Frequently Asked Questions
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If you have a question that is not listed here, please email us at admin@utahcinderella.com or contact
your local preliminary director.
What are the entry fees?
Entry fees in Utah for preliminaries can range anywhere from $45-$80 depending on the preliminary.
We try to keep entry fees to a minimum to cover costs so that it is more affordable. State entry fees are
more because of costs but again, we try and keep fees to a minimum. Many contestants will get
sponsorship money from friends, family or businesses in their local area.
When is the deadline to enter?
Entry is accepted for most preliminaries up until a few days before the pageant date. State entry
deadline is 3 weeks prior.
How do I enter a pageant?
There are 4 ways to get information to enter a preliminary. Fill out the form on our contact page and
your information will be sent to your local director. Email us at admin@utahcinderella.com. Contact
Sharon, State Director, at 435.896.8054, or if you have the information for a local director you can contact
them directly.
What is a “Natural Pageant”?
Natural pageants are looking for natural kids! Fake hair, false eyelashes, fake teeth and tons of
make-up are not allowed. Teens and women and special circumstances have an exception for hair
extensions or false eyelashes. Tots and Mini-Miss are not allowed to wear ANY make-up in interview.
Any make up worn for older contestants should be natural and not overdone. Contestants should be
dressed and act age appropriately. Clothing is recommended to be “off the rack” but custom made is
allowed. Contestants should model naturally and not have a “routine” or be coached. In Cinderella we
want REAL kids in REAL clothes.
What kind of dress to I need for Partywear?
Partywear for Miss and younger should be a nice dress that you might wear to a special occasion
such as a wedding, benefit dinner or to meet the President and should be knee length. Teen dresses
are more prom style floor length with a full skirt. Women may wear an evening gown like you might see
for Miss Utah or the Miss America system. Most of these dresses can be found at prom or bridal stores
and some have been purchased at department stores, Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Light or bright colors are best.
Partywear Examples
What is Casualwear?
Casualwear is your outfit of choice that tends to be a little dressy. Dress pants, Capris or a skirt may
be worn. Outfit should be tailored and flattering. Jewelry should be minimal and not too trendy. Jeans
are not typically worn for casualwear. Again, light or bright colors are best.
Casualwear Examples
What should I wear for Interview?
Teens and Women generally wear a nice suit (skirt or pants) and younger contestants usually wear a
nice summer/church dress. This is the judges first impression so try to stay away from dark or dull
colors. You want to be remembered!
Interview Examples
What type of questions should I expect in my interview?
Cinderella is not trying to find the most intelligent person or find out how much you know about
politics and what is going on in our country. Remember we are looking for real kids and interview
questions will be geared to that age group. Tots may be asked questions like what games they like to
play or what is your favorite cartoon? Miniature Miss and Miss could be asked what their favorite subject
in school is or what they do to help their families at home. Teens and Women would get questions that
would be a little more difficult just to find out more about them and how they think. They may be asked
what they feel is the hardest thing growing up today or why they enjoy doing pageants. Our main
purpose in interview is to learn more about each contestant and see if they can carry on a conversation.
Remember no answer is the wrong answer!
What is required for talent?
Talent is only for ages 7 and up. Tot Personality takes the place of Talent for 3-6 year olds. It is NOT
required to compete but is required to win the overall title. Talents need to be 1-2.5 min. Any talents over
2.5 min will be disqualified. Talents need to be age appropriate in music, costuming and moves.
General talents you may see are dance, singing and musical instruments but we have had
monologues, poetry readings and other talents. Talent must be done live, videos or recordings are not
allowed. Live animals, unnecessary props and backdrops may not be used. You may use a partner but
they would be considered a prop and will not have any effect on judging of the contestant. If you need an
accompanist, we prefer that you have it recorded. Clothing may not be removed while on stage. Set up
for talent should take no longer than 30-60 seconds, exception for larger talent requirements such as
piano. Any music used for talent needs to be submitted on tape or CD and be the only recording.
If I win, do I have to go on to the next level of competition?
On the preliminary level we request that overalls go on to compete at the state level. If you win state, we
do require that you go on to the International pageant. We understand that sometimes there are
extenuating circumstances and take each of them on a case by case basis.
I didn’t win my preliminary, do I have to wait until next year to compete again?
You are allowed to compete in as many preliminaries as you want during the year. Anyone who
competes on the preliminary level, even if they do not win, is invited and receives a scholarship to the
State Finals in June. Any of those competing on the State level are invited to the International Finals.
I wasn’t able to compete at any of the preliminaries, can I still compete at State?
Anyone can compete at State even if they did not compete on the preliminary level. You would not
receive the scholarship from competing on the preliminary level and would be considered a Contestant-
At-Large. You would have to compete at State to move on to Internationals.
Can I only compete in my county?
We prefer that you support your county at your local preliminary but you are also allowed to compete
in any of the other preliminaries across the state. Directors do have the right to close a pageant to their
county and surrounding counties depending on number of contestants.
