Sox Appeal agent... or... wingman

As I briefly mentioned in my Disconnected post last week, I went with Melissa to the Sox Appeal casting call at Bob's Store in Cranston. (p.s. Is Bob's just a New England thing?)

Prior to the actual casting call day, I had acted as any good agent does... prepping her for any interview questions that she might be asked. Mostly, we reviewed the basic Red Sox information because though it is a dating show, it IS a requirement that all participants are Red Sox fans. So we went through the gamut.

Me: Who is your favorite player?
Mel: Jason Varitek

Me: Name 3 starting pitchers
Mel: Wakefield, Dice-k, Beckett

Me: Who would you marry?
Mel: Marry? Or... just like to go out with for a night... haha. Well, either way - Jacoby Ellsbury though... that might be illegal... is he even old enough?

Me: Who did the Sox play in the World Series last year?
Mel: Rockies

Me: And, in 2004?
Mel: ooh, ooh... I know this. Gimme a second... Cardinals!

So - I thought she was pretty set to go in the Red Sox department. I mean how much can they really expect you to know. She proved her fanship.

The next prep was in regards to attire. There was deliberation in what to wear. Should you go as if you want to score a date or should you go as a Red Sox fan? This was a dilemma. Ultimately, we concluded that she would wear cute jeans with a tee and bring a Sox hat... to assess the crowd and see if others were decked in Red Sox apparel.

The casting call opened at 10am (and was going until 6pm) but we anticipated crowds and a line so we met up at 9:30am to get there for 10am on the dot and figured we'd be there until noon or so.

We pulled into the parking lot... scattered with cars but not nearly as many people as we imagined. We parked right in front of the door and did a quick assesment of the 2 or 3 people we saw enter and exit the store and ALL were in Red Sox gear so Mel put on the cap. She looked so cute. (I looked like I had just rolled out of bed... because, turns out, I DID just roll out of bed... and of course, I did not shower because we were going running after the casting call.)

As we were getting out of the car, I spotted a camera guy. We did not even CONSIDER that they'd be filming for the show.

We walked towards the store and the uber animated camera guy came up and asked us if we were there for Sox Appeal. Mel said yes and I said "She is" as I bashfully stepped behind her. So he explained that he is cutting clips for the show and that he'd love to get some footage with her going through the process. I nodded with approval and I was SO excited thinking how cute she looked and how perfect she is for this. Then he looked at me for consent... and I was utterly confused and needed to clarify... I spoke slowly, "Wait... I. Am. Married. I am not here for the show... just here as the moral supporter". He laughed and said... "YOU are part of HER experience".

EMM EFF. I was in yoga pants (that I had worn the day before), a hoodie, and my hair was a mess. And, I did not have an ounce of makeup on because why WOULD I on a Saturday at 10am?

But, after I got over that, I got sort of giddy and could not stop laughing. So he told us what to do... but not what to say. I was like... "Is there some sort of script or something?". "Haha" - he laughs. I was serious. I am not a good candid person. I need rehearsal, lines, instruction, etc.

Anyway - Mel did great candidly. I laughed like a big jackass but tried to be the best wing man I could be. My shining moment was when we were walking into the store (camera guy was following close behind) and another candidate exits the store... I looked at him, turned back to Mel and said "Potential!".

The interview process was a cinch. She filled out a form asking about dating history, life, career, etc. Then she chatted with a casting agent for a few minutes about her application and we were off. She did great and we exited the store 10 minutes later. It was a very interesting experience.

She got a call back on the Monday after the casting call and has since had a 2nd interview in Boston. Fingers crossed for her - she is the perfect candidate... cute, witty, smart. Let's just hope that if she gets picked, they pair her up with an equally cute, witty, smart fellow... there were certainly some interesting folks at the casting call.

If this does not pan out for Mel, I am going to become Agent Cupid for my all of awesomely amazing single female friends (all incredibly smart, naturally beautiful, super witty, successful, etc). Applications are being accepted!