What to Expect During The Competition
Knowing what to expect can make it much easier to prepare for the Miss Carlisle Ice Queen competition. While the requirements vary slightly by age division, every contestant will have opportunities to introduce herself, answer questions, and let the judges get to know the person behind the application.
No part of Miss Carlisle Ice Queen scoring is based on beauty or physical appearance. Our judges want to hear what you have to say and learn more about who you are. As you prepare, focus on knowing your material and being comfortable sharing your own thoughts.
Here is what you can expect from start to finish.
Your Interview
Before the evening showcase begins, you will meet with the judges off stage.
For Little Miss contestants, this takes place as a small group interview. Junior Miss, Teen Miss, and Miss contestants participate in personal interviews with the judges panel.
Think of this as the judges' first opportunity to get to know you. Be prepared to talk about yourself and answer their questions. You do not need to memorize who you think the judges want you to be. Be yourself!
The Opening Number
The evening showcase begins with a choreographed opening number based on that year's theme. You will learn the routine during rehearsals (the dates are on the Guidelines page), so you will have time to practice before competition night.
The opening number is not judged.
This is your chance to get comfortable on stage and show some personality. Know the choreography, bring your energy, and enjoy being on stage with your fellow contestants.
Your On-Stage Introduction
Every contestant will introduce herself on stage with a brief memorized biography.
Your introduction shares a little about where you are in life and what matters to you. Depending on your age, that might include school, activities, hobbies, commitments, or other things you would like people to know about you.
Practice your introduction until you can say it comfortably without having to search for the next line. Knowing your material will allow you to focus on how you are presenting it instead of trying to remember what comes next.
On-Stage Question & Answer
Each contestant will also answer an age-appropriate question on stage.
Questions may relate to you personally, your community, your future, or your thoughts on any subject. You will have the opportunity to choose a question and then explain your answer in greater depth.
There is no script to memorize for this portion. The best preparation is practice.
Have your parents, friends, or family members to ask you questions and practice answering them out loud. Work on explaining why you feel the way you do instead of stopping after a short answer.
The judges want to hear your perspective. Give yourself enough time to share it.
Prepared Response
Teen Miss and Miss Contestants Only
Teen Miss and Miss contestants will receive a question before the competition and prepare a response in advance.
Every contestant within the division receives the same question. Your response should be memorized and ready to present on stage.
Use the preparation time to think carefully about what you want to say and how you want to communicate it. You are encouraged to approach the question creatively and develop a response that reflects your own perspective.
Final Question & Answer
Only the top finalists in each division advance to the Final Question and Answer.
Unlike your prepared response, you will not know this question ahead of time.
Every finalist within the division receives the same question. Contestants wait backstage in a soundproof room so no one hears the question before it is her turn to answer.
When you step onto the stage, you will receive the question and respond in the moment.
You cannot memorize an answer for this portion, but you can prepare for it. Practice listening to a question, taking a moment to collect your thoughts, and giving a complete response. Becoming comfortable thinking on your feet will help you when the question is yours.
Then, It's Time to Crown the Court
At the conclusion of the competition, a Queen and an Alternate are crowned in each age division, creating an eight-member Miss Carlisle Ice Queen Court.
Each titleholder receives a crown, a sash, a bouquet of flowers, a trophy, and an educational scholarship.
Crowning also begins an entirely new part of the Ice Queen experience! The court spends the coming year representing the Miss Carlisle Ice Queen Association and participating in opportunities throughout the community.
