Getting seen at a Reality TV open call means being prepared.
The growing popularity of Reality TV has given many unknown and would be actors almost overnight fame. No wonder that the open call lines get longer and longer with every new season of popular shows such as American Idol and Apprentice.

For established shows such as American Idol, tens of thousands come to the audition hoping for their shot at stardom. Since auditioning that many people is not possible in the few hours scheduled, many get turned away having shown up, yet never even coming close to seeing a casting director.

The key to getting an audition is being prepared. Recognize that competition is incredibly fierce and simply showing up at the time of the audition may not be enough to actually get one.

For many large shows, the lines for the open call start the day before and only the people in the front of that line get in. Many large shows give out wrist bands to the people who lined up early. Once the wristbands run out, so do the chances at an audition for people who came to late to get a wristband. Casting directors know how many people they can see and give out a limited amount of wristbands.

When planning to attend an open call, do your research first. Find out how many attended the previous casting as well as how many actually got in and plan accordingly. Pack everything you may need including any paperwork, a resume, headshots and ID. For large castings, be prepared to spend the night before in line and have a change of clothes available in case you need it.

For new reality shows or castings in smaller towns, arriving a day early may not be necessary. Many castings have a hot line or email address for information. Some have a website or page specially created for the audition that should supply the information needed. Most shows require an application be filled out. Those applications are available on their websites and can be printed out and filled out ahead of time. If an application is available beforehand, filling it out and taking it along may be a good idea. If the show runs out of applications, you’ll be covered and you will not need to waste any time that day filling out paperwork.

As with any other competitive business, arriving early and being well prepared can be the key to success. Success also comes from trying, trying and trying again. Too many people simply throw up an online profile then sit back waiting to be discovered. Thinking you will get discovered that way is foolish. Casting directors will not come to you. You must go to them and be prepared to be that much better than everyone around you.

2 Responses to How To Be Prepared For a Reality TV Casting Call

1. adam niles says:

   August 17, 2012 at 12:56 pm

   Thanks for all the advice. Im trrying to get on a show similar to the colony or the colony. I live in new york where there is plenty of castings. I have all my head shots and portfolio. Could you help?
2. Project Casting says:

   August 17, 2012 at 1:29 pm

   Definitely, check out our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/projectcasting for the latest casting calls, and we will keep you in mind Adam when we come across casting calls in your area!

   Break a Leg!