No Photos
While you can take as many photos as you want while waiting in line or browsing through the Ellen shop, photography is not allowed on the soundstage itself.
If you try to take photos during the filming you can be sure that someone on the team will take your phone and delete any photos that you have taken.
No Autographs
If you are lucky enough to be a part of a show’s taping, you might hope to get the star’s autograph on a book, photo, or anything else. However, you’re plumb out of luck I’m afraid. Due to the tight schedule that the show adheres to, the star has no time to mingle with the audience.
This might sound unfair but remember, you’re not the only person there and if she gives you an autograph she’d have to give autographs to more than 300 other people too.
Banned Items
Admittedly, many of the items listed are rather strange things to carry with you but you are not allowed to bring sharp objects like scissors, knitting needles, knives, or similar.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t carry it past airport security you can be sure that you can’t bring it to the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Dress Code
Much like the autograph rule, this rule might sound strict but it does make sense. If you are attending the taping of a show, chances are you will appear on camera, however briefly that may be.
Therefore, audience members are expected to look their best. So if you’re coming to the show, while you don’t need to wear your Sunday best, you do need to put in some effort. After all, you don’t want to look bad on national TV.
No Logos
Apart from dressing up, you are not allowed to wear any clothes with logos on them. So forget about wearing your favorite band or superhero t-shirt. In fact, you’re not even allowed to wear something with the Ellen logo.
Due to the fact that it can cause a ‘buzz’ on camera, audience members are told not to wear busy patterns such as paisley and are advised to wear bright, bold, and solid colors.
Limited Bathroom Breaks
You might think that you can answer the call of nature during the filming but you would be wrong. You can go to the bathroom before the show and while waiting to check-in.
However, once you are on the soundstage you will not be allowed to go to the bathroom except at specified moments. So if you didn’t go before you came, you’re in for an uncomfortable time.
Dancing Between Breaks is Required
If you think of the show you will undoubtedly find yourself thinking about dancing, whether it be the guests, the audience, or Ellen herself. The reason for that is that it is compulsory.
During breaks, you won’t just get to sit and wait. Instead, you will be required to stand and dance. There is also usually a dance contest to find the best dancer in the audience.
No Food or Drinks
Forget snacking or even having a sip of water during the show. Just like bathroom breaks, you will only be allowed to do so before and after the show. This is not only because it would it look bad on camera, however.
In reality, it could also cause problems, and only one person is needed to make a mess. Admit it, regardless of who her guest might be, you’d get distracted by even just one person in the audience sitting and eating.
Mystery Guest
Ellen has amazing guests on her shows and many of your favorite stars might be there. However, you’ll never know until it’s too late. That’s because the guest is never revealed until the filming has actually started.
You might have bought your tickets months in advance but it will only give you the date and time of the filming. You won’t know who’s on the show you’re taping. One reason for this is that a guest might be unable to attend and need to be replaced at the last minute.
Enthusiasm is Essential
Another staple of the show is the fun and quirky games Ellen plays with her audience. However, if you want to be one of the contestants, you better impress before the show.
While checking in, the production team will pre-pick the potential contestants based on their enthusiasm. Once you’ve been pre-picked you will be given an audition and only the peppiest audience members will get to take part.
Gifts Are Allowed But...
Many people bring along gifts for Ellen. These could be anything from thank you cards to paintings to baked treats and stuffed toys.
The gifts will all be collected and sorted through after the show to determine whether they are suitable or safe for Ellen.
No Shouting Allowed
While audience members are whipped into a frenzy by the warm-up guy and asked to be as loud as possible when Ellen and her guests step onto the stage, there will be big trouble if they shout out after the introductions are complete.
Yelling out from the crowd — even if just to compliment Ellen or her guests — is a huge no-no.
Prepared to Searched
An unnamed insider described exactly what it’s like to be an audience member on the Ellen Degeneres Show in a report for Australian website news.com.au.
One of the many secrets discussed was the security measures Ellen insists on having in place. The anonymous source revealed that anyone entering the studio has to pass through a metal detector before they are allowed inside.
Chilly Weather
With all the bright lights in the studio, you’d expect the temperature to be toasty, but you’d be wrong. Ellen insists on having the air conditioner blowing on full-blast throughout the show.
In fact, audience members have been advised to dress for chilly weather to keep warm. But, as the audience is expected to constantly bust out their best moves, the cool air may come as some relief.
Arrive in a Big Car
Audience members have been advised to arrive at the studio in the biggest cars they can find. Why? Well, more legroom means more space for freebies!
Those lucky fans who attended the Mother’s Day episode in 2017 were able to leave with a mountain of gifts – including high chairs, strollers, car seats, as well as an Amazon Echo each.
Own Accommodation
While some audience members are lucky enough to live within walking distance of the Warner Bros. set, others have traveled thousands of miles just to become a member of the audience in The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
However, if you are willing to travel to the set, don’t expect any special advice or favors from the behind-the-scenes team. It’s best to find and organize your own accommodation.
Two Weeks’ Notice
While The Ellen DeGeneres Show tries to be inclusive and accessible to fans from all walks of life, fans with special requirements must contact the show’s organizers to let them know in advance.
In fact, these guests will need to alert the show’s producers a full two weeks ahead of time so that arrangements can be made.
Under 14? You’re out of Luck
Unfortunately, if you’re under the age of 14, you are not allowed to be a member of the audience on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. And don’t even think about trying to sneak in.
Anyone who doesn’t look old enough to drink needs to bring along an official legal document stating their age in order to get into the studio.
Separated
People try hard to get tickets to the show. Many don’t just buy themselves tickets but also for their friends and family.
