Have you ever dreamed of being in the spotlight? Maybe dancing on live tv in front of millions of viewers? Well, if you can manage to get on Ellen, that's what you have to do. Although Ellen may seem like a big inclusive party, there are a lot of hoops you need to jump through to get there. Some might even shock and confuse you...
Ellen DeGeneres
Very few people actually get to visit Ellen DeGeneres’s studio in their lives. The lucky individuals that do get to join the studio audience might find that the experience is a little more restrictive than they had originally thought it would be. After all, this is live television, and the Ellen show is the most successful talk show on the air right now.
Welcome to the Show
If you want to get tickets to see Ellen, there are some serious hoops you need to jump through to even be considered eligible to apply. If you pass the criteria (which we will elaborate on in a minute), you’ll be entered into a lottery system to receive an invitation to purchase a ticket. If you somehow manage to make it through all of those steps, the rules start to get weirder and weirder, some people have even dropped out of the running because of the criteria…
Going the Distance…
Prospective guests need to first visit the online ticket calendar to get on Ellen. The show tapes Monday-Thursday, usually offering tickets for two month’s worth of a timeframe for selection. Once these tickets get scooped up, the website will update to reflect that a specific calendar day is sold out and there will be no more accepted applications for that particular day.
Going for Speed…
The ideal scenario for a ticket applicant is to apply as soon as they come onto the website. After all, these kinds of things function on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, if you have applied more than once, you might have a higher chance of being selected to attend over the first-time applicants.
Narrowing the Field
The website will ask you to fill out a submission form describing who you are and why you’d like to attend the Ellen DeGeneres show. It is rumored that this information will then pass over a panel of internal judges, but due to the sheer number of regular applicants, it’s more likely that your application will be filtered by a quality assurance software program before it’s viewed by a person. If you can manage to make it through this phase, you’re already ⅔ farther ahead than everyone else.
Playing Hard to Get
Potential guests are allowed to consider multiple dates for attendance, but once they apply for a single one, they will be barred from applying to any other date on the foreseeable calendar. However, if the prospective guest doesn’t hear back about their application, they will be allowed to apply again after two week’s time. In theory, an individual can apply for 3 separate dates within the two month period that the tickets are available, that is if there are any that are still available when the time comes.
Scoring the Deal
If you are deemed eligible to receive a ticket, a producer should reach out to you within the two-week selection period. If you do not hear back within two weeks, reapply for different dates. However, if you do actually get selected, you’re going to have to jump through a ton of hoops from here on in.
Baby, You’re a Star
The correspondent will contact you about the specifics of the taping. If you need accommodation, you need to speak up immediately. If you don’t submit a form regarding disability at least two weeks in advance, you may not receive that accommodation. Other than that, it’s just a matter of time before you need to show up at the studio and follow the producer’s directions. From there, it usually gets a little weirder...
Classic Misdirection
A fairly common occurrence for show tapings is when individuals are turned away upon the realization of their actual age. People who are 14 and younger are not allowed to attend the Ellen Degeneres show as audience members, but that doesn’t stop them (and their parents) from lying about their age. This has literally never worked, so if you’re below the age of 14 (or the parent of someone that age), you have been warned.
Repeat Offenders Beware
Some people can make it onto the show pretty easily based on their looks, personal backstory, income category, or any other factor that might make you more suited for television. Ellen has made a conscious effort to stray away from following a standard formula of profiling and selecting candidates based on arbitrary standards. Because the standards for guests are so varied, Ellen does not allow the same person to be an audience member twice in one season. This puts the individual in a lower priority category for selection in later seasons as well.
The Uncertainty is Real
Every once in awhile, Ellen will have to cancel a shoot day due to unforeseen circumstances. Often, these cancellations are last-minute, and they have historically occurred right before the show was intended to start (and in one particular case, Ellen just didn’t show up while the audience sat in their respective seats). This is a liability issue for the studio, but they seemed to have covered themselves pretty effectively via the contract that all audience members are required to sign before going onto the show.
A Risky Investment
Potential audience members take a massive risk when they commit to attending a taping of Ellen. Ellen’s production team clearly dictates that each individual that attends is at risk of not being reimbursed for their loss if they paid for travel, a hotel, or any other special accommodations to attend. Additionally, all times and dates are subject to change, so if a shoot-day is rescheduled, your travel/housing may double, if you choose to stick around.
