How to Get on Jeopardy: Do You Have What it Takes?
Jeopardy! Contestants go through a series of rounds well before the actual appearance on television; the competition is tough, and only those who make it to the final stages will have a chance to appear on the show. However, you can get started for the Jeopardy! Hall of Fame with these tips and suggestions:
âÂ?¢ Visit the Jeopardy! Homepage at www.jeopardy.com and check for an upcoming open audition at your nearest metropolitan city. As soon as you find one, you’ll need to register as a potential Contestant. Sometimes nearby auditions are also announced in your state and local newspapers.
� If the audition is not available in your local area, your next option is to register for an audition in Los Angeles; you will need to fly out there (at your expense) to make your first appearance. The auditions can be scheduled up to one month ahead of time. The audition itself only takes about 90 minutes, and is located at Sony Pictures Studios.
âÂ?¢ At the audition, you will be required to take a 50 question test; only those who pass this test can move onto the next round. This is truly a make-or-break situation, so be well prepared! If you don’t pass this test the first time, you can reschedule to come back within 6 months.
âÂ?¢ If you pass the test, you’ll get to play a game of Jeopardy! as if you were a real contestant. The producers and directors will tape this tryout, and are looking for strong contestants who will also do well on camera.
� After the directors have made their selections, they can wait up to one year to ask you to appear on the show. Be prepared with this knowledge, because even if you pass all tests and are qualified after the mock taping, it may take time for them to invite you as a real contestant.
âÂ?¢ Prepare for the tests, questions, and pre-contestant round as much as possible before your audition. It’s helpful to stay on top of current events, historical information and general trivia, social issues, and other Jeopardy! categories. There are times when ‘studying’ is possible, but generally Jeopardy! questions can run in a variety of questions and subjects. The more comfortable you are with variety and being able to think quickly, the more likely you will pass the actual pre-contestant tests and audition stage.
Other things to remember when running for the Jeopardy audition is that it takes time! Producers can take up to one year to choose you, even if you are well-qualified as a contestant. Also remember that you will be paying for all audition-related expenses, so it may be wise to coordinate trips and travel with other business or social plans. Have fun, and who knows, maybe we’ll see you on the next Jeopardy! season as a contestant!
