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Not everyone has the opportunity to be on a hit-television show, but MTV is giving those living in Denver a chance to apply in person at open casting calls.
Casting for MTV’s hit show The Real World, season 24, will take place this Saturday at Hooters on 1390 S. Colorado Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24 aand only need to bring a photo ID and a recent photo.
More importantly, applicants need to focus on being themselves and relax.
“The first suggestion I would make is don’t be desperate,” said Damon Furberg, supervising casting director for the show.
“I’m only half joking, when I say that, but it’s not an attractive quality in anybody and certainly when applying for these shows.”
A couple hundred people are expected to show up to Denver’s casting call and usually around 20,000 people apply each season, according to Furberg.
Only around 10 percent of people apply in person and 80 percent of those who get on the show are selected from the open casting calls.
“People shouldn’t be intimidated to try out because of the numbers,” Furberg said. “As long as you believe there is something interesting about you that will shine through.”
Since so many people apply, casting directors see people in groups of 10 sitting at a table.
“Having people in a group like that, it benefits us and we can see how they interact with each other,” Furberg said.
“There are no specific questions. We give the casting directors a lot of latitude of how they want to do it.”
The interview process is not traditional, it is more interactive. Some examples of what casting directors may ask applicants to do are play party games, like two truths and a lie, or discuss a debate topic, said Furberg.
Depending on how many people show up, interviews can be a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 24 minutes.
“We’re very careful to be respectful of the fact that everyone has waited in line. Make sure everyone gets the chance to say something,” said Furberg.
As this is not a professional interview process, people should dress casually.
“Be comfortable. If someone shows up with everything hanging out everywhere, they are just trying to get your attention,” Furberg said. “I’m not saying they need to wear a turtle neck sweater or anything but dress comfortably.”
Furberg said sometimes they see people dressed in costumes. Though it gets their attention for a second, there is probably a reason behind why they did that, and it may be because they are not that interesting on their own.
“It’s not necessary, as long as you’re an interesting person, and you have that charismatic personality, you could wear a garbage bag and we’d remember you,” Furberg said. “But don’t actually wear a garbage bag.”
Currently, the location of the next season is unknown. There are two seasons a year, and the location will not be decided until filming for season 23 in Washington, D.C. is done.
Take it from someone who has been casting for The Real World for the last 12 seasons, the number one thing is to stay relaxed, said Furberg.
“Don’t take it so seriously that you freeze up and don’t live up to your full potential,” Furberg said. “We are looking for the diamond in the rough.”
It is possible to apply via e-mail. For more information about applying electronically, visit bunim-murray.com.
