Saturday, April 10, 2010

Auditioning for America's Next Top Model

I cannot even begin to tell you how crazy my day has been.

If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen the slew of twitpics I was sending in all morning - I guess I just felt like I was at that audition in part because of the encouragement (and demand) of a lot of you, so I felt like giving you rather frequent updates on how I was doing.

Last night I drove with my friends Liz and Bekah down to Vancouver, WA, where we were going to stay with my uncle, so as to cut our commute time down to 20 minutes, from the 3 hours it would have taken us to get to the Lloyd Center from Seattle. We arrived around 9, which was too early for even for people knowing they had to wake up at 6 AM, so we flipped through the channels and ended up watching an episode of "1000 Ways to Die" on Spike TV, which is a show that is hilarious and sad and gruesome all at the same time.

The next morning (which would be today) we were groggy and tired, but Bekah and I put on our audition outfits (which were just skinny jeans and tank tops - Bekah had heels but I'd opted for flats, a decision I went back and forth on appreciating and regretting all day), said goodbye to my uncle, and whizzed out the door. We found the Lloyd Center in no time, and arrived exactly 2 hours before the casting call was starting. Even being that early, we were still about 30th in line.


This is when things started to get out of control. We assumed we'd just wait in line, turn in our application packets, be asked a few questions on camera, and head out. We were so, so wrong.

So first, we sat on the floor and did absolutely nothing for about an hour and a half. From 8:00 to 9:30, we just killed time, chatted, met the girls in front of us and behind us in line, and watched the minutes tick by on our phones.

Then, around 9:30, some people from the contest in matching CW t-shirts started coming by and handing out these green wristbands with numbers on them so we knew where we were in line and who was a contestant.

Then more people came by and double checked with us that we had two different forms of ID - a drivers license and a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, whatever. At this point, some girls starts panicking, but Bekah and I were prepared. We had our passports. Everything was still going fine.

But THEN, more people came by to double check that we had our photos. Photos? Nobody told us we needed photos. We started asking the other people in line, "did you see anything online about bringing three photos?" "No, I totally read the fine print, didn't you?" "Yeah I did, I didn't see anything about that!"

But even then, I was thinking, worst case scenario - I had my laptop in the car; Liz does stock photography with both Bekah and I all the time, so we have a huge assortment of pictures to choose from - we could just pop some on a USB drive, take them to a photo store (we were in a mall) and print them out quickly before our turn in line.

But THEN, the t-shirted people came back to inform us that one of the photos needed to be a full body bathing suit photo.

I don't know about you, but I don't just have a collection of photos of myself in a bathing suit floating around anywhere. Especially not posed ones. In fact, the only photo I can think of that I have with me in a bathing suit is this one:


...and I don't think they anticipated casting Jack Skellington's sister Kristina for this Cycle of ANTM. Just not good.

So luckily, luckily, Bekah was more prepared than I was, and brought her bikini to the casting call. And we're about the same size. So this is what we did.

1. Made Liz hold our spot in line.
2. Borrowed the digital camera of the very nice girl in front of us in line.
3. Ran to the bathroom.
4. Took turns going in one of the stalls, took off all our clothes, and put on the bathing suit.
5. Came out of the stall, in a public bathroom, and posed against the blank wall in the bathing suit. In front of everyone else in the bathroom.
6. Snapped two of the worst pictures of ourselves we'd ever seen.
7. Got dressed again.
8. Ran to the copy center.
9. Printed the pictures.
10. Ran back to the line where Liz was getting nearer and nearer to the front.

Already, the weirdest morning ever. Luckily, we weren't the only girls doing this, as literally 80% of the girls had shown up without photos because it was not made apparent at all on the website that we needed them.

That wasn't the end, though. Once we got back in line, we thought we were ready, but Liz informed us that NOW we needed a photocopy of our IDs. Seriously. So we ran off again in search of the only copy machine in the whole mall, where the line was out the door with frantic girls holding their ID impatiently in their hands. It took about 20 minutes but we got the ID copied, ran back to the line (this was a serious workout, all the running we had to do) and were right at the very front of the line when we got back. We were sweaty, we were flustered, but we had everything we needed, and after seeing some heartbroken girls going home (a combination of being under 5'7" and disqualified for it, or not having 2 forms of ID) we knew getting this far was already a major accomplishment.

