Imagine stepping into the neon glow of SUR, Lisa Vanderpump’s legendary West Hollywood hotspot, where clinking glasses mix with heated arguments and every shift could spark the next big reality TV moment.

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With Vanderpump Rules Season 12’s all-new cast of SUR servers officially announced after its November 2024 reveal, and filming wrapping up after kicking off in April 2025, the thrill of joining this revamped series is more electric than ever.

As Bravo’s hit reality show dives back into the drama-filled lives of its staff, this guide is your roadmap to understanding how to position yourself for a spot—drawing from the show’s unique vibe of glamour, chaos, and unfiltered ambition.

Whether you’re a hospitality pro eyeing the spotlight or a fan inspired by Scheana Shay’s iconic resilience, we’ll break down the application process, audition prep, and insider tips from a casting director’s lens, all tailored to Vanderpump Rules‘ signature style.

Why Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Is Your Shot

Show Overview

At its core, Vanderpump Rules captures the raw, unscripted drama of SUR staff navigating restaurant life alongside personal ambitions and tangled relationships—think Tom Sandoval’s music dreams clashing with Ariana Madix’s rising star power. Season 12 marks a bold reboot, introducing a fresh cast of servers to reinvigorate the series after the explosive “Scandoval” saga, emphasizing authentic workplace dynamics and the youthful energy that made the show a phenomenon.

Unique Opportunity

Season 12 offers a clean slate like no other, with no returning cast members except the iconic Lisa Vanderpump, giving newcomers the chance to become breakout stars. Ariana Madix parlayed her time on the show into Broadway gigs and brand endorsements—proof of its launchpad potential. With Season 11 averaging 1.2 million viewers, the cultural impact is massive, opening doors in entertainment, hospitality, and beyond for those who make the cut.

Show-Specific Appeal

SUR’s glamorous yet chaotic world—high-pressure shifts amid celebrity sightings and personal fireworks—is tailor-made for charismatic applicants ready for drama. As Lisa Vanderpump shared in her vision for the season, “We’re going back to the heart of SUR—young, hungry servers with big dreams and bigger drama,” making it the perfect arena for those who thrive in fast-paced, Instagram-worthy settings like SUR’s bustling patio.

Eligibility and Application Process for Vanderpump Rules

Eligibility Requirements

To align with Bravo’s standards (seen in sister show Vanderpump Villa) and SUR’s serving rules, applicants needed to be 21+. U.S. residency was key, ideally in or near Los Angeles/West Hollywood for easy access to SUR and filming. Hospitality experience as a server, bartender, or host was strongly preferred, especially since Season 12 spotlighted SUR staff, including some long-time employees per Vanderpump’s November 2024 announcement. Personality-wise, bold, dramatic traits with real-life connections (friendships or rivalries) were essential to fuel the show’s storylines, much like Kristen Doute’s infamous feuds. Finally, availability for up to six months of filming, often 14 hours a day including personal life exposure, was non-negotiable.

Application Process

1. Find Casting Calls: Monitor bravotv.com/casting or Evolution Media’s site for open calls, which ramped up in early 2025. Following @LisaVanderpump and @BravoTV on Instagram provided timely updates.
2. Submit Application: Fill out an online form with personal info, recent photos (a pro headshot and candid shot), and a 1–2-minute audition video highlighting your SUR-worthy flair.
3. Highlight SUR Connection: Emphasize experience at SUR, Pump, or TomTom, or apply for jobs via vanderpumprestaurants.com to get scouted—many cast members were current staff.
4. Follow-Up Interviews: Shortlisted candidates faced virtual or in-person chats with producers to gauge group dynamics and drama potential.

Timeline

Casting peaked from January to March 2025, with filming launching in April 2025. For the best shot, applications by February were ideal, mirroring Bravo’s standard schedules. As of September 2025, the cast is set, but this process offers insights for future seasons.

Show-Specific Tips

Play up West Hollywood nightlife experience, as SUR prizes servers who excel in trendy, fast-paced vibes. Connections to existing SUR staff or local influencers were a plus, helping producers spot candidates who seamlessly blend into the show’s social web.

Your journey to SUR stardom starts with one click—head to SUR’s job listings today!

Casting Director’s Perspective – Nailing Your Vanderpump Rules Audition

What Producers Want

Drawing from Vanderpump Rules‘ casting legacy and reality TV trends, producers like Alex Baskin at Evolution Media hunted for SUR-ready drama: raw conflict like Jax Taylor’s volatile ties or Stassi Schroeder’s wit. A magnetic personality that pops in SUR’s high-energy space, echoing Scheana Shay’s bubbly drama, was crucial. Group chemistry—sparking friendships or rivalries like Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz’s bromance—drove selections. Social media appeal, with a curated Instagram or TikTok (500–5,000 followers) showing your lifestyle, boosted chances, aligning with fan-engagement trends from shows like Too Hot to Handle. Resilience for 14-hour days and post-Scandoval scrutiny was non-negotiable.

