A local woman is looking for a piece of paradise.
Chelsea Restall, 27, is an actor by trade who is vying to be the host of the TV series Paradise Hunter, a show that features numerous destinations around the world.
“I’ve been interested in acting since Grade 6 and I knew I wanted to travel so this is the meshing of the two worlds – the perfect opportunity,” said Restall.
The Rocky Mountain College Theatre major is currently working as an office assistant in Calgary but has recently written a short screenplay and will be taking part in the Airdrie Little Theatre Association production Prescription for Murder from Nov. 18-20.
She has seen many parts of the world including the UK, New York and areas in Canada but said that is nothing compared to the destinations she hopes to visit as the host of Paradise Hunter.
“It is great because it is a job with pay and they cover your expenses,” said the George McDougall graduate.
Restall said she is the clear choice for the job because of her training in front of the camera.
“I am learning to channel my nerves into good energy and I have been told that I am a very good listener,” she said.
“I have great camera presence.”
She created a one-minute video to audition for the role, which is posted on www.paradisehunter.com Visitors to the website can look through the videos of each applicant and choose their favourite by voting.
This portion of the contest closes on Nov. 12 when the 10 videos with the most votes will move to the next stage with 30 others chosen by the show’s producers. Voting for the second round will take place until Dec. 3 and the top five videos from that round will move on with five others chosen by the producers. The top five from those 10 will be interviewed and tested. The winner will be announced on Jan. 18, 2011 and filming will begin on March 15.
Restall has been interested in acting for as long as she can remember because it allows her to “be a different person.”
“You can connect with people and it is a really great natural high to tell a story that people can connect with,” she said.
The show will film for one year and will visit 12 destinations.
It will air next fall.
“The show focuses on people who have left their mundane jobs to go to paradise and realize their dreams,” said Restall.
“Meeting these people who have the guts and ambition to make their dreams come true will be really enlightening.”
Restall is currently sitting in fourth place in the contest and is asking Airdrie residents to help her take the win.
“I think people like to root for people that come from the same roots,” said Restall.
“It would be cool to vote for a local girl and be able to watch my journey.”
Restall encourages residents to vote once a day, everyday to improve her chances.
“I have lived here for a long time and it is an awesome place to live,” she said.
“I think we can show the world how supportive we are of each other. Tell your family, friends and strangers on the street.”
