Casting directors for the infamous reality show The Real World are coming to Tampa in search of unique individuals to be members of the show’s 30th season. Each season, a diverse group of seven 18 to 24-year-olds is chosen to be a part of the show and have every aspect of their lives filmed for everyone to see. No shame, no secrets––their lives become an open book.
On April 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the casting directors will be at Hooter’s at Channelside, eager to meet the prospective new reality stars. As for the kinds of people who fit the part, Senior Casting Director Martin Booker described some of the qualities he looks for in the cast members.
“I look for someone who has a big personality, but the big personality doesn’t mean crazy, it just means that they’re them authentically and they are able to kind of communicate who they are and they’re opinionated, they’re dynamic,” Booker said. “I look for people who have that special quality, people who have gone through certain things in life that I think make them interesting.”
Ryan Deitrich, a 22-year-old junior finance major at UT, plans to be one of the 300 expected applicants in line at Hooter’s on April 5.
“I think the auditions coming to Tampa is a great idea because the young 20s population will be a very attractive demographic to The Real World’s casting,” Deitrich said. “I will be trying out as it is a good opportunity to learn exactly what the real world is all about and for them to hear my story.”
According to Booker, the directors usually visit around 20 cities in their search, depending on where they went the previous time and what cities have worked well in the past. Depending on the size of the city, the number of applicants differs in each place, but they are expecting about 300 in Tampa.
Bobby Goodman, a 21-year-old senior writing major at UT, is also planning on trying out and believes he would be a great candidate.
“I think I would be great as a reality TV star,” Goodman said. “Being from the Jersey Shore, I’d really like to show the world we’re not all muscle-building meatheads like we’ve been portrayed as. Plus, I like being on camera.”
All applicants are advised to show up early and bring a photo ID. For those who will not be available to attend Tampa’s casting but are still interested in being on the show, applications are also available online.
The best advice Booker can give for coming into The Real World auditions is to be genuine and not overthink the interview.
“Come being the best you, I’m not necessarily looking for the craziest, I’m looking for the best version on you,” Booker said.
Sonny Billote can be reached at sonny.billotte@spartans.ut.edu