They measured me when it got to be my turn and the guy chuckled; I am well over 5'7". He sent me to get my paperwork checked, and then I was sent to stand outside the casting room. It only took a few minutes before they called my name, and before I knew it, I was sitting down with a really friendly guy who was going to be my audition coach. He asked me if I'd ever been interviewed like this before. I said yes and no, yes because I've been interviewed quite a few times but no because it was never this sort of high stress situation where I am really trying to "sell myself". I flashed back to my interview with Max&Jason for Current TV at the Fiesta Movement celebration - this felt completely different.

Then my time was up - he led me over to have my photo taken a few times, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of a microphone. I don't actually know how much I am supposed to divulge about what goes on in the audition (they kept the types of questions we'd be asked under wraps until we got into the casting room) so I'll just say they asked me a few questions, made me show them my runway walk (hahaha I'd never practiced a runway walk before in my life so I can only imagine how that went) and then they told me I'd nailed it and that they liked me. I mean, maybe they tell everyone that (they seemed like really nice guys) but it made me feel good about the audition.

The whole experience, even if nothing comes of it, was really fun. Bekah and I had a blast all day (her audition went well too - she actually ended up taking her heels off for her runway walk because they told her to do what was comfortable, so I don't feel badly about wearing flats anymore) so we don't regret driving all the way down to Portland for a long shot. It makes a great story, and I think putting yourself out there in ways that could be really scary like this (I mean come on, any audition is a little scary) is hugely character-building and can only help you in the future for job interviews or anything that needs this sort of driven confidence. So I am pleased with my experience.

And who knows! Maybe I'll get a call in the next month. I have no idea when they're contacting finalists, but the move-in day is in May, so I'll at least know by then. :)

Also, I met Kris, Alan Lastufka's girlfriend, while I was there. She surprised me by showing up (since she lives near the mall we were at) and it was lovely getting to meet and chat with her. There were also these two girls ahead of me in line who, after our separate auditions were over, came over to me and admitted that they watch my videos and couldn't believe we were so close to each other in line. So that was fun. We took a picture. I joked about how we may be potential housemates soon. It was a lovely day.


So there you have it, Internet. Ask and you shall receive. I auditioned for America's Next Top Model. Cross your fingers. But if I don't get it, that's okay too. I just wanted to have the experience.


Oh! They gave the contestants these little goody bags, and most of the stuff inside was lame (like "$10 off a haircut! ... if you buy a color too") but there was one cool thing: a gift certificate for $5 at a nail salon. $5 doesn't buy you much at a nail salon, so Bekah and I spent it on nail polish. Just to be clear, I am nothing like Hayley or Kayley when it comes to my fingernails. I honestly haven't painted my nails since my senior prom in high school, which was almost 4 years ago. So as a joke with myself, I bought solid black and solid white. It made me chuckle, thinking about all their "Purple Moonlight Sonata" or whatever the heck they wear.

Last Google Search: "alt tab on mac" (because I am a n00b)
Chipotle burritos: 8

62 comments:

storminmay said...

Good luck, Kristina! Fingers crossed. :)

Aleesun said...

I definitely agree that it's a great experience and wish you luck.

I imagine that if you were ever asked to take down your blog and videos for the sake of ANTM, you'd turn them down, but it could just be my wishful thinking.

My fingers are crossed.

Anonymous said...

that sounds like so much fun. i used to watch antm religiously, but kind of stopped. i feel like if you get on the show, it'll be like an "andrew garcia (is that his name? im not entirely sure) on american idol" kinda thing and everyone on youtube will just be cheering for you the whole time. n_n
Best wishes!

Kristen said...

You don't have to lie. You can tell everyone exactly how boring and unqualified to be Alan's girlfriend I am. ;)

Cadisawi said...

I wish I had your guts Kristina. I've been wanting to try acting for years but I've never been able to work up the courage to audition for anything. I hope it all goes well and in a few months I can be saying "I watched her before she got famous.....irl."

Unknown said...

Wow what a interesting day, i hope you make it.

Mia said...

Good luck! I hope you make it!

Marsha R said...

Dude, if you were on regular TV, I might actually have to WATCH IT.

Just kidding, it would be awesome. But, promise if you do get chosen, you won't fall into the bitchy housemate stereotype? I feel like some of those girls are provoked or edited to be like that. I don't want our Kristina (Yes, you're the entire Youtube community's property now) to be subject to that sort of judgement!

Kate said...

Congrats on getting through all of that! You beat out Murphy's Law pretty epically lol Here's hoping you get picked! ^^

Anonymous said...

