The New Orleans Pride Pageant Judges Information … · The New Orleans Pride Pageant is meant to...

The New Orleans Pride Pageant

Judges Information Packet

© New Orleans Pride 2011

© The Limitless Design Group 2009

Dear New Orleans Pride Pageant Judge,

Thank you for taking the time to be a judge for the New Orleans Pride Pageant. You play an important role in selecting the face of

New Orleans Pride for the next year. We ask that you forget everything you may know about the contestants and judge them solely

on their performance during the contest.

As a judge, we ask that you refrain from conversing with contestants prior to the start of the pageant or between categories.

Contestants are also instructed not to approach you to hold a conversation. This prevents the perception of any bias during the

pageant.

The New Orleans Pride Pageant is meant to be a fun pageant, therefore judges and contestants may consume alcohol during the

event. Contestants should NOT be judged as a “Beauty Pageant” but as who will represent the title best. In this packet, you will find

all rules and regulations of the contest. You will also find the questions that you will be asking the contestants during interview and

the responses they should give. The contest is open to 12 contestants max.; we will know the exact amount on August 24.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Chris at 985.232.2775 or [email protected].

Thank you again for your support of New Orleans Pride.

Pageant Day Timeline

11:00 AM Staff arrival at venue

11:30 AM Walk-through and delegation of tasks

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Contestant check - in

1:00 PM Judges should arrive

1:15 PM Judges Orientation

1:30 PM - 3:30PM Interview

3:30 PM-5:30 PM Judges are free to leave venue or have foods we supply

5:30 PM Everyone in place for the pageant to begin

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Pageant

Line - Up Name CD ## Track ## Length

01 Opening/ Titleholder Walk / Presentation Presentation Mix 15:00

02 Emcee Opening No Music Needed 2:00

03 Performance 4:00

04 Performance 4:00

05 Talent Contestant # 1 8:00



08 Talent Contestant # 4 (intro of Judge 1, 2) 8:00



11 Talent Contestant # 7 (intro of judge 3, 4) 8:00



14 Talent Contestant # 10 (Intro of judge 5, Auditor) 8:00



17 Performance 4:00

18 Performance 4:00

19 Performance 5:00

20 Formal Wear / on stage question Formal Mix 24:00

21 Performance 5:00

22 Performance 5:00

23 Performance 5:00

24 Call Back Crowning Mix 4:00

25 Crowning “ “ 3:00

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1. The New Orleans Pride Pageant will be held on August 26, 2017.

2. Each winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize. $200.00 at the time of crowning, $100.00 after each of their two fundraisers rais-

ing $500(within 6 months of crowning) and $100.00 at give up (if they return AND complete their fundraisers). First Runner up will

receive $50.00 Cash. Other prizes may accompany the cash prize.

3. The two divisions are as follows: Mr. and Miss New Orleans Pride. Mr. contestants may be naturally born male, drag king, or

transgender. Miss contestants may be naturally born females, drag queen, transgender.

4. Contestants will be judged using a point system based on poise, speaking ability and overall appearance. Speaking ability and

poise will include ability to converse with others with proper diction and clarity of voice.

5. Contestants will participate in an interview, presentation, talent, evening gown/formal wear, and on stage question. All contest-

ants must prepare a 30 second opening speech about them to be given during presentation.

6. Only one person may be backstage with contestant at any given time. Once the Pageant starts NO ONE will be allowed to enter

or exit the backstage area except to go on stage.

7. Registration will be available starting June 1, 2017. The application and rules and regulations will be available via the Internet

at this link or available at the New Orleans Pride office. Applications can be mailed to PO Box 791551, New Orleans, LA 70179 or

emailed to [email protected].

8. A non-refundable registration/sponsor fee is required of each contestant. Sponsors may be parents, relatives, or businesses. The

Deadline for registration is August 15, 2017 at 5:00 PM. A late fee of $30.00 will incur after this time. Absolutely no entries will be

accepted after August 24,2017 at 5:00 PM. Entry fee shall be paid by paypal, cash, check, or money order.

9. The winner will shall make one (1) monthly appearance in the New Orleans Pride regalia and shall notify New Orleans Pride of

the date. Notification shall take place via phone or email. The monthly appearance will not be made as part of any cast show where

the titleholder is a cast member. Failure to appear may result in a loss of the title.