While some of The Ellen DeGeneres Show fans are lucky enough to bag tickets for both themselves and up to two of their nearest and dearest and may even be allowed to enter the studio together, there will be no guarantee that the entire group will be able to be seated next to one another.
Choreography
A writer for News.com reported on a day in the life of an audience member for Ellen. It was no surprise that dancing was an important part of the show and took up a big chunk of their time.
In fact, the reporter revealed that fans are even encouraged to become choreographers during the show’s taping. Each row of fans was asked by the warm-up act to devise a unique dance move and to perform it in unison.
Front Row Seats Come With Responsibility
Being Ellen DeGeneres’ number-one fan is reportedly not enough to bag you a prime spot in the audience. That’s because you apparently also need to be up to date with the current U.S. Hot 100.
Those in the coveted “Dance Row” must pull double duty. Not only do they have to bust their best moves, but they also have to sing along to the hit that’s playing at the time Ellen makes her appearance.
Chewing Gum is Forbidden
If you’re chewing gum, chances are you might not even get past the studio door. Chewing gum is completely frowned upon for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and is a big no-no.
This may be because gum-chewing doesn’t appear particularly attractive on the screen. It could also restrict audience members from singing along to the pop hit that plays when Ellen steps onto the stage.
Waiting
Be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting around in line. On your ticket, it will tell you the time to arrive and check-in with the show. Keep in mind that the show usually books around 300 plus people a show.
Once everyone checks in, they’ll make a few announcements before sending everyone in lines to the stage. It’s going to take a while, so be patient.
The Show Must Go On
The show’s start time can vary throughout the week, so check the weather accordingly. Although Southern California tends to be full of endless sunshine, occasionally it rains; and you may be waiting outside without any covering, so dress accordingly.
The audience coordination team will do their best to keep you comfortable, but they can’t control the weather.
Limit On Gifts
Ellen is infamous for the various giveaways on her show, but don’t take advantage of her generosity. Each audience member only gets one of each item, unless otherwise stated.
Don’t try to take more, or Ellen will make fun of you on national television. Just ask the audience member Nancy about her experience.
Tickets are Difficult to Get
Trying to get tickets for The Ellen DeGeneres Show is extremely difficult. Many people apply for years before they finally get the golden ticket. Others have yet to find success.
All that we can say is keep trying. Ellen has at least three seasons left of her talk show, so there’s still plenty of time.
Always Overbooked
Now, you might think this sounds unethical or unfair but hear us out. The audience coordination team always overbooks the audience. The reason is that if some people can’t make it, then there will still be plenty of people to fill the seats.
The show never wants an empty seat on-camera. If people at home see an empty seat in the audience, they’ll write in to the show asking why they didn’t get tickets if there was still availability.
Q & A With the Audience
Every once in a blue moon, Ellen will have some extra time and do a question and answer segment with the audience. Sometimes, this airs on TV, and other times it happens off-camera.
If this opportunity arises, take advantage of it. But please do not ask for hugs, selfies, autographs, or for tickets for “12 Days of Giveaways,” it’s rude and insensitive to other audience members.
Tickets are Never Available the Day of Taping
Contrary to popular belief, tickets are never available on the day of filming. There is a number that you can call on the Ellen Show’s website to try to get tickets on the day of the taping.
Nowadays, the phone number is only for last resort purposes. The phone number was more helpful during the earlier seasons of the show when it wasn’t as popular.
Don’t Have Plans For After the Show
The length of a taping of an episode of Ellen’s talk show varies. Typically, it runs like a well-oiled machine, as the show has been on the air for 17 seasons.
However, there are occasional delays with the late arrival of a celebrity guest or technical errors while playing a game. With that being said, a taping is typically about an hour but can go much longer.
Standing During Filming is Not Allowed
During filming, you are to remain seated in the audience at all times. You are not allowed to get up during filming and walk around. It’s a safety hazard since the camera and crew members are moving with heavy, expensive equipment.
If you have an emergency, you have to wait until a commercial break for someone to assist you.
Prepare For Scares
Ellen loves surprising or even scaring her guests. So come prepared to a taping with the expectation that anything can happen. A lot of times, there is usually a surprise guest or a fun item that you get to take home.
Luckily for audience members, Ellen sticks to scaring her celebrity guests, or her producer Andy.
No Audience On Stage During Rehearsals
Before the taping of an episode, rehearsals take place. Ellen rehearses her opening monologue, the production team runs through any games, and the musical guest rehearses their song.
When all of this is going on, the audience is not allowed in the soundstage. If these rehearsals take a long time, then it means the audience is sitting outside longer, in the rain or shine.
Bags and Purses Under Seats
Any bags or purses that you bring must be able to fit underneath your seat. This is an extreme tripping hazard as there will be tons of dancing during commercial breaks.
Also, don’t forget that some celebrities enter from the back of the house and walk down the aisle. The last thing you would want to happen is have your purse cause Brad Pitt to trip and fall down the stairs.
Limited Notice Of Running Early
Ellen loves running her show on schedule, though she also loves being ahead of schedule. Occasionally, filming moves to an earlier time slot with limited notice.
So be cautious of the plans you have before attending the taping of the show to ensure that you have plenty of time to get there.
Shop is Only Open Before and After Taping
Everyone loves Ellen’s merchandise and wants to be able to have time to shop. Ellen’s Shop is in her soundstage in the space popularly known as “The Riff-Raff Room.”
If you are a VIP guest, you will have time to shop before the taping of the show, which we recommend to avoid long lines. All other audience members will have to wait until after the show.