Pageant judges are instructed to score contestants, not on their specific opinion, but rather their ability to take a stance on an issue and defend their answer. Show that you are confident and comfortable in your own skin by speaking your mind in an eloquent, educated manner. 

1. Do you think it is ethical for mental health professionals to attempt to change the sexual orientation of minors? (The California law, known as SB 1172,  prohibits state-licensed mental health providers from using dangerous efforts to change the sexual orientation of minors. It went into effect Jan. 1.)

2. The Super Bowl is the single largest human trafficking event in the U.S. Why do you think this goes on practically unnoticed by most Americans? What should be done to stop human trafficking? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/03/super-bowl-sex-trafficking_n_2607871.html)

3. Do you think Beyonce should have sung the National Anthem live at the Presidential Inauguration? Do you judge her for lip syncing?

4. Would you change the Miss America scoring in any way?

5. Boyscouts of America are set to change their homophobic policy, potentially reversing their policy on banning homosexual leaders and members, ultimately leaving the final decision up to individual chapters. What do you think their policy should be? Do you think homosexual members should be banned from membership? (http://www.nowthisnews.com/news/boy-scouts-homophobic-policy-may-change/)

6. Do you think human interest stories are vital to the Miss America Organization's increased television ratings and popularity?

7. Some gun lobbyists propose having armed guards in schools to protect students from potential gunmen. How do you think this should be funded? Do you agree with this measure? Why or why not. 

8. How would you convince a pageant "naysayer" that pageants are relevant today?

9. Can charisma be taught?

10. With service at the center of the Miss America Organization, what is the single most important issue you think a Miss America should address? 

In light of the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT, I'm sharing some interview questions related to this topic. My heart is heavy and I feel this is an epidemic in America we must not ignore. The conversation, debate, and demand for change must continue so these types of tragedies stop. Do your part to be educated about the topic, keep the conversation going, and speak out as loudly as you.



Is the shooting at Sandy Hook a gun control issue or a mental health issue?

Do you believe private citizens should have access to assault rifles?

What do you think you would have done if you were a teacher in a classroom under attack?

Is the government doing enough to respond to Sandy Hook and mass shooting of the past?

Can schools do more to protect their students than they already are?

Could the school shooting at Sandy Hook have been prevented?

An NRA backed law prevents gun manufacturers and gun shops from be prosecuted when their weapons are used for acts of violence. Do you think crime victims should be able to sue gun manufacturers and gun shop owners whose weapons are directly related to crimes?

Should teachers be armed with weapons to protect their students?

Do you think these young children will ever recover emotionally from this trauma?

How should the nation respond to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary?

Would banning assault weapons hinder our 2nd amendment rights?

As Miss _____ (Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Local, etc), how would you address a school assembly of children affected by a tragedy such as Sandy Hook?

Congratulations to all 52 Miss Ohio USA contestants who competed Saturday November 10th in Portsmouth, Ohio for the opportunity to represent the Buckeye State at the Miss USA pageant. I'd like to recognize one of my clients, Madison Gesiotto, for placing 3rd runner up at this year's pageant. This was Madison's first trip to the state pageant, and I'm so proud of her hard work and determination. Madison hold's the title of Miss Columbus USA and attends the Ohio State University majoring in Political Science. Let's all congratulate Madison!

With national competitions right around the corner this Thanksgiving, here are 10 practice pageant interview questions for kids! Remember to always listen to the question and answer the question you are given. Use interview preparation with your child to develop critical thinking and build vocabulary. Encourage spontaneous answers, not memorized or canned answers. This will help you child feel more at ease and showcase her personality in the best light. 

1. Who is your favorite family member and why?

2. If you were to have a sleep over with five of your closest friends, what would you do to entertain them?

3. What is your favorite Halloween costume you have ever worn?

4. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

5. If you had to choose between wearing a dress or wearing a t-shirt and jeans, which would you choose?

6. What can you do to help the people affected by Hurricane Sandy? How did Hurricane Sandy affect you and your family?

7. Compare yourself to your favorite story book character?

8. Name one thing you look forward to being allowed to do when you get a little bit older.

9. Why do you like competing in pageants?

10. Tell me about the best friend you have made through competing in pageants?

Remember, just be yourself and be natural. What the judges really want to see is YOU being YOU! Have fun!

