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Enter the Dragons' Den
CBC's Dragon's Den returns to Yellowknife for auditions

Kevin Allerston
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 16, 2011

SOMBA K'E/YELLOIWKNIFE - Entrepreneurs from around Yellowknife will have another chance to show the world their ideas as CBC's Dragons' Den returns to Yellowknife on March 28th to see auditions for season six of the show.

NNSL photo/graphic

Janet Pacey pitched Ptarmi the Ptarmigan, a stuffed toy she created, at the 2010 Dragons' Den auditions in Yellowknife. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL Photo

Dragons' Den co-producer Michelle MacMillan said the show is returning to Yellowknife because they want to include as many areas of the country as possible.

"We want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to show off their ideas, and for some, buying a plane ticket to travel for auditions is just too expensive. So for us it's worth the trip," said MacMillan.

As the show enters its sixth season MacMillan doesn't know what to expect from the auditions.

"It's season six, so the bar is set pretty high. Every year we feel like we've seen it all and are always surprised, so we are really looking forward to it," said MacMillan. "Let's put the challenge out there - we would love to find a great product or business and book them for a taping this year!"

She says the best way people can prepare for being on the show is to watch the show and to pitch to somebody who isn't necessarily a friend.

"The questions they will be asked at the audition are the same that will be asked on the show. If they watch the show they will know what to expect. It's also important to practice the pitch in front of somebody who isn't necessarily a friend or a family member and get them to be critical," said MacMillan.

People hoping to meet the 'Dragons' in Yellowknife may be disappointed.

"If they want to see the 'Dragons,' they have to get through me first," said Dragons' Den co-producer Molly Duignan who will be in town for the auditions. "Yellowknife is such a big hub, we are really hoping for another good turnout this time around. Hopefully we will see presentations from people who pitched before and didn't make the cut."

Duignan echoed MacMillan's tips on how to prepare. "If you watch the show you will know the questions. It's important to be prepared with numbers and knowledge of the market, and also to keep in mind it is a television show. We want to see people bring passion and show off their personality," said Duignan.

Auditions will take place Yellowknife Inn from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on March 28. No registration is required and auditions will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis. Season six begins airing at the end of September.

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