‘Survivor’ comes to Costa Mesa

CBS’s hit show, “Survivor,” held an open casting call for the show’s 18th season Thursday at the new CarMax automobile dealership on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa. The official casting call hours were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, but enthusiastic fans attempted to line up as early as 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, only to be turned away by security guards.

A line began forming before dawn Thursday, and by 5:30 a.m., there were 30 people in line. Among the early bird fans were three University of Colorado students who had driven in from Colorado specifically for the casting call.

Two of the Colorado fans were twin brothers in their early 20s who hoped to be the first set of twins cast on the show. Other fans came from San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and many parts of Orange County. There were teachers, executives, stay-at-home moms, students, attorneys, a corporate security expert and many others. By 9:30 a.m., there were as many as 200 people lined up, waiting for their shot at fame and potential fortune.

The casting process was straightforward. Each prospective Survivor was asked to turn in their application and waiver package, along with a passport photo, and then were directed to one of three cameras. Once in front of the camera, the wannabe Survivors each had two to three minutes to sell themselves to the CBS casting directors. Most were animated and, surprisingly, each was absolutely convinced that they would be the ultimate Survivor, if only CBS would give them the opportunity.

CarMax and CBS staff were efficient and accomodating, and a festive atmosphere prevailed. Turnout was relatively light compared to the Jan. 26, 2008, casting call for season 17 in San Diego. That casting call was on a Saturday in much cooler weather.