Fear takes Dallas

“The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, the worms play pinochle on your snout.”

If you had told me as a child that my favorite gross-out song would become the theme of a 21st-century reality show called Fear Factor, I would have told you to go jump off a cliff.

Or is that just another stunt from the mega-hit reality show coming to Dallas this Saturday to cast for the upcoming season?

Anyone who has seen the part-creepy-crawly, part-daredevil show knows that eating worms and jumping off cliffs are kids’ stuff compared to some of the stunts contestants have done on past shows.

But if crunching crickets and eating earthworms aren’t you’re thing, no worries.

According to casting director Ashton Ramsey, the show’s 6th season will focus less on “the gross out stunts.”

While Ramsey wouldn’t say what kinds of stunts were planned, he said that “all the shows this season will be pairs shows.”

“We need mother/son teams and the sons can be 18 and up, couples, best friends, siblings, parent/child 10-15, and any other teams with chemistry,” Ramsey added.

If you’re a Fear Factor fan, you probably already have what it takes to be a contestant. In case there’s any doubt, I’ve compiled the “Ten Reasons You Might be a Fear Factor Contestant” list:

10. You’ve won the tequila worm swallowing contest in Mexico during Spring Break three years running.

9. You kept a scorpion as a pet when you were a child.

8. Your nickname is Cat because everyone teases you about having nine lives.

7. You parachuted out of a plane on a dare even though you were in a full body cast.

6. When you go fishing, you never catch any fish because you eat all the bait.

5. When all the other kids were playing in the sandbox, you were playing in an ant pile.

4. When you go out with your friends, they order fried cheese, and you order fried cicadas.

3. You took your first step on the wing of a single-prop Cesna at 5000 feet.

2. You work part-time as a crash-test dummy to pay your tuition.

1. When you were born, the doctor dropped you on your head, and to everyone’s

amazement, you bounced back up into his hands.

Personally, if I weren’t middle-aged, overweight, nearsighted and afraid of heights, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

But if you think you have what it takes, are interested in having fun, making some cash, and making your alma mater proud, then grab your roommate, frat brother or sorority sis, and do everything but break a leg to make it to the audition on Saturday.

Still not sure? Here’s a Q&A that Ashton and I had that might address some of your fears. Fears, get it?

Q: What should contestants have with them when they arrive to the audition?

A: They should bring a pen to the audition and prepare to impress the casting directors with their personalities. They will not have to perform any stunts.

Q: What kind of people are they looking for?

A: People with a look and personality. Fear Factor is known for its attractive girls but we want all kinds of characters.

Q: When does filming start?

A: We’re casting a whole season of Fear Factor and the first shoot day is May 24 and will continue filming episodes though Feb. Each episode takes about a week to shoot.

Q: What are some of the locations and/or stunts?

A: I can’t talk about the stunts or locations but he did say this season should top it all. We are focusing less on the gross stunts. Next season will be all new and exciting.

Q: What are some really memorable former stunts?

A: All of the car stunts are amazing. On the family episode there was a catapult called the “Kid-a-pult,” which launched a kid into a lake to begin a race.

Q: What’s the pay-off for the winner?

A: The prize on Fear Factor has always been $50,000 but we keep adding little bonuses like cars, trips, credit cards and we have had three $1,000,000 shows.

Q: How many (and what other) cities are you casting in?

A: We will be casting people all over the country. We are visiting about 20 different cities but we have put a lot of energy into Dallas and we really hope Dallas shows up.

Q: Where?

A: Dave & Busters (75 & Walnut Hill) at 8021 Walnut Hill, Dallas, TX.

Q: When?

A: Saturday, April 23rd between 11-4pm.

And if you’re not able to attend on Saturday? Never fear. That’s another joke. Never fear. Fear Factor. Get it? You can apply to be a contestant on the show’s website at www.fearfactor.com <http://www.fearfactor.com/>.

This is Ashton’s second season casting for Fear Factor, and he said that Dallas is one of his favorite cities to cast in, adding, “SMU students have what it takes to go all the way.”

“We just want to give away some money and have fun doing it. It is always exciting to me to see another $50,000 winner. Who couldn’t use $50,000?”

Fifty thousand dollars?! Anyone want to team up with a middle-aged, overweight, near-sighted lecturer with a bad back? What about it?