10. Participation in other pageants is permissible during the reign, with permission from New Orleans Pride. If the other title is won

and becomes detrimental to representing the title of New Orleans Pride, it will be considered grounds for removal.

11. In the event that the title is lost, the titleholder will relinquish his/her title, crown, and the cash prize. At that time, the First

Runner up will take over the title.

12. Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

13. Contestants will provide 1 CD, with the talent number being track 1. The CD should be labeled with the Contestant name, and

title/artist name. Talent number should have little or no cursing in it. Extreme profanity will result in immediate disqualification.

This is at the discretion of the Head Judge.

14. Nudity is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification and removal from the venue. (includes nipples of artifi-

cial breast plates and butt cracks). Thongs may be worn, however there must be a minimum 1" strap in the back.

15. Each Pageant category must consist of a minimum of 3 contestants in each category. In the event there is less than the mini-

mum number of contestants, that category will be eliminated at Pageant Registration.

16. The members of Royalty are representatives of The New Orleans Pride Organization at all times and should carry themselves

accordingly. Any action or behavior, either physically, verbally or in writing, which is deemed to be unsuitable as a member of the

New Orleans Pride Organization, shall be addressed immediately, and may result in the forfeiture of the title.

** Please contact pageant director, prior to pageant night, if you question any rules

COMPETITION JUDGING: The New Orleans Pride title is intended for individuals who are ages 18-older.

Areas of competition include: Interview, Presentation, Talent, Formal Wear, and On Stage Question. Each area of competition is

equally weighted at 25%.

Interview

Titleholders must carry themselves with pride and honor, and speak with a voice of conviction. Titleholders must maintain high

moral and ethical standards and be able to represent The New Orleans Pride System through their character. The interview process

allows the judges to learn more about the contestants and to ascertain whether he/she would be an appropriate representative of

the System. The judges will be looking for knowledge of LGBT issues, confidence in the answers given, and personality.

Contestants do not have to be in drag for interview. Appearance is NOT part of the judging criteria

Judging criteria: articulation, poise, personality, Quality of response, confidence

Presentation

Titleholders must be able to project their own personal sense of style. This segment will be conducted very much like a run-

way fashion show. Fashion attire can be anything the contestant feels represents the pageant theme. Judges will be looking for

high energy, spirit, and the contestant’s sense of style. Judges are not looking for a specific style or designer label but rather how

well the attire suites the delegate (e.g. fit, color, style, theme) as well as contestant’s on-stage presentation.

Competition Details: Attire is imaginative and fun, and may be a dress, pants, shorts or skirt outfit. Contestants are encouraged

to represent the pageant theme. Accessories may be used as props for modeling. Contestants will give a 30 second speech to intro-

duce themselves.

Judging Criteria: articulation, modeling, personality, fashion sense, and theme

Talent

Titleholders must be able to perform at functions and events. Judges will be looking for style, taste, and passion. The talent

should capture and retain the judges attention.

Competition Details: Costumes are recommended but not required. Talent should last no more than 5 minutes. Contestants

are allowed to have up to 3 other people on stage during the talent number. Contestants will be given 3 minutes to set up and 3

minutes to tear down props. NO nudity, fire, messy substances, or liquid of any form will be allowed on the stage. This includes but

not limited to glitter, cigarettes, and beverages.

Evening Gown (Miss Contestants ONLY)

Titleholders must carry themselves with dignity, grace, poise and elegance. Judges will not be evaluating the cost or designer label

of the gown, but rather how well it suits the contestant (e.g., fit, color, style) as well as contestants on-stage presentation. Evening

gown must be at least ankle length.

Judging criteria: modeling, personality, beauty, fit, and fashion sense.

Formal Wear (Mr. Contestants ONLY)

Titleholders must carry themselves with pride and confidence. Judges will not be evaluating the cost or designer label of

the clothing, but rather how well it suits the contestant (e.g., fit, color, style) as well as contestants on-stage presentation.

