So you want to star on “The Real World”

Think you can keep it real? Pitt students now have a chance to participate in the 21st season… Think you can keep it real? Pitt students now have a chance to participate in the 21st season of MTV’s “The Real World.” There will be an open casting call Saturday at Boomerang’s from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Real World,” credited as the first modern reality show, features seven strangers stuck in a house together while cameras record their lives. A location has yet to be determined for the 21st season, but Pittsburgh isn’t out of the question. Just what are casting directors looking for?

In a telephone interview with The Pitt News, Damon Furberg, the supervising casting director, said “We’re looking for some people who are passionate about things going on in the world around them, be it a political cause, or the environment or a social issue.” Basically, MTV is attempting to take “The Real World” a little deeper than they did in previous seasons.

Furberg is still looking for the typical personalities of any reality show cast. “We’re always looking for people that are very outgoing, people that are interested in other people around them, people that have interesting life stories,” he said.

“People should not be intimidated to show up,” Furberg said, “It’s a very informal, very laid-back process.”

Everyone at the open call will be divided into groups of 10, after which each group’s members will spend time discussing their lives and personalities with the casting directors.

“It’s kind of like summer camp,” Furberg said, “it’s like ice breakers.”

If you are selected from the casting call, you’ll be asked to return for subsequent, in-depth interviews. Those who cannot attend an open casting call can apply online or send a tape. Furberg said that each applicant, regardless of the method used to apply, will receive the same amount of attention from the casting directors.

He explained that one method may be more beneficial than another for different applicants.

“If you are somebody that has a really interesting story but you’re afraid you’re not going to stand out in a crowd, submitting online or sending a tape in is probably your best bet,” he said.

“If you’re somebody who does have that big personality and you do stand out in a crowd, then a casting call is the way to go.”

Furberg advised that it’s always a good idea to arrive early, but everyone who shows up gets a chance.