Real or Reality?
2018
video, audio recordings, desktop screenshots, artifacts, written statements, photographs
video, audio recordings, desktop screenshots, artifacts, written statements, photographs
After completing the Camino de Santiago, I realized the month long transformative trip was something I could not properly articulate to people who had not experienced it themselves. I could tell one version of the story, yet there was so much missing that words just couldn't do the experience justice. I started to question what other experiences exist that are so unique to those involved yet simultaneously are inadequate in its portrayal to those on the outside. My investigation quickly turned to reality shows as a real experience had by the cast of each season, yet the American public witness only a small edited version of that reality. I researched and applied to four reality television shows in the hopes of understanding the unique experience of those involved: Big Brother, Survivor, The Bachelor, and The Amazing Race.
Video Applications
Each reality show required a video of me introducing myself and explaining why I think I should be on their show. Accompanying each video is the brief written biography also submitted.
|
I am a former high school teacher, an aspiring artist, and America’s sweetheart. Although I might seem like the girl next door, don’t be blindsided by my fierce personality. I know who I am, I know what I believe in, and I don’t quit until I succeed. I’m going to charm America and the Big Brother House all while creating my own path to be season twenty’s beloved winner.
|
I am a passionate and creative 26 year old from Iowa. I have the Midwestern charm and work ethic that can get me through any situation. I am a current graduate student studying to become a college art professor. Before coming back to school, I was a middle and high school teacher. As an artist and teacher, I know how to be both a leader and follower and do whatever it take to find success.
|
|
See "Written Application" below for Bachelor biography
|
I am an artist and teacher from Iowa who lives to see new places and meet new people. I am passionate, feisty, and have the biggest heart that challenges me to do my best and give my all. I have a weakness for eating chocolate, watching sunsets and laughing until I cry.
|
Portraits
Each television show asked for a number of self portraits. The Amazing Race, Survivor, and Big Brother asked for 1 portrait. The Bachelor asked for 5 - 15 portraits.
Wardrobe
I crafted the version of myself I thought would best suit each reality show. To highlight each of those personalities, I bought an accompanying outfit. Screen shots of my online shopping cart depict the outfits I wore to portray my personalities.
Artifacts
To prepare myself to become the "ideal" contestant, I made minor alterations to my appearance. For the first time in my life, I wore fake eyelashes, applied fake fingernails, and used self tanner to darken the color of my skin. The remnants of these pieces are documented below.
Written Applications
The applications required a various amount of personal information. Survivor, Big Brother and The Amazing Race asked shallow questions regarding my appearance, relationship status, and occupation. The Bachelor required a six page questionaire asking more intimate details about my life.
|
Video documentation of my online Big Brother application
Written application required to apply to The Bachelor
|
Video documentation of my online Survivor application
Video documentation of my online Amazing Race application
|
Submissions
After crafting each application, I either electronically or physically mailed in the completed applications to its designated network casting office.
Eligibility Requirements
Beyond the seemingly entertaining aspects of the application process were the exceedingly long list of technicalities. Below is an audio recording of Big Brother's eligibility requirements in which all participants must adhere to.
