SJSU student gets with 'The Real World'

By: Evie Smith

Posted: 5/9/06

This season of MTV's hit reality show "The Real World" features one roommate who is a familiar face to San Jose State University.

Janelle Casanave a South San Jose local, graduated from SJSU in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in African American studies and political science.

She originally tried out for "The Real World" two years ago when a friend who had been on "Road Rules" encouraged her to go to Berkley and audition.

" 'The Real World' is so special. I really think it gives insight into our generation," she said.

Casanave was trying out for "The Real World Philadelphia" and made it far into the audition process but in the end was cut. She was called by MTV to recast for another season and was cut again. It wasn't until she was called on a third time that she was finally cast in "The Real World Key West," which is the show's 17th season.

"It was long process," she said in a phone interview. Casanave said the interview process for the show was like an intense therapy session. She said part of the process is filling out a 15-page application.

"You spill your life out on paper," she said.

The day Casanave found out she had finally made it on the show, she also received the news that she had gotten into law school.

"My father was not happy," Casanave said. She explained that her father was discontented with her decision to postpone law school for a reality show.

The Key West season started filming last August and wrapped in December. The cast was in the Florida Keys during the intense hurricane season last fall.

"I have never seen anything like a hurricane in my life," she said.

According to Casanave, the cast stayed in the house during Hurricane Katrina but had to evacuate when Wilma hit.

"It didn't become scary 'til Wilma," she said. "I could not believe how much damage was done."

All the action was documented and became another chapter of "The Real World" history.

One of the perks of being a cast member on "The Real World" is the house.

Casanave said the house she shared with her roommates was beautiful.

"It was absolutely phenomenal," she said. "So unique."

According to Casanave, the house was close to the water and featured a lot of local artists' works inside.

She also revealed that there was a live butterfly atrium in the house that viewers won't get to see too much of on the show.

"We were all afraid to go in," she said.

Casanave said the cast got a case of island fever toward the end of filming from being in the isolated Florida Keys.

"Four months is a long time," she said. "There's always drama with the people you live with."

According to Casanave, "The Real World" cast members are all real people with real problems.

She said that one of her roommates, Paula, dealt with issues concerning an eating disorder while filming the show.

Casanave said she found it difficult to deal with her ex-boyfriend knowing it was being filmed and going to be aired on television.

"You realize you're just human," she said. "There were hard times, but you learn so much about yourself."

According to Casanave, she is currently traveling and making appearances around the country.

" 'The Real World' opened the door for me," she said.

Casanave said that law school is still in the background, but she would like to pursue a career as a makeup artist. The interest was first sparked when Casanave worked at the Mac brand makeup counter at Macy's in the Oakridge Mall.

She said that as for students who want to audition for upcoming seasons of "The Real World" the best advice she could offer was, be yourself.

"You're applying for a show about you," she said. "Give them something cool about yourself."

The final episode of the Key West season will air in August. Casanave said that viewers can be assured that there is more drama to come.