St. Louis collegiates will soon have their chance to be immortalized on basic cable. On Tuesday, April 3, there will be an open casting call for the granddaddy of reality television: MTV’s The Real World.
Casting directors will be looking for seven spunky youths for The Real World’s 20th installment (the 19th season is currently being filmed in Sydney). This time around, the casting directors hope to find people who are looking to work in entertainment or media, hinting that this season’s location will be a vibrant metropolitan city. However, life goals aren’t a necessity. As always, casting directors will be looking for dynamic individuals who capture attention and exude intriguing energy.
In an exclusive interview, Damon Furberg, a supervising casting director who has been working with The Real World since its 12th season in Las Vegas, gave more insight into the casting process and what separates a Real World natural from the rest of the pack.
Furberg said that the first part of the casting process is a group interview, in which 10 applicants interact and play games under the watchful eye of a casting director, who serves as a “camp counselor” at that point. He said that spotting potential candidates in this crowded setting is not as difficult as it may seem. “[We’re looking for] the kind of people who would stand out in any situation,” he said. “You can’t learn a person’s life story . [we’re interested in] people who stand out immediately.”
The 20th season’s interest in people who have compelling life goals is not a publicity stunt, but an effort to return to the formula that initially made The Real World appealing. “We want to do a season where we get back to the roots of the show . [focusing on people with] fully formed lives,” Furberg said. “We want to see people have a little more direction.” Don’t fret if you don’t have a career course mapped out at 20: “It’s not a do or die thing . [but] it’s nice to have,” Furberg said.
That’s not to say previous seasons haven’t been worthwhile. Furberg was quick to dismiss the idea that The Real World cast has become a collection of stereotypes in stilettos and hair extensions. “Stereotypes are something we’re trying to fight against because they’re boring,” he said. Furberg went on to say that, while people in the house may cast themselves in stereotypical roles, “interesting contradictions” are always preferred. “The only thing that we’re actually doing is putting a diverse cast together,” he said.
The people who fit best within that diverse cast are those who don’t mind a little self-disclosure, Furberg said. “If you’re going into this experience trying to conceal yourself, you’re not meant for the show.”
At its core, Furberg sees The Real World as a coming-of-age story ripped from real life. “The show is about watching people grow up,” he said. The most interesting television comes from people at “turning points in their lives” with “decisions to make.”
Applicants who make it to the house should expect to compete against thousands in a casting process which can last up to five months. “I hate for those [big] numbers to intimidate people,” Furberg said. “People should not be afraid to audition. I’m excited we’re coming to St. Louis,” he added. “You guys are overdue.”
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 are encouraged to attend the open casting call at Harry’s Restaurant and Bar (2144 Market St.) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. They should bring a current picture and photo ID. Applicants who can’t make it in person are advised to visit www.bunim-murray.com for information on sending an audition tape.