I would like to take a moment to recognize the new Miss New York International 2013, Jesse Ladoue. Jesse will represent New York, competing internationally in July 2013 in Chicago. Jesse was attracted to competing in the Miss International program because of the focus on interview skills and community service. She will spend her year promoting lifelong volunteerism.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jesse through the Miss New York Scholarship Program. I was her mentor in preparation for Miss New York where she was a top ten finalist as Miss Western New York. The Miss America Organization helped shape Jesse into the person she is today, fostering her passion for community service and the empowerment of women. Her MAO experienced helped her prepare for Miss International, allowing her to cross into another pageant system with ease and success.

Jesse is elated to represent her home state of New York on the national stage. A true servant with a passion for helping others, I know Jesse will make the most of her year of service. I look forward to watching her contributions to communities throughout New York state and watching her shine as she competes for the title and job of Miss International.

Way to go Jesse! I'm so proud of you!


Follow Jesse's journey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MissNYIntl2013?fref=ts.

Learn more about the Miss International Pageant at http://www.nypageants.com/.

Hi Mom! Being a pageant mom is no easy task. You are your daughter's greatest ally and advocate. It can be extremely overwhelming as you sift through the varying rules of different pageant systems and try to prepare your daughter to the best of your ability. Having recently judged several rounds of competition at this years National American Miss in NYC, I've put together a few tips to help you!

1. Read all rules carefully. Pay close attention to time limits on speeches, introductions and talent routines. If an introduction or speech is only allowed to have 100 words; only use 100 words. If the time limit for talent is 2 minutes; cut the music to 2 minutes. If you are auditioning with a commercial and can't change the text; don't change the text. Also, follow wardrobe requirements to the letter and be prompt and on-time for all scheduled events and phases of competition.

2. Consider Age Appropriateness. This goes for wardrobe and choice of talent. Many popular songs accessible and adored by kids are not necessarily appropriate for them to perform. Many lyrics refer to mature behavior and subject matter. Listen very closely to the meaning of the lyrics and ask yourself if this is appropriate for your daughter to sing about. Judges do look for age appropriate material and if they are offended by the subject matter, they will deduct points. In regards to wardrobe, take into consideration bare mid-drifts and short skirts. If the outfit is questionable, your daughter may lose points.

3. Always use a backing track when singing. If you are new to developing talent routines for pageantry, finding a backing track may seem like a daunting task. However, there are hundreds of karaoke tracks available, and many of them are just 99 cents on I-Tunes. The track should have absolutely no lead vocals on it. Singing along with a lead vocal translates onstage as lip singing and the child's voice is usually overpowered by the track vocals. Also, make sure that background vocals do not distract from the child's volume and focus. Singing a'capella may also be interpreted as lack of preparation, and is actually much more difficult for young singers to stay in tune. Check out www.musicalcreations.com for some great options.

4. If playing an instrument, memorize the music and develop costuming. A child who performs an instrumental musical selection will always score higher if the song is memorized. When playing an instrument like flute or clarinet, consider standing or using a stool rather than a regular chair. Also, try to be creative with wardrobe here. Pianists might find it fun playing with a train or bustle that can be draped over the piano stool. A violinist might enjoy a fun cocktail dress or elegant pants suit.

5. Never engage in gossip. It can be tempting to get yourself involved in the competition and compare your child's performance to others. However, it is important not to express these thoughts in public or in front of your daughter. Kids hear everything we say, and it is important that they realize they are only being scored against themselves. Each child is given a score based on their personal performance and skill level. Be positive and help your daughter enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that can develop out of the pageant experience. You wouldn't want her confidence to suffer because of pressure from a parent.

6. Paperwork is every contestant's first impression. Make sure all contestant resumes are typed neatly and according to the guidelines given by the pageant system. This varies considerably for each system. However, once you have the basic content down, it can often be adapted to meet the requirements of any pageant system.

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Of course you want what is best for your daughter and you want her to do well. But, pageantry is just like any other sport or activity such as soccer, majorette, speech and debate team or band. Reach out to the pageant director to clarify any questions or doubts you may have. I'm sure they will be happy to help.

8. Seek the advice of a coach. Mom's can learn just as much from pageant coaching as their child can. A few hours with a qualified pageant coach can help you focus your overall plan for your daughters success. It's the same as enlisting the guidance of a vocal coach, speech coach, baseball coach or math tutor. A quality pageant coaching can help save you time and money as you eliminate much of the trial and error.

9. Do have your child's clothes altered for optimal fit. Most judges take into consideration the fit and appropriateness of a gown or outfit over the cost of an outfit. I believe it is better to spend less on the gown and spend money on alterations to make sure the clothes fit like a glove. Take note of the length of gowns. Full length gowns should skim the floor. We don't want them to be too long or too short. And remember, most of the time the judges sit with their eyes at your child's feet. An even hem line is extremely important.

