The 'Real World' comes to New Haven. Really

MTV is about to get all “Real World” on New Haven. And vice versa.


Casting directors from Bunim/Murray Productions, creators of the long-running MTV series about young strangers living together for several months, will hold an open casting call Saturday in the Elm City for season 27 of show.

“This is a unique opportunity for New Haven residents to become part of MTV’s longest-running show and the father of modern reality television,” said a show publicist.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wicked Wolf Tavern on Temple Street.

The show was praised initially for showcasing serious issues of young people but has attracted more than its share of criticism about its artificial nature, overt sexuality and over-the-top histrionics (remember the 1994 San Francisco cast and the clash of David “Puck” Rainey and his roommates, notably AIDS activist Pedro Zamora?).

“We look for characters from real life, people with strong personalities who are unafraid to speak their minds,” said Jonathan Murray, executive producer, in a release.

The release went on to name ideal applicants, including those “who have challenges living an everyday life that most take for granted” and “cast members who have had to work hard to support themselves and move ahead in their lives.”

Applicants should bring a recent photo (which will not be returned) and photo ID, since you need to be at least 20 years old and appear to be between 20 and 24.

— Joe Amarante