How to Prepare for Your Audition

Craft a Killer Video: Limit to 1–2 minutes, shot in a lively spot mimicking SUR. Share workplace drama (e.g., a VIP clash) or ambition (“I’m a singer hustling at SUR to make it big”). Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a server turning chaos into charm. Last week, I juggled a spilled cocktail and a celebrity meltdown—ready for SUR’s spotlight!”

Show SUR Flair: Opt for trendy upscale-casual (fitted black top, statement jewelry) like Ariana Madix’s early looks.

Research the Show: Binge Seasons 1–3 and 11 on Peacock for SUR dynamics (e.g., Scheana vs. Stassi). Reference icons in your video to prove fandom.

Network at SUR: Job applications or happy hour visits helped get spotted by Vanderpump or producers.

Practice Authenticity: Amplify your traits (e.g., sass it up), but stay real—producers sniffed out fakes, as with Lala Kent’s early fit struggles.

Casting Director’s Insider Tips

“We want servers who live for the drama but keep it real. Show us a spark that could ignite SUR’s next big storyline.” Highlight unique angles like aspiring actor or musician, as early casts were “dreamers” juggling gigs. Skip over-rehearsed scripts; natural charisma, like Katie Maloney’s relatability, wins.

• Checklist: Video story? Outfit ready? SUR vibe nailed?

Show-Oriented Preparation Guide for Aspiring SUR Servers

Get SUR-Ready

Work at SUR: Apply for server, bartender, or host roles at vanderpumprestaurants.com. Part-time shifts boosted visibility, as Season 12 included long-timers and newcomers.

Master Hospitality Skills: Hone high-pressure handling (VIP service, rowdy patrons) to shine in SUR’s chaos, as in Season 1.

Build Local Connections: Link with West Hollywood pros or influencers for seamless integration, a producer favorite.

Craft Your SUR Persona

Create a standout “character” fitting SUR (e.g., flirty bartender like Stassi’s queen bee or Tom Sandoval’s hustler). Practice witty banter for sharp scenes like Kristen Doute’s clashes. Curate 5–10 social posts on Instagram/TikTok highlighting nightlife, fitness, or fashion to match SUR’s trendiness.

Prepare for Filming Demands

Anticipate six months of 14-hour days capturing shifts, parties, and drama (e.g., Ariana-Tom fallout in Season 11). Learn self-styling for hair/makeup. Gear up mentally for scrutiny, like Raquel Leviss’s Scandoval backlash.

Show-Specific Insights

Study SUR’s menu (try the Pumptini!) for audition cred. Watch keys like Season 1, Episode 1 (SUR intro) or Season 10, Episode 8 (Scandoval) for tone. Align with Vanderpump’s 2024 vision: servers bringing “passion and chaos to SUR’s tables.”

Ready to serve drama with glamour? Download our audition prep checklist!

FAQs for Aspiring Vanderpump Rules Contestants

What to Expect if Cast on Vanderpump Rules

Life at SUR

Real shifts (serving, bartending) under cameras, capturing drama like Season 1 bar fights or Season 3 parties. Navigate Vanderpump’s guidance, balancing work with arcs like Scheana’s music pursuits.

Filming Demands

Six months of intense 14-hour/7-day weeks covering work, nightlife, relationships. Cameras might return for events, like Season 10’s Scandoval pickups. Share personal drama, as in Kristen Doute’s Season 2 triangle.

Public Impact

Fame awaits (Ariana’s 1.5M post-Scandoval followers), but so does scrutiny like Raquel’s backlash. Leverage for ventures like TomTom or Stassi’s podcast.

Show-Specific Prep

Rehearse on-camera confrontations (e.g., Stassi vs. Jax, Season 1). Build support, as filming taxes emotions per Katie Maloney’s insights.

From pouring Pumptinis to Bravo stardom—check our “Day in the Life of a VPR Star” infographic!

Conclusion

Season 12’s new SUR cast opens doors for fresh talent, with steps like Bravo applications, SUR jobs, and killer videos paving the way. Casting insights emphasize drama, charisma, and SUR fit. While Season 12 is cast, this guide primes you for future opportunities. Apply at bravotv.com/casting, scout SUR listings at vanderpumprestaurants.com, and film that video. Follow @BravoTV for updates.

Be the next Scheana or Ariana—own the SUR spotlight! Ready to stir up drama at SUR? Your Season 12 journey starts now! Share your SUR persona with #VPRCasting.