Frequently Asked Questions....And Answers

I've never been in a pageant before, can I still compete?
Absolutely! There is no experience required or necessary.

Is it necessary to win a preliminary competition before competing at State?
No. The Ohio International program is run as an “at large competition,” meaning you will hold a local/regional title by virtue of applying for it. (NOTE: Download the “Local/Regional Title Form.”) Those titles are awarded by our Executive State Committee based on eligibility and applications received.

Are there height and weight requirements?
No! We know that exceptional young ladies come in all shapes and sizes. We are a pageant, and we do showcase the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the fitness wear portion of the competition though, so make sure you’re comfortable competing in form-fitting aerobic/fitness attire.

What is a platform?
A platform issue is a cause, a charity, an act of volunteerism, or an issue that is near or dear to your heart. Each contestant in the Ohio International Pageant will select a platform which she will spend the year promoting if selected as one of the State representatives. There is no right or wrong platform; just be passionate about, informed on, and actively participating in the issue you choose.

Can I obtain sponsors to help defray the cost of competing?
Absolutely! Sponsors are allowed and encouraged, but not required.

If I become a local title-holder, will I receive a crown and sash?
No, they are not provided, but can be purchased.

What if I don't have a performing talent?
That’s OK! No talent is required. The Ohio International Pageant does not have a talent portion of the competition.

What do you wear for the fitness wear portion of the pageant?
Each contestant is required to wear aerobic fitness attire, which consists of spandex-style shorts and top. This outfit must be form-fitting. A bare mid-riff is permitted for Miss and Teen contestants. Contestants must also wear a white athletic shoe with short white socks. No belts are permitted, and jewelry should be limited to earrings. Solid colors are recommended.

What is the deadline for entry?
The official deadline for entry is December 1, 2008.

Why is there an entry fee, and why do you sell program book advertising?
Entry fee and advertising sales go directly towards the prize package and operations of the program. Many pageants have entry fees upwards of $1,000.00, and they sell their program books for anywhere from $10 - $25. In the Ohio International program, we keep costs at a minimum for the contestants, and we will be providing complimentary, souvenir program books to your family/friends/fans. Our program book is also circulated in the local newspaper to nearly 20,000 households.

What time commitment is involved in being a local title-holder?
You may devote as much (or as little) time as you desire. We request that each local title-holder make at least one appearance in their community a month in order to best represent the Ohio International program, but this will vary from contestant to contestant based on each contestant's individual schedule.

What is Fun Fashion Wear?
The Fun Fashion Wear portion of the competition is designed to provide each Miss and Teen contestant an opportunity to express her own personal sense of style. Fun Fashion Wear attire should consist of something that you would wear on the red carpet or to a dressy celebration like a New Year's Eve party. Think of “glitz, glam, and dressy;” but not casual or sports wear. It's more fun and flirty than an evening gown and may be a dress or pants outfit. It should not be another evening gown. Please bear in mind that fun fashion wear must be in good taste.

What are the requirements and scoring for each division?
MRS.: Beginning 21 years ago, Mrs. International® was developed to have higher standards than other pageant systems. The focus behind Mrs. International® is to showcase women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is valued for 50% of her overall score; Evening Gown, valued for 25%; and Fitness Wear for 25%. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting. Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the Evening Gown competition, and the husband crowns his wife/titleholder.

MISS: The focus behind Miss International® is to showcase single, young women, who are 19 to 29 years old (by July 1st of competition year), and a resident of the state or citizen of the country that they represent. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is valued at 40% of their total score; Evening Gown valued for 20%; Fitness Wear for 20%; and Fun Fashion Wear 20%. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting.

TEEN: The focus behind Miss Teen International is to showcase young women who are 13 to 18 years old (by July 1st of competition year), and a resident of the state or citizen of the country they represent. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition valued at 40% of their total score; Evening Gown valued for 20%; Fitness Wear for 20%; and Fun Fashion Wear at 20%. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting.

What if my questions was not answered or listed above?
If you did not find the answer to your question above, please don't hesitate to contact us. You may e-mail the Director, Vicki LeVeck, or the Producer/Business Manager, Andy LeVeck, at: Director@OhioInternational.com.