Where to Try Out for Game Shows

If you want to chosen to play game shows for real money, sometimes you've got to go to the source. Whether it's New York City, Los Angeles, or wherever game shows are taped, they're where the action is.



It's true that many game shows take their auditions on the road. But is that really where you have your best chance of becoming a contestant? I doubt it. It's the odds: they're not good.

That's why one of my theories about game show casting is this: Your odds are better when you go to the source, whether it's New York City or Los Angeles.

Now, I'm not knocking on-the-road auditions. Who can pass up a chance to try out for game shows right in your hometown? It's cheap, convenient, and probably something you'll always remember. And You do have a chance of making it onto the show. But boy oh boy, is the competition fierce.

After my Millionaire appearance in New York City: Time Square never looked so good. That's my husband, you know, the taxidermist. He cleans up nicely, doesn't he?

On that one single day, you'll be competing with hundreds, more likely thousands of other game show fans, each trying to to selected to play game shows for real money too. And because there are so many people waiting in the wings, your time is very limited. Probably, you'll have seconds – not minutes – to wow the folks who will make the decision. No pressure there, huh?

In contrast, when you try out for game shows in New York City or Los Angeles, you've got more time, less competition, and can better wow them with your local flavor. Say you're from Texas. Yeehaw! A cowboy visiting New York City is bound to attract more attention than a cowboy who shows up for an on-the-road audition in Houston. Same goes for a country music singer in Nashville or an Eskimo in Alaska. In New York City, you're exotic. In your hometown, you're one of many cowboys, country music singers or Eskimos. See what I mean?

But what about the money? Travel isn't cheap.

Good point. Because I fall on the thrifty side myself, I would never, ever travel all the way to New York City just to audition for a game show. (Okay, so maybe that was my primary reason for going to New York City, but still, I wouldn't have gone if that were the only thing I could do there.)

When I auditioned for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, I made it a vacation. Three fun-filled days. I had a wonderful friend with a sense of adventure. We found affordable flights online, got a great deal on a hotel, and took New York by storm.

I auditioned the first day of our vacation. (Work before fun, I always say.) And then we took a bite out of the Big Apple. We saw a Broadway Show (The Producers, very nice!), rode the subway, jumped aboard the Stanton Island Ferry, saw the Statue of Liberty, and more. It was a blast.

And consider this: How wonderful do you feel when you're on vacation? You've got no responsibilities, no worries, nothing to do but have fun. Your excitement is bound to show, which will also work in your favor when you're trying to secure your favorite game show spot.

Traveling for Game Shows: Your Biggest Risks

Risk #2: "Failing" the audition and "ruining" your vacation: I put "failing" and "ruining" in quotes, because it's all a matter of perspective. I know that passing the Millionaire test made my vacation that much sweeter, but I was determined to enjoy myself no matter what. If you decide to take the vacation approach for your game show audition, I'd recommend setting the audition up for the first day of your trip, and deciding you're going to have fun no matter what. Your vacation can only be ruined if you let it, and "failing" is just a great way to get experience for your next audition. If the first time isn't the charm, why not try again?

Game Show Travel Steps

Pick a potential audition date, and get a quick quote on travel. With on-line quotes and prices, it's never been easier to dream, and possibly plan.

Once you know how much your travel might cost you, you can look at how it might fit into your vacation plans. One nice thing about my New York City vacation, it was the most profitable thing I ever did.

Good luck!