‘Drag Race,’ ‘Queer Eye’ and ‘Top Chef’ Casting Directors on Finding Thought-Provoking Contestants for Reality Shows

variety.com:

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThought-provoking and positive stories go a long way with audiences. That’s what this year’s Emmy nominated casting directors in outstanding casting for a reality program sought when casting their respective shows.To get those positive stories, honesty and authenticity were key.

Combined, these series helped to tell rich and diverse stories.How does the reigning champion of Reality TV, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” continue to raise the bar with each new season of the show?“The Queens themselves continue to raise the bar,”  the show’s casting director Goloka Bolte says.The search for America’s drag superstar is a year-round process.

Bolte explains, “We ‘formally’ cast the show for about eight to ten weeks, between when we announce casting and when the final tape submissions are due, but we keep an eye out for fresh talent everywhere we go.

Throughout the year I’m bookmarking queens on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, catching drag shows, collecting recommendations and keeping a running list of who might be ready to apply next season.” Casting the show takes a village, from RuPaul to the producers to the show’s casting directors Adam Cook and Michelle Redwine.