Beware the Seat Poachers
In the event that there is a cancellation, people known as seat poachers will show up extremely early in the morning to try and take the seats of people who are late or couldn’t attend. In the event that this happens, Ellen’s production team finds that it’s better the seats get filled, regardless of whether that person had been on the show before or not. As long as they can pass through a security check, they are welcome to join.
Potential for Poaching
In the event that this does happen, the studio operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means that even if you have a ticket if you’re behind someone else in line who does not have one, they will have seating priority over you. According to Ellen’s webpage, the studio opens at 9 AM, so people regularly camp out overnight to try and cap seats if the shooting goes a day over or transfers to a different studio in Los Angeles.
Waiting for the Queue
Fans have to wait in line outside of the studio when they’re trying to get onto Ellen. Although it doesn’t rain very frequently in Los Angeles, if it does, there is no cover for the people who wait in line. They are instructed to seek shelter in nearby businesses, but that inherently causes them to need to leave their spot in line. This practice has been called ableist more than once, and it is a huge point of contention in ethical legal battles regarding the acquisition of a seat. Since nobody pays directly for the seats, and there is no internal revenue loss for not filling/filling a chair in the audience, the show’s lawyers have made this a null-point.
Distance is a Detriment
Some frequent Ellen goers claim that they live in Los Angeles and within the surrounding counties, meaning that they have consistent housing nearby when they want to attend the show. However, housing is a major problem for a lot of people that travel from all over. Ellen’s producers are notorious for providing no assistance in finding accommodations near their set for fans of the show, even guests.
Falling on Deaf Ears
The behind-the-scenes team supporting Ellen has not explained whether this is a legal issue or not, but finding accommodations has never been more difficult for Ellen goers than it is now. Historically, when fans have asked if the team would recommend a hotel in the area, the production team has simply responded with the word “No.” For an unidentified reason, this has been an issue for a very long time. Additionally, the hotels around the area get booked up quickly because of their close proximity to touristy areas of downtown LA, so you need to book well in advance.
Splitting Up
When you get a seat in the audience for the Elen DeGeneres show, you might not want to bring along a friend or loved one. Seat numbers aren’t guaranteed, even if you reserved seats in advance. So, if you were looking forward to sharing this unique experience with another superfan, you likely won’t be sitting together. Unless you’re an extremely friendly person, this can scare some potential show-goers off.
The Duality of Man
Ellen’s audience is split into two categories, the dancers (who are typically seated in the front row) and the non-dancers. In order to get into the front row, you need to stick out from the rest of the crowd in one way or another. Plenty of folks don their dancing shoes to try and separate themselves from the masses, but there is a fine line to toe in order to get noticed by the producers.
First Thing’s First
Before anyone can step foot in the studio, each attendee must pass through a standardized security measure that is so insanely in-depth, it rivals TSA. Seriously, people who have sat in on episodes of Ellen liken going through security there to getting into the White house. In addition to the absurd security measures, there are some strange things that you absolutely cannot bring in with you, no matter what…
Securing the Situation
In order to get into the building, you must pass a fairly rigorous security check. Think, going through airport security.
You must pass through a metal detector and a body scan. No bags, including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, or shopping bags, are allowed in the studio.
Contra-Banned
If you find yourself in line possessing any items that could be considered as weapons, make sure you declare them to the nearest security guard.
There are no confirmed accounts of people attempting to bring weapons into the studio, but based on the frequency of the tapings of the show, there must have been at least one instance. Just like when you’re in airport security and you realize you have something you probably shouldn’t have, just tell someone, give that object up, and you’ll most likely be fine.
Problems in the Past
People really like to express their energy on their way into Ellen. After all, the producers are constantly searching for the most camera-friendly audience members to showcase when the time comes.
People really like to express their energy on their way into Ellen. After all, the producers are constantly searching for the most camera-friendly audience members to showcase when the time comes.
No Pictures, Please
Cameras are strictly prohibited for members of the Ellen audience. If you get caught trying to bring in a camera, you’re going to have to step out of the line.
It has not been reported that anyone has been removed from the audience because they were carrying a camera, but it is safe to assume that there would be some serious repercussions. This rule gets enforced for the safety of the other audience members and crew.
