United We Dream is launching a six-episode YouTube cook-off series. In each episode, two immigrant youth contestants will compete by preparing a dish using their own family recipe, and we’ll explore what makes up our immigrant identity and culture across race/ethnicity and immigration/citizenship status.

Contestants will be judged on three criteria: Taste, Presentation of the food, and Storytelling. Each contestant will be paid $500 for participating. The winner of each episode will be awarded a trophy of minimal monetary value, and no monetary prize will be awarded. The show will be unscripted, so contestants should be comfortable riffing and bringing high, playful energy to the kitchen set.

The deadline to complete the application form and a short audition video is Thursday, September 15 @ 12am PT / 3am ET, although we reserve the right to extend the deadline at our sole discretion. We expect filming to take place in October 2022.

Are you interested in auditioning to be a contestant?

Contestant Requirements

• At least 18 years old, and no older than 25 years old, as of August 1, 2022.

• An immigrant, first-generation or second-generation American of immigrant heritage

• Reside in the Houston metropolitan area

• Able to share a family recipe that is any of the following:

• Dough-Wrapped and Fried. Examples: Chinese Pan-Fried Dumplings, Jamaican Beef Patties, Filipino Vigan Empanadas

• Leaf-Wrapped. Examples: Guatemalan Tamales, , Bobotu, Chinese Sticky Rice

• Baking Pan. Examples: Ube Cake, Leche Flan, Pan de Camote

• Rice-in-a-Pot. Examples: Jollof Rice, Lebanese One-Pot Chicken & Rice, Persian Saffron Rice

• Stew. Examples: Middle Eastern Lamb Stew, Birria de Borrego, African Ground Beef Curry

• Blended/Mashed Roots and Veggies. Examples: West African Fufu, Yuca con Mojo, Mangù

• Sweet Plantains. Examples: Camote Que, Maduros

• Hand-Rolled Fried Ball. Examples: Falafel, Croquetas, Rice Balls

How do I audition?

The first step is to answer the demographic questions on the form.

Upon submitting the completed form, you will receive a Dropbox link and instructions for submitting a short 2-3 minute video about yourself and your family recipe.

Videos are due no later than Friday, October 14 @ 5pm ET, although we reserve the right to extend the deadline in our sole discretion. We will review the video submissions and will contact some applicants to schedule a telephone or video interview. We will then select 12 contestants (2 per episode), all of whom will be required to sign some forms in order to participate in our show.

Questions about the audition process? Check out our FAQ here.