Warning! This is all based on my experience and my reaction to the experience. But I sure wish I had at least this much to go on before I tried out. So for all of you average 'Joes' who cook really well and think it would be awesome to be on a cooking tv show...read on!
Okay, so I watch ever cooking show known to man. I mean every one – even the crappy ones okay maybe not the crappy ones but a lot of shows. The ones I don’t watch I tape. Some of my favorites are the reality shows. Let’s face it since the first time we heard the weird wailing sounds of an aboriginal horn of Survivor no one knew where the voyeuristic madness would take us and I certainly never thought it would take me to the tryouts for MasterChef! (Hang on I have to add ‘MasterChef’ new age spelling to my MS Word dictionary…so annoying). Okay as I was saying (thunder crash) MASTERCHEF SEASON 3!!
The tryouts – I mean ‘casting’ was in Atlanta yesterday. Bottom line is I had a blast and learned SO much, made some friends and really stretched my culinary wings – yea I f’en didn’t get in! I’m not sour though – the practice I had imagining me (Ralphie style – from Christmas Story) being called out in front of the group as the prime and perfect example of a contestant; judges fawning over my food, begging to know my secrets and Gordon, Joe and Graham coming out from behind a curtain – hoisting me up on their shoulders not before they placing a sash around my neck (always wanted one of those) clearly stating Season 3 winner and next seasons 4th judge (big sash - I know). I of course would accept the judgeship but for this season instead and would vehemently protest that they at least give some of my fellow contestants a try – (hand together praying – head tilt nodding slightly) ‘because they have worked so hard’. That genuine plea touches the hearts of the producers and the judges and they agree (close up on Ramsey tear rolling down his cheek – litter Native American style). AND end scene!
Well it was just like that except the part where – wait - no it wasn’t. But it was cool! It really was and if you like to cook and you like to watch the reality shows about cooking – go to an audition! I am going to help – only as far as the first round…well because…well you know. Like a good internet ager I scoured the internet for tips on winning MC, auditioning for MC – okay scoured is kind of strong…I did some searches got distracted mostly checking out the videos from last season thinking things like – wow she was really pretty and that guy’s head wrap was pretty cool, what made that guy wear that plaid shirt I wonder if they have wardrobe people and hair and make-up – um yea to hair and make-up …but do you pack for 7 weeks…wait I have to see what they are wearing I can’t remember repeats of clothes…let me look click-click…(hand on clock spinning wildly)…wait I get it they’re all about the same size – so when one leaves they have to give their clothes up to the ones that stay –I mean that’s the only explanation. Bad thing I don’t have 7 weeks of clothes to wear – maybe 3 at tops and only if I can wear pajama bottoms and turn half my shirts inside out. Which means, I would have to ace the first few weeks of challenges. I had it all figured out. Lean back, hands behind my head – king of the world! So needless to say I didn’t find not a hint nor tips – nothing.
My entire professional career has been serving others and helping them to succeed ; so on the heels of a loss I thought I would do the one thing I am used to doing - give the help I was looking for (alternative was the disaster I became after being rejected [lol] ;-) ). So here it is...they may seem obvious to some and even I would have totally dismissed them as obvious – but do yourself a favor if, you’ve never tried out – read these and consider them for a second. Here goes; Future casting hopefuls listen up!
Casting is exactly that – casting for a “role”.
I know - I know “What about the food?” you ask. The food matters but not like you would think. More on that further down. If you watch the show or any reality show for that matter – there is a common ‘cast’ of characters. The Big Brother house was NEVER filled with middle aged balding basement dwellers. They had their own show Beauty and the Geek. Nor was the house filled with vapid silicon beauties – no no, they were meant for Bret Michaels Rock of Love – but even then- they threw in a brunette or two!
Okay so here’s tip one: Know your character! Who are you in the cast of characters you see on the show and be able to say it and explain it is less than 5 no make that 3 sentences. Good sentences with facial expression and with the exuberance of the classic precocious child actor. Think Roodie from the Cosby Show. If I am loosing you people who are just too smart for this…let me put it to you this way. This is television – it’s entertainment – first and foremost you have to be entertaining and engaging. Let’s just consider this for a moment. If just being yourself and relying on your talent mattered – why does Beyonce become Shasha Fierce on stage? Why do many actors change their names; While Norma Jean is a perfectly good name it doesn’t make your skirt fly up! Actors talk all the time about being typecast for a role they played for a long time. For them it is a liability because it is their work. But for you – you want to get on the show.
