Boston-area residents braved long lines and small odds to have a chance to survive a new challenge this weekend.
About 300 people showed up to an open casting call at the Prudential Center this weekend to compete for a spot in the next installment of “Survivor.”
“Deprived of basic comforts, exposed to the harsh natural elements, your fate at the mercy of strangers … who would you become?” asks the slogan to the popular CBS reality show.
The applicants anxiously waited to hop in front of the camera and describe in two minutes or less the one quality they possess that makes them the best candidate for the spot.
In addition to the lengthy line, the mall was engulfed with people filling out the detailed, 10-page application so they too could step in line and have a chance to be the next Survivor contestant.
“It’s the only show where real people can go on and win money,” said Dawn Gagnon of Framingham. “I want adventure, different scenery, all while having the chance to win $1 million dollars.”
The applicants, who were predominantly in their late-20s to mid-30s, took between 45-60 minutes to fill out an application and then proceeded to wait in the line.
Those who attended the casting call had various reasons for wanting to be on the show. Boston University College of Communication senior Justin Poland said the show would be a good excuse to put off entering the real world after graduation.
“I’m graduating this spring. The job market is not that good, and to tell you the truth, I am not in a hurry to get a job in the first place,” said Poland, one of the few college students in line. “What a unique way to spend the summer, avoiding reality in a reality-based television show. I have to be a part of it.”
Another BU student, Rebecca Zee, a College of Arts and Sciences senior, said she decided to audition on a whim after she walked through the mall and saw people waiting in line.
“There were a lot of people around, and I got nervous,” Zee said. “I think it would be cool to be called back, but if not, it’s not a big deal.”
Zee said she anticipates hearing about a callback sometime in March.
Other people waiting in line had more tangible motives for auditioning.
“I just want the money,” said John Schifoue of Boston. “I have two kids. The competition is for me, but the money would be for them. It’s hard not to apply when you have the chance to go to an exotic location and also have the chance to win one million dollars.”
“I just saw all these old people applying to be on ‘Survivor,’ thinking to myself they all would not make it through the first week,” said Shala Bonyun, a 25-year-old graduate student at Harvard University. “I have youth and stamina. I look good compared to all these people standing in line. I think I have pretty good odds being picked in a crowd like this. I don’t know if I would win the show, and I don’t really care. I am just giving it a go.”
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