Knitting Needles are a No-Go
If you think you want to bring in some knitting supplies to help pass the time during commercial breaks, you should probably change that idea.
One woman attempted to bring knitting needles into the studio and she was promptly detained. The woman was allowed to continue sitting in the audience since her knitting needles weren’t actual weapons, but this should serve as a warning for any of you knitters out there.
The Obvious No-No’s
This should go without saying, but any sharp object that could be considered a weapon is not allowed in the studio.
This includes knives, scissors, medieval weaponry, sharpened toothbrushes, and pretty much anything else you could think of. If it’s pointy or bladed, chances are you shouldn’t have it with you.
Mace is Also Prohibited
Although aerosol mace is the most commonly carried self-defense tool, it is strictly prohibited from entering the studio.
The security guards that have been hired to work in Ellen’s studio are rigorously trained to be able to identify hidden weapons as well. Even if it is for general self-defense, trying to sneak a weapon into the studio will get you kicked out at least. If you try and sneak a serious weapon in, you will undoubtedly get arrested.
Have Phone, Can’t Use It
The only recording device you can bring in with you is your cellphone. You are allowed to have your phone with you in the studio, but it needs to be powered off and in your pocket at all times.
If a crew member catches you using your cell phone (they will, you’re on camera the entire time), you will be promptly escorted out of the building and asked to delete whatever you took.
Taking Risk in Your Own Hands
The items that get confiscated by the security personnel are not the production team’s responsibility to take care of.
If you try to bring in contraband, you may get arrested or removed. The contraband will be seized and there is a really good chance you’ll never see your favorite knife ever again.
On a Positive Note…
Let’s assume you did successfully make it into the studio and you’re prepared to sit in the audience.
After waiting several hours in line, you might find yourself having to do progressively more physical activity (unless you are unable to so because of medical reasons pre-requested by you or a guardian). If dancing isn’t your thing, you might not want to stick around...
Activity VS. Hyperactivity
There is a big difference between being ready to dance and being READY TO DANCE. In fact, people that display too much enthusiasm may be directed to leave.
After waiting several hours in line, you might find yourself having to do progressively more physical activity (unless you are unable to so because of medical reasons pre-requested by you or a guardian). If dancing isn’t your thing, you might not want to stick around...
The Line Leader
If you show exemplary energy, drive, direction, and leadership skills, you may be eligible to become a row leader.
There are no prefixed number of row leaders that get to be on the show, but if you can dream it, you can do it. The people who get invited into the Holding Room get instructed to be the energetic line-leader of their row of audience members.
Bust a Move
Dancing is an enormous part of Ellen. In fact, more dancing goes on behind the scenes than in front of them.
As a sort of “warm-up exercise” to get the energy high for the show, each audience member has to dance in whatever capacity they’re capable. This is a big reason why the audience is split, the best and most capable dancers are sent right to the front.
If You’re a Row Leader…
If you’ve been seated at the end of a row on Ellen, chances are that you already know what you’ve gotten yourself into.
People who are at the end of the rows, especially those who are seated closest to the front, are usually singled out and instructed to be the leaders for their sections of the audience. They get encouraged to scream louder and dance harder than everyone around them. No, you can not request this position. These individuals are preselected at the beginning of the show, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
Moving Those Legs
For some reason, dancing is one of the primary attractions for members of the Ellen audience.
One Australian attendee reported that Ellen’s production crew required each member of the audience to 1 by 1 create their own unique dance move. This was just in case one person was individually called on. Nobody was called on, this was most likely a stalling tactic. This whole process took an entire hour, and Ellen didn’t show up until around 3:30 p.m., which is three hours after the intended start time.
Everybody Has To Dance
Ellen actually requires all audience members, and guests, to be prepared to dance at all times.
No matter who you are, the contract you sign before you go on Ellen legally requires you to be prepared to dance at a moment’s notice. It doesn’t matter if you’re a former president, current president, or president-elect, you must bust a move like you’re dancing for dimes. If you refuse to dance, you will get sued. Seriously, look into it.
Working Up a Sweat
Don’t worry about sweating through your shirt with all the dancing, Ellen keeps her studio freezing cold at all times.
Although she has multi-million dollar lighting set up, Ellen keeps her studio’s air conditioning pumping at a crisp 65 degrees at all times. This keeps the audience and the guests awake and alert, especially when they’re bustin’ a move every 30 seconds.
