Q. What is the Date and Site of the Miss Michigan USA and Miss Michigan Teen USA Pageants?
A. September 10-11, 2010, at the Power Center for the Performing Arts on the Campus of the University of Michigan.

Q. When will the MISS USA® pageant be televised?
A. The MISS USA® Pageant is scheduled to be held at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada and is scheduled for broadcast on NBC.

Q. Will the MISS TEEN USA Pageant be televised?
A. The MISS TEEN USA Pageant is typically held in August each year and at the present time is NOT scheduled to be televised. The Pageant will be scheduled for UStream – online webcast.

Q. Is the state pageant televised?
A. NO....the state pageant is NOT televised. The pageant will be videotaped and contestants will be able to purchase a DVD.

Q. Is there a change in the MISS TEEN USA Age Requirement?
A. Yes. (MUO announcement 2-4-08) We will be modifying the age eligibility requirement for contestants competing in state pageants preliminary to the 2011 MISS TEEN USA Pageant. Contestants competing in state pageants preliminary to the 2011 MISS TEEN USA Pageant must be at least 14 and under 19 years of age on February 1, 2011.

Q. I missed my deadline.... can I still apply?
A. Many factors are taken into consideration. Call the pageant office 513-941-1000.

Q. What is the latest date I can apply?
A. Applications received less than three weeks prior to the state pageant date will incur a late fee of $100.00 added to the entry fee. There will also be an additional $50.00 late Form Fee. The program book printing deadline determines the cut off date for applications to be accepted. So....get your application in early and receive the Password to access the "Contestants Only" Website Section. All contestants will be encouraged to attend the pageant orientation meeting in Dearborn, Michigan at the Hyatt Regency Hotel – August 14, 2010.

Q. Do I have to compete at a local level and win a title in order to compete in the Miss Michigan USA or Miss Michigan Teen USA Pageant?
A. NO. There are no official local level preliminaries to the Miss Michigan USA or Miss Michigan Teen USA....only the one state pageant each year, however you may contact one of the official recruiters if one is located in your area and receive information about the official recruiter’s event.

Q. I have never competed in a pageant before. Does that matter?
A. No. Quite often contestants are first time competitors. Experience is not a requirement to participate.

Q. I am short.....Do you have to be tall to win?
A. Absolutely not! Whether you are 4 foot tall or 6 foot tall ... it doesn't matter. Each year there is a wide range of body types. We are looking for outgoing, intelligent, confident, attractive young women who are excited to be a part of our pageant system.

Q. Am I too young or too old?
A. Over the years we have had titleholders of various ages. It really depends on the contestant.

Q. How is the pageant judged?
A. Each contestant will be judged in three areas of competition; Interview, Swimsuit and Evening Gown. Judging criteria includes poise, confidence, character and personality.

Q. How are judges selected?
A. We are hard at work all year searching for outstanding individuals to serve on our judging panel. Our judges volunteer their services and are from various walks of life. They may have backgrounds in any of the following areas: community and business leadership, media, merchandising/design, education, performers, travel, talent management, fashion, casting, arts or sports. We go to great lengths to ensure the fairness and objectivity of the judging panel. Judges are required to sign documentation verifying that their decisions will be made in a fair and impartial manner.

Q. Is there a talent portion of the competition?
A. NO, there is no performing talent required.

Q. Will the photo I send with my application be used in the Pageant Program?
A. No, you will have your official photo for the Pageant Program take at the orientation meeting scheduled for August 14, 2010.

Q. How many Contestants are in the Pageant?
A. The number of contestants will change daily as contestants apply and withdraw from the pageant. We do not know how many contestants will be in the pageant until pageant day registration. We will NOT quote a number of contestants at any time before the pageant.

Q. Is a "specific" person in the pageant?
A. All contestant information is confidential. Contestant names are not disclosed prior to the pageant.

Q. How much time will my participation in the pageant require?
A. Only the days of the pageant. A detailed schedule will be provided.

Q. If I win, will it interfere with my education?
A. No. We make school a number one priority.

Q. If I win, how much time will be required? Will it interfere with my education?
A. No. We make school a number one priority. The time involved should you become your state titleholder varies. We make every effort to obtain appearances but realize that your education and family are a high priority. Again, this is on an individual basis and requires much coordination, communication and cooperation between the titleholder and pageant office. Appearances will be on a local and statewide basis and may include parades, speaking engagements and trade shows. Almost all appearances and charity work will take place during the weekend and will be scheduled in advance.

Q. Should I bring a gift for the other contestants?
A. No.

Q. When will contestant photos be on the website?
A. Contestant photos will be scheduled to post about 4 days prior to the pageant.

Q. Do I need a "pageant coach" and who would you recommend?
A. Even though some contestants seek the advice of a coach, we do not see their success reflected in the overall outcome of the pageant each year. While some contestants feel more prepared when they work with an experienced person who can give them tips on competition, many young women have won titles without any outside training. Resource information is available on the sponsor section of the website ONLY for contestant information. You are NOT required to patronize the pageant sponsors.

Q. What is a sponsor and how does sponsorship work?
A. A sponsor is an individual or business who gives you money or provides a service to enable you to participate in the pageant. Start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends, family members and their employers, etc. This will take time and commitment. Schedule appointments to collect your sponsorships. When approaching potential sponsors, explain your goals and your desire to improve yourself by participating in the pageant. This will also be beneficial in developing your communication skills.

Q. Do I have to spend a lot of money on my wardrobe or purchase it from pageant sponsors?
A. No It is not necessary to spend a fortune on an interview outfit, swimsuit and evening gown. It is more important to select outfits that make you feel confident, that best suit your body type and personality. Each year the personal choice of gowns spans from simple without beads to hand beaded. It is never the gown the judges are scoring; it’s the young woman wearing it. You might consider securing a Gown Shop, Hair and Nail Salon, etc. as a sponsor. Resource information is available on the Sponsor section of the website for contestant information ONLY. You do NOT have to purchase your wardrobe from the pageant sponsors.

Q. Can I have a personal hair stylist or make-up artist backstage?
A. Contestants are NOT permitted to provide hair stylists or make-up artists backstage. They must style their hair and apply their make-up.

Q. What if I have a tattoo or body piercing?
A. We feel that tattoos and piercings are a statement of your individuality. We have not prohibited anyone from entering the pageant because of them. Should you feel that your tattoo might be offensive, you may want to make sure it is covered by your swimwear, gown or even body makeup. If you are uncomfortable with your naval piercing, you may want to make sure your wardrobe covers it, remove it totally or replace it with something smaller for pageant competition.

Q. Can you tell me my scores so I can prepare for next year?
A. No. Scores or critiques are NOT available after the pageant. Watch the pageant video and critique your on-stage performance, watch pageants on TV and attend as many local pageants as you can.

Q. What if I have a question not answered in this section?
A. Call the pageant office at 513-941-1000 or send us an e-mail at info@procprod.com. We will be happy to answer any question you may have.