MU gets taste of 'The Real World'

Casting calls for the MTV reality show were held on campus Saturday.

By Angela Case

Published March 9, 2009

The atmosphere was tense Saturday in Stotler Lounge at Memorial Union as people gathered to try out for the 22nd season of the MTV reality show "The Real World."

Although casting calls for the show have been held at MU in the past, the last one held here was several seasons ago, casting director Kasha Foster said.

Foster said MU was chosen as a casting location this year because of its size.

"We've got people who have a little bit of a southern vibe and we've got the Midwestern vibe," Foster said.

Upon entering the building, applicants were given a stack of forms and sent into a separate room to fill them out. They were then lead in groups into another room, where they participated in a group interview with Foster.

"The interview process was really relaxed," University of Central Missouri junior Margaret Bloch said. "She just asked us questions about the economy and Obama and listened to our opinions."

Bloch decided to try out for "The Real World" only about a week ago.

"I've always wanted to do it, but just a week ago I finalized I was going to come," she said. "I've been a fan of 'The Real World' since I was, like, 5. Honestly, I've been watching it since the first season."

Like Bloch, Wichita State University senior Megan Ensley is a longtime fan of "The Real World."

"I've been a fan since I was like seven," she said. "I like all the drama and stuff that goes on in there with the crazy people having a good time."

Ensley got up at 6 a.m. and drove five hours from Wichita to Columbia to try out for the show. Ensley put some thought into her wardrobe for the interview.

"I basically went to my closet and I asked, 'What's going to make me look normal and not nuts, but kind of nuts?'" said Ensley, who ultimately chose two boldly colored layered tops, a beaded necklace and jeans.

Ensley said she feels her personality makes her perfect for the show.

"I'm really awesome, and I think I can bring a little spicy Midwestern flavor to 'The Real World.'"

Foster said people who are not outgoing are probably not well suited for the show.

"What makes the show compelling and interesting to watch is being able to see people's experiences, to feel how they're going through it on an emotional level, she said. "If someone is more inward, it's hard for people to take this journey with them."

Foster said there are several specific qualities that make a person a good fit for the show.

"We're looking for people who are interesting, people who have a little bit of charisma, but more important, we're looking for people who are curious about the world and curious about other people," she said.