Unexpected Perks of Being in a Live Studio Audience
Posted on: Aug 13, 2024
Photo Credit: Fedorovekb // ShutterstockAs an LA local, friends and visitors often ask, “Do you know what shows I can sign up for to be in the audience?” I’m quick to not only show them several links, but tell them about perks that people don’t always expect, especially if being a part of a live-studio audience is a new concept to them. Here are some resources for where to sign up for these shows and the perks of being in the audience.
Several companies use studio audiences in exchange for free tickets, and there are shows who do giveaways for the live-studio audiences for nearly every episode. There are also talk shows and scripted TV shows that do random giveaways throughout the taping. Giveaways can include out-of-town trips and trips abroad, all-inclusive resort stays, gift cards and so much more.
Standing Room Only
Standing Room Only books audiences for court shows, sports competitions and more, with tapings on various lots across Los Angeles County and in Las Vegas. This website doesn’t give you advance notice of which show you’re applying to, and you usually find out once you’re accepted and are then given directions.
Seatfillers and More
Seatfillers books audiences for various live events and awards shows, including the Grammys, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards, BET Awards and Country Music Awards, plus concerts and movie screenings. While they mainly book in Los Angeles, they also use people in Orlando and Washington, D.C., plus Las Vegas and other locations.
1iota
1iota uses audiences for premieres, screenings and live-studio audiences in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta and New York City. They have sign-ups for daytime talk shows including The View, The Talk and The Drew Barrymore Show; late-night shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Daily Show; sitcoms including The Conners, Night Court and Lopez vs. Lopez; plus variety shows such as The Voice.
On Camera Audiences
On Camera Audiences does tapings for several reality and game shows, such as America’s Got Talent, Big Brother, The Price is Right, The Masked Singer and more. Their website posts shows up to 60 days in advance. They have locations for tapings in a few parts of Los Angeles, as well as Atlanta, Las Vegas and even Hawaii!
Additional Tips
While these websites give free tickets to fans, some use audience members who are “casted” and paid for their participation. In some instances, more than one company can be used to book people through third parties. One example of this is Casting Networks, where you can make a profile and have several options for paid subscriptions each month. If you’re an actor, these audiences can be good practice as some participation requires you to “act,” but it can also be good networking to meet new people in and outside of the industry while taking notes to some of these hosts and warm-up acts who can be working comedians and/or actors themselves.
Speaking of warm-ups, there’s usually someone who warms up the crowd ahead of taping. They will usually go over rules, give cues to the crowd, play upbeat music and have newcomers introduce themselves to everyone, telling where they’re from and a few facts about themselves. The warm-up guys may also offer a Q&A, which gives visitors and locals the opportunity to ask questions about film industry terms and history, and may even be surprised by cast members or hosts of the show who greet audience members!
Whether you walk away with a great prize or leave empty-handed, your experience of being part of a live studio audience will not be in vain. For some people, merely being on a studio lot where some of the most iconic films and TV shows took place is an experience in itself.
Andrea Tucker is a writer/producer in sports and entertainment.
Browse thousands of jobs and find your next gig! Sign up or login to Staff Me Up and get on-set today!
You may also like: