If you or your favorite pet has a unique or unusual talent, David Letterman wants to see it.
On May 10, “The Late Show with Dave Letterman” will hold tryouts in Branson, Mo, for the show’s popular stupid human and stupid pet tricks segments.
Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the audition process.
“They’re looking for talents that are really unique, and they’re looking for talent that translates well on television,” Berry said.
Upon arriving at the Branson Landing, hopefuls will be assigned a number and corresponding audition time. A large turnout is expected, and each audition will only last a maximum of three minutes.
“If your dog can’t bend over backward in two to three minutes here, it won’t be able to do it on a stage in New York,” Berry said.
Held last year at Navy Pier in Chicago, “The Late Show” producers chose Branson for the auditions after Berry pitched it to the studio executives as a potential site.
“We have a real cross section of the country to offer an abundance of talent from,” Berry said.
Branson residents are coming out of the woodwork to show off their skills, Berry said. Her own nephew plans to audition by juggling scoops of ice cream, and a breakdancing duck is already garnering some attention.
With all that talent popping up, Berry said one act already stands out to her.
“It’s probably the guy that blows quarters out of his nose,” she said.
As she tells it, the man approached her in a parking lot when he realized she was working on the event.
“That’ll teach me to wear my nametag,” she said.
Excited by the upcoming auditions, the man granted Berry a demonstration. He stuck a quarter up his nose and proceeded to blow it across the pavement.
“He’s going for distance,” said Berry, with a chuckle.
Those selected by representatives from “The Late Show” will receive an all all-expenses-paid trip to New York City. They will perform at a taping of the show on stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
The casting call begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Auditions are free and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested should arrive early, but camping overnight is not allowed. For more information, visit www.explorebranson.com.