Reality TV shows can offer some unknown actors and performers the once in a lifetime chance to find their place in the public eye. Since the onset of Survivor a countless number of reality shows have sprung into production on every major network and cable channel. Reality shows are cheap to produce, flexible, and well-liked by the American public. Most people have adapted in the last five years to watching reality shows and competitions like American Idol the same way they used to watch big-budget scripted shows like Lost or Law & Order. Reality TV stars have achieved the same status as television actors and often crossover into other realms of entertainment. The downside is that everyone thinks they're a star waiting to be discovered, even if they don't actually have any particular talent. So it'll be up to you to outshine them at the audition, and you'll have a definite advantage if you know some of the basics.

Reality TV shows vary widely in their format and audience. Some are basic human interest shows, like The Real World, and just show people living and interacting. On the other side of the fence, you have shows like Fear Factor that make "regular" people do outrageous and often disgusting things for entertainment. Somewhere in the middle are shows, like American Idol and America's Next Top Model, which in theory pick contestants based on raw talent and then build a "real life" styled story based on the competitions and contestants personalities. If you're serious about using a reality television show to jumpstart your career, you should try to stay away from the Fear Factor type shows. Tom Cruise never appeared on TV eating a handful of maggots. That kind of activity can appear desperate and attention seeking to future casting directors, and probably won't do much for your career.

You also need to be careful when auditioning for Idol like talent competitions. While it's true that you can get discovered and be successful even if you don't win or make it to the top ten, you can also get stepped on and embarrassed along the way. Producers know that they need as many turkeys auditioning as songbirds, and they'll deliberately pass on well-meaning but awkward or ill-suited contestants so they can film them getting torn apart by the judges. Unless you're William Hung, that could bring your career to a grinding halt. If you sense that the producers are being sneaky with you, it's better to leave and try again somewhere else.

For the more popular shows, you can expect thousands of people to show up to any given casting call, sometimes lining up days in advance to get one of the limited number of audition bracelets. Be prepared to camp out if you have to, and bring all required applications or paperwork with you. With that many people auditioning, the slightest technical hitch will get you instantly disqualified. Many people try to dress and act as crazy or noticeable as possible to attract the attention of producers and roving cameras, and it might work in the short term to get a rejection clip on the air, but that's it. Think about almost every contestant on Idol. Do any of them look ridiculous or act like maniacs? You should dress tastefully and be enthusiastic and polite. For the talent-based shows trust in your ability and natural charisma to advance you. Be careful to research the show you're trying out for and get a good idea of what kind of people the producers tend to choose and what kind of background stories and anecdotes they favor. You also want to watch out for shows like Last Comic Standing that are notorious for engineering the competition and hold tryouts more for the sake of publicity than anything else.

Trying out for a The Real World style reality show differs a bit from competitive shows. The producers of these shows have a clear idea of what type of personality and ethnicity they want to fill their slots. Their goal is to generate drama for entertainment. It's not a far cry from casting scripted television shows. Your best bet is to present yourself honestly and interestingly. If they want a brainy anthropology major body builder they'll pick him. Have as many amusing stories about yourself lined up as possible, and don't be afraid to appear opinionated or emotional. Most relationship oriented reality shows rely heavily on filmed interviews to provide commentary and drama, and they need to know that you can dish it out on camera.

Auditions for reality shows are always happening. Shows often have open casting calls all across the US. If you want a comprehensive list of all the latest reality shows you can always check on InstantCast.