How to Get on Reality TV

Knowing how to get on reality TV will give you an edge over others applying to be on the same show. Besides learning which type of reality show you are best suited for, you can figure out if you really want to expose your life to a national television audience. 

The first step in becoming a contestant on a reality television program is knowing what kind of show you want to be on. Not all shows are made for everyone, therefore, it is best to determine early on what your strengths -- and weaknesses -- are as a contestant.  For instance, if you are looking for a reality show to help you lose weight, your best bet may be The Biggest Loser instead of The Amazing Race. If you love to sing and dance, but know that the latter is your strong suit, then try your luck at So You Think You Can Dance or America's Got Talent. Some styles of reality include:

• Documentary: These shows document or journal a person's life either in a small or large group setting and are usually filmed in a special living environment. Contestants can be everyday people or celebrities.
• Elimination: Games shows are a good example of elimination or competition reality shows. Contestants are normally eliminated after losing a round of the game or leg of the race.
• Self-improvement: Looking to update your wardrobe or even your self-image? This type of show can help you improve yourself with the help of experts.
• Renovation:  Home improvement or interior design shows would fall into this category.
• Dating: Meet the man or woman of your dreams on this type of show.  
• Talk show:  One of the longest-running styles of reality programming, a talk show lets guests (not really contestants) air their views and/or grievances on national television.
• Pranks: Practical jokes are all the rage on these types of shows; they cater to both celebrities and everyday individuals equally.

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a reality show is to watch it. If it's a long-running series, such as Survivor or Big Brother, take the time and review all of the season's episodes. Study the contestants and learn as much as you can about them. Memorize their bios: How did they get on the show? What do they have that you don't? Some other tips you should follow include:

• Know the show's focus
• Be open to suggestions from the show's producers
• Be prepared to really fight for what you want
• Don't be a "know-it-all"
• Memorize all of the show's rules and regulations
• Suck it up and don't quit
• Realize you may need to take a physical and mental exam, as well as a drug test
• Be confident
• Be prepared to take a leave of absence from work or school
• Save enough money to travel to and from the casting calls
• Be truthful when filling out the application
• Make sure the application is complete 

Once you've learned all there is to know about your prospective reality show, the next aspect is attending the casting call. This is the last big step in finding out how to get on the reality TV program of your choice. Most shows list casting calls on their websites, and in some instances, hold auditions in various cities throughout the United States, as is the case with American Idol. During a casting call, you should:

• Really want to be there -- don't audition just because it sounds like fun; you may be taking the spot of someone who deserves to be there
• Make sure your driver's license and passport are up-to-date as some shows may require you to drive or even go out of the country
• Not lie about your background or abilities as it will come back to haunt you later on
• Be positive about yourself; if you feel you should be a reality show contestant then let it show through your words and actions
• Not be late and expect to spend at least one full day doing an audition
• Not complain about the show or speak negatively about it
• Know who past winners are (if applicable)
• Wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes since you may be standing around for a long period of time
• Be sociable and make friends -- you may need them for alliances later on
• Be prepared to talk about yourself and your background, including your friends, family, schooling and any type of criminal history you may have
• Give the judges a reason to pick you -- find a good way to stand out from the rest of the contestants, whether it's through your singing ability, lifestyle or even just your personality

The good thing about reality shows is that if they are a hit, you can bet there will be more auditions. If you don't make it the first time, figure out what you did wrong and try again next time or try a different show. Reality shows will be around for awhile and new ones are always popping up.

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