Something distinctly LA is the commercial, TV and game show culture. It should come as no surprise that many realities created in Hollywood are anything but. From the airbrushing of models, to making Tom Cruise look of average height, Hollywood is all about creating
images- even the image of “spontaneity.” This extends to even the least glamorous aspects of the industry like game shows. Despite the “come on down” so- called randomness that particular game shows create- the truth is, that the process is far from random. The idea that just anyone could be the next lucky winner is the hook that keeps the crowds tuned in even leaving their small towns to venture out for treasure of their own. While many tourists pour in to do free audience work in hopes of seeing their favorite hosts and trying their hand at the next big game win, there are a few ways to increase these odds that I’d like to share with these hopefuls.

First of all, what many tourists don’t know is that while they are pouring in all excited about the free tickets they’ve gotten, a few locals – such as myself – are getting paid to do the
exact same thing. Audience work is based on a majority of free fans that want to participate- this is open to anyone. After most spots are filled the company sends for reinforcements of young, attractive, 20- somethings who are then  either booked based on their head shot or
hand selected  from the lines outside or, as they call it in the industry the “cattle call.” These groups are then lead in with specific instructions about not telling anyone they are being paid, the camera then focuses a lot on these young faces, giving the illusion that this is the majority of their crowd. Most shows love making their demographic look fresh and young, including game shows that often need to flip their image away from an elderly crowd standard into something revitalized. This is why it is important to know your image which is my firsts piece of advice.

- Know your Image: Understanding the image of the game show that you are going on, helps you to increase your chances of not only being featured as a background audience member when the cameras come running through, but also, increases your odds of being selected to participate. By studying the shows audience beforehand you can gain insight into the image they are trying to create. If the show wants a business person look- dress for the part, if
they are aiming for a younger hipper crowd- weigh out your odds before wasting your time. Some audiences are singularly themed whereas others, like many game shows, run the gamut of ages and types but usually still stick to the clean cut look overall. See if you can’t spot the categories of people typically selected to go on stage and see if you can’t more closely resemble that type. Can you play a soccer mom? An average Joe? A Sorority Pledge? Adhering more closely to the formula will increase your odds of being selected overall.

- Going in a Group: In general the odds of being selected go up if you bring a group with you. In fact, several game shows even guarantee that within a group of 10 or more one of you will be selected. Dressing your group in the same brightly colored t-shirts can help show a congruity helps sell the image of an energetic crowd. When the camera announces that its your turn to “come on down” they need to see the excitement of the crowd to sell their own value, sitting in a group of supporters is going to help increase this image and is makes you a more viable choice.

- Energy Level: There is going to be a time when one of the staff members is going to do a quick interview with you. They will ask you really basic questions, like your name and occupation. In this moment they are doing more than just learning about your history, they are screening you to see if you fit the mold. Many of these shows sell themselves on being relatable to the every day American. This means sticking to those clean cut categories and run of the mill jobs is important to their image. A real- estate agent has about three times more the likelihood of an artist in getting on the show. They are also gauging your energy level. The same unrealistic energy that you can spot in the characters on TV shows and commercials is the same amount that game shows are looking for. If you want to get on, you must show them that you are going to provide entertainment if you are selected.

- Go on your Birthday: While waiting outside someone is going to ask the crowd whose birthday it is, in the guise of passing time, they are actually scoping people to potentially feature on their show. The odds of a person with a birthday going up are far more likely than someone who is not. They do this because its more entertaining for someone to win all these prizes AND its their birthday than just any other day.

- Pick the right time: This last part is a little bit trickier because you have to really study your show to be sure when the best time to be featured is. Game shows also run on a budget, when the show is over budget they will start featuring their most hard to win games in hopes that
they can maintain their current reserves. If you notice that your show is running these tougher competitions you might want to wait until you see an influx of winners to go back on. You only get one shot every 10 years to be featured on these shows so you might as well make it the right time.

As a tourist to LA audience work is a unique and interesting experience that I’d recommend trying at least once. You get to see the behind the scenes sites of your favorite show, see how your favorite hosts act off camera and be a part of the Hollywood magic. You can find tickets to your favorite shows, sitcoms, game shows and talk shows all on their websites. It is easy to reserve tickets, just sign up to be put on their wait list.  If you are local, there are many background extra casting companies that you can sign up with to get called in for such shows. It’s a very easy way to make a few extra bucks but bring a book because it does take a while before you are let on set.

Best of luck to everyone!

- Tara Jones