Tuesday, March 25, 2014

March/April 2014 "Christa's Column" & MGMA Board Newsletter


CONGRATULATIONS!! to the new Miss City of Fountains the lovely and talented Miss Regina La-rae and her First Alternate the young and very promising Lucy Buitton!!! They are the last two contestants to have earned their spots to MGMA 2014. 

Miss City of Fountains Regina La-rae and Christa Collins, MGM 2013

As I begin to write this newsletter, I am a little sad. This is my final address to you as the MGMA.  I know that I am now entering into a Sisterhood of Formers that is truly watchful and care so much for this organization and the MGA system. 

I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the contestants that I have gotten to meet, watch and work with this year!  Thank you to all of the promoters and club owners that opened their doors and welcomed me into their communities. And to all the dressers and back up dancers that helped their friends on to victory. 

I want you all to know that I have truly enjoyed being Miss Gay Missouri. I have learned so much about myself and so much more about the MGA system!!  I am glad that I got to represent you at MGA 2014. I hope I have made you all proud.
 
We as drag performers have got to learn how to start looking out for each other. As entertainers, we are stronger when we stick together. We must be careful with each other’s feelings and remember that no matter how strong we all may appear, that the fragility of each person’s human sprit must be nurtured and cared for on a individual and loving basis.  When we do that, everyone can see and feel the love and warmth throughout the community.

For those of you wanting to join the Sisterhood, this Legacy that is MGMA, it is through your youth and vibrancy that we will continue to grow - to know that your energy, and your new thoughts and talents will help us reach out to the next generation of entertainers. So your behavior and the way that you are perceived from the community is very important and we should all - formers and contestants alike - act accordingly.

I wish that I could have stirred the hearts of younger contestants. I know that there is a division between "pageant queens" and "entertainers" but, we all have the same goal and that is to ENTERTAIN and make people happy by doing so.

I love that I have gotten to do several benefits as Miss Missouri and show our philanthropic side by entertaining for great causes. I also got to perform in many other venues and for many people who didn't know me before and for that I am truly THANKFUL. 

 I would like to thank everyone for such an amazing year; particularly the Board of Directors  for their love and unfailing support. It has been paramount to my success.  To all of my sisters: thank you for all of your belief in me and for all of your help at every preliminary this year and to Colin Murphy for your attention to detail. To all the  judges and contestants, promoters, and venues, thank you for all of your support and kindness.

As I leave you remember  to "Laugh Big and Laugh Often!"  And always be willing to help each other out because the success of this organization depends upon our willingness to work together and through any trials and tribulations!!!!! 

Miss Gay Missouri America 2013, 
Christa Collins 


MARCH/APRIL MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER
 
In two weeks we say “farewell” and “job well done” to another great Miss Gay Missouri,

Christa Collins. We will also welcome another sister into our legacy, and watch as she crosses our state entertaining and administrating.
 
Whomever is crowned Miss Gay Missouri America 2014 will have some major shoes to fill. Christa has been an amazing Miss Gay Missouri, and it is always apparent when one not only wants to win the title, but also commit their energies to a successful reign.

Christa, we thank you for your hard work and dedication and we hope the effort you put forth has paid off! You are truly a shining star in this family, and we are eager to see you continue your dedication as a former title holder! You have been an excellent Miss Gay Missouri America.

Alright, this is it. Contestants, you should be making final adjustments to your MGM 2014 packages and going over every category; double checking to make sure everything is intact and ready to wow the judges and audience!
 

Male-interview: (150 possible points per judge) Does your suit fit /has it been tailored to you? Have you went over your bio with anyone? Sit down with a few friends or colleges and have them interview you. What will you do to make the judges remember who you are? When you are asked for closing comments or questions, be prepared to leave them with something to remember you!!  Final impressions are fresh in their mind as they begin the scoring process.  Remember Miss Gay Missouri America is a job interview, and you are here to fill that position.

Solo Talent: (100 possible points per judge) This category can be tricky; Solo Talent should not exceed three (3) minutes in length. Those exceeding the three-minute limit will be scored with a zero (0). No dancers or any other person will be permitted in your presentation. No free standing props such as backdrops, furniture, or microphone stands will be allowed. Remember if you use a hand help prop, once it touches the ground it is considered ‘out of play’ for the remainder of your presentation and you can’t pick it back up till the end. Is your solo talent entertaining? Does it stir emotion? Does the energy build to the end and engage the viewer’s attention? Once again what makes you stand out from the rest?
 