Hungry? Too Bad.
Dancing for 4 hours straight might sound like a recipe for a hungry and depleted audience, but Ellen’s production crew doesn’t seem to care much about that.
Fans have been kicked out of the studio for sneaking snacks in. There is absolutely no food permitted in the studio audience whatsoever. This includes individuals with medical conditions. These individuals will be removed from the audience to have their snack or insulin, and then returned during the next commercial break.
No Nuts, Even in Line
The only time you’re permitted to fuel up before the show is when you’re waiting in line with all the other fans.
However, there is a strict tree nut ban that requires all patrons to remove any nutty item they have from their person before they even think about entering the studio. Since tree nut allergies are so popular, this is a legality issue that Ellen doesn’t even want to consider dealing with.
Everybody Has to Be in Synch
Before every taping, the production crew encourages each row to create their own group dance, on top of requiring them to make individual dances for themselves.
This cuts back on idle time when the camera pans over the audience. If there are extremely active members of the audience, and other members of the audience not moving or enjoying themselves, this creates a break in the consistency of the shot. If you are seen being inactive in the shot, you may be removed from the crowd.
Actually, Everything is Planned
Every single moment on Ellen is planned. Even the moments you don’t think are planned.
There are stage choreographers that literally curate every second of the show. Ratings are the most important thing to Ellen and the crew, so controlling every move that the audience makes is insanely important.
Clapping Choreographers
Say goodbye to free will, because all the moments on Ellen that you thought were organic were actually meticulously planned.
From tears to spontaneous applause, Ellen’s production team is notorious for being able to curate the most realistic fake interactions on the air. The best part is, none of these people are real actors! The editing and crowd direction is so good, they don’t even need to hire actors to play these parts.
Front Row Folks Need to Do Their Research
People who sit in the front row at Ellen are subject to immediate pop culture checks that might leave your grandmother’s head spinning.
Since there are so many high profile guests, and Ellen is practically fueled by popular music that’s hot on the radio, front-row guests are required to know exactly what’s going on in the pop world. For instance, if Ellen were to play “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, individuals in the front row must be seen either dancing or singing along perfectly. If you don’t know the song, you will be moved to the back.
Dress Code is Strictly Enforced
Are you a goth? A house painter? Someone who likes to wear a lot of neutral colors? We have some bad news for you.
Ellen likes her audience to be dressed in vibrant colors. She doesn’t allow all black or white outfits. Additionally, if you like to wear earth tones, you can kiss your screen time goodbye. You’ll probably still get into the studio, but you probably won’t end up in the shot at all for the whole show.
No Branding, No Problem
You’re not allowed to wear branded clothing of any sort. There are no exceptions to this rule.
You are absolutely not allowed to show off your favorite artist, video game, musician, restaurant, or anything else you might hold near and dear. This is a major copyright issue for the show, and if you wear any sort of branded material to the show, you’ll have to flip your clothing inside out.
Summertime? No Shot.
Ellen doesn’t allow any members of the audience to wear shorts or t-shirts. That means you.
This is a fairly new rule, but it was recently implemented to keep the audience looking as fresh as possible. People don’t always wear their Sunday best to Ellen, but if you’re dressed like you’re going to the beach, you may be asked to leave.
Skin is a Cardinal Sin
Ellen doesn’t allow her audience to show off their shoulders or knees. Evidently, this detracts from the show’s ratings.
Showing off excessive skin is a liability to the show. People are not profiled on their race, color, tattoos, or the quality of their clothing, but, there are some exceptions to the rule. According to Ellen’s production team, wearing shorts is a recipe for disaster on live television, and they try to avoid dealing with problems at all costs.
Footwear is Finite
Maybe you like to wear open-toed shoes and high heels when you walk around the city. That’s fine, it just won’t fly on Ellen.
Flip flops and high heels are a big no-no if you want to get on the show-show. Not only will you be dancing like a madman, but you will also be asked to get up and move around. Wearing open-toed shoes is a potential recipe for disaster if someone were to lose a flip flop and fall down the aisle.
Want to Bring Ellen a Gift?
Gifts are totally okay to bring. But, you’re going to have to get them checked first.
When you’re in the security line to get into the studio, make sure you let someone know that you have a gift for Ellen. They will inspect it and then take it from you on the spot.