10. Most importantly, have fun! Pageantry is a wonderful way to help your daughter gain confidence, showcase her talents, develop her leadership qualities and gain valuable interview skills. Maintain a level head and keep the big picture in mind. Not all contestants will walk away with crowns. But, if executed with the right attitude, all will have a positive experience and garner memories to last a lifetime.

I hope this helps! Good luck with all your endeavors and as always, feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at info@amandabeagle.com.


* Suit photo from http://www.mrmpageantgowns.net

The school year is starting, soon the leaves will turn and it's time to plan another successful year. I am currently adding students to my New York City roster and am looking forward to another great year of fun, success, and personal growth. I am available for private voice lessons, talent coaching and pageant coaching for students of all ages. 



I have been an active voice teacher since 2001, specializing in training students age 7 to 19 years of age. I hold a bachelors degree in Vocal Performance from Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music, studied Italian and Opera extensively in Italy, and earned a Master of Science in Entertainment Business through Full Sail University, in Orlando, FL. I combine my years of training, professional performance and competition experience with knowledge of the entertainment business to deliver comprehensive training to young performers through out the greater New York City metro area. Performance opportunities and workshops are made available throughout the year. 

As a pageant coach, I work with students from all over the country specializing in natural pageantry. I believe a successful pageant contestant develops beauty and confidence from the inside out. Inspired by my own experience in the Miss America Organization, I am an active pageant coach offering guidance in all areas of contestant development. Having performed for audiences all over the world, I understand what it takes to capture an audience's attention, onstage and off. I have benefited from the self-improvement process provided by an active participation in pageants, and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and tips with other young pageant contestants. I take pride in helping young women achieve their goals and realize their dreams.  

I will guide you in developing an impressive talent presentation, giving a winning interview, developing your community service platform, editing your contestant paperwork and refining all aspects of onstage competition, including wardrobe, styling, and runway techniques. A talent award winner at Miss America, I specialize in creating new and unique talent routines. Coaching sessions are designed to meet your needs and to suite your individual personality. SKYPE coaching is also available and working well for many young women across the country. 

I would love to chat with you and discuss your goals and needs. I am hear to help so please contact me with any and all questions. I look forward to speaking with you soon! 

During this presidential election year, contestants should be ready for any and all questions about the election and the vital issues being debated amongst the candidates. You should know all candidates stances on issues, not just those you support.

1. Give me at least one reason Paul Ryan was a good choice as Mit Romney's running mate.

2. How would the election of Romney and Ryan reshape our foreign policy?

3. In light of the shootings at the "The Dark Night Rises," do you think we need stricter gun control laws?

4. President Obama is allowing hundreds of thousands of people who entered the United States as undocumented children to apply to remain in and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation for at least two years. Do you think this is helpful to these young immigrants or is it a quick fix that rewards people for breaking our immigration laws?

5. Do you think President Obama is going to be a one term president?

6. Can you name our country's founding fathers?

7. What political issue most influences young voters in this presidential election?
8. Our national debt has increased more under one term of the Obama presidency than under two terms of the Bush presidency. Does this concern you?

9. Do you think a college education is necessary to be successful in today's society?

10. If you could ask President Obama and Mit Romney one question in a presidential debate, what would it be?

September 8 & 9 Improve your pageant competition package with one-on-one private coaching. I am Amanda Beagle, a former Miss Ohio and a professional singer and pageant coach. I reside in New York City where pageant and talent coaching is ongoing, but I travel to Northeast Ohio once per month to offer coaching to clients in OH, PA, WV and beyond! I will offer pageant and talent coaching in Ohio on September 8 & 9, 2012.  Your private coaching session will be tailored to meet your needs. From interview preparation to talent routine development, and wardrobe styling to modeling techniques, I've got you covered! Coachings are held at the beautiful and spacious Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Youngstown, Ohio equipped with full studio mirrors and sound system. Contact me today for all the details and to schedule your appointment. Space is limited and time slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.  Email me at coaching@amandabeagle.com or call me directly at 330.519.7631. I look forward to hearing from you!                                                            Specializing in natural pageantry: National American Miss (NAM) Coed International Junior Miss (IJM) America's National Teenager(Antso) MAO Teen Miss America Miss Teen USA Miss USA High School America Teen World Galaxy Perfect

We are in full swing at pageant central! It's been a busy summer with pageants from Miss America State Preliminaries to National American Miss and Cinderella. I was able to go to Miss New York, Miss Ohio and Miss Connecticut to cheer on several of my students. It's been so much fun watching the process unfold in different states. It's going to be an exciting year!