Become a Marin County's Teen Contestant
Click here for Miss Marin County's Information

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Age
  • Contestant’s birth year must be 2007 through 2011.
  • Contestants whose birth year is 2007 may choose to compete as Miss or Teen.
Citizenship
  • Must be a citizen of the United States of America
Additional Requirements
  • MUST attend all Miss Marin County rehearsals held on Sunday mornings on October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17 - Program is on November 24th
  • Attend Miss California Orientation in April 2025 (dates TBA) and the Miss California Competition in late June 2025 (dates TBA) 
  • ​Register for participation in the Miss America Organization ($39.99/year)
  • Meet character criteria set forth by the Miss America Organization.
  • Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local competition and the Miss California Organization.
​​Residency
  • Meet ONE of the three geographic eligibility requirements below for Marin, Napa, or San Francisco.

Step 2: Review the Phases of Competition

Private Interview 
At the local level, each contestant participates in an individual 6-minute interview.  Interviews are 8 minutes at the state competition and 8 minutes at the national competition.  There are typically 5 to 7 judges on a panel, and the interview is press-style, with the contestant standing at a podium. Contestants are questioned on their background as presented on their fact sheet, their educational and career goals, and their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities. Scoring is based on overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression and personal appearance.  Community Service is required on the local level.
​
Talent 
Contestants perform a 90 second routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedy monologues, baton twirling and ventriloquism. Other talents that can be performed solo on a stage are also possible. Phone or e-mail us if you have a question about your talent presentation.  Scoring is based on contestant’s skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence and the totality of all elements, including costume, props, voice, use of body and choreography.

Lifestyle and Wellness in Activewear
​Each contestant briefly appears on stage in activewear of her choice. Attire varies based on local competitions. State contestants will be provided with specific wardrobe expectations – usually a running top and shorts or capri leggings. The contestant will be judged on her depiction of a healthy lifestyle, energy and confidence.

Evening Gown and On-Stage Question 
​Each contestant appears on stage in an evening gown of her choice. The contestant will be judges on her presentation, confidence and elegance. Questions will be of a general nature and will be neither platform-related nor something taken directly from the private interview. The objective is to evaluate the contestant’s ability to think on her feet and answer a question of general interest to people her age. 

Step 3: Fill in our Local Registration Form

Located on this page of our website.

Step 4: Register with the Miss America Organization

​To be an official candidate, you must also visit the Miss America website and register. The registration fee is $39.99. This must be completed before the first day of Miss Marin County rehearsal. 
​
After you register on the Miss California website,  be sure to follow up with our Executive Director, Michele Moser at (415) 883-7138 or [email protected] to let her know you have completed this step as well.