Friday, November 28, 2008

How to Get Selected to Participate in a Reality Show

By Amy Nutt

With television turning more and more toward reality shows, it has opened up the world of entertainment to you and me, common viewers. Suddenly, anyone can participate in show biz, but you are going to have a lot of competition. So, how do you manage to get selected to participate in a reality show? There are a few tricks that will help put you in the running.

Read the Instructions

The most important part of trying out for a reality tv show is to make sure that you read all the instructions first. These will go over the rules and what is required of you, a potential participant. Since a lot of people will mess this simple step up and not follow all the rules, leaving some things out, you`ll find that you have a far better chance of beating out the competition if you ensure that your application conforms to everything they`ve asked for.

Practice, Practice, Practice

If you are aiming for a reality show that requires some talent, like American Idol or America`s Next Top Model, then you need to start practicing now. Learn that song by heart and work out all the kinks before the audition. Strut your stuff up and down your living room until you have the diva walk down. Previous episodes of the reality show will give you pointers on how you can improve.

Prepare

This might sound suspiciously like the previous tip, but there is a difference. While practice might make perfect, you will find that some reality shows like Project Runway, will require you to have things prepared. For example, you`ll need to have some very well made garments ready to show the judges if you`re going to be trying out for Project Runway!

Getting some credentials might help, as well. For example, many cooking shows look for chefs who have already studied and possibly even worked in a restaurant or two. You`ll notice the token non-chefs in each show, but the majority of them have some credentials. This is all part of preparing for the audition process.

Make a Killer Application Video

Most reality shows require you to send in an application video before you will even be considered for an audition. There are a few things to keep in mind for the video. Don`t be boring. If you just stand there and talk or sing, chances are you`ll be eliminated before you even get a face to face.

Be creative. The best videos are ones that show you from a unique angle and that capture the judges` interest right from the beginning. This isn't always easy, but if you are serious about getting on the reality show, then you can put in the time required to brainstorm a great video idea.

Keep it clean. A risqu? video might catch their attention, but in general, shows aren`t going to be looking for the person with the best dirty joke or who bares all. Stay a little on the conservative side while having fun and you`ll be more likely to get in.

Confidence Counts

Judges are far more likely to approve someone who is confident and friendly and who doesn't flip out over a little criticism, so take it easy.

There are many things that will help you get accepted for a reality show, but the best way to get on one is to simply make sure you meet the requirements that reality tv casting agencies look for. You might enjoy watching Top Chef, but if you've never cooked a meal in your life, it`s probably not the best one to apply for. Instead, do your research and fill out your application carefully, following all the rules. - 16651

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