Reality television can be intense, and that intensity is what makes a show like "The Real World" so fun to watch. But it might not be fun great to live through. There are positives to being on the show: minor celebrity, a beautiful house, the chance to find love and to live in a major city, at least for a few months. But the drawbacks are many: virtually no privacy, cameras watching you 24 hours a day, being the at the mercy of sometimes-brutal editors and the fact that everything on "The Real World" is seen by millions of viewers, including friends and family.
The only requirement to be on "The Real World" is to be between the ages of 18 and 24. Auditioners should think about what the casting team is looking for. Most "Real World" cast members have fit into certain stereotypes over the show's 20-odd seasons. The flamboyant gay roommate, the weird roommate, the small-town innocent, the fraternity boys and sorority girls--all have lived under the MTV roof at some point. As a potential cast member, you will want to focus on these personality traits during the tryout; consequently, you must also realize that typecasting is possible. Be personable and answer questions honestly. Do what you can to be memorable.
People trying out for "The Real World" need to either attend a casting call or mail in an audition tape. Locations of live casting calls are posted on MTV's casting Web site. Make sure to follow all the directions listed on the Web site before making the tape or attending a call. Tapes that do not meet specifications will likely be rejected. Make sure that the tape is of high enough quality to be viewed; eliminate background noise and use flattering lighting. Then, be sure to look the part: The Real World is a fun, casual show, so dress appropriately to your personality. Remember, the casting crew has probably watched thousands of tapes and seen as many live auditions, so be honest but also interesting. Emphasize things like an unusual job, a unique family situation or a meaningful life event that would make a person good for a show like "The Real World." Think about previous cast members on the show: Some were models, some were musicians, poets, artists or had other unlikely careers--remember Puck the bicycle messenger and Jon the cowboy? Finally, don't apply though multiple venues for the same show. Those who attend a live casting call do not need to send in a tape.