Reality Show Auditions

If you've ever read about or watched any of the televised reality show auditions, you know that just about anyone can try out for one of these programs. For some, however, the stress and anxiety of answering the casting call is worse than actually participating in the reality show itself!

Everyone, at one time or another, has thought about auditioning for a reality television show. They may have felt that their singing was superior to those trying out for American Idol, or their cooking skills outranked those participating on The Next Food Network Star. Whatever the case, most people do have what it takes to try out for at least one reality show. Whether they are strong enough to actually make it as an actual participant, though, is another story.

If you are serious about auditioning for a reality television show, you must first decide which program would be best fit your personality and lifestyle. Do you want to travel the world as they do The Amazing Race? Or would you prefer to land a white-collar job and work with Donald Trump on The Apprentice? To better understand about what casting calls and auditions entail, you must first know that there are several different types of reality shows:

• Documentary
• Competition/Game
• Makeover/Self-Improvement
• Hidden camera
• Dating
• Talk
• Social experiment
• Celebrity
• Renovation

Once you've decided on what your needs are, then choose a show; there are plenty out there. Get online and take a look at that show's website. Read up on articles and reviews about the show. Learn as much as you can before even consider answering the casting call. For most shows, your next step would be to fill out an application, which may or may not include producing a short videotape about your quest. Then you wait. If a producer likes what he or she sees, you will called to audition.

Your reality show audition will be catered to the type of show you choose. For instance, on American Idol, you will be asked to sing at least one song a cappella during the initial few auditions. However, during an audition for The Biggest Loser, prospective participants will have to prove through their plea on a videotape to producers and network officials why a television show will help them lose weight. Yet during a casting call for I Want to Work for Diddy, participants have to show through a series of tasks why working for a celebrity such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, is what they want to do.

Some auditions will require you to be physically and mentally fit, while others are just looking for individuals who have a story to tell. You don't have to be rich or be well-educated to try out for these shows, but you do have to have a desire to win. Many of grand prizes offered on some of more popular reality shows can be up $1 million. You can find audition dates for your favorite reality shows by checking out the networks' websites or the site of the specific show. Audition dates change from year to year, so make sure you frequently check for updates.

There are a few things to remember about auditioning for a reality TV show:

• Don't audition just to audition; you may be taking someone's place who really is qualified to be a participant.
• Realize that if you pass the audition, you may be required to take a drug test, as well as a battery of other exams.
• You may be required to fly out to another part of the United States to try out -- at your own expense.
• If you don't think you will be able to take an extended leave of absence from work, then don't audition.
• For shows that require you to travel in or out of the country, make sure you have a valid driver's license and passport.
• Background checks will most likely be conducted; if you have something in your life that you don't want shared or revealed, then don't apply.
• Understand that most shows will ask you to sign a waiver releasing the network of all liabilities if you get sick or injured.
• Don't lie or embellish on your application or during the audition; it may catch up with you.

While auditioning for a reality show can be fun, it can be quite trying. Expect that even if you are picked to appear on the show, it won't be all fun and games. The producers are trying to drive up the show's ratings by getting the most exciting and competitive guests. On many of the shows, the cameras are rolling most of the time, so your good side, as well as your bad side can be exposed. And while thousands apply to be on a show, remember, only a select few get chosen, so don't be disappointed if you are turned away on your first attempt.

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