Ahh, spring break — for rain-soaked, sun-thirsty students, that magical week in March glistens like a mirage on the horizon. However, it’s no illusion — spring break is coming, and so is Universal Pictures. Students will have the opportunity to audition for “Spring Break: The Movie” on Friday, and possibly spend their spring vacation being filmed in Cancun.
Casting producer Darren Toon will be in the Gumwood Room in EMU from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students wishing to audition should bring a valid student ID and a recent photograph. Call-back auditions will take place Saturday and Sunday on an individual basis.
Toon and other casting agents are scouring several universities around the country, including UCLA and the University of Washington. Universal Pictures will select just one group from one school to star in the movie.
The company said the film will be the first ever reality movie, as well as a unique take on spring break.
“When people hear ‘spring break,’ they think of MTV,” Toon said. “They think ‘Girls Gone Wild,’ and that’s not what this is.”
Instead, Toon said the movie will follow a group of friends around Cancun, filming their real-life experience, whether it’s filled with crazy antics or simple relaxation.
“It’s a fun reality movie about what real college students do on their spring break,” he said.
Casting director Robyn Kass said the movie should appear in theaters this summer. She said the mood and plot of the movie depends entirely on the chosen students.
However, Toon said the company has a few guidelines in mind for selecting students.
“The core group is a bunch of guys,” he said, adding that the movie will include some women as well.
Toon described the movie as having a similar appeal as the film “American Pie,” with the focus on a student he describes as similar to Jason Biggs’ quirky “American Pie” character.
“He could even be kind of dorky, but not bad looking,” Toon said. “He could even get girls.”
He said casting agents will consider everyone from fraternity brothers to chess club members.
“I’m looking for a group of friends that all have different characteristics,” Kass added. “If you have a group of 15 of you and your buddies, you guys should all be coming in and interviewing together.”
Kass and Toon said auditioning students should be prepared to talk about every aspect of their lives.
“They should be prepared to be open and honest,” Toon said. “We don’t want people to act or give us a show.”
The open auditions will take only a few minutes, and follow-up interviews will be more in-depth and time-consuming.
Toon and his associate will also be touring Eugene this week, appearing at local bars, such as Rennie’s Landing and Joggers Bar and Grill. The two will be handing out fliers and talking to students about the film. Toon said students should not be afraid to approach him with questions.
Toon said an appearance in “Spring Break” could have a lasting impact for the chosen students — whether it simply provides a fantastic vacation or a springboard for a movie career.
“This experience could change their lives,” he said. “We want it to be a memory they’ll always have.”