MTV To Have Reality Show In Texas

MTV wants its Schlitterbahn

Web Posted: 08/23/2006 12:12 AM CDT

Amy Dorsett
Express-News Staff Writer

The title may not be as sexy as "Laguna Beach," but television producers and management of a Central Texas water-based theme park are betting a new show will become a darling of the high school set. With the succinct working title "Waterpark," the show could invade homes the world over a year from now, if MTV producers follow through with plans to film a reality show at New Braunfels' Schlitterbahn. A casting call of current staffers began last weekend and continues through Sunday. Those who work at the water park �?? from lifeguards to food and beverage personnel �?? are encouraged to submit a headshot, bio and photos of friends. So far, about 50 have.

Jeffrey Siebert, a spokesman for the sprawling park, said MTV producers solicited water parks across the country before selecting Schlitterbahn.

"For the past few months we've been in conversation with MTV," he said.

MTV officials didn't want to discuss the project until it is officially green-lighted, Siebert added.

Painless Productions, which would produce the show, said it was "too premature" to discuss.

The show's premise would be a coming-of-age story about the park's workers, the majority of whom are 16 to 22.

Drama naturally occurs in that age group, as young people deal with all kinds of teenage angst, from first job jitters to unrequited crushes, said Layne Box, 27, a supervisor at the park who has submitted his headshot for consideration.

"There's lots of real-life drama," he said. "There's no script needed with high school students."

Siebert said camera crews would follow the cast members around the water park as they deal with the issues of the day, and after work as they hang out with friends. MTV producers should have plenty of folks to pick from, since more than 2,000 employees are hired as seasonal workers at the park, which stretches over more than 65 acres.

"If you want to be on the show you have to work here first," Siebert said. "You never know when a star might be born."

Fliers announcing the casting call were posted over the weekend in employee areas of Schlitterbahn.

MTV has developed a successful formula of reality programs, which run the gamut from "Real World," which puts strangers together in a house, to "Laguna Beach," which follows rich kids around Southern California.

Siebert said "Waterpark" would be more like a younger version of "Airline," a show on A&E that follows Southwest Airlines workers.

If the show is picked up, production could begin next spring, Siebert said. The first episode would air about a year from now.