Reality TV Casting Call

clap board and film reel

Reality TV casting calls are the best way for people to find out which reality TV shows are looking for new participants. Both established and brand new reality shows advertise their contestant searches through casting calls. If you've ever wanted to be on reality TV, it's easy to find these ads online.

Types of Reality TV Casting Calls

Casting calls can come in a wide variety of styles and formats. They can be as simple as a classified ad, or as detailed as a multi-page website devoted solely to recruiting contestants. Shows that have already aired at least one season will have more detailed casting notices, while those that are just starting out will use very general ads.

Open Casting Calls

Another type of reality TV casting call is the open call, or open casting call. The show's staff will post a notice on their official website with dates and locations of the calls, and then a group of staffers will travel around the country in search of applicants.

You don't need to make an appointment for these casting calls. Just show up at the specified location on the correct date, and make sure you take any identification, photographs, or any other items required with you. All requirements will be posted along with the list of open calls.

Arrive early for these open casting calls, because chances are that many people will also want to try out for the show!

When to Find Calls for Established Shows

Shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Big Brother are all established reality TV programs that have aired for several years. These shows usually start recruiting for their next season just as the current season is wrapping up on the air. About a week before the finale, start checking the network's official website for casting notices.

If you can't find the applications, check during the end of the season finale. Most of these well-known shows will announce they're looking for new contestants and let you know exactly where to find the details and forms.

Where to Look Online

Casting notices are posted in lots of different places online. Here are some of the best spots to find them.

  • Reality Wanted - You have to be a member to read the complete listings, but membership is free.
  • SirLinksALot - This site doesn't look like much visually, but it's updated almost daily with new reality TV openings.
  • Craigslist - Brand new shows often use Craigslist to get a pool of potential contestants quickly and inexpensively.
  • Network Websites - Try CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX for starters. The link to the casting calls is usually near the bottom of the front page of the site. Smaller and specialty networks such as Bravo, VH1, and Lifetime have casting calls so don't forget about them.
  • Reality TV Fan Sites - There are many reality TV fan sites out there, so take your time and scope them out to find some that you're comfortable with. Often casting calls are posted in a special section reserved just for that purpose, while sometimes these notices are posted in the forums.

What to Watch Out For

While most reality TV casting notices are on the up and up, there are always scammers who will try to get you to pay for their services, or people who are trying to film a low-budget series that will likely never get off the ground. Here are some things to keep in mind.

  • Never pay to audition for a show or to receive casting call lists. These services are and should be free for everyone.
  • If a casting ad is vague, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions before sending in an application or offering up your personal information.
  • Read all of the terms, conditions, and eligibility rules before applying to be on a reality TV show.

If you're applying for a brand new reality TV show and the casting call is not quite forthcoming with many details about the series, don't automatically assume that it's shady. Oftentimes the creators of these shows want to keep the exact details of the competition a secret at least until filming is underway. Find out the name of the production company and do a search for them online to find out more.

The best thing about reality TV is that ordinary people like you and me all stand a chance to be part of the cast. If you've ever sat on the couch watching your favorite program and thought, "I could do that!" then go ahead and take the next step by browsing through some of these casting calls.