Virginia State Pageant
November 7-8, 2026
Gaines Theatre at Christopher Newport University
1 University Pl, Newport News, VA 23606
State Entry Fee
The entry fee for all divisions is $475
State Entry Fee includes entry into all 3 required areas of competition (Fun Fashion, Evening Gown, and Interview), and complementary Program Book.
LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE!
required ad page
Full Page Ad is $150
Each contestant is required to have a Full Page Ad in the program book. The ad page can be sponsored by local businesses, family, friends, places of worship, community organizations, or supporters who want to encourage you on your journey. This also gives local businesses valuable exposure in our official program book. All contestants will receive a complementary copy of the program book!
STATE PAGEANT TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Saturday November 7, 2026 - Registration, Stage Rehearsals. Interviews. Contestant "Boots and Bling" party in evening.
Sunday November 8, 2026 - Final Rehearsals in a.m., FINAL SHOW in afternoon: Fun Fashion and Evening Gown Competition, Awards & Crowning, Royalty Pictures, Contract Signing.
A final schedule will be released closer to the pageant. Check in the contestants corner for updates.
Let's Go Girls!
Join us for a dazzling "Boots & Bling" party Saturday night — where western charm meets runway sparkle! We’re glamming up our favorite Western looks with rhinestones, fringe, denim, sequins, and your cutest cowgirl boots. Get ready for a night of country music, line dancing, selfies, face painting, an ice-cream social and unforgettable memories with your friends and fellow contestants.
Walking Patterns
Fun Fashion Runway
(stop and pose on all X's)
Evening Gown
(stop and pose on all X's)
Opening Number
You will wear your fun fashion outfit for the opening number. This will be performed at the beginning of Sunday's Finals Show. The opening number dance will be sent out in advance to learn before pageant weekend. The choreography will consist of simple moves and walking sequences. No dance experience is required. We will have designated opening number rehearsals during pageant weekend to practice.
Each contestant is required to bring a white outfit of their choice in the event that they are crowned a Virginia state titleholder. The newly crowned titleholders will participate in their first official photoshoot and prize distribution shortly after the conclusion of the pageant. Be sure to choose an outfit that reflects your personality and style!
Please ensure your outfit is completely white and not off-white, cream, ivory, etc.
White outfit
Hair & Make-up
The following hair and makeup artists are authorized to be on site in a reserved H&M space.
Please see their information to contact them and book them directly.
*If you know of a H&M artist that wants to join us for pageant weekend, have them reach out to us at MissVirginiaHSA@gmail.com to get authorized.
Chelsea Carey
H&M
Meet Our Staff
State Director
Sharon Ruben
Sharon is the mother of three adult daughters, an award-winning author, and a 22-year breast cancer survivor. A graduate of Mary Washington College (B.S., Biology) and the University of Maryland University College (M.S., Biotechnology Management), she spent years developing clinical trial protocols for NIH and the pharmaceutical industry. In 2004, Sharon published Awakening Ashley: Mozart Knocks Autism on its Ear, chronicling how a listening therapy recovered her middle daughter who was diagnosed with Autism and Auditory processing disorder at 2 years old —a journey featured on the Today Show with Katie Couric and Soap Talk with Lisa Rinna. She is also a passionate advocate for pageantry, having watched her youngest daughter, Sydney, thrive in the circuit for over a decade, winning many local, state and a national title. Sharon is thrilled to guide the Miss Virginia Elementary, Jr. High, High School, and Collegiate America Organization in empowering the next generation of young women.
Producer
Sydney Spencer
Sydney has been involved in pageantry for over 13 years, earning numerous local, state, and a national title across several prestigious organizations. A 2023 graduate of Christopher Newport University (B.A., Theatre), she now works full-time as a professional actress in Atlanta. Represented by film/tv and commercial agencies in New York City and Atlanta, Sydney has appeared in numerous commercials, short films, and major ad campaigns. Her commercial credits include recognizable regional and national brands such as Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, Giant Food, MedStar Health, VA and MD tourism, and Hair Cuttery.