Discipline
yourself to speak with a pleasant expression, especially when you are nervous.
Well
now that you all know how I approach the interview segment of a pageant and what
I have witnessed as the top ten reasons to ruining an interview, make copies of
this article and keep it with you in your pageant bible and read it before every
interview given. These are the things I have compelled and learned over all
my interview sections of all the pageants I have entered. Remembering that a
personality and a good sense of humor always creates a winner and to know that
the judges are there to help not to hurt. So take these steps to follow the lead
to my secrets and then you can wow the judges with your interview instead of
blowing it.
Thank
you so much for listening..
Joie
DiMercurio aka...Tumara Mahorning
Co-Promoter
of the Miss Gay Missouri America Pageant
Former Miss Continental Plus 2000
_______________________________________________________________
From
the Promoters Perspective….
By
Will Pappas (Promoter of the Miss Gay Smokey Mountain America pageant)
Miss
Gay Smokey Mountain America was nominated, in October 2006, for the Miss Gay America
Regional Preliminary of the Year Award.
Hello
and greetings from beautiful
Knoxville
,
Tennessee
. My name is William Pappas (WMP Promotions). I am the promoter for Miss Gay
Smoky Mountain America Regional. (June 24, 2007), as well as the owner of The
New Rainbow Club West (http://www.rainbowclubwest.com/).
This is my second year as a promoter in the Gay America Pageantry system. The
professionalism this pageant system continues to show is unprecedented. So thank
you Larry and Terry for your professionalism and allowing me the opportunity to
write this article.
Miss Gay America 2007 Luscious, what can I say? You did what needed to be done
in
Memphis
, and I am so happy you did. I saw you compete and capture the crown. In all
honesty I did not know you, or what to expect from you, but after you're
appearance at The New Rainbow Club West in January, any doubts I had were
laid to rest. I look forward to working with you at Miss Gay Smoky Mountain
America Regional as well as bookings in the future. You handled yourself so
impeccably, and I was so very impressed. You are a true “Symbol of
Excellence”.
One of the things that has impressed me in the
America
system is how friendly my fellow promoters are. Everyone has been willing to
help in any way, and I truly feel they mean it. At times it seems odd, because,
we are in a sense competing with each other to promote the next Miss Gay
America. I have had so many offers to help, and been asked to judge different
pageants. It is a good feeling to know we are all working for the same thing.
The next “Symbol of Excellence”.
To
all contestants entering a city, state, or regional preliminary, please do one
thing. I ask this not for me, but for you. When putting a package together, make
sure it is just that, a complete package. Do not over prepare in one category,
just to be lack luster in another. Consistency across the board is what wins
pageants. You have to prepare for all categories, as excelling in one single
category will not win you a pageant. You need them all. Put yourself together
and blow the judges away.
So
in closing, Larry and Terry thank you again for this honor. To Luscious, I cant
wait to see you again. Best of luck in your continued reign, I know it, and you,
will be fabulous. To my, fellow promoters… best of luck in your preliminaries,
if there is anything I can do please let me know. To the contestants… best of
luck in your quest for the crown. Just remember, one of you will be the next
Miss Gay America.
Best Wishes To All
William Pappas
Promoter Miss Gay Smoky Mountain
America
A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters,
contestants, audience and other supporters 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:
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