How to Be a Contestant on The Price is Right

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 17, 2022 References Approved

Planning Your Trip to the Show

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Acing Your Contestant Audition

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Showing Your Enthusiasm in the Crowd

So you want to be a contestant on “The Price is Right?” While many people believe that contestants are chosen at random, the show’s producers carefully select all contestants. It's not easy to get picked, but with some careful planning and the right amount of enthusiasm, you could be the next person called to "come on down" for a chance to win some great prizes!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Planning Your Trip to the Show

1
Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements. Applying to be a contestant on “The Price is Right” can be a complicated process – as well as a costly one. It’s best to ensure that you are eligible before taking your first shot at applying. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (barring special episodes with younger contestants).
- Be a legal resident of and live in the U.S.
- Have not been on The Price is Right in the past 10 years or more than two other game shows in the past year.
- Not be running for political office.
- Not be related to or know anyone who works for The Price is Right, FremantleMedia, CBS Corporation, or CBS Broadcasting Inc.
- Not work for a television affiliate of CBS, or local and national sponsors of the show.^{[1]
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2
Order a free ticket for a taping. You can order them here: http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/The_Price_is_Right. Pick a taping date from the list and fill out the form on that page to receive a printable ticket. A ticket that says “Priority Ticket” guarantees you admission as long as you show up on time. For those that say “Line Voucher,” admission is on a first-come, first served basis.^{[2]
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- The further into the future the show date is, the greater the chance you’ll have to receive a priority ticket. If you wait until the last minute to order your ticket, you’ll likely get a line voucher.
- If you have a disability, you can reserve accessible seating by calling 1-818-295-2700 and requesting it at least 24 hours before the taping time and date.
- Groups of 10 to 20 can reserve tickets by emailing groupbooking@ocatv.com between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
- Find a buddy to go with and have them order a ticket. If you need to get out of the line for studio admission for some reason, you can keep your space in line.
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3
Arrange your trip to the studio in Los Angeles, California. You can find the current schedule of taping times on the show’s website. If you live far away, book a flight to Los Angeles far in advance of the taping, and choose an affordable hotel nearby. Your trip may require an overnight stay, so pack clothing and other materials that you'll want a few days before the trip.^{[3]
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- As the minimum age to attend a taping is 18, you’ll need to bring a government-issued ID to present to the producers.
4
Wear light, neutral clothing on the day of the taping. Television cameras contrast clothing with bright, bold colors or patterned designs. Wearing these clothes will likely reduce your chances of being selected. Also, avoid wearing clothes with any snarky or profane slogans, or else the producers are not going to pick you.^{[4]
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- You’re also prohibited from wearing clothes with visible corporate logos, and may not be allowed in the studio with a company-branded shirt on.
5
Leave prohibited items at home or in your hotel room. Cellphones and smartwatches can be used to cheat and will be confiscated by security before you can enter the studio. Your bag or purse is subject to search, so rather than deal with security, and possibly be barred from entering the studio, don't bring:^{[5]
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- Drugs or alcohol.
- Weapons of any kind.
- Backpacks.
- Lists of prices.
- Costumes or suggestive clothing.
6
Arrive at the studio three hours before the doors open. Overbooking is the norm, not the exception. Head to CBS Television City, 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California which is located at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Getting there early will help you get into the audience if you have a “Line Voucher” ticket.^{[6]
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- There’s parking available on the street or paid parking available at the Grove Parking Structure, a couple of blocks south of Beverly Boulevard.
- Make sure to plan for the possibility of congested traffic so that you can get to the studio as early as possible.
7
Stand in line and wait for the doors to open. A production assistant will hand everyone a registration card on which they’ll need to write their first and last name, as well as the day of the month on which they were born. Arriving early also means you’ll be among the first to be interviewed by the producers as a potential contestant.^{[7]
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- It's a good idea to get to know the people around you since they are potential contestants as well.^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Acing Your Contestant Audition

1
Answer questions clearly when a producer interviews you. The producers will interview everyone in line after the studio lot doors have opened. You'll be asked your name, where you're from, and your occupation. You should answer the questions sincerely and eagerly, with a touch of humor. This seemingly casual interview is where the producers will make an initial determination of who will appear on the show.^{[9]
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- Enunciate your words and speak up. Those in line around you will likely be talking or even cheering. Make sure the producer can hear every word you say.
- Don’t ramble. If you ramble on when asked a simple question, the producers are likely to think you’d do that on-air when the host asks you a question.
2
Match the energy of the producer with your answer. Unless you’re first in line, watch the producers’ body language and listen for their tone as they interview other contestants. Try to match their excitement and enthusiasm without exceeding it. The producers are looking for just the right amount of energy, so mimic them.^{[10]
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- For example, if the producer speaks at a certain volume, match it. If they move their hands while talking, don’t be afraid to move yours.
- If, for whatever reason, the producer is speaking in a deadpan manner, don’t try to match them. Instead, answer as if you did receive a contestant slot, and the host was asking you a question on live television. Keep past contestants in mind.
- Don’t mimic their mannerisms or inflection, which may come across as offensive.
3
Don’t put on airs for or try to curry favor with, the producers. Even if you’re super-confident about your chances of being selected or winning, don’t appear too calculating or arrogant. Authenticity is key. Also, sharing a sob story with the producers is highly unlikely to move them. And if they think you may break down in tears on live television, you’ll probably lose your shot.^{[11]
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- The producers are prohibited from accepting even a business card, so don’t give them anything that could be perceived as a bribe.^{[12]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Showing Your Enthusiasm in the Crowd

1
Cheer loudly and passionately when the show opens. After your interview, you’ll be led into the studio audience after which the show will soon start. Everyone will start cheering. Join in! The producers watch audience reactions as the show begins and make their final contestant decisions based on crowd participation.^{[13]
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- Some participants initially selected during the interview portion have been cut at the last minute because they did not cheer. Whatever you do before the show starts, make sure you show that you’re happy to be there!^{[14]
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2
Don’t go overboard and cheer too obnoxiously. Jumping up and down, shouting “Woo!” and pumping your fists are no-nos. The producers are looking for people who can show their excitement, but can compose themselves enough to participate if they are picked as contestants. Avoid the superfan shtick and cheer along with the rest of the crowd.^{[15]
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- Keep in mind how previous contestants cheered during the show’s opening and emulate them.
3
Wait patiently for the announcer to call the selected contestants. There are over 300 people in the studio per show, and only 9 of them are chosen. But if you’ve suitably impressed the producers, cheered appropriately, and have a bit of good fortune smiling upon you, you'll be called down as a contestant. Congratulations! Now go win that new car or washing set!
- Even if you don't get selected, just enjoy the show. It'll be a great experience for you no matter what. And you can always try again at a subsequent taping.
- Showing up to every taping, radically changing your appearance or personality, or otherwise being too aggressive in subsequent attempts, will end your chances of appearing on the show.^{[16]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I get tickets for more than one taping?

Community Answer

The rules only state that you may not get tickets to more than one taping per day, so you can attend multiple tapings on different days if you'd like.
Question

Do I have to buy a ticket to the show if I want to be a contestant?

Community Answer

Yes, you must obtain admission tickets to be a part of the show as a contestant. Tickets are free and available from the Price is Right's official website.
Question

How much will I get paid just to be on the show?

Joyce D Fontaine

Community Answer

Whatever you win. It is a wonderful experience, which is payment in itself, and if you are fortunate enough to become a contestant, your winnings, if you get any, should suffice.