Understanding The Price Is Right Audition Process
The Price Is Right has been a beloved game show since 1956, and millions of people dream about being in the studio audience or becoming a contestant. The audition process is the first step toward that goal. This guide provides information about how the show's audition system works, what to expect, and what producers look for in potential contestants.
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The show holds auditions regularly throughout the year, both in person and online. The audition itself is not a competition where you perform in front of judges. Instead, it's an interview process where producers get to know you as a person. They want to understand your personality, your enthusiasm for the show, and whether you would make an entertaining contestant on camera.
The Price Is Right is produced by FremantleMedia and airs on CBS. The casting team reviews thousands of audition submissions every year. Understanding what this process actually involves can help you prepare mentally and physically for the experience. The audition typically lasts between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the type of audition you attend.
It's important to know that simply auditioning does not mean you will appear on the show. The casting team receives far more audition submissions than they can accommodate. They select contestants based on a combination of factors, including personality, game strategy knowledge, and how well someone might perform under the bright studio lights.
Practical takeaway: Before you do anything else, understand that auditioning is a process with multiple stages. Each stage serves a different purpose in helping producers determine if you would be a good fit for the show.
Types of Auditions Available
The Price Is Right offers different audition formats depending on your location and circumstances. Each format has its own structure and requirements. Knowing which type of audition is available to you is the first real step in the process.
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In-Person Auditions: These are held in various cities throughout the year. When you attend an in-person audition, you arrive at a designated location (often a hotel or theater) at a specific time. You'll be in a room with other people auditioning. The casting directors will ask you questions about yourself, your personality, and your knowledge of the show. They may also conduct group activities or games to see how you react and interact with others.
Online Video Auditions: The Price Is Right began offering online auditions to reach a broader geographic audience. For this type of audition, you record a video of yourself responding to specific questions. You typically have a time limit for each response, usually between 30 seconds and two minutes. You submit this video through the show's official website or casting portal. The main advantage of online auditions is that you can participate from home without traveling.
On-Site Auditions at CBS Television City: If you live in the Los Angeles area or can travel there, you may have the option to audition directly at the studio where The Price Is Right is filmed. These auditions often fill up quickly since they offer the chance to be in the actual studio space where the show is recorded.
Each audition type serves the same purpose: to help casting directors learn about you. The format doesn't change how thoroughly they evaluate contestants. Some people prefer online auditions because they feel more comfortable speaking into a camera at home. Others prefer in-person auditions because they can show their energy and enthusiasm more directly.
Practical takeaway: Research which audition formats are currently available and choose the one that fits your situation best. Check the official Price Is Right website or CBS casting pages to see what options are open in your region.
Preparing Your Video Audition Submission
If you're submitting a video audition, preparation is essential. The video is your only chance to make a first impression on the casting team, so putting thought into your submission can make a real difference. Your video doesn't need to be professionally produced, but it should be clear, well-lit, and show your genuine personality.
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Technical Requirements: Video auditions typically need to meet certain specifications. Most casting systems ask for videos in standard formats like MP4 or MOV. The audio should be clear enough to understand every word you say. Poor audio quality is one of the most common reasons casting directors can't evaluate someone properly. Film your video in a quiet room where background noise is minimal. Use natural lighting if possible, or position yourself facing a lamp or window so your face is clearly visible.
Setting and Appearance: You don't need to wear formal clothing, but you should wear something you feel confident in. Many successful auditioners wear bright colors that stand out on camera. Make sure the background behind you is clean and not distracting. A plain wall or neutral background works well. Some people choose to film in front of their bookcases or other personal items that reflect their interests.
Answering the Questions: The casting team will provide specific prompts or questions for your video. Read each question carefully before responding. Be genuine and let your personality shine through. The casting directors want to know who you really are, not a performed version of yourself. If a question asks you to tell a story about a memorable moment, pick something real from your life. Stories about family, overcoming challenges, or unique experiences tend to stand out. Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Avoid rushing through your answers just because you're on camera.
Length and Pacing: Pay close attention to time limits for each response. If you're given 60 seconds, aim for 45-55 seconds. This shows you can follow directions while still providing substantive answers. Don't waste time with long introductions like "Hi, my name is..." unless specifically asked. Get to the substance of your answer quickly.
Energy Level: The Price Is Right is known for its high-energy contestants. Your video should reflect enthusiasm for the show, but it doesn't mean you need to be loud or over-the-top. Genuine enthusiasm reads on camera. If you love the show, talk about why. If you have favorite pricing games, mention them. If you have a personal story about why being on the show would mean something to you, share it authentically.
Practical takeaway: Test your video setup before you submit. Record a practice video, watch it back, and ask yourself if you can hear everything clearly and see your face well. Make any adjustments needed, then re-record your audition submission.
What Casting Directors Look for in Contestants
Understanding what the casting team values can help you present yourself effectively. The Price Is Right is ultimately an entertainment program, so casting directors think about contestants as part of the show's overall appeal to viewers.
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Personality and Energy: The show needs contestants who will be engaging and fun to watch. This doesn't mean you have to be an extrovert or an actor. It means you should be authentic and show that you genuinely care about being there. Casting directors look for people who react to situations naturally and seem comfortable on camera or in front of a group. If you're naturally quiet, that's fine—just make sure your sincerity and enthusiasm come through in whatever way feels natural to you.
Enthusiasm for the Show: Watching old episodes of The Price Is Right, learning about the pricing games, and understanding how the show works all help you in auditions. When casting directors ask about your favorite games or why you want to be on the show, specific and genuine answers matter. Saying "I've loved this show since I was five years old and I watch it with my grandmother" is more memorable than saying "It's a cool show."
Relatability and Uniqueness: Casting directors look for contestants who are interesting in some way. This could be your profession, your hobbies, your life story, or your personality traits. What makes you different from the thousands of other people auditioning? Maybe you're a firefighter, a retired teacher, someone who travels extensively, or someone who has overcome a significant challenge. These details make you memorable and give producers something interesting to highlight on the show.
Game Knowledge: Knowing how The Price Is Right pricing games work puts you at an advantage. You don't need to know every single game from the show's entire history, but understanding the common ones (like "Higher or Lower," "Plinko," and "The Showcase Showdown") helps. Casting directors sometimes ask about game strategy. Thoughtful answers show you've actually watched and paid attention to the show.