When Do We Get to Meet Ellen?
Ellen is a busy lady, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet her in person.
If you show up early enough, you can get invited into the “Huddle House.” This essentially a gift shop that Ellen sometimes walks into. She will come to say hello, but she’s set enormous legal boundaries between herself and her showgoers.
Can I Give My Gift to Ellen Myself?
The short answer to this question is… Maybe?
Depending on Ellen’s proximity to you when you enter the studio, she may be around when you turn your gift over to the security guards. That’s simply dependant on chance, but you will not be able to PHYSICALLY hand the gift to Ellen. She might just be there when you turn it over to extend a thank you.
Parameters for Gifts
You absolutely cannot, under any circumstances, bring food as a gift for Ellen.
Believe it or not, bringing Ellen a handmade gift is frowned upon. There is an inherent amount of risk involved with accepting a handmade gift from a fan, and Ellen prefers to avoid that altogether. Actually, she advises against bringing gifts, even though she is flattered.
Comfort is Key
Ellen is one of the world’s most recognizable people. Unfortunately, the more people that know who you are, the stranger interactions you will have on an individual basis.
Ellen is not looking to become your friend, nor is she looking to shake your hand. Ellen does not allow any contact between herself and her fans. This is likely to help her avoid potentially violent or uncomfortable interactions. You can understand that, right?
Thank Yous are in Order
Ellen is most comfortable putting a significant amount of distance between herself and the studio audience, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t grateful for your attendance.
At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that the lady is running a business. This is her JOB. She is just a person like you and me, and even though she doesn’t have the time to thank each fan individually for coming to see her live, she extends several gestures to make her fans feel appreciated.
Grab-N-Go
When fans leave the studio, they have to exit through the gift shop. However, before you leave, fans are allowed to grab one piece of merch from a table before the exit.
Of course, fans have taken this for granted. One guest was actually caught trying to take more than one freebie at the end of the taping, and Ellen publically shamed them on live television. She did not use that person’s name, but she did not blur their face out when she aired the security footage the next day. Whether this was an appropriate thing to do not is ethically loaded, but, this just goes to show how serious Ellen is about maintaining order on her show.
Will Ellen Sign my Souvenir?
No, Ellen will not sign anything you bring to her—Ellen has a strict “No Autographs” policy.
This has to do with her safety as an individual, as well as time constraints that she has to abide by. Ellen operates on a schedule, and usually, she doesn’t get to make it. Signing autographs takes a long, long time, and by proxy, she cannot stick around to hang with fans.
Gumming Up the Works
Fans of bubble blowing beware, this one is for you. If you are caught chewing gum on Ellen you will be removed from the audience and banned for life.
Yes, this is true. Fans who are chewing gum can disturb the sound in the room, in addition to gum being a mess to deal with altogether. Please be conscious of this rule, because chewing gum can cost you a lot more than you might think.
You Cannot Know Before You Go
Ellen and her production team will not reveal anything about the upcoming show to the audience members.
Some audience members are given early information based on their proximity to the stage and their active importance to the show. Since some fans get preselected to do things on the show, they are the only ones who get information about the guests before the others. If they get caught spilling the beans to their friends, that could be the end of their ride.
No Coordinating Outfits Please
Ellen may wear a coordinating outfit with one of her fans or guests, but you are highly recommended not to do that.
When some audience members are sticking out more than others, the camera people tend to lean towards the majority. The crowd needs to be in synch, or it doesn’t look like they have a concise idea for the show. However, holiday episodes may encourage you to wear whacky outfits.
Come in a Big Vehicle
Ellen gives a lot of stuff away for free, even though the freebie table is railroaded to one gift per person.
On select episodes, fans are sometimes given more freebies than they can carry. In fact, on Mother’s Day, Ellen gives away scads of items that not all audience members can take with them. Our advice, rent a big car and drive away with spoils from the underprepared audience members.
Most Importantly, Enjoy Yourself
Not very many people get to be on Ellen. Although there is a massive and unique studio audience on every show, that is less than 10% of the people that apply to sit in.
If you got the opportunity to go on Ellen, you should pat yourself on the back. The studio wanted you for who you are, and you’re special because of that. Well, you’re special regardless, but you didn’t need a famous blonde lady to tell you that, did you?