Evening Gown: 150 possible points per judge. This is your chance to show the judges how beautiful of a ‘women’ you can be. You have to be completely comfortable in the chosen gown. You should glide across the stage with self-confidence. Jewelry should accessorize and not be over-power. Shoes should match and complement the gown, and be free of scuffs and wear at the toe / heels. Additionally, the shoes should not appear to bend at the weight of the contestant. Hair should be appropriate for eveningwear and compliment both the contestant and the style of the gown. Hair can be in any style, including either an "up-style" or "down-style" provided it is complimentary to the overall look of the contestant.
 
Talent: 300 possible points per judge. Put it all on the line … Give it all you got!! MAKE THE JUDGES REMEMBER YOU!!! You will be judged on their quality of the presentation - lip-sync, live vocal, or other entertainment. Judges will be looking to see if you know the words to the song, and that you finish each word. However, knowing the words is not enough. The contestant should also look as if they are actually singing the song. Do your facial expressions match the mood of the music? Is it believable? If you choose a live talent – as our current Miss Gay Missouri did last year – it is of good quality? If dance is involved, do the steps flow with the music? If dancers are present are they in synch and do they complement you – who should be the start of the production? You should look comfortable on stage, so do not attempt something beyond your abilities. You as the contestant and presenter of this production are completely in charge are responsible for everything you put on stage. Remember sometimes less is MORE!!!

Don’t just throw points away. Read your handbooks: study, study and study.  Know the duties of being Miss Gay Missouri America. Always remember this is a JOB that you’re applying for. Wishing you all the best of luck and we can’t wait to crown our new sister!!

 
Ricky McRoy/Sparkle Iman, MGM 2008
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 


















 

   











  
 
 
 
 
 
 

    


 






Thursday, February 27, 2014

February/March 2014 "Christa's Column" & MGMA Board Newsletter


Congratulations are in order for the new Miss River City, our newest preliminary, Miss Adria Andrews and her First Alternate, Destiny Michelle; to the new Miss St. Louis, Miss Robyn Hearts and her First Alternate, Dayonna Hilton; to the new Miss City of ColumbiaMiss Musica Malone and her First Alternate, Sheerah Funn Pleazure; and the new Miss Spirit of St. Louis, Tara Leigh and her First Alternate, Lexi San Diego. These ladies are on their way to MGMA 2014. 
 
 I am also excited to announce that we are going to be holding Miss City of Fountains in Kansas City, on Sunday March 23, 2014 at Sidekicks Saloon, with registration beginning at 12:00 with Male Interview to follow shortly thereafter. 

For contestants that didn't qualify at the above preliminaries: Please feel free to join us for City of Fountains; your entry fee will be waived. And for all of you who are still wishing to be a part of this sisterhood, this fabulous legacy; this is the last prelim before MGMA to qualify. Applications will be forthcoming and if you wish to receive one, you may contact any member of the Board or myself at ChristaCollinsMGMA2013@gmail.com or friend me on Facebook.  

It has been a busy and quite amazing month getting to travel around and meet all of you and get to answer some of your questions. I have been able to go to the Board of Directors with many of your concerns and questions and all will be revealed on the morning of April 10 the first day of the pageant. I can't wait to see what each of you are planning for the MGMA this year. It has truly been a pleasure getting to work with you all and see your talent and creativity. This year should be quite dynamic and entertaining. Don't forget to take a look at the Rules and Regulations of our system, as well as the MGA system. Look at our website and the MGA website to familiarize yourself with our rich history and don't be afraid to ask those who have come before you for help. 

For those who didn't read it on Facebook or in last months  newsletter, the theme of this years MGMA 2014, is "Reach for the Stars". Contestants are to have a silver evening gown with accessories and hair to fit and complete the look.  Former MGMA's are to have gold gowns  with accessories and hair to fit and complete the look.  

I am so looking forward to seeing you all again and working with you soon. And if you have any questions feel free to contact me. I want to make sure that you know and are aware of everything you need to know to be successful. 

