How to Get on a Reality TV Show

Researching the Requirements

Figure out which show would suit you. Think about what you want to bring to the table. If you simply want to show off your personality, look for programs like The Real World or Big Brother where people simply live together while being filmed. If you're looking for something more specific, however, many shows are catered to particular talents. Things like the Amazing Race and Survivor are great if you're athletically inclined. Look into cooking shows, like Hell's Kitchen or Top Chef, if you're a talented cook. If you're a singer, go for a singing competition like The X Factor.

Look up the basic requirements for your chosen show. Requirements are usually listed on a show's website and vary greatly between shows. Most shows have an age requirement, usually requiring candidates to be at least 18, but other shows may have very specific requirements. The Bachelor, for instance requires residents be legal US citizens who are not currently running for political office. If you're not qualified for one show, do not panic. There are many reality shows on the market and you should be able to find one you're eligible to participate in.

Research the audition process. Some shows require you to apply online first, sometimes including a video of yourself. If the show is interested, they'll call you in for an audition. Other shows have open calls in various big cities. So you can begin applying as soon as possible, carefully research the audition process for your chosen show and start gathering the required materials.

Check to make sure filming dates work with your schedule. Most shows require contestants be willing to fully commit to a show if they're chosen. This means you'll need to be on call 24/7 if you want to be a contestant. See when the show will be shooting to make sure you can film without issue. Filming dates are not always publicized. You may want to ask a representative from the show during auditions. However, if you can't find out filming dates, you can always wait to hear back. If the dates don't work for you, you may have to wait until another season to film.

Cultivating Your Talents and Persona

Figure out how to show off your personality. Reality television producers are drawn to people with big personalities. Think about your most notable traits and determine concrete ways you can show these traits off during an audition or in an application. If you're a risk taker, you can send in clips of yourself skydiving or engaging in other risky activities. If you're a funny person, think about jokes you could make or funny videos you could record for an audition or audition tape.

Tap into your unexpected skills and interests. Thousands of people audition for any given reality television program, so figure out a way to make yourself stand out from the bunch. Tap into any unique skills or interests you have that people would not expect. This can really help you stand out. Anything unexpected is great. Say you have a lot of tattoos and piercings but your'e actually a mild-mannered Kindergarten teacher who loves classical music. Producers may love that unexpected twist. Do you have any talents or skills that are unusual? Maybe you speak a rare language or are an experienced woodworker. Producers are always looking for people who bring something new to the table.

Look for a niche role to play. Producers want to bring people in who can create drama and entertainment. Producers prefer contestants who are funny, sexy, or melodramatic. If you fall into one of those roles, figure out ways to play that up. If you're a burlesque dancer professionally, you can definitely use this to market yourself as the sexy one in the house.

Mailing in an Application

Make a tape showcasing your unique talents and skills. Most applications require that you send in a tape. Don't stick to showing yourself sitting in your room talking at a camera. Find a friend, co-worker, or family member who knows how to make videos and shoot out in the world. Capture the most exciting moments of your week on film to make your tape stand out. Say you're auditioning for a singing show. In addition to clips of yourself singing, show yourself hanging out with friends at karaoke nights to make your personality apparent. Narratives tend to sell, so think about a story you can tell with your tape. If you are a cancer survivor, for example, make an audition tape in which you tell the story of your diagnosis and treatment.

Fill out the application carefully. Most shows require that you fill out some kind of application, either online or a paper application. Make sure you fill everything out accurately and legibly. Application generally ask for basic information, like your name, address, and so on.

Get your application in early. The sooner you apply, the better. If your application gets in early, it may get reviewed before swarms of other applications overwhelm producers. Send in your application well before the deadline to increase your odds of getting on reality TV.

Auditioning for a Program

Look for casting calls near you. Open auditions are often held in major cities, although sometimes shows may open up casting to smaller communities. Check your chosen program's website to look for auditions near you. You may have to travel to the closest major city for an audition, so be ready to make some travel plans.

Arrive early. Casting calls usually have instructions regarding when to arrive. Aim to arrive a few hours earlier than the recommended time, as many people will show up to try to audition. You'll increase your chances of getting called in to audition if you beat the rush.

Bring everything you need. You may need to bring in things like photo IDs, head shots, and even a paper application. Open calls usually don't have a sign up list, but in some cases you may have to sign up ahead of time. This means you may have to upload these materials online before auditioning. Make sure you read the list of things you'll need closely. You don't want to ruin your audition by arriving without a key piece of paperwork.

Wear a memorable outfit. Avoid wearing things like gimmicky costumes, as producers may be put off by this. Remember, reality TV is based in your real life. However, make sure you pick something memorable that shows off the personality you're trying to convey at the audition. Maybe you're trying to market yourself as a down to earth country girl. Don't show up dressed a cowboy, but flannel and cowboy boots can help you make your persona apparent.

Be polite to producers and staff. Your audition starts as soon as you enter the room. Being rude or short with producers decreases the likelihood you'll get a part. If you're rude to staff initially, you may not get to audition at all. Always thank producers and staff for taking the time to watch you audition and follow their instructions closely.

Warm up in the waiting room. You may be waiting for hours before you actually audition, so use this time wisely. Review any notes you have and practice any skills you're showing off, like singing or dancing. Bring light snacks and water so you can keep your energy up and go into the audition ready to impress. Make sure not to be disruptive while you're warming up, however, as this can irritate staff or others in the waiting room.

Make your personality clear during the audition. Remember, reality shows thrive on contestants with big personalities. Remember the personality you cultivated earlier and show that off throughout the audition. If you're marketing yourself as the funny, quirky one, open your audition by cracking a joke that uses a nerdy or obscure reference.

Try again next time if you don't succeed. Thousands of people show up for auditions when there's an open casting call. You may not get a call back and, in some cases, you may not get to audition at all. This can be frustrating, but it's a tough process. Rejection is not usually a reflection of you. Try again at the next open call if things don't work out this time.