Reality Show Casting Calls

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If you've ever found yourself wondering just how people get on reality TV, keep reading to learn all you need to know about reality show casting calls.

About Reality Show Casting Calls

Open casting calls for reality TV are similar to other casting calls for a scripted series. One difference may be that your acting experience really doesn't matter as much as your personality does, and you really don't need to have any acting skills per se. You just show up to the designated casting call address and are then essentially interviewed to see if you are what the show's producers are looking for.

Most reality TV show producers know exactly what it is they are looking for before the casting call starts, so be sure to do a little bit of research before showing up at the casting call to increase your chances of actually being on the show. Here are a few of the more popular reality TV shows and the type of people for which they are searching:

Wife Swap

Wife Swap often changes the types of wives they're looking for. Sometimes they want a "tough mom," sometimes a "soft mom," or a soccer mom one minute and a musician mom the next. Regardless of what type of mom they're looking for, there are a few guidelines:

  • Applicants must have two parents living at home
  • Families must have at least one child that is aged seven or older
  • All applicants must live in the United States

So You Think You Can Dance

Aside from having obvious dancing skills, in order to be chosen for this popular Fox network show you must also meet the following requirements:

  • A U.S. resident or a legal alien
  • Possess a valid work visa without any work restrictions
  • If you don't have a valid work visa without any restrictions, you must at least be in the process of obtaining one before any callback dates.
  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 34.

The Bachelorette

ABC isn't giving up on this show that rarely - if ever - ends up in a permanent hookup, but here is a partial list of their casting call rules if you're interested:

  • You must be at least 21
  • A U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
  • Must have a valid passport (for travel to Europe)
  • You cannot have ever been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or ever had a restraining order issued against you.
  • You must agree that all information you provide about yourself in your initial application is subject to full and public disclosure.
  • You must sign a death, serious illness and dismemberment waiver.
  • You must agree to be subject to one or any of the following:
    • Background check
    • Credit check
    • Military record check
    • Criminal record check
    • Family court litigation check
    • Civil court litigation check

    If you make it to the semi-finals, you are also subject to a medical history check, a physical exam and an extensive psychological exam. If you've ever watched a dating reality show, it makes you kind of question just how extensive these psychological exams really are, doesn't it?

    Reality TV Casting Sites

    Here are some links to find a whole host of reality show casting calls for hundreds of different existing and new and upcoming reality TV shows:

All of the above listed links feature reality shows on all the major networks. Some casting calls ask for a video tape audition while others want you to show up to the casting call in person. No matter what you do, remember to read all the fine print before signing any contracts. Finally, seriously consider whether you want your life - present and past, including all of your skeletons, stupid mistakes caught on film or photo and every embarrassing moment that was witnessed by one of your friends or family members - available for public dissemination, critique and sometimes, ridicule.