Students at HMB High School want to be MADE, and in Allan Bruce’s case, that means riding the waves at Mavericks. These days, Bruce, a junior at HMBHS, is more teen idol than surfer dude. Currently appearing in the spring musical “Grease” as Doody, Allan’s more focused on acting, singing and studies than hanging ten.
Why a surfer? “I’ve lived in Half Moon Bay all my life, I always thought how cool it would be to surf. I mean Half Moon Bay is a surfing community, and I feel since I can’t surf, I don’t feel I’m a part of this community as I would like too. I love everything about surfing the rush and the adrenaline. I have been watching MADE ever since I was in the sixth grade, and I always thought of how cool it would be to be taught something by a professional! I am not just doing this for TV, I am doing this for the experience. I mean don’t get me wrong being on TV would be so much fun, but mainly the experience is what I am looking at.” And the audition process? Bruce called it “really easy and comfortable.”
Lissandro Garcia, another tenured actor (Kiss me Kate and Grease) at HMBHS agrees. “I want to be a hip-hop dancer because it is something totally random from what I am, which is outgoing and nerdy”. Garcia’s favorite part of the audition, “They told me to do my best interpretation of a hip hop dancer and I did. I did the robot and shook my booty for him and he started laughing. I would say it was quite an experience. The MTV guy was really cool and nice.”
Entering its eighth season, MTV’s “MADE” is one of the network’s most successful shows because of its ability to connect with ordinary teens who often find their lives mirrored by the contestants.
Cheri Parr
Cheri Parr
If you’re curious, you can download a copy of the MADE questionnaire from Coastsider.
The show’s goal is to take ordinary teens and help them achieve their dreams of becoming anything from a ballet dancer, to snowboarder, to the ever popular prom queen. Each contestant selected is assigned a team of “MADE” coaches, whose job is to morph them into what they have long dreamed of becoming. Camera crews follow the contest in school, at home and with friends to document the trials, tears, and progress over the four month transformation process. Dreams don’t always come true, but more often the stories are about the insights into teen life, and not the expected outcome itself.
Not everyone gathered in the library was trying out for MADE. One student—who understandably did not want to be identified, said “you’ve got to be kidding! The last thing I need is a camera crew following me around and documenting my life. My parents would die if they knew what goes on when they are not around! No thank you!”
It’s great to see that these young adults are interested in taking a step in the right direction. Regardless of their dream, these coastsiders are naturally proactive, and I’d guess pretty good students too.
When I was their age, I joined a group that greatly improved my ability to communicate in a public forum. This group helped me and many others to beat the fear of talking in front of other people, or in this case, the camera.
It’s an exciting thought for them to be “Made”, and to be on television. but they’ll need a little coaching before MTV rolls out their cameras. Assuming there’s an interview, I believe the applicant’s chances of being chosen does improve with a better camera presence.
HMB Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month in the Sun Room at the Ted Adcock Community Center from 7-8pm. Our next meeting is 2/28, I look forward to seeing you there.