NEWBURYPORT — For bakers Ron and Rhonda Weisheit, this week has included a far different kind of prep work than they are used to.
With a chance to appear on the competitive reality show "Cupcake Wars" on The Food Network at stake, the Weisheits, owners of Pralines Bake Shop on Liberty Street, are filming an audition video this afternoon. If it's enough to impress Food Network producers, the Rowley couple could be filming for national television as early as next month.
On each episode of "Cupcake Wars," four cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one remains. The winner receives a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to showcase his or her cupcakes at an event.
Feeling that their customers are such a big part of their success, the Weisheits want them to be a part of the audition. They are asking as many customers as possible to show up outside the shop for a short time at 2 p.m. this afternoon to be part of the taping, which will be recorded and edited by local videographer Ben Wright.
The Weisheits have developed a loyal following for their sweet treats and prepared gourmet meals since starting the business seven years ago.
They found out they had been recruited to audition for the show through a voice mail message left on the shop's machine on Saturday from Super Delicious, the casting company for the Food Network. On Monday, Rhonda received an e-mail with details, as well as a couple of examples of successful auditions.
Super Delicious found Pralines through research and invited them to submit an audition video and application for the September shows, Rhonda said. A three- to four-minute video had to be sent out as soon as possible, they were told, leading the couple on a quest to take photos, find a videographer and plan out their audition in just a few days.
Once the video is submitted, the Weisheits expect to hear from them shortly.
"If the audition video catches their eye, we go to the top of the list," Rhonda said.
If they make it to the next round, their tape is sent to producers for final approval.
If the producer likes it, they are picked, they said. The show is filmed in Los Angeles over four days.
Rhonda already has some ideas for their audition, including a scene where the shop's customers are crowded outside the door or in Market Square.
Producers said the audition should be fun and show off the bakery, as well as the bakers' personalities. Also included in the video will be Michelle Boland, an employee at Pralines, who happens to be a huge fan of "Cupcake Wars" and The Food Network.
"I freaked out," she said, of hearing the news. "I love it; I love cupcakes."
"It's like a dream come true," Rhonda Weisheit said yesterday. "It's everything you would want out of your career."
CASTING CALL
What: Audition video for "Cupcake Wars" on The Food Network
When: Today, 2 p.m.
Where: Pralines Bake Shop, 3 Liberty St.
Why: Owners Ron and Rhonda Weisheit are sending an audition video to The Food Network show and want their customers to be part of the video. They hope as many people as possible will show up outside the shop today.
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