If you’ve never been to a taping of a game show, you’re missing out. It’s a rush of flashing lights, fun interactions with the host, and, best of all, the anticipation that someone will take home the grand prize. And the only thing better than watching someone else win a game is winning a game yourself! But how do you get on a game show? Keep reading to find out.
Appearing on a game show is a great way to get your face out in the world, especially as an aspiring actor. Many of today’s stars, including Aaron Paul, Jon Hamm, and Linda Cardellini, appeared on game shows. Follow these steps and you might just find yourself winning—and then making it—big.
1. Research.
The first step is figuring out what kind of game show you want to appear on. Do you want to answer trivia questions? Solve puzzles? Take on physical challenges? Here are a few examples of popular game shows, what they look for, and their application processes:
- “The Price Is Right”: This one is great if you’re just starting out, because other than knowing a little about how much items typically cost, it doesn’t require much additional knowledge. The show doesn’t take applications for contestants, though. When host Drew Carey says the iconic “Come on down!” to a contestant, they’ve been hand-picked right before the taping happens. The excitement of being chosen is often even more fun when you’re with a group that can cheer you on. You can get tickets to a taping at On Camera Audiences.
- “Wheel of Fortune”: If you love word games, “Wheel of Fortune” will scratch that itch. The show has an easy application process that asks for a headshot and an optional video showcasing your enthusiasm and personality. If your application is chosen, you’ll be scheduled for a virtual audition that ends with playing a few quick games. Find out more about how to get on the show here.
- “Jeopardy!”: This one for trivia lovers requires excellent recall and speedy thinking, so it’s important to consider your talents and capabilities. The “Jeopardy!” site has all the info you need, including an Anytime Test that you’ll need to pass to get put into a pool of contestants chosen randomly for auditions. Because this is a show about knowledge, it even has a prep center to help you brush up on your skills.
2. Find game show casting calls.
Here are a few ways to find game shows that are casting:
- Databases: Check out our comprehensive game and reality show casting call database, which is regularly updated with new projects.
- Social media: Compile a list of popular game shows (like this one from Ranker) that you’re interested in appearing on. Follow their pages on social media to stay updated with casting calls.
- TV casting pages: Go directly to a network’s casting page to see what game shows are available. Here are a few to get you started: ABC, Fox, CBS, The Game Show Network, NBC.
- Network: Tell your agent, friends, and colleagues that you’re interested in game shows or reality TV—you never know where a hidden opportunity might lie.
3. Apply.
Most game show applications ask for standard information like name, age, location, and contact details, as well as:
- Headshot or selfie: If you don’t have an acting headshot, brush off the camera or hunt for a great recent photo. This should be professional photo quality and focused on just your face.
- Self-tape: Game shows may ask for video recordings as an introduction to your voice, personality, and comfortability in front of the camera. This need not be as time-consuming as a traditional self-taped audition, but be sure that your face and voice are clear, with no distractions.
- Social media: Some game show applications ask for social media links to see if you already have a fan following. If you feel confident about your social media presence, this is a great way to add an additional personal touch.
- Personality questions: Crack those knuckles and get ready to charm the casting team via your keyboard; this may be what sets you apart from other candidates.
- Assessment or test: Trivia game show producers want to know that you’re able to hold your own when it comes to knowledge. There are plenty of resources online, including some unofficial ones like J!Study that help prospective contestants prep.
4. Nail your audition.
Once you’ve landed an audition, this is how to prepare:
- Watch the game show. Keep an eye out for the contestants’ enthusiasm levels and how they interact with the host. This should give you a good sense of what the casting team is looking for in candidates. For example, ABC’s “The $100,000 Pyramid” specifies that they’re looking for “energetic and outgoing people who have a great sense of the game and are ready to put their skills to the test.”
- Practice. Check the game show page for any tips or practice tests. “Jeopardy!” has two rounds, both of which include tests to see if your trivia skills are up to the challenge. The first round is a 50-question test, and if you pass, you may be selected for the second round—a virtual gameplay audition that mimics the actual game, including a contestant interview portion—which leads right into the next point.
- Prep some life stories. Be ready for any “get to know you” questions and practice telling them in an engaging, friendly manner. Your responses should be quippy and quick. There’s no time for a 20-minute story here.
- Smile and pay attention. Remember that the casting team is looking for contestants that will shine on television and follow the rules of the game. They want someone who’s upbeat and enthusiastic, excited and engaged, but also knows how to play and follow directions. Set aside distractions and focus on the audition only.
5. Prepare to play!
If you pass the audition, be wary that it can still take some time to get a casting call. Take “Jeopardy!” for example, which places potential contestants into a pool that can last “24 months after your audition date.” That means you could wait up to two years before getting a casting call date. And even then, there’s no guarantee that you will hear back. This is the perfect time to keep practicing, watching the show, studying how other contestants present themselves, and how they win. And if you do hear back, here’s some advice:
- Be prepared. You should have received information about date, location, and time of arrival for your taping. Be on time and be professional. If you’re confused at all, reach out to your contact in advance. Once there, you may have yet more waiting to do since game shows tend to tape multiple episodes in one day.
- Be open. The casting team is there to help you excel, and may offer tips, tricks, and advice on how to improve your performance. Be open to their notes; they want the taping to be a success, so remember that they want to help you be the best contestant.
- Be yourself. This isn’t a traditional acting gig where you’re being asked to take on a character. Game shows are looking for authentic people to appeal to their audiences. Remember that you were picked for a reason, so amp up what makes you you.
- Have fun! Whether you win or not, have fun! This is a game, after all, so enjoy your moment.