Reality TV Applications

Reality TV applications are all that stand between you and reality TV stardom. If you crave the fame – or the infamy – of appearing on a reality TV show, here’s the lowdown on the application process.

The first rule of reality TV show applications is you do not talk about reality TV show applications. OK, things might not be quite that extreme, but those who do make the reality TV cut sign confidentiality agreements that prevent them from discussing all of the hoops they had to jump through to make it on the show in detail. After all, no successful reality show wants to give up their magic formula for choosing just the right participants. These shows rise and fall on the “characters” that are on the show, so selecting the perfect mix is the quintessential ingredient. Revealing too much of the process would be like revealing a plot line.

However, while there is a great deal more to landing a spot on a reality show than simply filling out an application, we are able to get some insight in to the early stages of the process. Here are a few generalizations that apply to the vast majority of reality TV shows:

• Applications are not accepted on a continual basis. Most shows announce that they are casting for a new season and accept applications for a set amount of time.

• There are several stages of the application process. Usually there is an initial Q&A application, then a more detailed application for those who make it through the first cull, and so on. Eventually, interviews with producers enter the picture, and as the group narrows, the process itself becomes more confidential.

• A health exam and a psychological evaluation are a part of nearly every reality TV show casting procedure.

Of course, not every show works this way. Some shows, like Real Housewives of Orange County get some of their cast through word of mouth, and some shows, like American Idol and Flavor of Love, have found cast members by traveling the country holding auditions. Keeping in mind that various shows may have application procedures that involve something specific to their program, like a cooking audition for Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen or intense examination of your academic credentials for The Apprentice. In other words, applications aren’t always straight Q&A, personality type documents, so if you can’t cook, don’t think you’ll slide into the Top Chef kitchen on charm alone!

By far, the best place to get an application for a reality TV show is to visit the website for the program or the website of the production company (which you will see listed in the credits when you are watching the show). Because applications generally aren’t accepted on a rolling basis, this means you’ll need to keep an eye on the website on a regular basis to make sure you don’t miss anything.

A few websites in the past have tried to aggregate all of the applications into one spot, but the task has so far proven too large to handle and where you do find these websites, they’re incomplete and outdated at best.

Also, keep an eye out in the entertainment press, like celebrity gossip mags and the arts section your local paper. More and more, larger reality TV shows are announcing when they are casting in these outlets.

Here are a few tips to help you land your spot in front of the camera:

• Do some research before you apply. Every show has their own “thing” they’re looking for, and while you’ll never really know for sure, you can get a pretty good idea by watching past seasons. That doesn’t mean you should try to be “this season’s (insert famous cast member name).” Instead, find a show that is looking for someone like you instead of adapting your personality to what you think they want.

• Get yourself camera ready. Many applications require you to send in a video of yourself, and others might require you to reply in person. Practice being natural and comfortable in front of a camera so you don’t seize up when you see it pointed at you during auditions.

• Don’t lie on your application. They run extensive background checks, so it won’t get you anywhere.

• Let your personality shine! While they’ll sniff you out in 3 seconds flat if you’re trying to “act,” that doesn’t mean you should be a wallflower. Make sure you give them a taste of the real you. After all, this is REALITY TV!

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