Backstage with Sandy Kenyon: 'Bachelor' casting call

UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Auditions are being held across the country this summer for potential contestants on future seasons of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette."

"People find love on the 7 train, on an airplane, at the dog groomer," attendee Brittany McCrorey said. "Why not 'The Bachelor'?"

It is what's called an open casting call.

"We're looking for girls and guys who are single, of course, and are at least 21 years old and who are willing to take a leap of faith," casting producer Malissa Chappius said.

The applications are sent to Los Angeles, where producers review brief tapes before selecting a few dozen for further consideration.

The reasons they come are many and varied, but bartender Maddie Charles was clear about why she took the time.

"Because New York dating is awful and has not worked out one bit yet," she said. "So I'm giving this a shot."

Some viewers looking to try out brought friends with them for moral support.

"I bring the mints, and I make sure she looks good," said Augustina Bartha, with her friend Litania Colon.

Colon is one of a diverse group of contestants hoping to appear.

"She made me come here," she said of Bartha. "She's tired of listening to me complaining about why I'm single, and she'd rather me complain about my husband instead."