Tips

Taping Tips

So, you’re on your way to your very first taping, completely excited, yet unprepared as can be, and with no idea what’s in store! I know that when I went to my first tapings, I was looking forward to the thrill of the new experience, but would have liked to have had some insider info about what to expect. Well, here are some tips from someone who’s been there before! I had to learn a lot of these the hard way, so I hope that by putting them on my site, I can save someone else from having to relive some of them. Hope they help!

“Whose Line is it Anyway” tips:

Temperatures fluctuate. You may have heard that the studio is very cold, so you wear a big heavy turtleneck to protect you from the chill. Well, that may not be the wisest move. I have felt the studio very warm, as well as very cold. You should wear something comfortable, but bring a light sweater just in case.

Don’t wear hats. They’ll make you take them off, no matter how “stylin” they are.

Don’t wear shirts with big logos. They’ll make you wear it backwards.

Don’t expect photo or autograph opportunities. I have seen some get lucky enough to get an autograph at a taping, but it is rare.

Bring some reading material for while you wait for the studio to open, unless you’d rather talk to fellow Whosers in line.

If you have the option of where you want to sit, avoid the first three or so rows. Before the show starts, the cameras are backstage, so you don’t see them. But once those cameras come out, I’ve heard that the view of the first few rows gets very obstructed. And as for those seats in the front row by the green screen...well, they're usually taken.

If you are lucky enough (or unlucky enough, as the case may be) to be seen clearly on camera, whether it be through sitting in seats on the “Drew Aisle” or by being picked out of the audience for a game, keep a low profile if you ever go to another taping. They want each audience for each show to look different. If you sit in seats where you can be seen clearly again, they’ll make you move to terrible seats where not only can you not be seen on camera, but you can hardly see the stage.

Beware of bringing props! First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them actually use props brought by audience members, but that doesn’t mean they never will. More importantly, don’t bring anything valuable that you want back. The studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items, and it is not unknown for an item to be lost or stolen.

Bring your photo ID, otherwise, you won't be admitted into the studio.

There is usually confusion about where the line is supposed to start. If you get there really early before the line starts to form and you have to start it yourself, start at the doorway that has a few steps leading up to it, not at the double glass doors.

There are a lot of good places where you can walk if you want to get something to eat while you wait in line. Of course, you’ll need to have someone trustworthy hold your spot.

Since the September 11th attacks, some security measures have been changed. First of all, no bags, pagers, or cell phones are allowed in the studio. Leave them in your car when you get to the studio, otherwise they'll make you go back to your car, no matter how far away you've parked, and make you return the items.

Don’t drink a lot before the show. They let you use the restroom before the show, then once you enter the studio, it’s like a prison. A very funny, enjoyable prison, but a prison nonetheless. The only way they let you out to use the restroom is if you’re pregnant (see, they do have some compassion!). But as for me, I dehydrate myself all day before a Whose Line taping!

“Drew Carey Show” tips
Note: I have not been to a "Drew Carey Show" taping since the attacks on September 11th, so some of this might be outdated. Unfortunately, since then, you are not allowed to attend a taping of this show unless you are a Warner Brothers Employee, or if you are in a group of 40 or more people.

The stage is very long. No matter where you sit (from what I could see), there is no seat from which you can see every set perfectly. From stage right to stage left, these are the sets: The bar, the office, the living room, the kitchen, the yard.

Don’t eat the pizza (Thanks, Michelle!)

Bring ID. The minimum age is 16, and it is enforced.

When I went to the show, there were two different lines, one for people who already had tickets, and another one, I assume for people who didn’t have tickets. Be careful you don’t stand in the wrong line. If you’re on the production list, you should be able to find your line pretty easily.

I've never been to a Drew Live taping, but here are some tips from Laura: For Drew Live...same tips -but then you have to add that you will be on Camera - therefore I would think that seating is more like a WL taping dress code. The show is live so that it goes faster - but if you go to the first taping - you see Eastern and Mountain time zones - no bathroom breaks...then there is a second taping for Pacific. (Thanks, Laura!)

“The Wayne Brady Show” tips
Note: I have not been to a "Wayne Brady Show" taping since the attacks on September 11th, so some of this might be outdated.

They claim that the studio is kept cold, but I was sweating every time I went. Maybe because I was sitting so close to the lights.

I have sat on the floor for every taping. I just loved the feeling of being so close to all of the singing & dancing action. I did have a little bit trouble seeing some of the side stages because I was blocked by cameras. I’ve heard if you don’t sit in the floor section you can see the other stages better. There has really only been one scene that I’m upset that I couldn’t see clearly on the side stage. Other than that, I’ve loved the floor section. The studio is so small, I haven’t seen any “bad” seats.

I recommend leaving cell phones, cameras, and pagers in your car or at home. Security will search your bag and if they find any of the above items, they will make you leave them in a box outside and let you pick them up after the show. After the show is over, I, personally, do not feel like waiting around in a pushy crowd to get my belongings. The best way to avoid this is not to attempt to bring them into the studio at all.

Compared to the other procedures of line waiting, this one was the friendliest. They give you benches and a covering from sun.

There are some good place to go eat before the show within walking distance. Get something healthy. They’ll give you candy during the show.

I have never been to a taping of Wayne's talk show, but I received the following information from Jeannette, and here's what she has to say: "The seats that arent on the floor are honestly so much better than the floor ones. And this is so for a few reasons. One is that you can see the all the stages from it. Two, you're usually in most of the camera shots. And three, you can be noticed by Wayne or the guest stars more easily, and might even be called down. Ive been to three tapings of the Wayne Brady Show, and each time the tempature was different for me. The first two times, I was wearing pants so I wasnt very cold. The third time, I wore shorts and I couldnt stop shivering, even with the hot lights beaming down. So dress warm, but not too warm. They ask you to take off extra jackets and tuck them under the seats before the taping starts.Same with purses and hats. And for seating, as you probably know, isnt first come, first serve'. They seat you where they want you. And they have been known tosplit up groups so they can fit everyone in the proper seats. You're supposed to laugh at the jokes, even if you dont get it.... And yeah they do give out candy. :-D lol! But that's only if the audience is beginning to get tired, or if the audience is being really good (from my 'experience' :-P)." Thanks, Jeannette!

If you’ve been to a taping and see that I’m missing something that should be shared, or if you have any questions, please let me know!