So you have to consider yourself – consider a quality about you (list below). Then magnify it and exaggerate it – you have to stand out at least enough to get assigned to a group.
So you have to consider yourself – consider a quality about you (list below). Then magnify it and exaggerate it – you have to stand out at least enough to get assigned to a group.
Get in character, dress in character when you show up. This isn’t picture day in grade school – its wardrobe!
Jot down your – ah hem ‘your character’s’ story. Take the three best descriptions / experiences from that story and know them, practice them. It’s an audition for characters and they have to see what group to put you in. Who will you compete against? Because despite having better cooking skills then one of the ‘Gleaming toothed Jocks’, one of them will get in because they are the best of that group and know what side of a spatula to hold. Okay they can cook pretty good..ah burns me up – but I digress! Knowing your character is key! Think about it at the Emmys the presenters say “ And for best actor in a dramatic series” – in the world of television it is about characters and categories.
Jot down your – ah hem ‘your character’s’ story. Take the three best descriptions / experiences from that story and know them, practice them. It’s an audition for characters and they have to see what group to put you in. Who will you compete against? Because despite having better cooking skills then one of the ‘Gleaming toothed Jocks’, one of them will get in because they are the best of that group and know what side of a spatula to hold. Okay they can cook pretty good..ah burns me up – but I digress! Knowing your character is key! Think about it at the Emmys the presenters say “ And for best actor in a dramatic series” – in the world of television it is about characters and categories.
Okay – just consider the judges for a second. Each with a distinct personality; or at least the character they play on the show. Take a look at the picture of them on the website: wild Ramsey with a mischievous look on his face throwing food; crossed armed Joe staring seriously into the camera and smiling young Graham. I have seen these guys in interviews and they are not staring down the interviewer daring them to ask a stupid question or make an out of the way remark. They are as complex as you – but they have an edge to their personality that when exaggerated becomes good tv.
So I am not suggesting becoming what you are not – like on Halloween – but take the part that is you the most and highlight that!
Think Nora Desmond from Sunset Boulevard (I know that’s old so here), when she was recognized – “Hey… you’re Norma Desmond you used to be in silent pictures - you used to be big.” She replied, “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small!”.
Think Nora Desmond from Sunset Boulevard (I know that’s old so here), when she was recognized – “Hey… you’re Norma Desmond you used to be in silent pictures - you used to be big.” She replied, “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small!”.
In an interview Dick Cavett said to Mae West, “You once did a play with a very simple title…. You know the one I mean?” She replied “Sex.” He said, “That’s the one.” Mae follows with (laughing) “It’s not so simple..but it’s a one word title.” That ease and candor, the confidence is what you need to take with you.
Take the simple answer of “what character are you?” and wrap it in your revved up personality.
Take the simple answer of “what character are you?” and wrap it in your revved up personality.
Characters / Pick Yours:
Once you have it – DO IT up! Not GaGa or William Hung - do it up.
Let fade the aspects of you that are not apart of your core personality. If you're the nice guy - be the nice guy - the guy that gets down on himself for not doing well or if he's criticized. Don't be the nice guy that is sassy and tells it like it is when pushed- cuz then you're the creepy quiet guy that could go off at any minute - well hold that thought (lol)! Okay Okay somewhere in between - know yourself and be yourself - you will have in some cases under a minute to convey who you are and the casting folks need to see it quick, loud and clear. Here are some things to consider.
After exhaustive analysis (not really – it’s pretty easy if you watch any reality competition show) here are the categories:
- Handsome Guy/Pretty Girl
- Nice Guy /Nice Girl
- Mommy/Daddy
- Tattooed and Pierced Rebel / Bad Ass Chick
- Competitor / Confident Achiever
- Struggling Poster Child of the Times
- Geo Rep: Fiery Ethnic, Classic Southerner Belle or ‘Overaller’, Ball Cap Skol Ring jean guy, Surfer, NW Granola jingles and hemp scarf, and the like.