In closing, remember to love  a little more, judge a little less and always try to help those coming behind you or those a little less fortunate than yourself. Because you never know when you will need that helping hand.
 
Miss Gay Missouri America 2013, 
Christa Collins 
 


FEBRUARY/MARCH MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER
 
2014 has definitely been a busy year! It seems that each Jan, Feb and March we pack in several city
prelims and watch as the contestant base for Miss Gay Missouri America builds, and we see or reigning (in this case Christa Collins) dash around the state from city to city.  I had the pleasure to see Christa in action at Miss River City, Miss St. Louis and Miss Spirt of St Louis.  What an inspiration she has been to watch, and a pleasure to work with throughout this pageant season.  Alas, her reign is coming to an end, and the time to crown a new Miss Gay Missouri is just around the corner.  We will certainly miss working with her as our reigning, but fully expect to have her support as a former!

Attending the preliminaries and watching what the contestants have brought to that stage ignites excitement within me for Miss Gay Missouri America 2014!  I see so much potential headed to the big stage, and wish each of the contestants much success as the place finishing touches on their competition packages.  I remind each contestant the entertaining is a part of your score Miss Gay America, but there are other parts that also make up your score.  Contestants are also judged on their appearance.  Take the time in advance to look over your items (wigs, cloths, shoes and jewelry).  Are they in impeccable condition?

There is one final chance to earn your ticket to our much anticipated state pageant, Miss City of Fountains
on Sunday March 23, 2014 at Sidekicks Saloon in Kansas City.  I hope to attend this final preliminary, an hope to see Kansas City in full force to celebrate this pageant, and the final selection of our qualified contestants.

Supporters of Miss Gay Missouri, get ready for an exciting weekend of entertainment.  We have made a few changes in our lineup for the pageant.  Preliminary nights are being held Thursday and Friday (talent a Thursday, Gown and Solo Talent Friday); and our review show with former Miss Gay Missouri America's will be held after preliminary competition on Friday.  We will also be giving away the preliminary awards during the review show!  Final night will be held Saturday April 12.  All events are being held at the Metropolitan Community Church in St. Louis MO.    We are also accepting advertisements in our award winning souvenir program. You can contact any former Miss Gay Missouri for information on ad rates and sizes.

Looking forward to sharing another successful Miss Gay Missouri America pageant!!

Jade Sinclair/Michael Klataske, MGM 2007      

Monday, January 27, 2014

January/February 2014 "Christa's Column" & MGMA Board Newsletter

Ladies and Gentlemen the theme for Miss Gay Missouri America 2014 has been chosen: "Reach for the Stars"!! 

I chose this theme for the final night because, I think that all of you are stars and have a special place in the heavens and in my heart. During the opening ceremony that evening, everyone will reflect the midnight sky. Former Miss Gay Missouri's will wear a Gold evening gown  and Contestants will wear Silver evening gowns! Jewelry, hair and accessories should match accordingly! I chose evening gowns because I want all of you to feel elegant and beautiful the same feelings I have when I am Christa Collins.   

I am so excited to announce the upcoming preliminaries including our newest: Miss Gay River City was held in Hannibal, Mo on Sunday January 26th 2014 at QPEX Church (515 Lyon St. in Hannibal. MO.) Two contestants battled it out for the crown in front of a capacity crowd. Congratulations to Adria Andrews, Miss River City 2014 and First Alternate Destiny Michelle on their way to Miss Gay Missouri.

MGM 2013 Christa Collins, Miss Gay River City 2014 Adria Andrews and First Alternate Destiny Michelle

 
On Saturday, February 1, 2014, Miss City of Columbia will be held in Columbia Mo. at the SOCO Nightclub. This is a closed prelim but please come out and support the contestants and the bar and watch a great pageant in action. It may spark your interest in the system.  

On  Sunday February 2, 2014 Miss Gay St. Louis will be held at Hamburger Mary's 3037 Olive in St. Louis, MO. The theme of this is evening is "Cell Block Tango" and it will honor the reigning Miss St. Louis, Kitty Litter.  

On Sunday February 23,2014 Miss Sprit of St. Louis will be held at Hamburger Mary's in St Louis and it will honor your reigning Miss St. Louis Adria Andrews.  

