Image: MTV.com

It first happened in New York. Eight strangers were picked to live in a house, work together and have their lives taped; to find out what happens when people stopped being polite and started getting real. New strangers were picked 24 more times, moving to Chicago, Hawaii and Hollywood.
Season 26 of MTV’s ‘The Real World’ doesn’t yet have a location, but casting directors from the show are looking for new talent. The directors will be hosting an open casting call in Des Moines on Wednesday. This season could be the last for the show.

The casting call will be at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in West Des Moines from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 9.

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

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24, and are asked to bring a recent picture of themselves, which will not be returned, and a photo ID.

For those who can’t make it to the open call, applications are still being accepted via e-mail. Visit www.bunim-murray.com/rwcasting for complete details on how you can apply.

The directors are looking for people with qualities like lives most take for granted, weight issues, elite athletes or recent graduates affected by the economic downturn.

These qualities are not a requirement. “The Real World” casting directors welcome anyone with surprising and unusual life stories that have yet to be told on television, according to the same press release.

Qualifications:
•Between the ages of 18 and 24
•Bring a recent picture
•Have valid photo ID

Location:
•Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
(4508 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266)
•Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.