Ms. Missouri Senior Pageant On Stage April 30

At Florissant Performing Arts Center

A  field of 12 contestants will grace the stage at the Florissant Performing Arts Center (formerly the Florissant Civic Center Theater) at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30 for the Ms. Missouri Senior Pageant.

Behind the scenes the activities are increasing.“This is the time when attention is focused on preparation,” said Joyce Graham, 2022 Ms. Missouri Senior.    “Each contestant is working with a past pageant pa r t i c i p a n t who works as a coach and mentor so she can present her best self to the audience and judges.”

Pageant co-directors, Susan Pellegrino and Helene Siegfried are making sure contestants have what they need to create magic on stage. “We’re here to help. And we will do whatever it takes for each participant

to have a successful experience,” says Pellegrino, who, with Seigfried are in their 8th year as pageant co-directors. There’s a lot at stake for these women,” says Dr. Nancy Pittman, one of the show’s stage directors and first runner up in 2015. “For a singer, the music has to be the right length, in the correct key, and the costuming has to fit the personality of the performer.”

“It’s the same for dancers,” said Judy Davis stage director and 2017 Ms. Missouri Senior. A dancer herself, Davis says, “The choreography must be interesting and the technique has to be right. The talent portion of the pageant is worth 30% of their score, so a participant’s talent becomes a focus for coaches and advisors.”

Cathy Loyd, first runner up in 2009, and Jerrie Eubanks, Ms. Congeniality in 2012, have the task of matching coaches – called big sisters – with

contestants, based on their strengths. All the big sisters have pageant experience and are thereto create a great experience for their “little sisters.” Loyd explains, “Singers work with singers. Pianists work with pianists. Actors

work with poets. Advice is there if they want it.” Eubanks says that the big sister program is tied to the mission of the Missouri Senior Cameo Club.

The Missouri Senior Cameo Club is a non profit organization sponsoring an annual pageant for senior women which fosters their talent development,

Joyce Graham was crowed 2022 Ms. Missouri Senior last year

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