BRAVO will be scouting talent for a gay dating reality show at Barfly’s VIP room on Thursday. It’s all part of a new gay-night-in-straight-clubs called VENEM. The Red Party on Thursday night costs $5 and you get that chance to appear on Straight 2 My Heart, a dating reality show starring LA media/modeling mogul Craig “Oryon” Damon. Yes, THAT Craig “Oryon” Damon. It’s okay, I’ve never heard of him either.

Casting for Straight 2 My Heart will begin at 8 pm during the Red Party hosted by VENEM, which bills itself as “your newest option for gay nightclubs in the Twin Cities. Add the poison to YOUR nightlife.” I hadn’t heard of VENEM either, but I gather it’s an attempt to fill the void left by the popular Krave at Karma organized by DJ Richard Red who has relocated to South Africa with him. According to a Craigslist posting, here’s how the reality show portion of the night will go down:

Contestants will get the chance to vie for Craig’s attention while living in the Hollywood lap of luxury (MANSION INCLUDED). The show is coming to Minneapolis on February 11, 2010 for casting, starting at 8pm. They’ll be in the VIP room of Barfly (711 Hennepin ave.) during The Red Party, so wear you most festive Valentine’s Day attire. The producers are looking for gay men (of all types) between the ages of 18-35, so don’t be shy. To solidify a spot for audition send an email to [email protected] and/or RSVP to The Red Party on Facebook.

I emailed VENEM a few weeks ago, but the organizers didn’t respond to my request.

The reality show has apparently been in the works for a few years — at least according to a Lavender article about Oryon from 2008.

Oryon’s website has this to say about the show:

Never before has there been a more outrageous, more unpredictable show than Straight 2 My Heart.

It’s the new reality show with a BIG twist. Watch as former teen heartthrob “Oryon” launches a new CD, tour and music video, plus witness his day to day struggles (including a shocking surprise you won’t want to miss). All of this while running a successful modeling agency (surrounded by HOT models). And most importantly, while hoping to find love in a house filled with some very unlikely and very colorful characters.

One part reality show + One part dating show = Two Parts WILD and entertaining!

Oryon got some small breakthroughs in recent years with his songs appearing on The O.C. and Six Feet Under. Here’s the music video for his song I WIll: