MTV’s “MADE” held a casting call at the University of Tampa last week. The Emmy award-winning series is a reality show that scouts for unique individuals who hope to rediscover themselves.
MTV travels across the country to different colleges in hopes of making some students’ passions come to life.
Head casting producer Nate Johnson has a team of people that research schools with a diverse campus and incentive to aid students in their endeavors. They came to UT last year and decided to come back for a second round.
“I’ve always been really impressed with how the University of Tampa’s team has worked with MTV and is just really there for you guys,” Johnson said.
Stamina, honesty and a challenge are the key components Johnson looks for in a potential cast member.
“If you have a camera on you 24/7, you really have to be honest about what it is that you want to accomplish in your life,” Johnson said.
While students waited in the Career Center to audition, they discussed the bundle of nerves they felt and why they chose to audition for the show. Kailee Baylor, a sophomore advertising and PR major, wants to be made into a TV host. She envisions herself working alongside E! Network’s anchor Giuliana Rancic.
“I’ve always wanted to do something different within the entertainment industry, but I usually stay behind the scenes,” Baylor said.
“If I learned how to break out of my shell and stop being so nervous, then it would be a lot easier.”
Freshman film major Joshua Munoz has a similar backstory. He chose to audition for the show with the hope of shedding his “awkward weirdness” for a more outspoken personality by being made into a spoken word poet.
Baylor and Munoz have the desire to achieve what they view as unimaginable. But for sophomore allied health major Tavia Bell, being on MTV’s “MADE” is about expanding her cultural awareness.
“I want to be made into having an interracial relationship,” Bell said.
Before Bell came to UT, she was not exposed to diversity. The melting pot of cultures is what attracted her to the campus in the first place.
However, she admitted that she doesn’t see many interracial couples around campus.
“It’s one thing to say that we’re diverse, but it’s bad to say that we’re still in the same mindset as we were 30 years ago even though we’re the new generation,” Bell said.
As a self-proclaimed risk taker, Bell wishes to be open-minded and wholeheartedly committed to new experiences. She hopes someone in an interracial relationship or a well-known dating guru can help make her dream come true.
“MADE” is currently in its 12th season, but the scouting for season 13 is happening right now. Perhaps UT students Baylor, Munoz or Bell will appear in season 13. You never know who has the chances of making it.
Zoe Fowler can be reached at zoe.fowler@spartans.ut.edu.