Game Show Pro

This Game Show Pro has tried out for a few game shows over several years, but has only been selected for one. After some Internet research, discussions with other auditioners, and remembering my own experiences, I identify the major activities at a typical audition. The core theme among all these activities is that casting producers want to select contestants with whom the viewing audience can identify.

1) A screening test
In most game shows, having contestants that evidently can play the game engages the audience’s interest. You are tested on the core skill of the game. For example, Jeopardy! auditioners are shown a series of blue screens, each containing a clue that they must answer, much like the actual game show. The screening test serves the purpose of reducing the number of people the casting producers will interview.

2) An application
All the applications to which I have exposed (in the USA) want to make sure that you have legitimate legal status. Since you may appear on the game show and may win some money, they need the typical information that any employer requests, e.g., Social Security number, street address, etc. Also, on the typical application, there are several questions that assess your likability as a contestant and your fitness for the game. The answers to these questions are used by interviewers as grist for their questioning.

3) Interview(s) with casting coordinators
These are often videotaped, and you may be asked to speak into a microphone. Casting coordinators want to draw out your personality to see if the viewers at home will identify with you. The coordinators will ask you questions based on what you wrote on your application and also “random” questions to see how well you spontaneously react to unexpected questions.

4) Playing a mock game
These are also often videotaped. This activity is useful for the coordinators, especially if the gameplay is a little tricky. Being a good contestant requires more than ability in the core skill of the game. It also requires an understanding of how to play the game. For example, in Jeopardy! the correct answererquestioner must also pick the next category and dollar amount.

In a later post, I will review the major activities of an audition and propose strategies to maximize your chance of being selected to appear on the show.

technorati tags: game show, gameshow, preparation, audition