Success For Your Infants & Toddlers In Pageantry

Success For Your Infants & Toddlers In Pageantry- Part I
By Holdon Log, LLC

Pageants can provide your child with some wonderful introductions into the Entertainment Industry. They can also assist in building self-esteem and create an outlet for your child to express themselves through the various phases of competition. Here are a few suggestions for making your pageant experiences more positive.
Read that paperwork!
As a parent you will be investing time and money as you prepare your child for competition. It is important that you carefully read the paperwork your director has sent you and ask any questions you have immediately. You also need to begin fulfilling the competition requirements as stated in your pageant paper work. Do you need a photo of your child? What are the wardrobe requirements? Are there any special competitions you would like your child to enter? Do you need the support of sponsors to assist you with your training and fees? It is a good idea to have a notebook or folder so that you can keep all your notes and paperwork together. Naturally we suggest utilizing Pageant Planner Holdon Log!
Does your child want to enter the pageant?


Before you begin preparing, make sure your child wants to enter the pageant. Explain to them that this will be a fun experience where they will have the opportunity to make some new friends, and maybe win some prizes. Keep it simple and don’t build up the experience too much as it could intimidate them and hurt their performance on stage.




Photo requirements?
If the pageant has a photogenic competition, find outwhat the requirements are. What size photos are accepted? Can they be color or black and white? Do they need to be professional or can they be a candid snapshot (looking for some photographers? Then visit our links area here!). Most pageants ask for an 8x10 photo which can be color or black & white. Many submissions are professional photos from a studio that specialize in portraits, while others are just nice photos taken from a family photo album. It is usually preferred to see the child smiling in a color 8x10 photo that has a simple background, light make-up and subtle accessories, so the focus is on the child. Since the child is changing so often it isn’t necessary that the photo be expensive with loads of retouching. But it should be in focus and complimentary. It should have a label on the back side, typed with the child’s name, age, a contact number for the parent (i.e. voicemail, NOT your home number) and the parent's e-mail address. This label makes a nicer presentation than having a photo in a frame or with pen marks showing into the front of the photo.
Wardrobe requirements?
Wardrobe requirements vary from pageant to pageant. Usually children are judged in a party and/or sportswear outfit. Sometimes there are optional categories like western wear or a beach outfit. This is where the outfits are often creative and sometimes more elaborate. If your child is competing in a sportswear outfit you could dress them in a nice casual outfit or focus around their favorite sport and dress them with a few accessories which reflect that. If any of these outfits has a hat make sure that the judges will still be able to see their faces and features. It is important that the wardrobe selection fits well and is flattering to your child’s figure and coloring. It is better for the child to wear a simple outfit rather than an ornate outfit wearing them.
Media blitz!
A week or so before the pageant happens be sure to send a non-returnable photo labeled with your contact number and e-mail address with a press release to your local newspapers and e-mail out an announcement to any online pageant communities that you are involved with. In the press release, include: • Your Child’s Name• A brief description about your child, hobbies, prior pageant wins, etc.• Name of Pageant• Special Prizes for the winners• Location of Pageant• Date • Times• Listing of your sponsors
Don’t forget to also include your contact information on the press release in case they have questions for you.
The all-important bio.
Before you leave for the pageant you will have filled-out some information or a “bio” on your child. On the bio you should included characteristics or hobbies about your child as they are usually read on stage. It is helpful for the judges to know what sports your child excels at. These become great Special Skills and are helpful if the judge is looking to represent your child as an actor.
TO BE CONTINUED...
_____________________________________________________________________Stay tuned for “Success For Your Infants & Toddlers In Pageantry- Part II”in the July issue of PageantNation!Holdon Log, LLC is the leading provider of performer organizational logbooks and software for the performing community. For more information about Holdon Log please visit www.HoldonLog.com © Holdon Log. All Rights Reserved.

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