Jake’s to host MTV casting

Jake’s Nightclub and Bar will open its doors on Saturday to people hoping to have their lives taped 24 hours a day and broadcast on national TV.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an open casting call for the 22nd season of the MTV reality show, “The Real World.”

Entertainment manager Dan Coleman said Bunim/Murray Productions first contacted Jake’s with the idea to hold a casting call in Bloomington.

“Not many people know about it yet,” Coleman said. “This is the first time we have hosted an event like this, so we will play it by ear.”

Coleman does not know how many people will show up, but both the front and back rooms will be open for casting to deal with large crowds. Two lines will begin at 10 a.m. and will be cut off at exactly 5 p.m.

The casting is done entirely through the Bunim/Murray production company, which has produced the show for 22 seasons. The production company is hosting a nationwide tour to select seven strangers to live and work together in a house.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24, bring a recent photo and a picture ID. While there are no strict guidelines for who will be selected, the company offered tips.

Executive Producer Jonathan Murray said in a press release that the company looks for “characters from real life” and “people with strong personalities who are not afraid to speak their minds.”

Applicants who are seasoned travelers, speak Spanish fluently, have leadership skills, have musical ability and are athletic are preferred, but these are not requirements.

The open call is not the only way to apply. Applicants can also submit an online application at www.bunim-murray.com and send a VHS tape or DVD to the company.

Coleman is hopeful for a large turnout and encourages applicants to arrive early.
“It is going to be a long day,” he said.