Frequently Asked Questions

(Mostly Targeted at Miss Division)

 Do I need to be from the Commonwealth of VA to compete?

 NO; even if your permanent address is in another state you may compete as long as you

 have been in educational or employment status in VA for at least six months preceding the date of the local pageant.

Do I need to be from Hampton Roads to compete?          

NO; Miss Hampton Roads is an “open” Miss Virginia preliminary meaning that anyone from the state of VA (or anyone from out-of-state that has been employed or a full-time student for 6 months) may compete in this pageant.   It is not required that you live in Hampton Roads to participate.

Are rehearsals & orientation mandatory?
YES, rehearsal is mandatory because we will be running through the entire sequence of events to perfect the show and other choreographed routines for timing purposes.  Additionally, at rehearsal you will be recorded for video/audio clips to be used the next night during the competition. More info on the production here.  At orientation very important information regarding the production and competition issues will be discussed.  Orientation is highly recommended but not mandatory.  

 

What clothing items are required for the various areas of competition? 

Miss contestants, to get a feel for wardrobe please see wardrobe considerations or areas of competition.  Teen/PT/Little/Mini contestants, to get a feel for wardrobe please see wardrobe considerations and areas of competition.

 

Where can I stay during the pageant if I am from out of town? 

The host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn Town Center and a bulk room rate has been arranged.  We want to make sure everyone that wants to participate can and that we assist with eliminating the financial burden of travel, etc. wherever we can.  Local “host” accommodations will be arranged for all those Miss level contestants that need or prefer such arrangements.  All “host” families have been approved by the Miss Hampton Roads Board of Directors and  will open their home to you and see that you are where you need to be on time. Once you indicate staying with a host family is your desire one will be assigned.  Please return their calls promptly.

Can I wear a two-piece swimsuit or a one piece? (Miss Division ONLY)
You can wear a swimsuit that makes your body type look the best. We do allow two-piece suits and one-piece suits that are in good taste.

What is a platform?   

 A platform statement (an essay no more than 300 words) on an issue that you would address as Miss Hampton Roads/Miss Virginia is required. It is an issue that is important to you, a subject that has substance and value and an issue you feel you can influence. Remember to tell how you can make a difference with this topic.

During interview what types of questions, will the judges ask me?
The judges can/will ask you current event questions, platform questions, and questions directly from the fact sheet that you complete to enter.

What do the winners and runners-up receive? 

Numerous scholarships (targeted at $5,000) and trophies/gifts will be awarded.  Please visit the scholarship page for more detailed information.  For the Miss division awards please click here.  For the Teen/PT/Little/Mini division awards please click here. 

Can I have someone backstage to help me dress or on stage during talent competition?
NO, we do not allow anyone backstage/on-stage except our approved non-biased volunteers, which will NOT be family members of any contestant. The volunteers backstage can help you with what you need. 

If I win what is expected of me?

Miss Hampton Roads will make appearances at Flagship, Anchor & Platinum level sponsor events, other local pageants, and other mutually agreed to engagements.  Miss Hampton Roads must represent her title at the Miss Virginia pageant in late June in Roanoke for a full week (all expenses paid by the Miss Hampton Roads Pageant Organization).  There will be preparation involved in getting ready to compete in the Miss Virginia pageant.  There is also a mandatory Miss Virginia workshop in late March (1-2 days) that is required (all expenses paid by the Miss Hampton Roads Scholarship Organization).  In addition to your own personal platform, there is a National Platform for Miss America:  The Children's Miracle Network.  All contestants’ competing in Miss Virginia are REQUIRED to complete the Service Requirement of raising $250 for the CMN.  This is a tax deductible donation. 

On stage, will I know what 2 questions I will be asked?
NO, we do not tell you the questions, but rest assured we will only ask questions that directly relate to something that you have written on your fact sheet in the contract/entry form that you completed.

Why host a local pageant at a facility such as the Sandler Center?

It is our goal to restore the glamour back to the local pageant experience.  The Executive Director of Miss HR competed when she was younger and the memories of that time are forever ingrained for her.  The events were always highly anticipated, well attended, overflowing with contestants, black tie or at least dressy, and overall something to be a part of.  We want to make sure that pageants thrive for some time to come and in order to do so we need to produce a show that is the caliber that major sponsors will see the value of endorsing/supporting.  Bear in mind, our event venue has drastically improved and none of that has caused our scholarship awards to decrease.