Women eager for a spot on the ABC reality dating show "The Bachelor" — and the trips to exotic locales, evening dresses and potentially a husband to go with it — lined up to audition in downtown Chandler on Saturday.

Soho63, a stylish wedding venue where the casting call was held, was bursting with energy. Pop music blasted and bright lights flashed as women lined up to take their shot at true love. A bar and a massage station were available for those feeling under pressure.

Tiana Smith said she was inspired to try out for the show to “get out of her shell.”

After being diagnosed with lupus more than 15 years ago, Smith said she is currently in end-stage renal failure and is on dialysis.

“It’s definitely been a battle,” Smith said.

No stranger to auditioning for reality television — Smith tried out for "American Idol" last year — she said she is “definitely interested in finding love.”

“This is something that I can look forward to," Smith said. "I’m not letting my health get me down. Because for the longest time, I always felt like being ill limited me to finding anyone to be with, finding a significant other because they wouldn’t understand, so I just think my background brings a unique part of me to ('The Bachelor').”

What 'Bachelor' is looking for

Women have attempted to find love on "The Bachelor" since 2002.

Casting producer Kelli Kendal said producers come to Arizona every year looking for contestants who will compete for a final rose from the eligible man, whose identity has not been announced.

More than 300 women auditioned in 2018 and the total was expected to exceed that this year, said Sheldon Larson, who helped with the event's marketing.

When contestants arrive, they fill out paperwork and are given a number, Larson said.

Then they participate in group interviews. Kendal said the main goal is to find out why the contestants want to find love on the show.

“We just want people to be themselves,” she said.

A chance to 'live in the moment'

Kalie Stayskal, a first-grade teacher, said she came because her co-workers encouraged her and she is “open to the experience” of being on the show.

“I would just take it in for what it is and live in the moment,” she said.

Jenny Dickman was holding her dog, Lily, in her arms. The 32-year-old realtor said she takes her everywhere.

“She’s my sidekick,” Dickman said.

As for why she chose to audition for the show, Dickman said after not meeting anyone online, she decided to take a different path toward finding love.

“My friends and family all sent me the link, and I took it as a sign that maybe I should go,” she said.

“I’m looking really for a connection and really human-to-human connection, and that’s why I hated online dating,” Dickman said.

You might find 'a really great person you love at the end'

Emily Carter, 25, said if she were to make it on the show, she would want to learn more about herself.

“I think everybody leaves 'The Bachelor' knowing so much more about how they handle really intense situations and jealousy ... and (you might find) a really great person you love at the end of that,” Carter said.

Kyla Nielsen, a dental receptionist, said appearing on a show like “The Bachelor” is a good indicator of being adventurous.

"I want someone to go on adventures with me and have a good time. And if they did ('The Bachelor'), then they’re already willing to do a lot,” Nielsen said.

Melody Hendricks of Gilbert said if she is chosen for the show, it would be a transformational experience.

“Worst-case scenario, they don’t call me back,” Hendricks said. “Best-case scenario, it’ll probably change my life.”

Hendricks said she doesn’t want to force anything if she makes the cast of Season 25.

"If there’s natural chemistry, I’m absolutely for it,” she said. “But I just want to go and have fun.”