Auditions for Jeopardy differ from other shows in that they are largely merit-based as opposed to most game shows that look for interesting personalities regardless of the contestant’s potential aptitude at playing the game. Most initial tryouts are held in Los Angeles and, after potential contestants are told of the rules and eligibility of the show, feature 50 questions that are to be answered in less than 8 seconds each. This daunting challenge allows Jeopardy to have difficult questions on the show and have contestants that are able to answer them. Jeopardy doesn’t specifically indicate what a passing score entails, but some unsubstantiated speculation has put the number at about 35/50 questions answered correctly. Those that pass move on to the next level while those that don’t are told that they can tryout again in another year. The second part of the Jeopardy audition process involves contestants playing a mock game of Jeopardy. The goal here is not to look for correct answers (since anyone passing the test already has the requisite knowledge to play the game) but to look for candidates who will translate well to TV in appearance, confidence, and speech. Potential contestants are also given the opportunity to speak about themselves as they will on the show’s interview segment. After completing this stage, all candidates are put into a contestant’s pool and those that are selected for the show are called sometime in the next 18 months. With the growing presence of fans on the internet, Jeopardy has experimented with various online screening tests. Once or twice a year the show will extend a preliminary set of questions online and then invite the highest scorers to tryout. Of course, with the availability of myriad cheating options when testing online the show has to re-test candidates live but the online test has proven popular with people watching the show who are curious to see how they would fare as a potential contestant. Jeopardy has also done traveling auditions to allow those who are unable to travel to Los Angeles, the chance to compete.
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