Over the weekend, I had the chance to attend the "Lingo" auditions held in nearby Akron, OH. Unfortunately, I missed the line cut-off time by less than 15 minutes (more on that later). But for those of you who may be interested in future audition stops (Dallas is next Saturday), here is what to expect.
As far as the Akron auditions, they were held in Summit Mall's Center Court from 2-5PM. Due to a prior engagement, I arrived shortly after 3:30 and was told I missed the cut off by about 10 minutes.
ADVISORY #1 -- Get there 1 to 2 hours before the start time at least!!
Unlike the DoND tryouts a few months back in Cleveland, it looked like there were about 150-200 people in line versus 1200. The only local sponsorship was Time-Warner Cable, and outside of promotional commercials scattered about their cable channel line-up, I didn't seem to see any other press on the event.
From my viewpoint, it looked as though you filled out the standard application, and took it with you in line until you get to the interview at the front of the line (since I was late, I couldn't tell if there were sample Lingo puzzles on the apps or not).
Anyhoo, at the front of the line you stand in front of a giant Lingo banner with either the person you hope will be your partner or another singleton for a videotaped audition.
ADVISORY #2 -- Bring your camera, video camera, etc...!!!
At first glance, it looked like the interview was being conducted by a contestant coordinator from GSN sitting in a director's chair wearing casual khakis and a print shirt. Upon a further look-see, you get to be interviewed by none other than psychology major and co-host SHANDI!!!
ADVISORY #3 -- You may need to make a stop at BB&B before the interview :-)
ADVISORY #4 -- Do not HAVE a BB&B moment during the interview!
She looks a heck of a lot different in person (and a little thinner as well). She would spend a minute or two asking the usual audition questions, then shake hands and pose for pictures with the interviewees. She was also signing the promo cards, GSN balloons, and whatever else worthy of her signature. She was very down to earth and friendly.
I didn't see any formal game being played anywhere in the center court, so my guess is that they looked over the apps and the video and were planning to have a second interview/mock game the next day, but this is based on what I could see and hear from 50 feet away. At least my cat's are happy -- they got a couple of 4 ounce bags of Purina Cat Chow out of the deal!
All in all, it was your run of the mill contestant cattle call, except for the fact that if you get in line in time, you do get to see and talk to Shandi. And it looked like you also get to take home a genuine GSN blue Lingo ball, though some might have taken home more than one!
So for those going to Stonebriar Centre in Dallas on the 13th, you have been forewarned!!!
And wouldn't you know, I'll be in Dallas on Saturday Afternoon...only changing planes at DFW, :-(
