Have you ever wanted to see your favourite show live? Do you want to be the perfect studio audience member? Here are some tips on how to make the most of your experience. Every producer is working towards the same goal: getting the show filmed without any major mishaps. Whether it’s a sitcom, variety show, talk show, or game show, there are certain things that you, as an audience member, can do to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Here are some tips on how to be the perfect live studio audience member.
Arrive early to get a good seat
Making it to your destination on time—and with a great seat to boot—is the ultimate mission. Don’t be one of the disgruntled latecomers who whines because they’re seated all the way back in the caboose. Plan ahead and prioritize arriving early — 30-45 minutes prior to the check-in deadline is recommended — for guaranteed success. If time is not on your side, keep in mind that sometimes Auntie Too-Early (me) has already secured the highly sought-after real estate by setting up camp hours before the actual event. Well played Auntie! The sooner you arrive, the sooner you get checked in and are guaranteed to be a studio audience member. The check-in process is relatively simple, but make sure all attendees in your party have a valid, government-issued photo ID. Passports and driver’s licenses are good examples.
Dress comfortably but also stylishly – and other ways to prepare!
It’s tempting to lounge around in comfy clothes, but it pays to dress up a bit – you never know when you’ll bump into your future employer, date, or other important people who may shape your life! Not only that, but most shows have a dress code, especially for talk shows or game shows where you may end up on camera. So remember to brush your hair too. It’s the best of both worlds – you can look stylish and be comfortably dressed at the same time. Typically, daytime talk shows will ask you to wear bright colours but colours to avoid will be listed on your actual ticket. As for late-night shows, they ask you to dress business casual. Never wear logos.
Don’t bring cameras, backpacks, large bags of any kind, or items for the host or guests to sign. It’s not gonna happen. If you need to have your phone, keep it turned off during your time in the studio or you will be escorted out. No photos or videos are ever allowed on set. Some places will even take your phone upon entry and return it to you at the end of the taping.
Being turned away is a real possibility
…and it’s no fault of your own! Sitcoms, especially, always overbook as they need to ensure every seat is filled. It’s generally a policy that they provide you with a ticket for guaranteed entry for another day. So keep that in mind if you’re travelling to a show! Even if you have a ticket, you’re not necessarily guaranteed entry.
Be prepared to clap, laugh, and cheer at all the right moments
The most important piece of advice I can give is: be prepared to clap, laugh, and cheer at all the right moments. Over and over and over. And over. There’s no need to hold back – this is the perfect chance to let out a good chuckle when the humorous moments arise. Every show, no matter if it’s a talk show, sitcom, or game show, there is always a warm-up comedian who gets the audience excited. They’ll literally teach you how to react and give you cues during the taping if you need to amp things up. Another thing to remember: don’t look directly into the camera, even if it gets really close! Get ready for an experience like no other! Hope to see you in the audience!