Chapter 2 focuses on the paradox of “performing not-performing,” or what Dubrofsky characterizes as reality TV’s tendency to produce “notions of the ‘natural’ and ‘authentic’ as non-performative—spontaneous, instinctive, unrehearsed” (396). Big Brother’s three-month casting process provides a sophisticated example of the genre’s performativity paradox. Throughout the various audition levels (e.g., open calls, semi-finals, etc.), casting producers encourage potential houseguests to, “Just be themselves.” Their questions and coaching, however, clued me into the sort of “self” that would most likely win one of the twelve coveted spots on the show’s twelfth season. I use casting anecdotes to exemplify how a reality TV participant may rely upon performing not-performing when trying to sell himself or herself as “authentic” enough to be on a reality television program. I also consider how producers use casting protocols to manipulate participants.