1How do I become a contestant?
The Miss Teen Africa® are open to all young women in South Africa who meet the Age, Residency and Citizenship eligibility requirements.
2Do I have to win a preliminary competition to compete?
You don't need to win a preliminary title or have previous pageant experience to participate in the State competition.
However, we do conduct local preliminary pageants in some areas, so that you may gain experience and sponsorships to help you as you enter the State competition.
3When is the last day to apply?
The last day for submissions of contestant applications is August 31st.
4How is the pageant judged?
Each contestant will be judged in three areas of competition - Interview, swimsuit (Miss)/Activewear (Teen) and Evening gown. Judging criteria includes character, poise, confidence, and personality.
For more detailed information, please read more about our judging criteria described below.
5Is there a talent portion of the competition?
No, there's no performing talent competition. There are three equally scored categories, including interview, swimsuit, and evening gown.
6Are there any height or weight requirements to compete in the pageant?
Absolutely not! Whether you’re 4-feet or 7-feet tall, it doesn’t matter. In the swimsuit segment of the competition, the judges will be looking for physical fitness, which includes a healthy and fit body.
There’s usually a wide range of body styles and types for the top 10 finalists each year. The judges look for outgoing, intelligent, confident, and confident young women who are excited to represent the state of Hawaii at the National pageant.
7What age do I have to be to compete at the grand finale??
You will have to be 18 to compete at the state/National level and 19 at continental level
8How many contestants compete in the same pageant?
The number of contestants will vary from year-to-year. However, typically we have between 20 - 40 contestants in each division.
9How does sponsorship work?
Collecting sponsorship is very important. It takes a time commitment on your part. You start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members, and their employers, etc.
Plan your strategy and make a plan to succeed! Schedule appointments to collect your sponsorships.
When approaching potential sponsors, explain your goals, your desire to improve yourself by participating in the Miss Hawaii USA® pageant, the charities you believe in, and the scholarship opportunities.
Let them know what your experience will entail. This will be extremely beneficial in developing your communication skills. This is an essential characteristic to have if you’re going to be the next Miss Hawaii USA® or Miss Hawaii Teen USA®.
Our goal is for contestants to collect 100% of the sponsorship fee. This is a tax-deductible advertising expense for those businesses that assist you with sponsorship.
If you work hard on collecting sponsorship, it's possible that you'll not incur any expenses out of pocket. In addition, hardworking contestants may receive material or service sponsorships, such as a your competiton gown, tanning, makeup, hair styling, and more.
10Sample quWhat if I raise more money than the required sponsorship fee?estion
If you raise more money than required for your entry fee, you may use the extra funds to cover any additional expenses associated with the pageant.
Your coverage may be used to purchase Spotlight ads in the program book, or may go to purchasing your wardrobe, or may just give you a little extra spending money.
11What if I simply can't afford to compete?
We will explain how to obtain sponsorships and offer many fund-raising ideas to cover competition costs — including entry fee and wardrobe. Your family, friends, and local business leaders will be supportive when you share your goals with them.
12Do I need a pageant coach to help me prepare?
Pageant coaches have a proven track record of success helping contestants to prepare for the pageant. Having a coach is not taken into consideration during the judging of the pageant.
13Do I need to shop the pageant sponsors when preparing for competition?
No. However, we do our best to provide the best of the best when it comes to our sponsors. We provide our sponsor information to you only as a resource.
14Do I have to spend a fortune on outfits?
Not at all! You don't need to spend a fortune on swimwear, an interview outfit, or an evening gown. It's most important to find outfits that you'll feel confident in and that best suit you and your personality.
The personal choice of gowns has spanned from simple and elegant to hand-beaded. However, it is never the gown that the judges are scoring; it’s the young women wearing it. Again, several contestants have been able to secure a gown sponsor to assist them.
15Do I need a different gown for finals than the one I wear for preliminaries?
No. We highly recommend wearing the same gown for both preliminaries and finals. Nearly all contestants at the state pageant wear the same gown for both.
16What if I can't get my registration material in before the deadlines?
Deadlines are very important to us to make timely program preparations. However, we realize that unexpected circumstances can arise and that the collection of sponsorship may take longer than expected.
Therefore, extensions of due dates are available when needed. If you need an extension, please call or email the pageant office.
17What should my family and friends wear to the pageant?
On a normal year, formal wear is encouraged for the Miss pageant and cocktail attire for the Teen pageant.
