Most people have to-do lists: “clean room,” “go to the grocery store,” “finish up that project for work/school.” But most of those to-do lists probably don’t include “become a contestant on a reality TV show.”
For Tara Rhein, a 2009 University graduate, this is exactly what her to-do list included — and this task landed her a spot on NBC’s latest competitive reality TV show, “Escape Routes.” @@http://www.nbc.com/escape-routes/#@@
According to Rhein, “Escape Routes” teams up with Ford Motor Company to combine elements of other popular reality shows such as “The Amazing Race,” “Fear Factor” and “Big Ben,” with a focus on social media and viewer interaction. As the six teams travel across the country competing in various challenges, they are allowed to utilize only social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter for help, as well as the Ford Escape that each team uses throughout the show.
“We can’t bring a map or anything that can help us,” Rhein said. “We literally can only rely on social media.”
The winning team is judged based on cumulative points throughout the season, with the first-place team being awarded a prize of $100,000 and a Ford Escape for each team member. Additionally, viewers who participate online can win raffle prizes throughout the season, including digital cameras and a Ford Escape.
Competing against five other teams, Rhein partnered with her best friend, Bre Ortola, in this competition to form Team Red, facing off against other teams of siblings, friends and partners.
“We wanted to try out because we have a list of 100 things we want to do in 2012, and one of them was to try out for a reality TV show,” Rhein said.
This list, which also includes things such as taking a homeless person out to lunch and eating frozen yogurt straight out of the machine, encouraged Rhein and Ortola to create and submit a video to the show, which she forgot about until they got a call asking them to be on the show.
The enthusiasm that she shares with Ortola for laughter and trying new things is what makes them a good team, Rhein explains.
“We’re not afraid to try new things and be uncomfortable,” she said. “Some people don’t want to embarrass themselves, but we embarrass ourselves every day, and now people just get to watch.”
“Escape Routes” premiered on March 31 and after introducing the teams featured a number of challenges ranging from a talent show — judged online by viewers — to a literal interpretation of Zynga’s mobile game “Hanging With Friends,” and finally to a fighter pilot challenge that asked teams to shoot down other teams’ planes.
Each team is supported by what the show calls a “virtual team,” or people who follow the team members online to help them win the challenges. These include family members and friends, or any other people who watch the show and choose to support a team.
“I would love to have the Ducks’ support throughout this process, and represent them well and show that we’re good at sports, we’re good on TV, we can do anything as Ducks, especially with everyone’s help,” Rhein said. “Ducks fly together, am I right?”
During her four years at the University, Rhein was a member of the track team, competing in pole vaulting, and also participated in University cheer. She believes that this experience helped prepare her for the challenges that she will face throughout “Escape Routes.” @@http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=203345@@
“We’ll definitely bring the ‘Win the Day’ mentality that Oregon has to each challenge. Running on track, I’m ready to do that challenge, or being a cheerleader, I’m ready to cheer on my partner if she’s doing the challenge,” she said. “We’re ready no matter what. And we want everyone to laugh with us and have a good time with us.”
“Escape Routes” will continue to run on NBC every Saturday at 8 p.m. For more information on the show and Rhein’s Team Red, visit www.escaperoutes.com.