Locals seek fame, fortune at ‘Survivor’ show auditions
Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008
When it comes to money and fame, there isn't anything 21-year-old Caleb Johnson wouldn't do.
"The craziest thing I'd do for $ 1 million is light myself on fire," Johnson, a Bella Vista resident, said Saturday while waiting in a line that stretched from the center of the Northwest Arkansas Mall toward the food court.
Johnson and other area hopefuls woke up early Saturday to take their shot at becoming America's 18 th sole "Survivor."
Open auditions for the CBS primetime reality series started at 10 a.m. Saturday inside the Northwest Arkansas Mall, with guaranteed auditions for the first 100 people.
In the show, 16 to 20 strangers are stranded in the wilderness to compete for cash and prizes. Cast members are divided into two to four teams, called tribes. Depending on the season, tribes are usually given a minimal number of tools with which to survive. Challenges consist of endurance, problem solving, teamwork, dexterity and willpower.
The show's 17 th season begins Sept. 18, though the auditions Saturday were for the 18 th season.
The show uses a progressive elimination, allowing contestants to vote off fellow tribe members until only one contestant remains and wins the title of sole "Survivor."
During the casting call, potential candidates were asked to fill out applications featuring various questions ranging from basic background information to "Name one thing you wouldn't do for $ 1 million," to "What's the craziest thing you'd do for $ 1 million ?"
When asked what he wouldn't do for $ 1 million, Johnson said he left the space blank.
The University of Arkansas student is currently seeking a degree in biology / anthropology. As a member of the Benton County Search and Rescue Team and an experienced rock climber, Johnson's outdoor experience is advanced.
"I think they should pick me because I could be better than the rest," he boasted.
Johnson said he and his fiancée would use part of the winning money to pay for the wedding they've always dreamed of.
While some area residents admit to doing almost anything for $ 1 million, others have their boundaries.
"I'd try almost anything as long as it's not immoral and it doesn't put anyone in danger," said 26-yearold Matt Tibbit, a youth minister for Valley View Christian Church in Prairie Grove. "My motivation for wanting to be on this show is to change the image people have of Christians. A lot of people think we're uptight, snobby, hypocrites. I'd like to show people that we're not like that at all."
Tibbit, who's been an avid fan of the show since its sixth season, said his wife encouraged him to audition.
With fishing and hunting experience under his belt, the Prairie Grove resident claims that he's no stranger to nature. If chosen to be on the show, however, Tibbit admits that food would be the one thing he'd miss most.
"I love to eat," he said. "That would definitely be the hardest part for me."
West Fork resident Stacy Hinrichs said the show would give her a chance to show off her true colors.
"I work part-time at a day care and spend the rest of my time working as a full-time mom," the 33-year-old said. "I've been home with a baby for the last 15 years, so I've never really gotten the chance to get out and try anything new. I'd like to prove to everyone that just because I'm a 33-year-old stay-athome mom doesn't mean I can't do other things."
Hinrichs said her husband and two children are fully supportive of her dream.
"They're at home rooting me on right now," she said.
Applications for "Survivor"season 18 are due by July 15, with in-person interviews being conducted in various cities sometime in August and semifinalists traveling to Los Angeles sometime in September. Shooting is scheduled to occur sometime in October to mid-December. This is the first season that applicants under the age of 21 are able to apply to, except in Mississippi and Washington, D. C.
For a list of open casting calls, visit www. cbs. com / primetime / survivor 16 / about / casting. php.
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