The Game Show I Played On
'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire' - The syndicated edition hosted by Meredith Vieira.
How I Applied
I made an appointment on the website to be in the audience and to audition (millionairetv.com). During certain times of the year (summer to fall) they allow you to apply to come to their New York City studio to see them tape the show and take the 10 minute, 30 question audition test.
How I Fared in the Game
I would say that my performance was average, I answered questions correctly up until the $8000 (now $12,500) question. Mostly due to stress and a 15 second time constraint I wasted my Ask The Audience life line early. I took a risk on the $16,000 (now $15,000) and got it wrong taking home $100
How I Prepared for the Game
Almost anything can appear as a question on 'Millionaire' so I felt enormous pressure. I spent hours reading newspapers, taking online current events quizzes, reading articles about current movies and TV, thumbing through almanacs, reading general trivia books and basically obsessively paying attention to any little factoid that happened to come my way. None of this actually helped on the day of; the amount of information out there is too great to study but I would both recommend and do it again because there is always a chance you could get a question on the show that you know from studying; It isn't unheard of.
The Highlight of the Experience Was...
The experience was both wonderful and nerve racking. Before you go on stage to play the game you have to sit in a room with a bunch of others who are also going to be contestants. It was a lot of fun meeting and talking to them, even though it was a diverse group we all had something in common; we wanted to win big in front of a large audience and I think we were all nervous for each other too. It was interesting getting to know not only the other contestants but also some of the production staff. We all discussed strategies and lamented over the tough changes in the game; all while enjoying a full catered meal. All the food was free and good but I was too nervous and excited to eat much. When it came close to my time to sit in the famous hot seat, things started to feel more and more surreal and exciting. Meeting the host, and playing the game might have been the most exciting, wonderful and surreal experience of my life; until I got that question wrong that's when things weren't so wonderful. I left the stage with my hopes and dreams of riches down the drain but also with an exciting, wonderful, and unique experience that will last a life time.
Advice
- The clock forces you to answer question quickly but whenever possible take your time and go slowly. I would say that it would even help you mentally to try to buy time in between questions just so you can feel comfortable in the seat. Anything you do including saying something to buy time can and most likely will be edited out.
- Try not to let the surreal and intimidating experience overwhelm you.
- Study as much as you can before appearing on the show but don't become obsessed or run yourself ragged with it.
- Seek more advice from online communities and other former contestants (http://www.wwtbambored.com/)