- Crusader / Champion
What to expect: Okay imagine: A good looking girl (we’ll call her Erica or something like that), loud and confident – skinny; as evidenced by her black skinny jeans, x-small black t-shirt, her black chucks with neon pink accents and hair – good hair – really good hair -that makes other women and a few men really hate her on sight (but she couldn’t careless). She raises her voice (no need to shout) to get everyone’s attention. Referring to the application – the one she has asked you to place at the front of your stainless steel table space boarded to the right and left by blue painter’s tape, with the tonal threat of a movie sergeant says “ Your application packed now belongs to ME. Got it?!...do not touch it – do not even look at it- it is MINE.” She looks around the room to ensure all eyes have been met with a steely stare (not even kidding). Explanation: when you check in that person checking you in staples your application papers together (fore go the nice folder, I’m such a nerd), then they turn it over and write your name, phone number and the number they give you. They add to the front of the packet a judging sheet so that you can be scored. The packet is place facing out at the end of the table – then a casting staff member comes around takes a picture of the packet, your dish and then you holding the packet – mug shot style.
Anyway so Erica, introduces her counterpart the food judge that would make his way around the room and taste the food and ask about preparation – well more on that later. She then said, “I will be looking at personality… your character.” And being the giving gal she was especially to the stupid (bless their dim little hearts) she added, “What you are like. What kind of person are you.”
A pause.
Then she served up a simplified summary - the grand overall picture if you will - for the stupid among us which I think she sensed were most when with a gesture to the food judge and said “Food.” (Pause) Then pointing to her chest ,“Personality.”
Of course she repeated it with the same helpful gestures, “Food. Personality.” I think she liked the part where she points at herself and says…well you get the idea.
Then another pause to let our simple minds process the utter brilliant simplicity of the concepts.
“Okay let’s get started and oh…you can (painful strain look on her face – a little wince) talk to each other but we will tell you to quiet down if it gets too loud.” Another scan of the room to make sure we were all getting it,
“Okay let’s get started!”
Truth is – she was great at her job. I recognized her from the lobby and outside while she smoked. When I saw her outside I imagined her and I out in the lot smoking, swapping stories and hair product recommendations laughing at how absurd it was that I would even have to go through this process when it was obvious I was going to win. *pop*
She moved from person to person and to each asked the same questions more or less depending on the person.
- So…what character would you be in the show?
Most people looked as though they never thought about that question. It was kind of weird. It wasn’t tell me about you or your personality – it was “What character…?” So she coaxed nearly everyone – “You know,” she’d say, “Are you the nice guy? Are you the pushover? Are you the Mommy? Are you the asshole?” Small pauses rolling pushing – she was really good!
People would settle into part of a character as their answer, “Well I’d say I am nice.” Then she would make a questioning statement to get clarification – always coaxing – “So you let people just walk all over you? You don’t stand up, if someone criticized you - you would just let it go.” Yea like that – statements more than questions – again ‘casting’. - She seemed to like the stories (think background stories) not the typical blah blah grandmother blah blah taught me…Zzzzzz. More like my mother was a hooker and left me with my one eyed one armed grandmother who cooked only potatoes but made them taste like steak…well okay..that…but a little less. How about this; “I’m a single mom so getting good food for my kids is important and using coupons to get the best deals challenges me to be creative in the kitchen. This dish is one of my favorites.” Actual exchange that garnered the response, “So you would be the mommy on the show?” A really good story practical and resonate with a demographic.
It probably didn’t help me any when I said I would be the ‘Mommy’ if she put me on the show!
Prepare and Advantages:
Preregister
There is an option to preregister – Do it! You’ll most likely get a front of the line pass and be grouped based on the information you provide. As I said this is a matter of casting a wide but specific demographic cast. It is easier on the casting folks to compare groups of similar people. The preregistration is simple. I would recommend getting it done as early as possible.
The Front of the Line Pass
I got a FLP by answering a MasterChef trivia question on Twitter. I thought that I would be only one of two to get the pass. As it turns out a lot of people who preregistered got a front of the line pass. The pre registration is like a prescreening; if you fit a certain demographic it’s easier for the casting people to group up contestants to compare them. Either that or it was an easy way to move people through the process. It literally took me 20 minutes to get into the casting kitchen. So if you can preregister I would do it. I would also follow MasterChef on Twitter and FaceBook.
Food:
Think simple really simple.
I made a couple of serious mistakes that I would not repeat.
1) Although they said to bring a prepared dish, they also said that you would have 5 minutes to plate your dish (we actually had 3). Either way - don't make the mistake I made in thinking that because they were giving time to plate they are not going to be judging you on plating.
Most people walked in with a fully plated dish garnish and all. Some brough a placemat and nicely bound forks. Truth is the food judge uses his own plastic fork. Keep it simple and have it ready.
