To figure out what your strong suits are, consider what types of normal games you tend to dominate. If you always beat your friends at Trivial Pursuit, you may be best suited for a game show that tests your trivia skills. If you’re more the athletic type, you’ll be pleased to know that there are also game shows that challenge contestants’ physical abilities, such as “Wipeout” and “Minute to Win It. ”[2] X Research source
Keep in mind that in the U. S. , you’ll be expected to pay taxes on any prizes you win. If you think paying the tax on a high-value item might be hard on you financially, you’ll be better off trying out for a show where cash is the main prize. [4] X Research source International contestants on U. S. game shows may be exempt from paying taxes on prize items, depending on the laws of their home country.
Avid cosplayers, shameless show-offs, and those with a flair for the theatrical might enjoy appearing on “Let’s Make a Deal,” where it’s customary for contestants and audience members to wear elaborate costumes. [5] X Research source Becoming a contestant on “Jeopardy!” can give you the chance to prove your intellectual prowess by going head-to-head with other quick thinkers.
The majority of the big-name game shows are shot in Los Angeles, California, including “Jeopardy!”, “Wheel of Fortune,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “The Price is Right,” and “Family Feud. ”[7] X Research source “The Price is Right,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and other shows also hold mobile auditions from time to time. If you catch wind that auditions for one of your favorite shows are coming to your area, find a way to be there.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to be affiliated with the show’s production company, parent or syndication network, or any of its sponsors or advertisers. [9] X Research source Being a current employee of any of the organizations connected to the show, or being a friend or family member of a current employee, may also disqualify you from appearing.
Some networks also run a short broadcast segment at the end of the show featuring a telephone number or mailing address that you can contact to apply as a contestant.
Once you manage to score a seat in the audience, being chosen is often simply a matter of luck. [12] X Research source
Jeopardy!’s producers don’t publish test results or give clues as to what constitutes a passing score. If you pass, your application will be forwarded to the show’s casting department, and you’ll receive a notification sometime later via email if you’re selected for a formal audition. You’ll have the best chance of passing your test if you possess a general knowledge of a wide range of topics. It’s recommended that you take advantage of the many free practice tests offered on the Jeopardy! website to prepare yourself for the real deal. [14] X Research source
For example, “Mental Samurai” is a hybrid trivia-physical challenge show that gives contestants 5 minutes to answer a dozen increasingly-difficult questions while being rotated 360-degrees at high speeds in a specially-designed capsule. Newer game shows sometimes put out open calls for contestants for their first broadcasts. In this case, it may be impossible to acquaint yourself with the rules or put together a sound strategy before your appearance.
Many game shows that choose their contestants from the audience “at random” actually conduct brief interviews with each member of the audience prior to taping. [16] X Research source Auditions usually take place well before taping begins, and may be held somewhere other than where the show is taped. You’ll learn more about the audition process if and when you receive a callback for your contestant application.
Think on your feet and do your best to offer witty, humorous, or amusing responses during your audition. If you can catch your interviewer off guard, you’re as good as in. [18] X Research source
You’re not guaranteed a callback, even if you successfully make it through your audition. It’s not uncommon for game shows to recruit more contestants than they actually use in case of casting disputes, scheduling conflicts, or cancellations. Be sure to bring a book with you on the day of your taping. You could end up waiting 8-10 hours to be called onto set.
