While many singers can sound great with a musical backing, the new reality show The Sing-Off seeks to find the best groups who can sing a cappella. If you are a member of a group and would like to participate in this exciting opportunity and compete for a record contract with Sony, read on to learn how to become a contestant on The Sing-Off.

• Make sure your team contains four to ten members who can sing a cappella

• Have each group member complete the application fully

• Perform your best in the audition video

• American Idol
• America's Got Talent
• Britain's Got Talent
• The Singing Bee
• So You Think You Can Dance
• America's Best Dance Crew

Unlike other similar programs, The Sing-Off gathers groups of talented singers who sing a cappella, or without musical or instrumental backing. To find these lucky groups who compete for a recording contract with Sony, producers ask for applications and videos, but also hold open casting calls before each season.

As with any show or competition with a major prize, there are several requirements each prospective contestant must meet in order to be eligible for consideration.

1. Groups must contain between four and ten members in any combination of men and womenhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
2. Singers must be at least 18 years of agehttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf
3. Singers must be legal United States residentshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf
4. Singers may not be a candidate for or hold any public office and cannot run for office within one year after the show airshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf
5. Singers, members of their immediate family or members of their household may not have been employed by NBC Universal or affiliated companies within the past two yearshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf
6. Selected groups must be able to travel to Los Angeles, California, for several days to complete the casting process, to film the show and other required eventshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf
7. Selected groups will be required to enter into a comprehensive agreement with Sony Records, giving them the first option for contracts, management rights, touring and other rightshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/Applications/Sing-Off-Application-Packet.pdf

In the first step of letting producers know you are interested in the show, you'll want to read and complete an application, telling the producers about you and your group. Make sure each member of your group completes the application.

1. Visit the casting page of the NBC official site to download and print the application
2. Complete each question openly and honestly
3. Explain why your group deserves the chance to compete on television for the coveted recording contract
4. Read the attached release forms and sign that you agree to them

While the paper application can tell producers much about your group, it cannot demonstrate your singing ability. To get a better idea of your skill, they ask those interested to send in a video.

1. Videos should contain all members of the group
2. Sing two songs, each no longer than three minutes and one a recognizable cover songhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
3. Any musical styles are acceptedhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
4. No instruments or music of any kind is permittedhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
5. Choreography, creativity, and dress are recommendedhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
6. Send your video and the completed applications from all members to:
   • The Sing Off
   • 1438 N Gower St
   • Box 8
   • Hollywood, CA 90028 http://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff

In preparation for the season, producers for The Sing-Off hold open casting calls to meet, greet and hear potential groups in person.

1. Visit the casting page at the NBC official site for dates, times and locations of open casting callshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
2. Arrive early and plan for a long day
3. Be sure all members of your group can attend and bring their IDhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
4. Prepare to perform two songs, including one recognizable cover songhttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff
5. Be prepared to complete an application and sign release formshttp://www.nbc.com/casting/#singoff