Casting Call for America's Next Top Model

Wondering what happens on a casting call for America's Next Top Model? Although the casting call is not the only way to get onto the show, they are becoming more and more popular as the chosen method with show hopefuls. Casting calls draw thousands of model wannabes looking for their chance to end up in front of the judging panel and maybe even to take home the top prize.

Casting calls for America’s Next Top Model do not work that differently from other casting calls. First, you will line up with your fellow potential contestants for a chance to meet with a group of show representatives. It’s a good idea to get there as early as possible. This may even mean camping out at the audition site, but being near from the front of the line means you will be meeting the show reps while they are still fresh. Plus, it could save you many hours of waiting around.

Your first meeting with the show’s team will involve answering a few questions, submitting an application and showing off your model walk. You won’t be meeting with producers alone at this point. They will take small groups in at a time. After this meeting, you may be cut, or you may proceed to the next round.

If you make it past the first round of cuts, you will get to meet with the top producers of the show. The show handles this round of casting in different ways, but it is possible you may even meet with Tyra Banks and her fellow judges in this round. You will again need to answer questions and show off your catwalking skills.

If you make it past this cut, you will be promoted to the semi-finals casting call. At this stage, you will be required to travel, at your own expense, to whatever casting call the producers assign you to. If you haven’t encountered Tyra and company yet, you will at this casting call. The process is essentially the same – you will have to answer questions and perform modeling related tasks.

After the semi-finals cut, the top group of contestants visits Los Angeles for the final casting, this time at the expense of the show. Expect more of the same – questions and tasks. The cast will be selected from this group.

To the first open casting call, you will need to bring a completed application form, a signed release giving the network permission to use your image and likeness and a signed waiver releasing the network from any responsibility should you be injured. You can download all of these documents from the CW website.

Note that only mail applications require a videotape. If you are attending an open casting call in person, you only need to have the paperwork completed.

The competition to land a spot on the show is fierce, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of surviving the cuts. Keep these tips in mind:

• Answer questions honestly. Don’t assume you know what the show producers are looking for in a cast – in most cases, casts grow organically and don’t follow a specific formula. Plus, when you’re trying to play a character, the producers can usually tell.

• Dress comfortably for the event. Show off your own fashion sense rather than trying to wear something you think the producers want to see. There is no need to go overboard in high fashion or overly revealing outfits.

• The producers will want an idea of your natural look, so tons of makeup and intricate hair dos won’t work in your favor.

In March 2009, an America’s Next Top Model casting call made the news after several show hopefuls were injured in a stampede. A car overheated outside of the venue, and rumors of a bomb passed through the crowd. As people were trying to get out, a stampede ensued and several people were trampled. In the wake of the event, the show vowed to improve security and restrict the size of the crowd for the open calls.

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