What a great day!  I attended my 7th open casting call in my quest to get on Survivor.  Over the past five years, the lines are a little shorter (I was #96), but the idea is the same.  Hopeful people of all ages, shape and sizes trying to catch the attention of the good casting folks (shameless suck up acknowledged).  A few are veterans who have done this before.  Many are open casting call virgins, trying for the first time to get on the show.  Most make mistakes in their approach and do not have a good prepared approach.  Many botch their prepared statements.  A few put forth a good effort.  I had a blast meeting the CBS people running the event and many of the folk in line.  It is a shame if you attend a casting call and do not take the time to embrace the other Survivor geeks who are there.  Treat it as you would when you hit the beach the first day.  Approach people, early and often.  Don’t look for someone cute in line and fixate.  Mix it up and say hello to the kids, the old people, the guys, the girls, the quiet and the loud (i fall into three of those categories!).

My girlfriend joined me and got to not only see the experience for the first time, but she took a shot at it as well!  Funny story – She doesn’t care for Survivor (that part is not funny), but loves Amazing Race.  She had intended to do her 1 minute speech about her life experiences and what she brings to the game, and at the end say something like “so put me on Amazing Race and I will do great!”.  Unfortunately, she forgot that last portion…so guess she will only be considered for Survivor!

For my part, I hit things as well as I had hoped.  I delivered a well prepared speech.  I did not fumble any words or forget to include any details.  I felt comfortable as my speech pretty much writes itself.  It is very true to who I am.  Title of the speech was “Who the hell is Rob Folz???”  I detailed clearly how I am a successful salesman, a former family business owner, and a student of the game.  I explained how my life experience is applicable to the game of Survivor and how I think that would make me successful on the island.  Thanks to my patient & supportive girlfriend.  Also to my partner in this quest, my oldest daughter who lives and breathes this game as I do.

I caught up with my casting call friend Lauren that I have seen at 4 of my 7 casting call attempts.

I met every single person in line, even if only briefly.  I met some good young guys that show that the next generation is now applying for this show as I think my kid will in a couple more years when old enough.  So now I wait for that magic call.  I am prepared as I believe the phone call is the 2nd stage of the process.  I will take the call and be prepared with my excitement and enthusiasm which is easy for me when talking Survivor.  I will continue the blogging efforts as I prepare for My Time.

I will end with a few shoutouts – In addition to my girlfriend, daughter and casting friend, to the people I met in line…@pickmeforsurvivor, @dylanaustinturner, @atmosephere, @pennilaneclifton, the good people I met at WGGB.