If you’ve ever yelled at the TV thinking, “I would be amazing on that show,” 2026 might be your year to prove it. Reality TV and unscripted series are casting bigger, more diverse, and more authentic personalities than ever – and three standout opportunities are open right now: Big Brother, Love Island USA, and Netflix’s brand-new kids’ STEM series Schooled.
This guide from the ARTAS pulls together the official casting links, key details, and practical audition tips, so you can spend more time planning your application and less time hunting around the internet.
Big Brother Casting 2026: Your Chance to Master the Game
Few reality shows are as intense – or as iconic – as Big Brother. If you love strategy, social dynamics, and a bit of psychological warfare, this is the show that can turn you into a household name.
How to Apply for Big Brother
Official casting site: bigbrothercasting.tv
On the casting site you’ll find online application forms, instructions for uploading your audition video, and eligibility rules and FAQs. Read the requirements carefully. Many people disqualify themselves every year by ignoring simple criteria around age, residency, availability, or video length.
Who Is Casting Big Brother?
Jesse Tannenbaum is the casting director behind Big Brother’s unforgettable houseguests. He’s known for finding big personalities who still feel grounded and real. Follow Jesse for updates and informal tips: @jessetannenbaum on Instagram. Study the kind of energy he shares and celebrates – it’s a useful clue to what stands out during casting.
Quick Big Brother Audition Tip
In your video, don’t just say you’re “competitive” or “fun” – prove it. Share a specific story: the time you schemed to win something big, the moment you out-played a friend group, or the way you keep calm when everyone else loses it. Concrete stories are what make you memorable.
Love Island USA Casting: Romance, Drama and Sun-Soaked Storylines
If your dream is less “strategy in a house” and more “romance in a villa,” Love Island USA might be your perfect fit. It’s high-energy, high-emotion, and all about chemistry and connection.
How to Apply for Love Island USA
Official casting site: loveislandusa.castingcrane.com
On the casting page you’ll find a detailed application about you, your dating life, and your personality, along with photo and video upload requirements. Take your time. Producers are reading your answers as “first scenes” – your energy on the page matters just as much as your photos and video.
Who Is Casting Love Island USA?
Love Island USA is cast by Jodi Thomas at City Media, a seasoned casting director with a strong track record in unscripted TV. Jodi was recently nominated for a CSA Artios Award for her work on the show. Follow Jodi for behind-the-scenes casting flavour: @jodicasting on Instagram.
Quick Love Island USA Audition Tip
Producers are not just looking for “pretty people”; they’re looking for people with stories. Be honest about your dating history, your wins and disasters, your fears and your type. One strong, specific anecdote told with humour and heart will beat ten generic “I love to travel” lines every time.
Netflix’s “Schooled”: A STEM Show for Kids Who Love to Build and Think
For families and young creators, Netflix’s upcoming series Schooled is a fresh opportunity at the intersection of education, imagination, and entertainment. Hosted by engineer and YouTube star Mark Rober, Schooled is built around kids who love STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – and want to put their ideas into action.
For an overview of the project and Mark Rober’s involvement, read this Hollywood Reporter piece.
How to Apply for Netflix’s “Schooled”
Official casting link: us.castitreach.com/a/realcasting/schooledcasting/welcome
Before you apply, sit down with your child and talk through why they love STEM and what project, experiment, or build they’re most proud of. That genuine passion will make answering the questions – and filming the video – feel much easier.
Inside Tips from Casting (Erin Tomasello, Mystic Arts Pictures)
Erin Tomasello, who is casting Schooled with Mystic Arts Pictures, has shared some very practical suggestions to help kids shine on camera:
- Bring big energy and let your personality shine so the team can see who you really are.
- Speak in full sentences so your thoughts, ideas, and excitement are easy to follow.
- Show your teamwork by interacting naturally with your partner and reacting to each other.
- Be yourself instead of trying to be perfect or guessing what you think casting wants.
- Show what you’ve built or created so they can see your skills in action, not just hear about them.
- Share your skill level and achievements – confidently mention any awards, achievements, or grades you’re proud of.
Quick “Schooled” Audition Tip
Encourage your child to be themselves on camera – excited, nerdy, shy but passionate, whatever is true. Casting teams respond to genuine curiosity and enthusiasm more than to kids who sound scripted. If they can show something they’ve made, talk clearly about why they love STEM, and interact naturally with a teammate or partner, they’re on exactly the right track.
How to Stand Out in Reality and Unscripted Casting
No matter which show you’re applying for, some core casting principles are the same.
Know the Show
Watch at least one recent season of the series you’re applying for. Notice the types of personalities that get airtime, and ask yourself what feels missing – are you bringing something fresh?
Have a Clear “Hook”
Casting directors often talk about an applicant’s “hook” – the quick way they’d describe you in a sentence. Think about what makes you or your child instantly memorable and lean into that in your application and video.
Tell Specific Stories
Instead of describing yourself in vague terms, use short, concrete stories that reveal your personality in action: a time you broke the rules and what you learned, a moment you had to choose between loyalty and winning, or a project that went wrong and how you fixed it.
Take the Video Seriously (But Don’t Overthink It)
Your casting video should be well-lit (natural light works), clearly audible, and stable. Speak directly to camera as if you’re talking to a friend who already loves you. Aim for energy, clarity, and honesty – not perfection.
Follow Instructions Exactly
If the casting site asks for a specific video length, file type, or number of photos, do exactly that. It signals you can read, follow directions, and handle the realities of production.
Quick FAQ: 2026 Casting Calls
How do I get cast on Big Brother?
Go to bigbrothercasting.tv, read all eligibility requirements carefully, fill out the application honestly, and submit a high-energy video that shows your strategic mind and social game.
What are the basic requirements for Love Island USA?
You’ll find the full list at loveislandusa.castingcrane.com, but generally you’ll need to be of legal age, available for filming, eligible to work where the show shoots, and open about your relationship status and dating life.
What kind of kids is Netflix’s “Schooled” looking for?
Schooled is looking for kids who genuinely love STEM – tinkering, building, coding, experimenting, or problem-solving. Details are at the official application.
Can I apply to more than one show?
Yes, as long as you meet each show’s eligibility criteria and you’re honest about any overlapping commitments. Make sure each application and video is tailored to that specific series.
Your Next Step Toward the Screen
If being on television has ever been your dream, the most important step is simple: apply. Use the official links:
- Big Brother: bigbrothercasting.tv
- Love Island USA: loveislandusa.castingcrane.com
- Netflix’s Schooled: us.castitreach.com/a/realcasting/schooledcasting/welcome
While you’re here, check out the 13th Annual ARTAS submissions – the American Reality Television Awards is now open for unscripted series submissions through July 1, 2026. And if you’re curious about the shows that have already earned recognition, browse our past winners archive.
Follow @RealityAwardsTV on Instagram for the latest winner reveals, casting news, and all things reality TV.