by Gina Scarpa

Terry Fator, Michael Grimm, Kenichi Ebina... these are just a few names of people whose lives were forever changed the day they auditioned for America's Got Talent. The all-inclusive reality competition is gearing up for Season 9 and hitting the road to audition people across the country. We chatted with casting director (and friend of RealityWanted) Jason Raff in an exclusive interview today to gain insight into the audition process.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How have the audition turnouts improved over the years since America's Got Talent first premiered?
A. Jason: The amount of people who audition has increased but our job gets harder and harder every year in that the bar goes up. We need to find something that is new, different, and innovative and that's the hard part.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you find that people are more innovative as the years go on?
A. Jason: I think they know that you need to stand out from the crowd. You have a lot of tips on your website... it's like a job interview! You want to show some personality.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How important is having a good story or personality to you?
A. Jason: I mean, I think there's always a story component to television. Most people have some kind of story to tell. It's always talent over story, per say. It's funny, at some of these auditions, people start blurting out their stories before they show us their talent. They think we're looking for story but we really want to see your talent, whatever it is!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When someone comes to an open AGT casting call, what is that experience like?
A. Jason: I'm told by a lot of contestants that we're the best show to audition for, I'm just saying. Be prepared, practice at home, come and fill out the paperwork, and then sit in the holding part - which to me is the best part. You'll see people singing or practicing dancing, you'll see a lot of different people. We see people try out multiple times and they end up on the show too.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I'm sure there are people who, when they practice, aren't nervous but that changes when they're in front of casting. Do you do things to help them feel comfortable?

A. Jason: I do! I don't know what it's like because I haven't auditioned for much. If someone blows the words, I'll ask if they want to start again. I'll look up the words on Google and give it to them. I want to make sure that they have their fair shot. A lot of people will send in a videotape after if they feel like they blew it and I'm glad they did. Jackie Evancho is a great example, an opera singer that we had a few years ago. She tried out in person and didn't really resonate. She sent in a videotape and that's how she got on the show.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have a favorite audition that you've seen?
A. Jason: I've seen so many auditions but I always love when someone comes in and I'm looking at my phone or checking my email, and as soon as they start, I get goosebumps. They capture my attention, and I say to myself, "Wow, in a few months, this person is going to be in front of the judges and they'll sing at Radio City Music Hall. Their life is about to change!"

For audition information, visit America's Got Talent's official casting site!