What is scorecard?
Scorecard is where you compete at a preliminary strictly for judges critiques. The entry fee is lower
for this but you will not receive an award or the scholarship to the State Finals. This is only advised for
those who have already won their division previously on the preliminary level or who are planning on
competing in their local preliminary. Remember this does not qualify you for the scholarship to State.
What is Winners Circle?
To be considered in Winners Circle you must have previously won your age division and not moved
on to the next division. If a contestant won the Miniature Miss division at age 7 on the preliminary level,
she would not be able to compete on the preliminary level until she goes into the Miss division so would
be considered in Winners Circle and still receive the scholarship to the State Finals until she moves into
the Miss division. Once she crosses over to the Miss division she is no longer in the Winners Circle and
must compete on the preliminary level to receive the scholarship to State. Remember if you are not in
Winners Circle and do not compete on a preliminary level you do not receive the scholarship to State.
I competed as a Miss (10-12) at my preliminary but I have since had a birthday and turned 13. Do I
have to compete as a Teen on the State level or can I still compete as a Miss?
Anyone competing in a preliminary must compete in the division to which their age falls on the day of
the pageant. If you have a birthday between your preliminary and state, as long as you do not compete in
another preliminary in the next division, you will stay in the lower division for the next level of competition.
If you are in the Winners Circle, previously won your division on the preliminary level, and your
birthday is AFTER SEPT 1st, you are able to stay in that division for the next competition year as long as
you do not compete in the next age division. If your birthday is before Sept 1st you will have to move to
the next age division.
Here are a few examples, find the one that is closest to your situation. If you are unsure, please
contact us and we will let you know where you fall.
Example A: Suzie previously won the Miss division (10-12) and her birthday is in December after the
Sept 1st deadline. Suzie can compete at State as a 13 year old Miss because she is in the Winners
Circle for the Miss division and as of Sept 1st was still 12.
Example B: Jill previously won the Tot division (3-6) and her birthday is in July before Sept 1st. Jill
would have competed at State as a 6 year old and at Internationals as a 7 year old Tot. As of Sept 1st, Jill
will be 7 so she must move to the Miniature Miss division for the next competition year.
Example C: Wendy has not previously won her division and she will be 10 in January. As of Sept 1st
of that pageant year Wendy would be 9 but she is not in the Winners Circle. Wendy would have to
compete as a 9 year old Miniature Miss on the preliminary level that pageant year before her birthday in
order to compete as a 10 year old Miniature Miss on the State and International Level.
your local preliminary director.
What are the entry fees?
Entry fees in Utah for preliminaries can range anywhere from $45-$80 depending on the preliminary.
We try to keep entry fees to a minimum to cover costs so that it is more affordable. State entry fees are
more because of costs but again, we try and keep fees to a minimum. Many contestants will get
sponsorship money from friends, family or businesses in their local area.
When is the deadline to enter?
Entry is accepted for most preliminaries up until a few days before the pageant date. State entry
deadline is 3 weeks prior.
How do I enter a pageant?
There are 4 ways to get information to enter a preliminary. Fill out the form on our contact page and
your information will be sent to your local director. Email us at admin@utahcinderella.com. Contact
Sharon, State Director, at 435.896.8054, or if you have the information for a local director you can contact
them directly.
What is a “Natural Pageant”?
Natural pageants are looking for natural kids! Fake hair, false eyelashes, fake teeth and tons of
make-up are not allowed. Teens and women and special circumstances have an exception for hair
extensions or false eyelashes. Tots and Mini-Miss are not allowed to wear ANY make-up in interview.
Any make up worn for older contestants should be natural and not overdone. Contestants should be
dressed and act age appropriately. Clothing is recommended to be “off the rack” but custom made is
allowed. Contestants should model naturally and not have a “routine” or be coached. In Cinderella we
want REAL kids in REAL clothes.
What kind of dress to I need for Partywear?
Partywear for Miss and younger should be a nice dress that you might wear to a special occasion
such as a wedding, benefit dinner or to meet the President and should be knee length. Teen dresses
are more prom style floor length with a full skirt. Women may wear an evening gown like you might see
for Miss Utah or the Miss America system. Most of these dresses can be found at prom or bridal stores
and some have been purchased at department stores, Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Light or bright colors are best.
Partywear Examples
What is Casualwear?
Casualwear is your outfit of choice that tends to be a little dressy. Dress pants, Capris or a skirt may
be worn. Outfit should be tailored and flattering. Jewelry should be minimal and not too trendy. Jeans
are not typically worn for casualwear. Again, light or bright colors are best.
Casualwear Examples
What should I wear for Interview?
Teens and Women generally wear a nice suit (skirt or pants) and younger contestants usually wear a
nice summer/church dress. This is the judges first impression so try to stay away from dark or dull
colors. You want to be remembered!
Interview Examples
What type of questions should I expect in my interview?
