Getting Tickets
There are several ways, all explained on the CBS Late Show website. We filled out the online application about a month in advance. We got a call about a week before. A very nice person asked about our dates, and then gave us the trivia question. I think this one is pretty common judging by the comments from others in line: what is the name of the business that Rubert G runs? (Hello Deli.)
Then she gave me instructions to be at the theater between 1pm and 2pm on the day of the show, and told me I was on “Lisa’s Gold List”.
Picking up tickets
We show up as asked at 1:15. There is already a long line of people waiting to check in. They have quite a process. You show your ID and are checked off a list at the door. Then you show it again inside the lobby. Then you check in with one of 2 people depending on which list you are on (e.g. Lisa’s Gold List). They give you a ticket, but what’s important is what they right on the back. It determines what time you come back and what section you are seated in. I wish I knew the all the details – e.g. does the guy checking you in size you up and decide if you’re enthusiastic enough for the good seats? Or is it strictly first come first served? You kind of get the feeling your are auditioning to be in the audience.
So we get “red” and are processed by yet 2 more people on the way out, and ultimately told to come back at 2:45.
Show Prep
We get back at 2:30 and are told to come back at 2:45, because another group was already being staged outside. When we come back, we get into our red group. After a little while, a staffer does his warm-up and audience tutorial. We’re told to laugh and clap but not to whoop, or howl. The guy goes on for about 5 minutes.
By the way, although the official instructions say no cameras or cell phones allowed, all they want is for you to turn them off and keep them put away.