At the ‘Apprentice’ casting call in Buckhead

April 8, 2010, by Rodney Ho

The Apprentice Season 3

I stopped by the “Apprentice” open casting call Wednesday afternoon at the Marriott Buckhead to check out the turnout.

Potential Donald Trump employees numbered maybe 200 people. One of the last people in line said she was given No. 192. Trump, of course, wasn't around, but the freelance casting director Kara Udell said she saw 255 people. Either way, it was on the low end of expectations. They could have easily taken in 500-plus. They had scheduled the open call until 6 p.m. and by 4 p.m., they were almost done.

NBC is bringing back “The Apprentice” without celebrities for the first time in three years. It’s set to air in the fall. The twist: focusing on people who have suffered during this recession.

Stevie Edwards, a 52-year-old real estate manager who used to live in Atlanta but now resides in Savannah, has suffered. She said her business has been rough the past three years. She read about the audition on this blog and drove in from her mom's in North Carolina. I caught her moments before her audition.

“I’m very well rounded,” she said. “I used to be a stockbroker. I’m more alpha male than alpha males.” She watches the show and could see herself excelling at the challenges. “90% of life is just showing up. You never know if you don’t try. If they want a sob story, I have it. I’m hanging on a string as far as real estate.”

Sitting next to her was 25-year-old Katie Bruce, a financial advisor who works two doors down from the hotel. “My mother made me come,” she said. “She’s probably laughing her butt off now.”

Trump might admire her moxie. She has run her own financial advisory firm since she was 21. “I’ve never worked for anybody else,” she said.

Udell, the casting director, brought people in groups of nine and had them argue issues such as health care and the economy.

“It’s fight or flight,” she said. “We throw out hot topics. I want people to get heated. Who’s really passionate. Who will fight for what they believe. I don’t do much talking.”

“We’re still looking for people with professional educational pedigree,” she added. “It’s not a requirement but we are seeking people adversely affected by the economy. Donald Trump is ready to put America back to work!”

She has helped cast the first seven seasons of "The Apprentice." Her proudest get: bow-tied Raj from season two. She also cast the current season of "Project Runway." Her favorite find: Atlanta's Anthony Williams.

“Anthony is my boy!” Williams said. “Oh my God! I’m obsessed with him!”

If you missed the auditions, you can email castingnbcapprentice@gmail.com. Applicants are encouraged to explain why they should be the next “Apprentice” and include information regarding how the recession has impacted their lives. Also required is a recent photo as well as name, location and occupation history.