Have you ever waited until the last minute to register for a pageant knowing the deadline has passed? Have you ever had a change of heart and decided not to compete days before a pageant?
If you are guilty of one or both, SHAME ON YOU! Both scenarios happen often in the industry, but this behavior is unacceptable. I would file this behavior under improper pageant etiquette.
(Shameless Plug: If you want to learn more about pageant etiquette, I teach workshops on this very topic. )
Directors and staff spend months, weeks, and days trying to craft a flawless pageant experience, and late entries and last minute dropouts can hinder the process. Deadlines are in place for a reason. Changes cost money and causes unnecessary stress for directors and staff. I understand family and/or medical emergencies arise because life happens; however, neglect and irresponsibility are not plausible excuses. I can give you five things that are affected by late entries and last minute dropouts.
- Program Book
If contestants have to be added or removed, this affects the entire layout of the program book. The director may have hired a graphic designer to create the program book, and he or she may have to pay the graphic designer extra money to correct the layout due to any last minute changes. Contrary to popular belief, directors do not have unlimited amounts of cash to give in order to correct issues.
- Judges Score Sheets
This is of utmost importance because judges determine the winners of a pageant. The score sheets need to be in order so the judges can score properly. Changes require new score sheets. If the judges score sheets are incorrect, scoring may be incorrect. Marinate on that.
- Contestant Schedule
Changes affect the entire contestant schedule. Times and locations may change in order to accommodate contestant entries and departures.
- Staff Schedule
Staff members have their own separate schedule so any changes will affect their duties as well.
- Pageant Script
The pageant script is the “Bible” for an emcee. The emcee will require a new script that incorporates any changes. It looks bad on the emcee if incorrect information is conveyed from the microphone. Also, production staff members rely on correct scripts so they can play the right music and use correct lightning at the proper time.
As you can see a lot is affected when a contestant decides to wait until the last minute to make a decision regarding a pageant. It is important for the contestant to be considerate of a director’s time and resources. The director may not always have the time to make these last minute changes. He or she may have to contract the work out which may require more money coming out of his or her pocket. Do you see the pattern now?
I caution you to please be considerate when you are making your decisions. Will your decision affect a director positively or negatively? Think on that, and govern yourself accordingly.
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