American Idol rolled into town late June to hold auditions at Mariucci Arena to find the next singing show superstar. I was hired on as a lowly production assistant (PA) to help out however necessary for the two days the show was in town — but by the middle of the second day, the executives of the show recognized my leadership and seasoned production skills.
In my expanded role I was charged with executing the most important tasks like getting the convertible ready for Ryan Seacrest (that’s me sitting in the car above) to delegating many responsibilities to those PAs who were not as well versed on everything happening. I worked as the “right hand man” (as they called it) to the show’s main producers, a recognition that made many other PAs seek me out for guidance on their next task. Quality leadership skills go a long way in production — this American Idol audition proved as much.
Though the days were painstakingly long (12 and 16 hour days consecutively), the experience was exhilarating and rewarding.
These photos were taken on my iPhone 5, thus the so-so quality.
© Copyright 2021 Matthew Deery.
