The only way to have a truly successful production is to "plan, plan, plan." And of course, the trick is to know what is needed to plan. Well for starters, what to name the production? This seems simple enough, but it actually can be a painstaking process that may take a good part of a day.
The Pageant Name
First of all, come up with more than one name or variations of a name or an ideal to represent the pageant. For a festival or community event, the name may be easy to create. However, other names might seem right for the pageant, but may not be available. For example, the name Miss America is already registered and trademarked.
It is surprising how many names are actually already taken. Always check with the state’s Secretary of State Department. This office is responsible for issuing name registrations. There are also federal agencies that will register and trademark a name federally. All of these charge a fee for the services, should it be decided to lock the name in. However, it is not necessary to register or trademark the name, and once the name is used it is copyrighted as long as the © symbol is utilized.
Be sure the name is unique, descriptive and is not already owned by someone else. Some directors are very territorial about the pageant names and/or icons or symbols. Be sure the one you choose is original. For instance the pageant named “Pageant Princesses International”; do not name your pageant “Pageant Princesses National.” That is merely a take-off of a name already used and not very respectful of the current name-holder, whether the name is registered or not.
The only allowable exception to that rule may be that if the pageant is say a natural pageant and the other is a glitz pageant. If there is a definite genre difference then you could possibly go with it. Just keep in mind that Golden Rule.
Profit and Non-Profit
To profit or not to profit? That is the question. It is actually acceptable to make money from your pageant. If it were not, there would not be much of a reason to write this article. There are many considerations to make however in deciding whether to profit from a pageant or to establish a non-profit.
First, to have a non-profit pageant one will want to set up a non-profit organization. This process is long and can be expensive if one cannot do it themselves. If hiring an attorney to handle the paperwork is affordable, then hire an attorney.
Also, a non-profit can be set up in such a way that the director and certain staff can be paid for personal time and/or expenses and that of others associated with your organization. As long as it is written out and very specific, it is acceptable. Be aware that all non-profit organizations are legally bound to show anyone that inquires the accounting books. So be sure everything is on the up and up.
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