Judging criteria: modeling, personality, style, fit, and fashion sense

On-Stage Question

Titleholders must be able to express themselves with confidence. Delegates will respond to a question on-stage. The question will

be taken from current events or LGBT issues. Contestants will receive the question at registration and all contestants will be asked

the same question

Judging criteria: Articulation, Quality of Response, Personality

Judges: Five (5) judges will evaluate delegates in the areas of competition: Presentation, Talent, Evening Gown, Formal Wear,

On Stage Question. New Orleans Pride has sole discretion and complete authority to select judges. Reasonable efforts are made to

secure a culturally and professionally diverse panel of non biased judges. Judges may include local and state officials, members of

the media, and/or board members of other Pride Organizations. Judges' names are not released to delegates prior to arrival at the

pageant. Delegates may not approach the judges or engage in conversation with judges prior to or during the competition.

Delegates who are observed approaching a judge or engage in conversation with a judge beyond a brief greeting risk immediate

disqualification at the discretion of New Orleans Pride. Judges are provided with training and instruction regarding scoring

procedures prior to the competition. The decision of the judges is final and not contestable for any reason.

Scoring: Scoring is conducted on a 5-point scale: 5 = Excellent 4 = Very Good 3 = Good 2 = Average 1= Below Average

Breaking Ties: The following procedure is used to break ties: Each judge will assign the Delegates a ranking from 1 to 5

(1 = “Winner”, 5 = “4th Runner-Up”.) A ranking of 1st = 5 pts, 2nd = 4 pts, 3rd = 3 pts, 4th = 2 pts, 5th = 1 pt. Points earned

from rankings are added to the delegates’ scores. If the rankings do not resolve the tie(s), the higher individual competition score

will determine the higher placement in this order: On-Stage Question, Talent, Evening Gown/ Formal Wear, Presentation. In the

absence of ties, judges are not asked to provide rankings.

Feedback: Delegates may request their scores using a form provided by New Orleans Pride. Under no circumstances will

delegates have the right to view anyone's scores but their own. New Orleans Pride respects each individual delegate's right to

privacy and confidentiality. The master tabulator's sheet is not made public.

Refund Policy: All fees paid to are NOT REFUNDABLE and NOT TRANSFERABLE in full or in part for under any circumstances. This

includes, but is not limited to entry fees, advertising fees, pageant admission ticket sales fees, guest meal fees and any other fees

paid by anyone including, but not limited to, delegates, sponsors, and advertisers.

Deadlines: The entry deadlines are posted in the Pageant paperwork. Entry fees must be paid in full by the entry deadline. There

will be no exceptions under any circumstances. All required delegate paperwork (e.g., Biographical Information Form, etc.) must

be complete and received by New Orleans Pride by the paperwork deadline which is posted in the paperwork. All deadlines are

strictly enforced and must be adhered to by entrants. Entrant understands and agrees to the following penalty for late submission

of required items, including paperwork, and full payment of fees by posted deadlines: A $20 fee is added to late entries.

Other Requirements:

Attire. Delegates provide their own attire.

Travel. Delegates make their own travel arrangements. Pride is not responsible for arranging travel or intervening / resolving

disputes involving travel to the host site for the pageant competition

Hotel. Delegates and their families must make their own hotel reservations.

Contestants and one (1) dresser are allowed in for free. Everyone else must pay at the door.

Code of Conduct: Entrant affirms that he/she is and will continue to be a person of good moral character; that he/she has

not committed and will not commit any act inconsistent with the highest standards of public morals and conventions or that will

reflect unfavorably on the pageant, its representatives, sponsors and/or licensees. Delegate will conduct him or herself in a

courteous, professional manner at all times during the Pageant and while representing a Pageant title. Delegate will not slander or

libel other contestants, judges, Limitless Designs , New Orleans Pride staff or anyone else involved with or connected to the

Pageant. Defamatory verbal and/or written remarks against Limitless Designs and the Pride Pageant will result in immediate

disqualification, forfeiture of any and all prizes and awards won, and legal charges. Any delegate found publicly posting slanderous

remarks on public forums will be immediately disqualified. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Disruptive behavior before,

during, or after the pageant may result in disqualification, removal from the premises, and legal charges. Delegate agrees to sign a

Code of Conduct statement indicating agreement to abide by the terms specified here. Failure to sign the Code of Conduct

statement does not in any way release delegate from responsibility to abide by the Code of Conduct stated here. All issues related

to the Code of Conduct and consequences for violation thereof shall be determined solely and exclusively by New Orleans Pride.

