Excited students packed the Baker Center Ballroom last night, hoping to be chosen from the tens of thousands of applicants nationwide to be the next member of MTV's The Real World.
The Real World Austin cast members Danny and Melinda, who would not disclose their last names, gave audition tips before the casting call began. Melinda described Ohio University as the best school I've been to yet.
University Program Council, who sponsored the event, wanted to incorporate reality television in its first event of the year, said Elyse Morelli, public relations director. The event gave an interesting twist to bringing a speaker, she said.
Producer David Wallach, Danny and Melinda traveled to Athens to share their experiences from the show still airing on MTV. They talked about college concerns, such as practicing safe sex, self-esteem, co-dependant relationships, alcohol abuse and grieving.
Video clips helped Danny and Melinda illustrate their points. The cast members dealt with each issue in their time on reality television, and told students every action has consequences.
We're not saying
'Don't (have sex or drink).' Just be safe Melinda said.
Danny said while college life encourages drinking in order to fit in with the crowd, students should avoid drinking and driving. In their first weeks on the show, Danny and Melinda saw one of their roommates get alcohol poisoning, while another was arrested.
Drinking lowers inhibitions and reasoning Danny said. There's no reason to drink that much.
Wallach told students their rights and freedoms will be taken away if they appear on reality television. While the feelings and emotions are real, living in a $2-million home is not reality, he said.
Wallach also emphasized that MTV is not looking for cast members identical to previous cast members.
Be yourself. Tell us what makes you unique
he said.
While the next show will air in the Florida Keys, auditions are being held for the following season in Boulder, Col.
Senior Christina Leary felt that the auditions were once in a lifetime, she said.
I want to live in the moment and say I've done it
she said. That's just part of our culture.
For those who still want to try for a spot on The Real World
applications are on the UPC Web site (www.ohiou.edu/~upc/). Students can submit tapes and applications to the UPC office through Friday.
-Patrick Mayock contributed to this article.
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