Cinderella is not trying to find the most intelligent person or find out how much you know about
politics and what is going on in our country. Remember we are looking for real kids and interview
questions will be geared to that age group. Tots may be asked questions like what games they like to
play or what is your favorite cartoon? Miniature Miss and Miss could be asked what their favorite subject
in school is or what they do to help their families at home. Teens and Women would get questions that
would be a little more difficult just to find out more about them and how they think. They may be asked
what they feel is the hardest thing growing up today or why they enjoy doing pageants. Our main
purpose in interview is to learn more about each contestant and see if they can carry on a conversation.
Remember no answer is the wrong answer!
What is required for talent?
Talent is only for ages 7 and up. Tot Personality takes the place of Talent for 3-6 year olds. It is NOT
required to compete but is required to win the overall title. Talents need to be 1-2.5 min. Any talents over
2.5 min will be disqualified. Talents need to be age appropriate in music, costuming and moves.
General talents you may see are dance, singing and musical instruments but we have had
monologues, poetry readings and other talents. Talent must be done live, videos or recordings are not
allowed. Live animals, unnecessary props and backdrops may not be used. You may use a partner but
they would be considered a prop and will not have any effect on judging of the contestant. If you need an
accompanist, we prefer that you have it recorded. Clothing may not be removed while on stage. Set up
for talent should take no longer than 30-60 seconds, exception for larger talent requirements such as
piano. Any music used for talent needs to be submitted on tape or CD and be the only recording.
If I win, do I have to go on to the next level of competition?
On the preliminary level we request that overalls go on to compete at the state level. If you win state, we
do require that you go on to the International pageant. We understand that sometimes there are
extenuating circumstances and take each of them on a case by case basis.
I didn’t win my preliminary, do I have to wait until next year to compete again?
You are allowed to compete in as many preliminaries as you want during the year. Anyone who
competes on the preliminary level, even if they do not win, is invited and receives a scholarship to the
State Finals in June. Any of those competing on the State level are invited to the International Finals.
I wasn’t able to compete at any of the preliminaries, can I still compete at State?
Anyone can compete at State even if they did not compete on the preliminary level. You would not
receive the scholarship from competing on the preliminary level and would be considered a Contestant-
At-Large. You would have to compete at State to move on to Internationals.
Can I only compete in my county?
We prefer that you support your county at your local preliminary but you are also allowed to compete
in any of the other preliminaries across the state. Directors do have the right to close a pageant to their
county and surrounding counties depending on number of contestants.
What is scorecard?
Scorecard is where you compete at a preliminary strictly for judges critiques. The entry fee is lower
for this but you will not receive an award or the scholarship to the State Finals. This is only advised for
those who have already won their division previously on the preliminary level or who are planning on
competing in their local preliminary. Remember this does not qualify you for the scholarship to State.
What is Winners Circle?
To be considered in Winners Circle you must have previously won your age division and not moved
on to the next division. If a contestant won the Miniature Miss division at age 7 on the preliminary level,
she would not be able to compete on the preliminary level until she goes into the Miss division so would
be considered in Winners Circle and still receive the scholarship to the State Finals until she moves into
the Miss division. Once she crosses over to the Miss division she is no longer in the Winners Circle and
must compete on the preliminary level to receive the scholarship to State. Remember if you are not in
Winners Circle and do not compete on a preliminary level you do not receive the scholarship to State.
I competed as a Miss (10-12) at my preliminary but I have since had a birthday and turned 13. Do I
have to compete as a Teen on the State level or can I still compete as a Miss?
Anyone competing in a preliminary must compete in the division to which their age falls on the day of
the pageant. If you have a birthday between your preliminary and state, as long as you do not compete in
another preliminary in the next division, you will stay in the lower division for the next level of competition.
If you are in the Winners Circle, previously won your division on the preliminary level, and your
birthday is AFTER SEPT 1st, you are able to stay in that division for the next competition year as long as
you do not compete in the next age division. If your birthday is before Sept 1st you will have to move to
the next age division.
Here are a few examples, find the one that is closest to your situation. If you are unsure, please
contact us and we will let you know where you fall.
Example A: Suzie previously won the Miss division (10-12) and her birthday is in December after the
Sept 1st deadline. Suzie can compete at State as a 13 year old Miss because she is in the Winners
Circle for the Miss division and as of Sept 1st was still 12.
Example B: Jill previously won the Tot division (3-6) and her birthday is in July before Sept 1st. Jill
would have competed at State as a 6 year old and at Internationals as a 7 year old Tot. As of Sept 1st, Jill
will be 7 so she must move to the Miniature Miss division for the next competition year.
Example C: Wendy has not previously won her division and she will be 10 in January. As of Sept 1st
of that pageant year Wendy would be 9 but she is not in the Winners Circle. Wendy would have to
compete as a 9 year old Miniature Miss on the preliminary level that pageant year before her birthday in
order to compete as a 10 year old Miniature Miss on the State and International Level.
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