I have been blessed to get to go to a taping of the Ellen DeGeneres Show six times. My first time I watched the show from the riff raft room, so I’ve only been in the official studio audience 5 times. Two of those times were for a taping of Ellen’s 12 Days of Giveaways. I don’t say any of this to brag though. I say this so that you can know that it’s not impossible to attend a taping of the show. My goal is to help get you to a taping. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram!
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Please note that the post you are reading is all about how to request tickets to a regular taping of Ellen. I have a separate post to share How To Get Tickets to Ellen’s 12 Days of Giveaways. I am updating this post to reflect a few updates from 2021.
How To Attend a Taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Interested in learning what going to a TV Show Taping in LA is like? I spoke with my friend TeArra Hardiman about our experiences attending Tv Show Tapings. We share what you can expect, how to get tickets, and tips to make your experience more enjoyable. You can listen to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or Podbean.
You will need to visit the official website for the show. Tickets are available for a week at a time. Sometimes even two weeks at a time. If the date you would like says tickets are available you will then be directed to fill out a form. The form will ask for your contact information as well as how many tickets you would like. It will give you the opportunity to add a photo and a reason why they should pick you. I have a theory that having a man request the tickets can help since so many women apply.
You will need to fill out the form but please note that filling out the ticket request form does not mean you will be going to the show. If you are selected a member of Ellen’s team will contact you and offer you tickets.
The tickets will either be standby or guaranteed. If you do not hear from them more than two weeks before your requested date you will want to start the process over again. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get tickets right away. It is a popular show and a lot of people want tickets.
Also, don’t be discouraged if you get standby tickets. Both times that I have had standby tickets it has led to me winning tickets to 12 Days of Giveaways!
There is an age requirement for this show. You must be 14 or older.
Wondering When Ellen Stops Taping For The Season
Ellen will typically wrap up a season by the end of May. She will spend a few weeks over the summer taping Ellen’s Game of Games. By September the show will be back to start a new season.
What To Know Before Going to a Taping
For tapings in 2021 and 2022, you do have to show proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID test taken within a set amount of time before the show. For example, I went to a taping on Thursday and took my COVID test on Monday so that I could have results in time. When you check in at the show you will first have to show your negative test and vaccination card before going through security.
If you get tickets to the show you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail or an email with parking details. You don’t have to pay for parking. Check-in is located on the bottom level of the parking garage. They sell snacks and water though there are places within walking distance if you want something more. However, if you leave the line make sure a member of your party stays to hold your place.
They have benches for you to sit on as well as restrooms to make your waiting more comfortable. When we checked in my friend suggested we grab surveys. Before this visit, I did not know about the surveys. On occasion, Ellen calls an audience member down to play a game or interview them. For a chance for that person to be you be sure to ask for & fill out a survey. On a later visit I did not fill out a survey but my group had a lot of positive energy and we were having fun. So a staff member started talking to us and I even got prepped that I could be a potential game player.
Wear bright colors and have fun to stand out!
I would really encourage you to bring a pen. You will need a pen if you want to fill out a survey. If you win a prize that they have to send in the mail having a pen to write your address comes in handy. There were two surveys to fill out. One survey has a list of songs they might play during commercial breaks. They want to know what songs you will dance to. The other survey asked questions like how long have you been a fan of the show? How has the show changed your life? Do you know someone who deserves to win a car?
In addition to having a pen, you will also want to make sure that you have your photo id with you because security will need to see it. Once you check-in you will get a card with a number on it. They ask you to you will line up according to your number. You will then head across the street to her soundstage.
Once inside you will go through security and don’t worry you can bring your phones in just don’t take them out once you are in the studio audience. You will walk through the Ellen shop on your way to the seats. I know it is tempting to buy something when you go through the shop but wait until after the show when you have more time.
While I was walking through her shop, which also serves as the riff raft room, I saw that all the tv screens had #ImAtEllen on the screen. There is also a picture of Ellen’s famous selfie that she took at the Oscars. Since you can’t take pictures inside the studio audience the riff-raff room is a good place to take the pictures.
Interested in attending Celebrity Events like this in the future? Find out how here.
What the Taping Experience is Like:
When you attend a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show you will have a lot of fun. The warm-up guy will have you dancing and singing to get you ready for the show. Be prepared to do a lot of dancing and clapping. There are restrooms in the stage but you can only use them before the show or during the commercial break and if you’re gone too long a seat filler will take your place until the next break.
The episodes are taped a day in advance so even though I went to the show on Monday the taping was for Tuesday’s episode. Occasionally, they will keep the audience and pre-tape a segment for a future show. This has happened twice when I’ve gone. Ellen will quickly change outfits and almost immediately come back out. It has always worked out well for me when this has happened. The first time it meant I got to watch a mini-concert with Coldplay. The second time led to the 12 Days of Giveaways!
Advice For Ticket Holders From Out of Town
If you do not live close to Burbank you will want to get a hotel in the area. I would encourage you to take the Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour prior to the taping so that you can get the most out of your visit to the studio. Please note that tours during the week will not have access to the Ellen Stage unless there is no filming taking place. Even when filming is not taking place it is up to the show whether or not to let tours on the stage. Always ask your guide and hopefully, if they can they will take you there.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Burbank after the taping I recommend The Smoke House, Porto’s, Bob’s Big Boy, In – N – Out, or Doghaus.
