Tips For Successful Game Show Auditions

The nature of celebrity and stardom has changed rapidly over the last decade, thanks to the huge popularity of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and American Idol. The evolution of game shows into Reality Television has blurred the lines between actor and contestant, and many people now seek out coveted spots on game shows reality contests to boost their image and awareness. Though contestant selection might seem arbitrary from watching your favorite shows, game show producers have their craft down to a science. If you know how to work with the system, your odds of appearing on a popular game show will increase dramatically.

Before you even set foot at a try out, make sure you know the ins and outs of the program well. For instance, if you're trying out for Jeopardy, buy a video game version and hone your skills so you can hit the buzzer before your opponents and wager intelligently. Have your family and friends pitch you sample questions about trivia and personal details. You'd be surprised how many people show up to game show tryouts without understanding the basic rules and rhythms of the games.

The most important idea to take into a game show audition is that you're really auditioning for a talk show more than you're demonstrating your skill at trivia or guessing. Most popular game shows, like Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader or Don't Forget the Lyrics are actually very simple, and depend completely on the host's rapport with the contestants. If you pass the initial trivia test, or equivalent, you will make it to an interview with the producers or a mock game trial. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Be friendly, outgoing, smile frequently, and make an effort to interact positively with the other people trying out.

• Dress business casual but not overly formal.

• Don't drink excess liquids beforehand; breaking for the bathroom during a game will not inspire confidence.

• Sit on the edge of your seat to express excitement.

• Pretend that the game is real; clap, cheer, and pat people on the back even when it isn't your turn.

• Have interesting or amusing anecdotes and trivia about yourself ready to go.

• Speak clearly and avoid mumbling.

If you audition for a reality TV contest or a host-interaction heavy game show, be aware that most programs also have a personal questionnaire as part of the audition process. Have clear, concise, and positive answers ready beforehand. The types of questions you can expect to run into are:

• What is the first thing you would do with $1 million dollars?

• What are the three things you want to do before you die?

• Do you have any bad habits or habits you know annoy other people?

• What is your most embarrassing moment?

Hundreds of people come to individual auditions, so it's critical to stand out. Public speaking skills are a huge plus and presenting an enthusiastic, charming persona is also key. You need to appear quick-witted in front of a national audience without over-shadowing the host of the show. And don't forget the "game" part of the game show; people tune in to watch people having fun. So make sure you're ready, relaxed, and prepared.

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