Here are tips I've learned from the game show circuit:
When I've auditioned for game shows I either had to take a test, or play the actual game. Be prepared to take a picture - wear clothes that photograph well, wear makeup even if you don't usually, etc. They also might make you fill out a questionnaire that asks you questions like - what would you do with the money? What's one secret you'll never tell? Make these answers interesting.
Know the show, the basic game play, popular contestants, etc. Game show people like it when you know and like the show. It also helps to review past questions. I'm sure if you google, you can find a whole host of them.
This is mostly for the interview part... after you make through the test. - Take your basic personality, and amp it up x5 for Millionaire. For a show like Deal or No Deal, amp it up by x20. They like EXCITEMENT!!!!! !!!! !! (but not too crazy. Don't wear a costume or make a sign or anything) - Have a "story". What makes you different from the person sitting next to you? Why are you special? Maybe you graduated college at 18 or hold a few patents. Let 'em know. - Don't be afraid to be quirky. Game show talent scouts LOVE quirky. But be authentically quirky. lol - Have a compelling plan with what to do with the money. Example: Wrong answer: "I want to put my million dollars in a stable index fund." Right answer: I've been working with a charity that rehomes retired bomb sniffing dogs and they really use more space for the dogs to play in. Oh and give money to cancer." - Leave your vanity and integrity at the door - do not hesitate to act like a fool if necessary. TV likes fools.
Be super personable, outgoing and bubbly. When I was in the audience for the Price is Right our group was big enough that we were guaranteed a contestant. They picked my roommate, who just sparkled, apparently - they only went down the line and asked your name, where you were from, etc, and picked based on that.
I've also auditioned for Jeopardy. For trivia-based game shows they will probably give you a test. For Jeopardy, it was a written test. Those who got all questions right were asked to come play a mock game (at the podiums!) where they could be evaluated for personality and television likability, I guess. Unfortunately, I missed like 4 questions.
Have some interesting tidbits of trivia about yourself ready, like if you used to be a semi-professional ice dancer or you've visited all 50 states, and stuff like that. Make a quick list of 4-5 things you can easily recall. They might ask you to write them down or if you progress to a one-on-one they might ask you on the spot. That could put you over the edge because it makes you seem more interesting on TV.
Many years ago I tried out for Millionaire. I'm sure it's slightly different, but the first step was a scantron test and then you got an interview. Expect harder questions than appear on the show.
Many years ago I tried out for Millionaire. I'm sure it's slightly different, but the first step was a scantron test and then you got an interview. Expect harder questions than appear on the show.
Yup- I auditioned for millionaire a few years ago and this was how it worked. I think it was 20 question scantron test. Scored immediately, then they dismissed everyone who didn't pass and interviewed the rest. They don't tell you what the passing score is, but the majority of the room does not pass the test.
I made it to the interview, and the questions were pretty typically "tell me about yourself" "what would you do with the money" kind of questions.
A few weeks later they will mail you a postcard to let you know if you made it into the contestant pool or not. ( I did not-- boo!)
Yep! I was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Wheel of Fortune. For Millionaire there was a test followed by an in person interview. A few things to know. First, they are looking for fun, energetic people. Be over the top, that's what they want. Remember that from the minute that you walk in to the contestant search area they are filming and watching you, even if you are just in line. We were in a group of about 200 people and of those 200 only about 30 made it past the written test in the first round. I auditioned with DH and we both made it in to round 2, but we saw other couples get split up. For the interview round they have you stand in a circle and call you forward one by one to answer some questions. They asked about 10 questions that were standard "get to know you" type questions, and a few fun ones like "what's the silliest fight you've ever had". Eventually I made it on the show without DH, even though we were trying out for the "play to pay for your wedding" week. I received a call within a few days of auditioning and had less than a week to fly to NYC. You have to pay your own way (or at least that was the case back in 2006 when I was on), but your guaranteed to win a minimum of $1000 so that should cover travel.
My law school roommate and I did something like a thirty second taping for The Amazing Race when they were in our town. If I recall we had to talk about road trips we had been on together? I guess going to Punxsutawney for Groundhog's Day wasn't too impressive, as we never heard from them again. Haha. I'm not super bubbly unless I've had a few, so probably would not make a good game show contestant unless I was someone like the serious sister on Family Feud.
Good luck to you guys! I hope one of you makes it through!