Get Cast on Reality TV

Reality TV continues to be the hottest trend on television as people race around the world, search for love and battle in the boardroom. From Martha and modeling to Donald and dancing, these popular shows are continuing to heat up the airwaves and sizzle in the ratings.

For your chance at fame, money and love, instead of just sitting at home and watching others rake in the glory, Matthew Robinson, author of How to Get on Reality TV offers up these tricks and tips for getting cast on your favorite reality TV show.

Know your character - whether you’re the sweet and innocent farmer from Iowa or the cut-throat attorney from New York City, know what character you bring to the show and never divert from it once.

Be prepared — Know your shows audition process and be prepared for every step of that process. If you know there’s going to be a live one-on-one interview, know what you’re going to say in advance. Practice auditioning in front of your friends to best prepare for the real thing.

Be an expert on the show you’re auditioning for — know the names of past cast mates, past strategies employed on the show and every bit of trivia your mind can retain. Your enthusiasm as a fan of the show will go a long way to prove your commitment.

Come up with a great audition video — Deliver a well-rehearsed (yet natural feeling) monologue to the camera, or have some fun and take the camera on a tour of your life. Work hard to make your audition video entertaining, honest and memorable. DO NOT resort to nudity or shock value — they’ve seen it all before.

Be a larger than life, Type-A personality — Wall flowers don’t often get cast on Reality TV, so make sure you are enthusiastic, friendly, charming and memorable whenever a Reality TV casting director or producer is nearby.

If you’re auditioning for Survivor, whatever you do, DO NOT sing Destiny Child’s “I’m a Survivor” or Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

Lacking an indoor pool or Jacuzzi is NOT cause to audition for a home Makeover show.

To best prepare for eating bugs and other oddities on shows like Fear Factor and Survivor, DO NOT practice on the real things. The bugs used on Reality TV shows are tested for safe human consumption. If you must, try drinking raw eggs to help build up an iron stomach.

If you’re auditioning for American Idol, before you wait in line for three days, make sure to ask a friend if they think you have a good voice. If your friend says no, most likely you don’t. If that doesn’t stop you from auditioning, be prepared to possibly end up the next William Hung.

With these tips, and a passion for fun, you too could end up being the next reality TV star!