WHYY Hosts Casting Call for 'TEXAS RANCH HOUSE' Series Thursday, March 10, 9 AM to 5 PM

WHYY Hosts Casting Call for 'TEXAS RANCH HOUSE' Series Thursday, March 10, 9 AM to 5 PM

PHILADELPHIA, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- TEXAS RANCH HOUSE, the latest "hands-on history" series coming to public television, is holding an open call for participants on Thursday, March 10 at WHYY.

Individuals and families who would like to experience life in Texas in 1867 are invited to come to the station, 150 N. Sixth Street in Philadelphia between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to meet program producers and videotape a three- minute statement explaining their interest in TEXAS RANCH HOUSE.

Volunteers for the program, which will be taped in Texas in summer 2005, will be fully immersed in the inner workings of a real ranch house. They will build corrals, round up and brand cattle, tame stallions and prepare for a two-week cattle drive - while tending to the daily needs of themselves and their livestock. The program is scheduled to be broadcast on WHYY in 2006.

TEXAS producers are looking for cast members that reflect the diversity of the population in the state following the Civil War. Texas grew rapidly with a mix of Native Americans, Tejanos (descendants of Spanish and Mexican settlers), newly-freed African Americans and Anglo settlers from the East, Britain and Ireland.

"We're looking for families and singles who have what it takes to build a ranch, ride the range and ultimately deliver a heard of cattle to a market over 100 miles away," state the program producers.

Important characteristics of volunteers include a willingness to learn new skills and a genuine thirst for knowledge about early ranching life. Previous work caring for livestock is not required, but prior riding experience is needed for individuals taking the roles of cowboys. Skills in carpentry, cooking for large groups and a love of the outdoors are also useful.

Reservations are not required for the casting call, but volunteers should fill out a complete application online - before or after their appearance - at http://www.pbs.org/ranchhouse. Additional information about the series and cast requirements is also available at this Web site.

TEXAS RANCH HOUSE is a production of Thirteen/WNET New York, which also produced COLONIAL HOUSE and FRONTIER HOUSE.

Source: WHYY

CONTACT: Art Ellis, +1-215-351-1262, or Daneil Mazone, +1-215-351-3316, both of WHYY

Web site: http://www.whyy.org/ http://www.pbs.org/ranchhouse

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