Tips on How to Get on a TV Game Show

We've all done it: Sat in front of the TV and successfully shouted answers to game show questions, impressing family and friends, and often out-shining the actual contestants.

But, how tough is delivering thoughtful and correct answers when under the glare of hot lights, in front of a studio audience, or while trying to beat down able opponents?

And, most importantly, how do you get on TV game shows?

Assess the odds
Recognize that the odds of being a game show contestant are probably equal to those of becoming a professional athlete - a little overwhelming. A lot of people apply, but only a percentage of those actually get a shot, and even fewer succeed at getting on a show.

In fact, fewer than a dozen usually make the initial cut by passing the preliminaries, and of those, only a few get the call. Some people are chosen as stand-ins, just in case a primary contestant can't appear.

Preliminary rules
All game shows have rules about who is eligible. Most require people be at least 18 and residents of the U.S. You will probably be asked to provide a Social Security number, and you may have to be part of a group for team shows.

There are odd rules, too; one show requires that you not be a politician. Some games require that you're not employed by corporations connected to the show (including those that broadcast it), and some demand that you not have been on any other game shows within a specified amount of time - like the last year, or two shows within five years.

Do your homework
Begin the process by going to the show's website. You can learn when they will be auditioning out-of-town players, or actually fill out an online application.

If you must travel to the actual show studio, you may be given preliminary written tests and play a practice round/s. Make sure you have planned for plenty of time to do this, so a tight schedule isn't adding to any pressure you're already feeling.

Getting picked and being patient
Some shows choose contestants from audiences. In that case, you will need admission tickets before it tapes. Find out what the show's rules are; having tickets does not always guarantee you will get in. However, some large groups (20 or more) get preferential treatment and will be admitted.

Generally speaking, if you live in the home region of a show or readily have travel access, you stand a better chance of landing a spot. Easily accessible contestants are also a consideration for returning champions. Players with flexibility are a plus, and not having to worry about arriving flights or long-distance commuters provides fewer headaches for producers.

Since a lot of shows are taped in California or New York, take that into consideration, even though a cross-section of show guests is desirable for appeal to all viewers.

Read all regulations carefully if you are chosen to be a player. Be sure you can follow all requirements, and realize that responsibility extends further than showing up and taking part. Also if you win, any applicable taxes on prizes are expected to be paid, and sometimes shipping of bulky items can be complicated or expensive.

If you are chosen to be part of the audience
As is generally the rule, being part of a studio audience may take hours - even for shows that air relatively short episodes. The reason? Producers love audiences with good rapport, and if they get one, they are reluctant to let it leave the building. You may be in a studio for hours on end, and this could destroy any dinner or other plans.

Do your homework first, and expect to potentially make a day of it.

Be prepared and articulate
An important preliminary goal should be to know the game thoroughly. Get the home version of it, and play it until you gain skill and timing.

Make it appear that you own a mirror. Some shows prefer wild outfits, while others like sedate; find out before you get there dressed like a sofa.

Speak clearly and with adequate loudness - but don't yell. Players wear microphones for a reason.

Study your favorite shows and see what entails a successful candidate - and what is especially annoying.

Are the contestants comfortable speaking in front of people, and do they seem friendly, likeable and enthusiastic? Does it appear that they are having fun? Game shows like lively candidates, but remember that microphones can lead to disaster. Answers that are mumbled and flubbed under the breath of one contestant can be picked up on and successfully delivered by the next contestant.

Remember that being particularly noisy does not equal an appreciative audience. Miked players can still be enthusiastic without screaming or shrieking into the ears of viewers; people in the sound booth will bless you for your restraint, and home viewers won't change the channel mid-game.

To re-cap:
Know the rules first, and know the game.

Build confidence leading up to your appearance.

Expect that delays may occur - in taping as well as initial contestant choices. Some players wait, after already having passed the tests, for a year or more to actually appear on a show.