Saturday March 1, 2014, Miss Gay Southeast Missouri will be held in Poplar Bluff MO. There will be more information to come about this preliminary as well as, the return of Miss City of Fountains to be held in Kansas City Mo. A date will be forth coming as soon as possible. 

 There are also two benefits that I would like to inform you about as well. They are benefits to help support Miss Gay Missouri America. All proceeds go to making sure that we stay financially sound. The first one is on Saturday March 15,2014 in St. Joseph, Mo. at Headquarters and  there will a special Bingo Hosted my Melinda Ryder at Hamburger Mary's in Kansas City Mo. Both of these will be feature performances by former Miss Missouri's  and myself. 

I really hope that you come out and support these pageants as well as the upcoming benefits. As female impersonators, we are not only entertainers but we have a tremendous ability to be a beacon for and within the gay community. We are generally on the front lines when it comes to all social issues not only those that concern the gay community. We are hugely philanthropic and resourceful and willing to lend a hand to our neighbors, friends and family. If you were to ever ask me why I do pageants, this  would be my answer  because, I truly believe that the crown and the title of Miss Gay Missouri allow me to soar higher and to be better person. 
 
I'm going to continue to do the best job that I can do to make you proud of me, our Board of Directors and our state when representing Miss Missouri any where we are asked to be. 
 
I want to reach out to anyone who feels they have their best self to offer to come and be a part of this Sisterhood, this Legacy.  Come and join us at one of our upcoming preliminaries and see who will be the next Miss Gay Missouri America. If you have any questions about upcoming contests or benefits, please feel free to contact any member of the Board or me at ChristaCollinsMGMA2013@gmail.com or on my FaceBook page!


In closing I want to wish you all Love, Blessings and much Happiness!!
 
Miss Gay Missouri America 2013, 
Christa Collins 
 

P.S. To all Promoters and Contestants, please shore up your hotel reservations for your hotel accommodations during the week of MGMA. This information can be found on our website and FaceBook Page. 




JANUARY/FEBRUARY MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER


I can't believe a year has almost passed, I can only think how Christa Collins must feel. What a wonderful experience and time she is having. Congrats on all her accomplishments and getting Missouri back on that pageant map!!

I'm very excited for the 41st MGMA pageant to see the talents, gowns, and fresh new faces to our system. I've been a part of MGMA as a contestant, a winner, a former - and now to sit on the board is something I never thought possible. I've spent 20 years with MGMA.

I can't believe all that goes into making and running MGMA; the time, preparation, not to mention the dedication of the promoters, and of the people on the MGMA board. We are very fortunate to have people in our community and system that care so strongly about the legacy of Miss Gay Missouri America to ensure that the pageant is run in a professional and prompt manner. And all while looking effortless... I know this year will be no exception.

It is turning out to be a great year as the state pageant approaches. Final touches are underway for the 41st Miss Gay Missouri Pageant. I encourage any entertainer out there, no matter when you have started or how long you have been entertaining, to get involved with in MGMA. It has a great history of some of the finest formers in female impersonation, not only in Missouri, but the nation.

I for one could not be more proud to be a part of a great legacy of sisterhood that is called Miss Gay Missouri America. I've won many titles and Miss Gay Missouri America remains to be one of my proudest moments in a dress. LOL!!

There are still many preparations, fundraisers, and preliminaries to happen before April.

Some of the prelims still available to qualify are:

Miss City of Columbia is this Saturday, Feb. 1, held at SoCo in Columbia, Mo.

Miss St. Louis is this Sunday, Feb 2, at Hamburger Mary's St. Louis

Miss Southeast is Saturday, March 1 in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Miss Spirit of St. Louis, Mo (to be announced)

Some great and fun fundraisers are come up as well.

Monday, March 3rd at the Bastille in St. Louis, Mo.

Saturday, March 15th St. Joe, Mo Benefit Show

Bingo with Melinda Ryder at Hamburger Mary's in Kansas City, Mo (to be announced)

It promises to be a great pageant and I for one cannot wait. April will be here before we know it and I hope with warm weather too. *fingers crossed*

So good luck to the promoters, contestants, formers, and Christa Collins. Here comes Miss Gay Missouri America, are you ready??

Thanks for your time, my time, and until the next time...So long!!   


Randy Bryant/Krista Versace, MGM1997