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First 'Survivor' Trial: Waiting For The Audition

Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH

Jackie, left, and Shannon Scott of Bradenton stake out a spot to wait for the "Survivor" casting call. Shannon is trying out, and his wife is there for support.

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By RAY REYES

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 23, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Nearly 100 people were camped Sunday night outside The Venue for a shot at reality television stardom and a grand prize of $1 million.

An open casting call for the popular television show "Survivor" is being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the restaurant and nightclub at 2675 Ulmerton Road.

Hopefuls started showing up at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, despite a downpour, said Carrie Browning, special events manager for The Venue. They brought along tents, lawn chairs, books, radios, portable televisions - anything to keep them occupied and entertained during the 24-hour wait, Browning said.

When the casting process begins, prospective "Survivor" contestants will have their interviews recorded on video. They each have "two minutes to sell themselves" and the videos will be sent by WTSP, Channel 10, to the producers of the show, Browning said.

WTSP is an affiliate of CBS, which has broadcast the series since May 2000. Those selected to appear on "Survivor" are flown to remote locations where they compete in a variety of challenges. The last one standing - the survivor - wins $1 million.

Shannon Scott, 39, said he plans to eat a live lizard for his audition.

"Well, I'm going to catch one first," he said.

The Bradenton resident said he has spent a year preparing for his audition, working out daily and eating only small handfuls of rice for breakfast because contestants on the show typically forage for food.

Producers have not revealed the location for the next season. Past seasons were filmed in Micronesia, Africa, the Australian Outback and Fiji.

The show's Web site said the casting call in St. Petersburg is the only one scheduled for Florida. Auditions started Friday in Huntsville, Ala. A total of 21 auditions nationwide are planned through July 28.

Scott, who has watched "Survivor" since the first season, said he dreams of being stranded on a deserted island and living off the land.

"I love the outdoors," the father of three said. "I just want to start playing the game, cut down some palm trees and build me a shelter."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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