I was keeping up on the tweets all day so it's nice to have the whole story now :) It's crazy how much stuff you had to have that they didn't tell you! geez! Sounds like you did really good under the stress though. It would be so cool if you made it! However, either way it is a good experience. yay!

Jess said...

Good luck! Sounds like a fun day. :)

to_thine_own_self said...

Awesome, Kristina! So, so awesome =]
Seriously, if you don't make it, you're right: It sounds like it was funny and fun anyway, right?
And at least now you can say that you've auditioned to be on a national reality show.
XD

Now I'm going to go tweet about you auditioning and make a hashtag along the lines of "#fingerscrossedforKristina" or something <3

joanne.jpeg said...

Good luck, Kristina! :)
It sounds like it was a lot of fun.

Jessamyn said...

That sounds like it was crazy fun. I don't particularly like next top model, but if you make it I'll be watching =)

Niki. said...

Good luck! I'm glad you had a good time, whichever way it goes. =]

igneousmoon said...

sounds like lots of fun and i hope you do well, i really love your stock and i think you have what it takes! good luck!

Foxy Roxy said...

That's awesome Kristina!! Sounds stressful, but fun. Is it weird being recognized in public? I think it would be, but from the little I know of you, I think your personality can take it.

Good luck and I'm so glad you had a great audition and got to meet Kris! :)

Anonymous said...

Much luck and love with ANTM! :)

Aly said...

I will be so ridiculously excited if you get on that show!

Ms Rodgers said...

Can't WAIT to here if you get in or not, and so glad you went! I am watching ANTM now at the moment tehe, and you really would be awesome!

So fingers crossed!!

Ariana said...

Yeah girl :) They totally don't tell everyone that, I know people who have literally walked in and the casting director has said "thanks for coming." and they have to leave.

How exciting would it be if you made it?? Holy crap.

Sarah said...

They really should be more clear on their website with what they want, unless they purposely made it hard to get rid of some potential models just because they didn't "have everything they needed." Guess that makes their jobs a bit easier, eh?

Good luck though, Kristina! I'm glad you at least had fun =) I can't imagine why they wouldn't want you though and I'm not just saying that to flatter you. I honestly think you'd be a great contestant for may different reasons.

I'll keep my fingers crossed until you get the results (except when I need to like type or something and having my fingers crossed makes things harder...)

Megan said...

That is so cool, Kristina!Good luck :)

Emily said...

I'm so glad you auditioned and that your experience was so good! GOOD LUCK with the results! Crossing my fingers for you!

Anonymous said...

That's really exciting! If you make it, I will endure Tyra for as long as I have to just to see you. :)

Mariana said...

Such an exciting story!!! It definitely makes a good experience, Kristina! I'm so glad you decided to try out, I do feel you have great chances at getting it!! It would be so exciting to see it happen!!! Good luck!!

Keshara said...

good luck!

Unknown said...

Don't you feel a little bit bad about the requirement that you be 5' 7"? I'm certainly not one to claim that the entire fashion industry is evil and promotes unhealthy body image, but you gloating over the fact that you're tall enough to get in seems kind of...unhealthy.

Anonymous said...

Good luck, Kristina! I keep my fingers crossed for you!

Equatorgrim said...

You have nothing to worry about!!

Ana said...

That sounds so amazing and so much fun! It would be so great if you were called back :) But even so, like you said, it was a great experience.

Joy said...

I would be SO EXCITED if you were a finalist - I'm a huge ANTM fan :)

Thanks for sharing the experience with us! Sounds stressful but like it was a lot of fun.

Marie said...

Aw, I'm glad you had fun! Now fingers shall be crossed that you get picked =)

Bree said...

I'm rooting for you, Kristina. I watch ANTM all the time and I think it'd be awesome if someone like you got to be on it.

Kai said...

I think it's so awesome that you did that! And nice improvising :]
I love ANTM but I would be even more addicted to it if you were on!

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had an amazing time! It's great that you were able to have that kind of experience. Good luck and I'll cross my fingers for you!

Oh and did they say anything about the youtube/facebook thing? I know you were worried about the deleting of the social networking deal. Hopefully they won't make you do that :-/

Take care and good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck Kristina :D!

Kat said...

sounds like you had fun, good li either way.
What cycle did you auddition for/
it would be cool if you made i, then i can be like I now her.

Anna M. said...

that's so exciting!
I've honestly never watched an episode of ANTM in my life, but I would watch it religiously if you were on it!

