By Colleen Thompson

 

Officials from a casting company seeks Norwegian-Americans, and they are reaching out to Albert Lea because they know the city has a Norwegian heritage.

Chicago’s O’Connor Casting Co. is holding an open call Dec. 1 at the Mall of America for all Norwegian-Americans interested in auditioning for the fourth season of Norway’s Emmy Award-winning reality TV show “Alt for Norge.”

The TV show stars 12 Norwegian-Americans who fly to Norway and dive into the culture and customs. They do this all while facing extreme challenges that build their endurance and reveal how much courage they really have. The winner receives a cash prize of $50,000 and gets to meet Norwegian relatives that were nonexistent to him or her before.

A news release says the casting director “is targeting ambitious, adventure-seeking Americans with Norwegian blood who are 18 years or older and have never traveled to Norway.”

“We can’t even describe how cool this experience is,” said Joan O’Connor, casting producer. “Past contestants have had a total blast, a life-changing experience and are now TV stars in Norway. They can’t go anywhere in Norway without being accosted by fans.”

In the previous three seasons, there have been six contestants from Minnesota. This included a pastor, professor, security officer, insurance agent, belly dance instructor and a performance artist. O’Connor hopes to see more Minnesotans on the show in the near future.

The casting is from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is in the executive center in the Mall of America, which is on Level 4 East.