“American Idol” auditions on Tuesday promise to provide a national showcase for Mobile’s GulfQuest museum. But if you’re auditioning, please don’t go there to line up.
As arrangements came into focus on Monday, it emerged that the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, on the waterfront at the intersection of Government and Water streets, will serve as the starting point and staging area for the hundreds of hopefuls expected to show up. It's the same for those who've pre-registered and those who need to register at the scene: Go to the Convention Center first.
"Everyone who wants to audition has to come to the Convention Center first," said Mary Lee Gay, senior marketing manager for the Convention Center.
Visitors should come to the ground-level front entrance on Water Street, Gay said. It should be easy to spot, because that's where local organizers expect the "American Idol" bus to be parked.
Camping in line overnight is not permitted. Participants won't be allowed to line up until 5 a.m. Tuesday, and doors will open at 6.
Gay and Tara Zieman, director of marketing and communications for Visit Mobile, said that some restrictions apply to admission. Visitors will be subject to security checks. Knives and weapons are not allowed. Bags must be small enough to be held in their owners' laps. Outside food and drink are not allowed; concessions will be available for purchase inside the Convention Center and at the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico.
Supporters may accompany auditioners into the Convention Center but will not be allowed to follow them into GulfQuest. There is an exception for those under 18, as minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the audition.
Gay and Zieman said "American Idol" audition staff will guide participants through the process once they've entered the Convention Center and will coordinate their transfer to GulfQuest for the actual auditions. The two buildings are separated by Cooper Riverside Park.
New seasons of "American Idol" usually begin with episodes dedicated to the audition process, showing thousands of hopefuls lined up for their shot at fame. If that format holds true, it's likely that millions of viewers will get at least a glimpse of the distinctive building that houses GulfQuest. The next season of the show is the 18th overall and the third on ABC. It's expected to air in 2020.
Mike Dow, the former Mobile mayor who became executive director of GulfQuest in April, said the museum was alerted to the possibility via the state film office and Eva Golson of the Mobile Film Office.
"Eva called me and said, 'We have this opportunity.' And it's an incredible opportunity to showcase not just GulfQuest but the city," Dow said.
Dow said GulfQuest's waterfront location was a big selling point. But he said the logistical challenge meant teamwork was critical to making the pitch successful. Dow credited David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile, and Michon Trent, the city's senior director of civic engagement, with stepping up to make it work.
"They've done an incredible job putting a support package behind this," Dow said. He said that to him, a willingness to engage in such teamwork is one of the things that stands out about Mobile. He also said the city has put fresh effort into making GulfQuest a success.
GulfQuest has struggled to live up to its potential as a regional attraction since opening in 2015. A deal brokered by the administration of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson was approved by the Mobile City Council in July. Intended to help the facility turn the corner, it relieves the museum of a debt burden it had been unable to pay off, and effectively makes the museum a city department.
"It's really incredible how far it's come in the last 60 to 90 days," Dow said.
People planning to audition at the Mobile event can register in person on Tuesday, or in advance via www.americanidol.com/auditions. Online audition options also are available.
Full information about the audition process can be found online. Eligibility requirements specify that anyone seeking to audition must be 15 to 28 years old as of June 1, 2019 -- meaning they must have been born between June 2, 1990, and June 1, 2004. Among other requirements, competitors must be legal U.S. residents and cannot be candidates for public office.
Participants must sign a personal release, or if under 18, have it signed by a parent or legal guardian, who must be present.
Parking is available at the Convention Center parking garage and another garage across Water Street, adjacent to the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. Additionally, Premium Parking is offering 20 percent off its rates at several downtown lots with use of the promo code IDOL20. For lot locations visit www.premiumparking.com.
Other upcoming audition dates in the Southeast include Aug. 23 in Macon, Ga. and Tallahassee, Fla.; Aug. 25 in Baton Rouge; Aug. 26 in Columbia, S.C.; Aug. 29 in Knoxville, Tenn.; Sept. 1 in Raleigh, N.C.; and Sept. 18 in Nashville, Tenn.