Need Help Regarding a Job on a TV Show Taping?

Question

Hi, I recently attended a TV taping and I would like to know more regarding a job. There was a man who got the audience all "pumped-up" and cheering and making us clap. I can see myself doing that! However I do not know what that position is called, anyone know? Also, if you can let me know some info regarding it I would be very grateful! Thank You!

Answer 1

sometimes they have comics do that. I think it is a warm up person. I would contact the stations. Good luck!

Answer 2

Do you mean the floor manager? Sometimes the production manager does it, but he can work in the booth issuing instructions to the floor manager who has to do his bidding. The floor manager wears a talk-back (headset), often carries a call sheet (clipboard with running order on it), often dressed in blacks like the rest of the tech crew? He's in charge of the physical operations down-on-the-floor when the action's taking place, but he's pretty low on the overall pecking order. For example, if someone trips over a cable that's his problem, or if a piece of scenery collapses, that's his problem too. Usually he waves his arms up and down to get the audience to clap at certain times.

That's not all he does, though! That's just what he does when the cameras are on. If you want to do his job, you've got to spend 55-60 hours a week (often unsociable hours too) managing studio transformation from empty auditorium to full set configuration with everything in place including 'talent' and audience. You wouldn't believe the amount of grief this fella has to endure across that process. I think he only gets the job of whipping up audience applause because by the time the show is on, he's insane.

Best route in is via theatre -- stage management. Assistant stage manager, then deputy stage manager, then stage manager, maybe even production manager. Or make the leap to television at about DSM level after taking additional telly-producing courses at college. If you're very young and not keen on college, try working as a runner at a telly company -- it's bad money and you have to spend several years doing tasks that are the lowest of the low, but you learn the business.