Frequently Asked Questions

The Mrs. South Carolina America pageant is the official state preliminary to the Mrs. America national pageant. The Mrs. America pageant has been televised in over 60 countries. The newly crowned Mrs. America goes on to compete at the Mrs. World pageant. For at least 30 + years, the winner of this pageant has been defined by her strength of character, her pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, and her implicit beauty. The Mrs. America system is the premier pageant for married women!

2. What are the requirements?

Must be at least 18 years of age - no age limit!
Must be legally married at the time of competition
Must be a North Carolina resident and a U.S. Citizen
No performing talent required

3. Is there a fitness competition?

Yes, there are 3 categories in which you will be judged:

Fitness/Swimsuit - You will need a 1 or 2 piece swimsuit. High heeled flesh colored/clear sandals or closed toe shoes are recommended. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. 25% figure, fitness, posture, elegance, beauty and confidence. During your year as Mrs. NC America your schedule will be very demanding, so being physically fit is a very important part of the competition. Panty hose is optional.

Private Interview - 4 minute one-on-one interview style in which you will receive 4 minutes with each of the five judges. You can wear an interview suit (this may be a pant suit or skirt suit) or daytime dress/nice business style dress. 50% of your score is based on how well you show the judges your ability to articulate and show confidence, as well as your overall personality and appearance. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum.

Evening Gown - Floor length gown of a color and style that looks good on you! 25% of your score is based on your poise, posture, grace, elegance and overall look, how well you carry yourself, and how well your choice of gown compliments you. Cost of gown is not a consideration when being judged.

Opening Number - This needs to be LBD = Little Black Dress! Show your personality and style. It will not be a complicated opening number. It can be sparkly if you would like.

4. What is the scoring system?

25% fitness/swimsuit
25% evening gown
50% private interview

A top ten will be selected if there are 20 contestants or more. It will then to narrowed down to a Top Five who will have an on-stage question.

The Top Five will be ranked by the judges in the order they wish to place them.

5. What kind of woman enters the Mrs. South Carolina America Pageant?

The Mrs. America pageant attracts women of all ages, vocations, and backgrounds, as its following continues to grow every year. The variety of women the pageant attracts is hardly surprising. There are mothers, doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics, airline pilots, aspiring models and actresses, as well as the traditional homemakers. The one thing they all have in common is that they are married and have an eagerness to compete.

6. Is there a height requirement?

There is no height requirement to enter or win. We have had state winners that ranged from 5'2" to 5'10".

7. Do I have to have children?

No - there have been winners at the local and national level that haven't had children. There have been winners with no children and others who have had up to seven children. Having children is not one of the basic requirements for entry.

8. Am I too old to win - Am I too young to win?

The judges are looking for a beautiful, well rounded, articulate woman. They are not asked to focus on age or length of marriage. There have been contestants/winners that ranged in the age 24 - 54!

9. Do I need a performing talent?

No. We do not have a talent portion at our pageant and believe that being married is talent enough.

10. Will I be judged on community service?

No - realistically most married women are extremely busy with their careers and children; they are contributing to the community by virtue of serving their own families. While community service is stressed during the Mrs. South Carolina America reign there is no emphasis on community service in the actual pageant competition.

11. What's included in the prize package?

12. Is there an entry fee?

Yes. We encourage our city and county titleholders to raise the entry fee in their communities. After all, they have been exclusively selected to represent all of the married women in their areas. The entry fee covers the cost of doing business such as renting a theatrical facility, designing sets and music, as well as printing, advertising and phone expenses. Space is provided in the official program book to recognize your supporters.

When you receive your county/city banner it is time to make appearances. Go to your local newspaper, Chamber of Commerce, and/or local happenings in your community. Select things that fit into your schedule and that interest you. This could be parades, reading with children at the library, Girl/Boy Scout events, Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen, March of Dimes, or grand openings for new businesses. You will be a strong, positive addition to the event!

13. Can I get sponsors?

Absolutely! Sponsorships can be from employers, family, friends, and/or community businesses. As a local title holder, everyone will want to support you. After all, you are representing your community in the Mrs. South Carolina America pageant. Your sponsors will receive recognition in the official program book and obtaining sponsors is easy.

14. I've never entered a pageant before: do I have a chance to win?

Yes - it truly depends on the individual. Everyone is given a fair opportunity to win! Since my personal involvement in the Mrs. America program in 2002, two women have won the title on their first try. There have been at least 3 state winners that won their first title at state level who went on to win the national title of Mrs. America. Two of these Mrs. Americas made top Ten at the Mrs. World pageant.

15. Are you required to put an AD Page in the program book?

No. You are not required but this does give the judges an opportunity to see your involvement and how you have showcased your title and the support of your community. Once accepted as a contestant, you will receive a copy of last year's program book for ad page ideas.

16. Who are the judges?

We have a great deal of pride in selecting our judges. This is a very important job and we take it very seriously. The type of judges we select have been chosen based on their credentials and their ability to select a person that is the best choice based on the overall performance of the contestants. The woman selected will be the best representative of all the contestants that have competed that year.

17. How do I get started?

You need to download the application and send in the $25 application fee, with a snapshot photo (this photo will NOT be used in program book or website). This application fee helps with postage, background checks and verification that you are a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of North Carolina at least 6 months. Dual residency or residence at a military installation is acceptable. The registration fee is in addition to the participation/entry fee.

18. How are contestants number selected?

19. Are there preliminary pageants or do you go at-large and select your county/city title?

We have both. There are a few preliminary pageants that you can enter to be a contestant. You can also be an at-large contestant. You will chose your title by turning in your City/County Title Sheet with your top three choices. Local titles are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

20. Do you offer a workshop?

Yes, we offer a workshop that is optional and an extra charge. This is a day of fun to learn everything you need to know to be the next Mrs. South Carolina America. You will learn valuable interview skills through mock interviews (with former winners, judges, modeling agencies, TV producers, etc.), as well as makeup and hair tips. We will talk about the mental game of pageant competition, and how to market your title and make the most of your year. You will learn techniques and skills that you will take away with you that are valuable in a pageant competition, as well as if you never compete again.

21. What forms of pageant are acceptable?

22. What is expected when I win Mrs. South Carolina America?

You can do as much as you like and are able. There is a minimum of 30 appearances before the national Mrs. America pageant and 30 appearances after the national pageant. Your participation and willingness to make appearances as Mrs. South Carolina America will only benefit you and your personal goals in the future. We understand that as "Mrs." you have a family and other obligations. We will work with you to help you juggle your new title!

23. Should I bring a gift for the other contestants?

Yes, we do a crown gift exchange for all contestants. This is an opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

24. Will the photo that I submit with the application be used in the program book/website?

No, for now we only need a snapshot included with your application and fee. The deadline for the professional 8x10 that is used for the program book and website is a few weeks before the pageant.

25. When and where will the 2009 pageant be held?

Pageant Date: June 27, 2009
Location: South Carolina State Museum, Columbia, SC

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26. Who staffs the pageant?

All of the staff are volunteers and are involved in this program with the goal of making this event an enjoyable experience for you and your families. Please be courteous to them - they have a very tough job making the event go smoothly. If you need help, please call the state office at 828-478-2804 and we will get back with you as soon as possible.

27. How do I get more information?

Call the Mrs. South Carolina America office today to receive your entry information today!

Wendy & Frederick C. Galle, III
Executive Directors, Mrs. South Carolina America Pageant
2488 Penngate Drive
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
828.478.2804
galle@charter.net
www.mrsnorthcarolinaamerica.com
www.mrssouthcarolinaamerica.com