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If you've ever wanted to go from watching the ABC reality show on your couch to vying for the Bachelor or Bachelorette's love on screen, here's everything to know about getting cast.
How do I get on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette?
First, you need to figure out if you're even eligible to be a contestant on the show. The requirements are listed in full on ABC's website , but here are a few to give you an idea.
For starters, you must be at least 21 years old. You also have to be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign citizen who can "travel without restrictions to and from the U.S."-hence the number of Canadians on the show.
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You, your family, or anyone you live with can't be associated with NZK Productions, Next Entertainment, American Broadcasting Companies, The Walt Disney Company, Telepictures Productions, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Time Warner, or all other subsidiaries and divisions of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
You can't be currently running for office or have a conviction for a felony on your record. You also have to be single-remember the DeMario debacle ?
If you know you fit all of those requirements, you can move on to the application form.
What's the application process like?
You can either be nominated to get on the show, or you can apply yourself , and there's a mail-in application as well as an online application. You'll fill out a form with questions about your age and occupation, and you'll also be asked to provide a picture and explain why you want to be on the show.
Interestingly, the online application is the same for both guys and girls, but if you decide to go the mail-in route, the applications are separated by gender, and you'll have to answer a lot more questions.
Sample questions include:
- How many serious relationships have you been in and how long were they?
- List 3 adjectives that would surprise people about you.
- What have you not found but would like to have in a relationship?
- Do you have any special talents? Tell us!
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- What is most important, physical attraction or personality when first meeting someone?
What else do I need to do to get on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette?
The producers also encourage you to send a video. In fact, the website states: "We encourage you to include a video of yourself as well-tell us why youd like to be on the show! Making a video is the best way to show us your personality and ensure that you are seen by the casting team!!!" Lots of exclamation points, as you can see, which lets you know that an audition video is very important.
They even provide a handy guide so you can make the best video possible. Be sure to include information about your life (where you live, what you do for work), your dating history, and any interesting or unique details about yourself.
What if I want to meet the Bachelor/Bachelorette producers in person?
If your personality shines better in person than on video, you can attend a casting call. According to Insider , casting calls for men to appear as contestants on The Bachelorette are usually held as The Bachelor airs early in the year. Casting calls for women to appear on The Bachelor are usually held during The Bachelorette or Bachelor in Paradise, and according to the casting site, the first one will be held in Dallas, Texas in June.
I'm a semi-finalist! Now what?
If you're selected to be a semi-finalist, you have to travel to Los Angeles for interviews. You'll also have to complete a BUNCH of forms, cleverly called the "Semi-Finalist Package." It includes a Medical History Form and Authorization, General Release and Indemnity Agreement, Confidentiality Agreement, and a Background Check Authorization Form.
Once you're in Los Angeles, you might be required to "undergo physical and psychological examinations and testing." (Yes, potential contestants are screened for sexually transmitted infections .)
Not much is known about what happens if you're chosen as a finalist to be on the show, things to tend get a bit more secretive, probably due to that handy confidentiality agreement. You'll have to find out for yourself when you get selected!