How do I Get on a Reality Show

How do I get on a reality show? It’s a question that is on many people's minds.

Reality shows can make stars!

Reality shows have been great launching platforms for the careers of a laundry list of past contestants. Plus, some people simply crave the experience of being on camera. Whatever your reason for shooting for reality show stardom, here is what you need to know about landing a spot on a reality program.

The first step to getting picked to appear on a reality show is the application process. Sometimes shows have applications that you must complete to be considered for a cast. Other times, casting is done through open calls.

Open calls, sometimes called casting calls, are auditions that are open to the general public. Larger, more established programs often hold open calls at various locations across the country while shows with a smaller budget may hold only hold a single open call in their city of production. If you don’t live near an open call location you will need to travel there at your own expense to attend the audition. Even if you are selected to move on to the next round of casting, don’t expect your travel expenses to be reimbursed.

Each show has their own approach to holding open calls, but generally speaking, expect to be interviewed and vetted by producers. You may also be required to fill out an application or questionnaire to provide more insight into your background and personality. If the show has a judging panel, you may be asked to meet with them as well.

The open call experience that most people are familiar with is the televised audition process for American Idol. The nature of the open call you attend may not mirror the Idol auditions you have seen on TV, but the Idol auditions do give you a general idea of what to expect. Note that not all shows broadcast their open calls, and you may not like the picture painted of yourself if your audition is shown.

You can find out about reality show applications and open calls on network websites, websites for your favorite shows and the website Reality Wanted.

You will either get stopped at the open call level or be asked to continue into future casting rounds. Again, each show has its own way of handling the process, but you will usually have to go through more meetings with producers and maybe even medical and psychological exams. Casting is usually done by making several rounds of cuts. You may have to pay for your own transportation to meetings with producers in early stages, but the company will usually start picking up the tab if you make it to the semi-finals and beyond.

There is a certain amount of luck in being chosen to appear on a reality show, but there are things you can do to improve your chances:

• Forget trying to sell yourself as a certain character to the producers. Even if you are very familiar with the show and think you know the kind of person they want to cast, you can’t predict who producers are trying to find. Being yourself is the best bet.

• Be flexible about the shows you try out for. Even if your endgame is to get on The Real World, show up for open calls for other MTV shows that you qualify for. You may not get picked, but you will get an idea of how things work during casting calls and you may meet producers who can help you in the future.

• Come to casting calls prepared. If you are asked to bring a headshot, resume, application or anything else, have it ready to go. If the show you are auditioning before is not new, be familiar with past seasons so you can explain to the show producers why you’re trying out and why you think you can fit into the cast.

Above all else, remember that producers want to see your personality, so be confident and let your real self come through.

• Kelly Osbourne Pics
• Kourtney Kardashian Pics
• Lauren Conrad Pics

• What Couples are Still Together from The Bachelor
• Rock of Love Bus
• CBS Survivor Application
• Kate Gosselin
• Jon and Kate Plus Eight

• Reality Show Applications
• Reality Show Auditions
• History of Reality Television
• Reality Show Casting Calls
• Reality Television Facts