Polish up that tiara, Tuscaloosa, because the time has come to crown a new Miss University of Alabama.

The Miss UA pageant, a preliminary stage of the Miss America program, will be held Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bama Theatre.

Sponsored by the UA National Alumni Association, the pageant will feature 19 women representing UA’s finest students from all over the country.

“We have a good variety of states being represented,” said Carol White, director of the pageant. “They’re all really excited to come out and compete.”

The contestants will be participating in five rounds of competition including a private interview, swimsuit competition, talent portion, evening gown competition and on-stage question portion.

A panel of five judges will measure the grace and poise of each contestant. The winner will go on to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant in June, which will be held in Birmingham.

She will also receive a year-long full tuition scholarship and book scholarships for the university, as well as various prizes from sponsors around Tuscaloosa.

“These girls have been practicing hard all week,” White said. “They’ve been doing mock interviews with some of the WVUA staff and working in the various areas of competition.”

This year’s competition will have the overall theme of “Crimson Magic.” Every contestant is a full-time student at UA, and being in the pageant is one way of showing their UA pride.

“[We are] celebrating the different accomplishments of the University of Alabama and why it is such a great place to go to school,” White said.

White said she expects the Bama Theatre to be packed with parents, students and members of the Tuscaloosa community.

One important guest will be Shellie Street, Miss University of Alabama 2010, who will be relinquishing her crown to the new winner. Street went on to be named first runner-up at the Miss Alabama pageant last year.

Should the new Miss UA go on to win in Birmingham, she will compete in the prestigious Miss America pageant.

But first things first, the Miss UA contestants must work hard Saturday night to impress the judges and go for the glory.

“I think the weather is supposed to be nicer,” White said, “so we’re expecting a good crowd.”

To get a seat, patrons should arrive at the theatre early. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children 6 and under.