Ever wondered what it’s like to move to Los Angeles to pursue your dream?

Well, thanks to Simon Fuller, the genius behind “American Idol,” you can finally find out.

Behold the brand-new interactive, Internet-based Web series titled “If I Can Dream.” Part-“The Real World” and part-“The Hills,” the show follows a cast of performers and industry hopefuls, plucked from all parts of the country, as they make their way through the Hollywood ranks. Broadcasted currently in easily digestible 30-minute episodes on Hulu, “If I Can Dream” skips the tired TV drama and offers a real-life documentary-style portrayal of what it takes to make it big in Tinseltown.

Sounds fun, right?

Among the cast are aspiring actresses, actors, models and musicians. Most are new to the spotlight, except for a few familiar faces. Nineteen-year-old Alex Lambert, an early favorite on this season of “American Idol,” moved into the house after he was prematurely eliminated in the semifinals, sparking huge debate and a petition of over 20,000 signatures from angry fans.

Also on the show is aspiring singer-songwriter Justin Gaston, who after getting his start as a model and a contestant on “Nashville Star,” famously dated tween queen Miley Cyrus. Rounding out the cast are ex-NFL cheerleader turned actress Amanda Phillips, acting hopeful Ben Elliot, another actress-in-training Kara Killmer and Giglianne Braga, who hopes to be a high-fashion model.

The six stars-in-the-making all live together in a swanky mansion in the Hollywood Hills, which viewers online can patrol 24-7 from a live stream on the show’s Web site. The house, including their car, is wired with a total of nearly 60 cameras, allowing fans of the show to follow the dreamers on every step of their journey.

But unlike other popular TV shows, like say “Jersey Shore,” don’t expect too much drama to unfold.

“We all have mutual respect for each other. It’s like a really good family. People thought there would be fights, but we’re all so career-minded,” says Killmer of her new roommates.

“[Being in the house], the creative energy inspires you. It’s like healthy competition, but only in a good way,” says Gaston, who has his sights set on recording music.

Growing up listening to artists like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, he says he is still on the search trying to find the right type of song.

For big dreamers like Texas-native Lambert, who says his ultimate goal is to make the best music he can, the shock of Hollywood is still settling in. He admits, “‘American Idol’ was really the first thing that I’ve ever done to go after my dreams. Now, it’s cool to finally be meeting people and making connections. It’s hard but I would say the main thing is to believe in yourself and have confidence.“

In no shortage of confidence is Killmer, a theater girl looking at take a shot at the silver screen.

“I hope to make some really great films one day,” she says. “I just went on my sixth audition. I don’t go in thinking about rejection. For me, it’s about meeting casting directions, making a good impression and just having a lot of fun. Hopefully, they’ll remember you.”

“If I Can Dream” is meant to serve as a launching pad for rising stars. When one person gets a gig, such as a new role or record contract, he or she moves out with another dreamer ready to fill the space. The show’s creator, Fuller, even pushes the fan interactivity level up a notch. Fame-seekers at home can audition for future seasons on the show’s MySpace account. Applicants are asked to record a one-minute of video of their “dream statement” and two minutes showcasing their talent.

Get those tripods ready because, like these talented six, this could be your big break.

Killmer, who will soon be graduating from Baylor University as a Theatre Performance major, expresses her advice for college students that are looking to break industry, saying, “I’d encourage anyone to always do something you’re passionate about. College is unique because you have a huge community of people that can support you. Use the connections that you have.”

With a laugh, Gaston adds, “You have to just do it. My advice: Start first, ask questions later.”



For more information, visit ificandream.com.