Hopeful actors passed through the doors of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the day on Wednesday as casting calls were held for four commercials being planned by the Conway Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Kathy Wyrick, vice president of marketing for the chamber and marketing representative for the A and P Commission, said more than 200 people signed up for the casting call, and by mid-afternoon, only a few had missed their appointments. Wyrick said the people who signed up represented a wide range of ages.
"We've had experienced actors coming in with portfolios (and) people who just want to be an extra, have fun and promote Conway," she said.
As Paulette Womack waited for her interview with Jeff Wasiluk and Heather Thrash of Partners Advertising, she said, "I just thought it would be fun to see how it was made. I've never been around that kind of thing."
Alan Shepard said, "I've acted my whole life. I've done some commercials plus some small movie parts. I'm a big fan of Conway. Anything I can do to help, I'm happy to do."
Shepard said he grew up in Bryant and had the opportunity to be in "Sling Blade," which was filmed in Benton. He met actor Billy Bob Thornton during the filming of the movie, he said. He also was in a small budget, "straight-to-video" film, he said.
Sherri Lachowsky brought her daughter, Hailey Lachowsky, 13, to the casting call. Hailey attended Youth Theater at the University of Central Arkansas this summer, she said.
"I think it'll be fun," she said of the commercial. "And I want to be an actress when I grow up, so I think this will be good for me."
Kevin Glover, 11, also has some acting experience, according to his mother, Tina Glover.
"He loves acting," she said. "He's done two plays with the Children's Theater to Go, and he was an extra in a commercial for Bush and Rasmussen."
Asked why he wants to be in a commercial, Kevin replied, "I love them. I've been in one and I just love them. I like being famous."
Retiree Ed Bailey said he wanted to be in a commercial because "I'm a ham. I like to show out. I can talk like a hillbilly if they need me to. They asked if I'd be comfortable using a walker."
Claudia Courtway brought her daughters, Katy, 18, Jenny, 14, Annie, 13, and Heidi, 9, to the casting call. She said she brought her family "because we love Conway. It's been a great place for our family."
The four commercials will be filmed next week on Monday through Wednesday. The commercials will be whimsical and will feature different types of explorers enjoying things Conway has to offer. The commercials will be aired throughout the state in an attempt to entice visitors to come to town.
Commercials will begin airing as early as September. One of the four will have a Christmas theme and will air during the holidays.
Wyrick said, "We've had an incredible turnout. We really appreciate the people of Conway coming out in support of these commercials. We've received several comments from the auditioners about how pleased they are that we're using Conway people. The support has been tremendous."
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