Entrant agrees to accept such determinations made by New Orleans Pride both as to him or herself and others.

Participation in events: Winners are expected to be on time and present for all scheduled events. In the event of illness,

Winner may be excused from attending an event. The Director of Pride is the only individual with the authority to release a winner

from a scheduled event. If selected as a Titleholder, delegate agrees to sign a contract stating agreement to arrange and make a

minimum of 12 appearances throughout the year’s reign. Appearances may include but are not limited to parades; radio,

television and newspaper interviews; and public appearances at other Pride related events. Winners are expected to

provide Pride with photos of appearances for the Pride website and promotion. If delegate is unwilling to sign the contract and/

or unable or unwilling to fulfill the obligations, the title won and all prizes will be awarded to the first runner up. Titleholder agrees

to make monthly contact with Pride, by phone, letter, fax or e-mail. Titleholder agrees to provide Pride with photocopies of articles

pertaining to his or her reign and pictures of appearances for the pageant history scrapbook.

Publicity and Promotion: By virtue of participation in the New Orleans Pride Pageant, delegate agrees to allow New Orleans Pride

the right to use his/ her name, likeness, voice and/or biographical information for purposes of publicity and promotion now and in

the future. Delegate understands that his/ her name, likeness, voice, and/or biographical information may be used on the internet,

in print advertising, press releases and merchandise related to the Pageant (e.g., t-shirts, tote bags, hats, other apparel,

mouse pads, and other promotional materials.) Delegate agrees to release Pride from liability for any injury resulting from publicity

and promotion. Delegate agrees to waive any and all compensation for use of his/ her name, likeness, voice, and /or biographical

information for purposes of publicity and promotion.

Photography & Videography: Cameras or videography will be allowed during on-stage competition events. Absolutely no photog-

raphy or video allowed backstage.

Tips: Contestants will not be allowed to receive tips at any time during the competition. Scheduled entertainers (non-

contestants) will be allowed to receive tips as donations to the current benefiting charity.

Disqualification / Title Relinquishment: If delegate is disqualified or relinquishes, for any reason, any title awarded to him or

her, all prizes must be returned in full, and in condition received. If any item is returned damaged, titleholder may be charged

a replacement fee up to $170.

Limitation of Liability / Responsibility: Limitless Designs, New Orleans Pride, its officers, directors, agents and employees are not

liable to entrant for anything whatsoever in connection with the New Orleans Pride Pageant. Pageant entrant agrees to look solely

to the Pageant Director with respect to all matters relating to his or her application, rules, regulations, policies, preparation,

performance and selection process, and all other matters relating to the pageant. Limitless Designs, New Orleans Pride, its officers,

employees, and pageant personnel are not responsible for accidents, injury or theft incurred at the time of the Pageant or travel to

and from. Limitless Designs, New Orleans Pride is not responsible for negligence or fraud on the part of pageant sponsors, judges,

or contract vendors (e.g., photographer, videographer, etc.) who may be providing products or services to delegates at the New

Orleans Pride Pageant. Limitless Designs, New Orleans Pride is not responsible for arranging travel or intervening / resolving

disputes surrounding travel to the host location for the pageant competition.

Limitless Designs, New Orleans Pride is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage caused to any and all prizes, gifts, and awards

bestowed upon entrant after these items become the property of entrant. Entrant agrees to incur replacement and/or repair costs

to lost, stolen, or damaged items including but not limited to: crown/tiara, sash, plaques, trophies, etc. Agreement: By submitting

the entry form and fee(s) to New Orleans Pride, delegate agrees to abide by all policies, rules and regulations set forth.

Participation in the New Orleans Pride Pageant also indicates acceptance and agreement to abide by all policies, rules and

regulations set forth by New Orleans Pride. Delegate attests that all information submitted to New Orleans Pride, is true and

accurate. Falsification of information and failure to comply with the policies of Limitless Designs and New Orleans Pride may result

in immediate disqualification and/or forfeiture of prizes won without benefit of refund in full or in part at the sole discretion of New

Orleans Pride.

