Next Food Network Star Casting Call

Only my family and a small handful of my friends knew, but on Tuesday I made the trip over the river and into Philadelphia to attend an open casting call for the Next Food Network Star's 7th Season.  What a process!  After printing out an 11 page application, my resume, a biography (since I barely have any food industry experience on my resume), and 2 recent photos, I got to spend 90 seconds with an assistant casting director while she was eating her lunch after waiting for an hour and a half. 

I can't say I was nervous going into the interview, but more so ECSTATIC!  I looked great that morning when I left with my pile-o-papers.  I walked in confidently knowing that I had the skills they were looking for, but wasn't sure if my look, point of view, and personality was what they were looking for.  I was confidence all the way...until my butt hit the seat of the chair in the casting interview.

First Question: Name? Christin.
Second Question: Age? 27.
Third Question: What is your living/family situation? Are you married? Do you have kids?  I am living with my father, 21 year old brother, and 14 year old sister.  I am as single as they come, and lord no, I do not have children!
Forth Question: What do you do for a living?  This would be the part where I start to fumble the interview with what felt like a long drawn out answer about how I used to work in higher education, but cannot find a job in it now, so I am working for the caterer/deli I work for in high school, and started working there after I took care of my mom while she was in hospice.  I can tell I am rambling at this point and have started my nervous giggle and looking at the floor while I clutch my purse with a white knuckled death grip.
Fifth Question: What can you bring to Food Network that they do not already have?  Now, if any of you have seen the show, you know that point of view is a HUGE deal.  They want to know exactly what your intentions are and what your show will be all about, no questions left unanswered.  I was beyond prepared!  I go into my speech about how I want to host a show called The Dorm Room Dish.  This show would be geared towards college students and young adults that don't necessarily have much cooking experience and also do not have many cooking supplies.  I want to show these young adults that just because you only own a sauce pan and frying pan does not mean that you have to survive solely on Ramen and Mac and Cheese.  From what I gathered the casting director I met with seemed all about it and even let out a little laugh.

And now for the question that blew it for me....duhn duhn duhn...

Sixth Question: Why do you want to be the Next Food Network Star?  I go into a rambling session about how much I love to cook, and that I just want to cook...guh...insert mouth filter, Christin! Think about what you are saying!  CHRISTIN...SHUT UP!  By the time I finally looked up from the floor, she was giving me the "Ok it is time for you to go" look.

So now she goes into her talk about how they make their decisions and phone calls for callbacks within 24 hours and if I do not hear from them, do not contact the Food Network.  Needless to say, I spent my whole day yesterday neurotically checking my phone...and to no avail, did not get a call back.

It wasn't until I didn't get the phone call that I realized how badly I really did want this.  Don't get me wrong, I knew this meant a lot to me, but had no idea it meant THAT much to me until I went to bed last night realizing I was not getting that phone call.  At least now I know what to expect for Season 8 casting, or maybe I'll forgo Bobby Flay and try some Gordon Ramsay Masterchef!