For Allison Oropallo, it started with an ad on Craigslist seeking high-energy folk who are handy with tools.
The technology education teacher from Stoneham, Massachusetts thought she fit the bill and hustled to a March 12th casting audition in Philly for what turned out to be HGTV’s second season of “All American Handyman.”
Meanwhile, Kate Schorzman, 30, was in Pocatello, Idaho just waiting for her chance to invade Season 2. She had watched the first year and “thought to myself that I could do a better job representing what women can bring to the competition,” she told the Idaho State Journal. “It’s not just a man’s world.”
Schorzman, employed in wood work and custom cabinetry, cut together a 3-5 minute video reel of her recent work and shipped it off to show producers.
On April 9, both Oropallo and Schorzman found themselves in New York City after learning they would be among the 20 chosen contestants vying to become HGTV’s “All American Handyman.” That date marked the beginning of the show's 10-day search for the most skilled handyperson in the country.
Contestants must carry out challenges that test woodworking, plumbing, framing and dry wall installation skills. They’ll be judged on creativity and whether the completed project is structurally sound, up to code and meets the requirements of the task. The winner pockets a $10,000 Sears prize package and a plush development deal with HGTV.
Season 1 champ, Peter Wong, sealed his victory after building the most structurally sound and attractive outdoor deck. Also noteworthy was his use of piers and attention to detail. [Watch last season's finale in the player at left.]
Both Oropallo and Schorzman believe they have the right tools to follow in Wong's work booted footsteps.
“My father is the biggest influence in my life. He taught me all there was to know about handywork, never assuming I couldn’t do something because I was a girl,” Oropallo told the Stoneham Patch.
On toiling 12 years in a field dominated by men, Schorzman tells the Idaho State Journal, “This is a great atmosphere to work in. I don’t run into a lot of resistance, especially after they get to know me and recognize my talent.”
No word if either handywoman was among the 10 who were eliminated the first day.
Hosted by Molly Culver, Season 2 of "All American Handyman" is scheduled to finish filming on Tuesday, April 19.
The season premiere is set for September.
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