Jaime said...

It's great that you put yourself out there, I wish I had a fraction of your confidence. And you're right, it IS a great story! If you get a call back, I'll watch the show.

Sam said...

Kudos to you for being brave enough to try, and for putting up with all of the crazy running you had to do. I think you are beautiful no matter what. You inspire me.

Me said...

Sounds like a great day! Glad it went well. :) I had a nervewracking interview for working at the Wimbledon tennis championships today, and I think went okay, but fingers crossed. D:

Hope you hear back from them! Fingers crossed! :)

Bla said...

If you'd get on the show, I will no longer be ashamed to admit that I watch it..

;) jk! I'll still be :P But that's beside the point. Sounds like you had a lot of fun, that's the most important!

Mackenzie said...

Oh, Kristina! That sounds like an amazing experience! Even if you don't get it, all in all it sounded like a pretty awesome casting call :) Good luck! *crosses fingers*

#fingerscrossedforKristina

:D

delvedeeper said...

I just looked, and the 3 pictures requirement, including the one about the bathing suit, is clearly outlined in # 22 of the eligibility requirements for America's Next Top Model. No fine print, pretty straightforward. Good thing you were able to make it work!

KatOfDiamonds said...

I actually really want you to get called back and I rarely pay attention to the show anymore!
eFingers crossed!
Oh and the real fingers too, for a moment at least, hehe

Anonymous said...

Good luck Kristina! I'm really glad you put yourself out there like that because like you said, even if nothing comes from it that was a good experience. I can tell you, if you actually turn out to be in ANTM it will be the first (and probably last) time I'll watch it :D

KaraDawlish said...

Yay! That's so much fun :D
I love doing fun weird different stuff. Though modeling, I don't know if I'd even try. I am as short and stubby as it gets :P Haha

I'm torn between really wanting oyu to get on the show... and wanting to keep you to myself. Lol you will miss be missing part of tour and my friends are all coming from canada to come hangout and see you and luke do all caps fun stuff!

chelsea said...

Wow, sounds kind of intense but also lots of fun. I'm glad you went for it, even if nothing pans out, this is a great story!

I laughed at the nail polish anecdote... been reading Hayley's blog too much surely.

Martin said...

That was really funny, it's good that everything went well for you. I love silly little experiences like this, they are great memories. Hope it all goes well for you. x

bekabee said...

You get on: You get amazing opportunities, meet awesome people, and have a shot a huge modeling deal.

You don't get on: You graduate, go touring with your best friends this summer, and you begin your kickass writing career.

Win win situation. :)

Anonymous said...

Good luck!!!

But I will be MAJOR sadface if you make it and they make you take down all your videos.

Anonymous said...

Good luck!!!

But I will be MAJOR sadface if you make it and they make you take down all your videos.

Unknown said...

Wow, it was sooo much fun reading about your experiance.
Thanks

*Bridget Wild* said...

Good Luck Kristina!! I hope you get a call back, and if not at least you walked away with a wonderful experience.:)

monica said...

Good Luck! i model in new york and happen to be friends with girl who was on the show(the 5'7" and under season) and from being on the show she ended up being seen by the agency that im with and got signed(right on the Tyra show)and she said the experience was really great...so good luck and maybe i`ll see you around new york sometime:)

Irish_Mankey said...

We're all rooting for you kristina. But if you do make it, please, don't be one that get's into the fights and balk talks.

But still, team italktosnakes!

HPnerd394 said...

So... Is this for next season? Because, I don't watch ANTM consecutively, but I totally will watch for you, Kristina! Just tell me when!

Jazzy Janet said...

Hi Kristina, GOOD LUCK! I'm the mom of "these two girls" and I took your pic with my phone. It's posted on my facebook. :-) It sure would be cool if you and my daughter were chosen for ANTM!

Alex Dahlberry said...

! That sounds like so much fun. i've always wanted to audition for things like that, but I'm so shy! I hope you get in. That would be amazing. You're a great model, although, honestly, I can't picture you on a runway. xD

Goodluck!

MerelyMe said...

I am SOOOO glad you wrote this because it was really handy for helping me prepare my own information... I'm interviewing a week from Saturday! Wish me luck and come talk on my blogs too!

spirituallyanorexic.wordpress.com

Hannah

Caylie Rae said...

I auditioned as well! I wonder when people will start getting call backs. Sounds like you did a great job!!