Do you love watching TV game shows? Do you yell at the TV screen because you know all the answers? Do you always answer people in the form of a question? Do you feel like buying a vowel? If so, maybe you could win money on one of them! You could win cash, prizes, and instant fame or, um...at least a copy of the home version for participating.

Open casting calls and auditions are held year round for TV's most popular game shows. More and more producers choose contestants from their applications online, making getting on one of the shows even easier than ever. Each game show has its own procedures, but if you read and follow the directions carefully, present yourself with enthusiasm, and thoroughly explain why you should be the next contestant and big winner, you'll already have a leg up on the competition.

You'll find a number of helpful videos on YouTube, as well as plenty of articles online written by former game show contestants with their tips to help you with everything from what to wear during the audition to how to keep track of which shows you've sent applications to and how to be original. Producers are always looking for appealing characters to play on their shows, as well as personal stories that draw in an audience, so begin thinking of yours.

Audience companies such as www.hollywoodtickets.com and www.tvtix.com also offer easy access to studio tickets and schedules of upcoming tapings to aid in planning your visit. If you're traveling with a large group, audience companies can be very helpful in making arrangements to view a taping and even offer fun incentives for filling multiple seats.

Here are a few tips to start working on if you're convinced that you're ready to put all of that useless trivia in your head to good use.

1. Know the show. Producers don't have time to teach you all the rules. Know how the game is played, how the audience reacts, and how the host works with contestants. Watch as many episodes as you can. Play the board game at home. Your lack of preparation will show.
2. Producers like contestants who have traveled from out of town. Think about traveling to a game show mecca for your next vacation!
3. Don't give up. If one show turns you down, try another one. Every show's style is different, so it may take you a few times until you find your spot.
4. Dress for success. Dress to be noticed, but not too crazy.
5. Practice speaking in front of people.
6. Pay close attention to the application and audition requirements.
7. Think about your answer to the question: What would you do with all that money if you won't?
8. Showcase the entertaining, interesting things about your personality and life.
9. Be genuine and truthful.
10. Be patient. Sometimes it takes months for your application to be processed.


All that glitters isn't gold, however. We can't all be Ken Jennings, who won $2.5 million in 74 days on "Jeopardy." Depending on the show, you can go home with a few dollars or a few hundred thousand.

It's unlikely you'll land on the high end of the paycheck scale, even though prime-time game shows love to use the phrase "a million dollars." One of the most powerful words in the world is HOPE. Just don't forget the word REALISTIC.