2) Dessert's stand out. I will tell you of the whole room of about 15 the guy with the cream puffs stood out and not only did he stand out but he moved on to the next round. There is so my savory in the rooms typically that the dessert stands out among them. So if you have a good simple dessert that you can pull off - do it! There is plenty of time to make an app or entree later!
3) Best served warmish. Make something that can be served and taste best room temperature. stay away from casseroles and anything that would taste best with some temperature in it. There was a guy it he room with me who had sterno keeping his mac and cheese warm. When next to him we're people with cool couscous and chilled shrimp over beautifully done slaw. Oh and did I mention the guy with dessert?
4) Simple-on a great dish! There is absolutely no reason to try and copy or create a 5 star plating. Get a great dish nothing crazy. White. One guy used a large round dish filled with rock salt and scallop shells fancy garnish. It was a huge hit - but so was the simply plated (rectangle with a line of slaw and 6 simply placed shrimp on top). A dish works much better than a serving dish or a casserole.
5) Size and bites. Think about what you want the judge to taste and make sure it is available to them in an easy one bite. Distracting bits of decoration can mislead or bring your dish down. One guy had a casserole dish with shepherds pie - the judge literally had to dig through the top layer to taste the meat below. This guy should have brought a plate and made sure there was a nice proportion of ingredients on the plate soothe judge could really get all of ingredients.
6) Questions.
What inspired the dish?
Think about seasoning and flavors. This is after all the food judge. And taste the food so that if you say that you added a bit of lemon be sure there is a flavor of lemon I the dish - otherwise you are telling the judge to taste for that flavor and if it isn't the you are showing that you failed on that point.
What kind of "blank" are those?
Know the ingredients that you used. If you use tomatoes know what kind hey are. If you used shrimp know what kind they are. If you used zucchini know ... You get the idea.
7) Be able to explain the dish. Practice describing the dish out loud to yourself or someone else. If you can explain it before you let someone else try it - ask them if they are getting what you are saying n the flavor of the dish. Adjust your description if it is too late to adjust your food.
Application:
The application is a bit long…okay it’s 12 pages! Granted you most likely will not have to fill out the whole thing as some stuff may not apply. Still the more universal questions especially those about describing yourself or how others would describe you are simple but if you’re like me you completely mind f’em and start thinking - what will they think about what I am thinking about what they think I think….yeah like that! The best advice is to go with your gut – first reaction because no matter what you put down you’ll think you should have said it some other way. Then if you have someone help – it ends up not sounding like you…okay here I go again. The other thing is it’s not in electronic format. So I am sure most non-nerd unlike me wrote in their answers on the two or three lines. I on the other hand (nerd) used Adobe Pro to turn the PDF (nerd) into a fillable form (freak’en nerd)! Okay it wasn’t that hard – it’s not…okay I’m going to stop now. What? Here! Look! http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatpro/create-fillable-pdf-forms.html
Pictures:
I went a little crazy when it came to pictures. Spent time getting them processed at the local Wolfe Camera and then did a second set at Kinkos. Did my research on how to shoot food – watched some videos…what? I said -I went a little crazy.
Photo of You:
Here are a few tips regarding pictures. They don’t spend a lot of time looking at the picture when you are trying out – after all they have the real thing in front of them. Keep in mind though they see a lot of people – A LOT of people. So what you want to do is to leave a clear picture of yourself. Stay away from the bathroom – one arm out shots. Oh and don’t be lazy and crop out everyone else. Have a friend take it and remember your “character”. Reflect your character in the photo in wardrobe and facial expression.
Photo of Your Food:
You’ve heard the expression we first eat with our eyes. Well in addition to seeing a lot of people they see a lot of food. So make sure your plated picture stands out as well. Think about good contrast so the food is really easy to see. Contrast the table or counter against the plate and the food. Try table clothes, placemats, napkins and cutting boards as backdrops. Make up a few plates and change the arrangement of the food. Try different lighting – natural (window), overhead, flash and no flash. Change the angle of your camera. If your food has layers for example shoot it from the side – or if you shoot from above make sure the food is on its side.
Use a decent camera. Most of us have one – or we know a friend who has one. Call up a friend – cook your meal – open a bottle of wine and let the photo shoot begin! Do all of this ahead of time so that you can pick the right picture to best highlight your dish and above all make it memorable for the judges.
Okay so there you have it - for what it's worth. I am totally going to try again next year. In the meantime, I'll be watching to catch a glimpse of the people around me who got pulled to the next round of auditions!
If you're even considering trying out - do it you'll have a blast!
