If you know the difference between a puree and a cream sauce, can whip up something scrumptious and creative out of leftovers and are the whiz kid of pairing wines, then this is an amazing opportunity for you. On Saturday, Sept. 13, FOX’s “Master Chef,” a culinary based competition show, will be holding auditions in downtown San Diego at The Westin Hotel and Resort. Coming into its sixth season, “Master Chef” is looking for the nation’s next best home cooks who know their way around the kitchen. Hosted by none other than legendary chefs Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot, “Master Chef” gives its’ contestants not only the chance to cook for these eminent culinary figures as well as for their viewers , but also the opportunity to develop and hone their craft, with one individual eventually earning the title of Master Chef. In addition, the winner of the competition receives a grand prize. Though this season’s award remains unconfirmed, past winners have enjoyed a $250,000 grand prize along with the publication of their own cookbook, which probably could cover a few semester’s worth of tuition.
Now, if your interest is peaked but you’re still thinking “I can’t audition for a national culinary television show; I’m only a college student,” fear not. The auditions are open to almost everyone and college students are strongly encouraged to apply. In fact, the very first season of “Master Chef” was won by an undergraduate Whitney Miller. In season three Christine Ha, who was a graduate student at the time, took home the prize. For those of you who are still unsure, casting producer Gina Gonzalez encourages students to get out there and go for it.
“Just do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. People usually come into the casting call a little nervous, but feel great when they leave,” Gonzalez said. “Despite if you go further in the process or not, it’s a big accomplishment just coming out and putting you, and your cooking out there.”
If you do plan to audition for this season of “Master Chef,” there are a few requirements before hand. First and foremost, you must be 18 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2015. Second, you must be a citizen of the U.S. and/or a legal resident. Also, you cannot currently nor previously have been employed as a professional chef. Lastly, your current source of income cannot come from cooking or preparing food in a professional environment (such as hotels, restaurants and catering).
Gonzalez sees a variety of ages at the auditions.
“Every time college students attend a casting call, they usually bring the passion, the energy, and are ready and waiting for anything, which is always great,” Gonzalez said.
Once you’ve got all those things out of way, you’re ready to audition! You’ll need to visit Master Chef’s casting website for all the yummy details and to complete the application. Here you’ll be able to read more specific information on audition process and the major dos and don’ts. Even though everything is noted on the “Master Chef” website, there are unfortunately still some talented home cooks that show up unprepared.
“Sometime people forget they have to plate their dish. Plating is one of the most important parts of the dish! Please make sure you have 1 plate with you along with whatever you might need to plate your dish, i.e. knife, fork, spoon, spatula, tongs, etc.,” Gonzalez said.
Good luck to those who decide to audition! May the culinary gods rain their blessings down on you.