For individual interview, each contestant will enter the room one at a time. They will introduce themselves and then the 5 judges

will each take a turn asking questions from below. You will have 5 minutes to ask questions. These are meant to see if the

contestant knows about the organization and to see how quick they react to “off the wall” questions. We ask that you ask each

contestant the same questions. Please mix the questions up. If Judge 1 asks a history question, Judge 2 should ask a random

question (next page) so that not all history questions are together.

At the 4 minute mark, you will here a knock on the door. Continue on with your question, if you are in the middle of one and let

them answer. If they are in the middle of the answer, let them continue to answer the question. Once completed, thank them for

their time and they may exit the room. If the contestant is still answering at the 5 minute mark, the timekeeper will enter the room

and announce that time is up as soon as they contestant is finished with their answer.

Individual Interview History Questions (each judge picks 1) :

1. What year was the New Orleans Pride Organization formed? 2011

2. What is the mission of New Orleans Pride? (this has 2 possible answers)

1.) To create an atmosphere where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can be proud of their sexual orienta-

tion and gender identity.

2.) Used to create unity in the communities, bringing together the straight and homosexual communities and to create

events that are family friendly and acceptable to all

3. Name TWO recognitions/awards New Orleans Pride has received?

1) Named fastest growing pride celebration in the nation by gaytravel.com (2013, 2014, 2015).

2) Named Largest Pride Festival in Louisiana (2016, 2017)

3.) Named Largest LGBTQA Parade in Louisiana (2015, 2016, 2017)

4.) #6 in Top Pride Festivals (worldwide) to visit in 2015 by Travel & Leisure

5.) Listed as the Official Pride Festival of New Orleans by the Mayor and City Council (2012-current)

4. What is the official name of this organization? New Orleans Pride (anything other than this is wrong, i.e. pride new Orleans)

5. How many people attended New Orleans Pride 2017? An estimated 82,000 people for the weekend

6. New Orleans Pride has attendees from 5 countries, other than the USA, what are two of those?

1.) England 2.) Germany

3.) France 4.) Canada

7. Name 3 past celebrity acts at New Orleans Pride.

1.) Debby Holiday 2.) Tiffany 3.) Jai Rodriguez 4) Chris Harder

5.) Bianca Del Rio 6.) Darienne Lake 7.) Kasha Davis 8.) Milk

9.) Chris Salvatore 10.) Brian Sims 11.) Patrick Smith 12.) Patrick McDonald

13.) Jaymes & James (Amazing Race) 14.) Josh & Reed (Survivor) 15.) Rica Shay 16.) Anias St. John

8. Who are the current Mr. & Miss Pride and name ONE (1) current Grand Marshal

Miss Pride: Princesse Stephaney, Mr. Pride Troy Powell. Grand Marshals: Nicole Dubois, Brenda Laura, Stephen Perry

Individual Interview Random Questions (each judge picks 2) :

1. If you could be any color of the rainbow, which would you be and why?

2. What is the most important part of competing for this title and why?

3. What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment and why?

4. What does Pride mean to you?

5. What do you feel is lacking in the community and how will you use the title to fix it?

6. You see more and more on the news about teen suicide related to bullying. As a New Orleans Pride titleholder, what would

you do to promote anti bullying and suicide prevention in teens?

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

8. Do you prefer Coke or Pepsi and why?

9. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

10. What is your favorite Holiday and why?

11. Given the choice, would you be a super hero or a villain? Which one would you be and why?

12. As a titleholder, during an interview, you may be asked political questions regarding things like the election. New Orleans Pride

CANNOT do/say anything political due to our 501c3 status. If I were interviewing you for tonight’s news, how would you

respond to a question regarding politics?

This should be the final question asked by the head judge.

The title you are competing for is an important title for not only New Orleans, but for Louisiana as a whole. Your image, quotes,

and video will be used throughout the world to market the Pride Festival and New Orleans for LGBT Travel and Tourism. You will

have the opportunity to travel across the Gulf Coast to promote New Orleans at many other Pride Festivals. The title you are

competing for tonight should be held with dignity, honesty and integrity. The title will be a lot of fun, but it will also be demanding

at times. This title is what you make of it, it can open a world of opportunities for you, if you let it. Are you ready to be the next

New Orleans Pride Titleholder?

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