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Open auditions for ABC's ‘Shark Tank' roll into Detroit

Posted at 8:09 AM, May 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-05 16:24:19-04

It’s a shot at fame, fortune, or at the very least 15 seconds of fame.

Open auditions for the ABC hit-show ‘Shark Tank’ roll into Detroit this morning. Crowds started gathering hours before the first pitches were even heard.

Jamie Tankersley and Tim Elmore were the first to line-up outside the front doors. They showed up at 1 p.m. Thursday to guarantee them a spot in front of producers.

Xavier Clemons, a Delta employee, wasn’t far behind. He was the third person in line waiting out rain, and cold temperatures, for his shot to pitch a new product: the credit card shaver.

“It’s a shaving device just like a disposable razor, except it’s shaped like a credit card,” said Clemons, during a mock version of his planned 1-minute pitch to the producers. “It’s TSA compliant, and airport friendly.”

Clemons said he’s watched the show for years, and came prepared. He already has a patent on his product that he’s pitching to the sharks.

Others people had varying ideas: a 360 degree virtual reality system, a brine-based ice melting stair system, and an easy lock and release valance system for hanging curtains. The one thing that tied them all together: their excitement.

“Our company has been around about three years and we’re in about 98 countries, but we’re looking to go the big worldwide route,” said Mike Kitner, who traveled for New York to make a pitch.

Those who are hoping to pitch a product for a shot at landing on Shark Tank are urged to show up at the Focus Hope campus between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The first 500 people will receive a wrist band which guarantees they will get a chance to do a 1-minute pitch with show producers, and a short Q-and-A session. The big names from the show won’t be part of the audition process, but if you’re successful in Detroit you’ll have a shot to pitch to them in person on the ABC show.

Detroit is a unique opportunity for the open audition call. Currently the show only has three listings for open auditions, you can find more information on the website: http://pitchsharktank.com.

Those who show up are told to come prepared with a pitch, and paperwork that can be found online at the website listed above.