Friday, April 20, 2012

Big Bang Theory Taping Q&A

I do my best to answer any questions that come up in the comments, but Gina recently left a comment suggesting that I create a Q&A post of sorts:
Something that I would like to see on your blog is maybe a "Q and A" post... for instance, people can submit questions about the tapings and you could answer them. For example, I've always been curious about the actress that voices Howard's mother. Have you seen her at the tapings? Or are her scenes prerecorded?
First, to answer Gina's question - she is at the tapings, and does her lines live with the cast, but always hidden so we can't see her during the scene. But the actress, Carol Ann Susi, then comes out at the closing curtain call with everyone else. (A side note, virtually every time she was in an episode, and thus listed with the cast in that week's program, I'd hear someone in the audience speculating about whether or not that meant we'd actually see her character.)

So if anyone else has questions related to Big Bang Theory tapings - how things are done, cast and crew, whatever - you can leave them here, and I'll answer if I can.

And remember, you still have four days to enter to win Kunal's autograph if you haven't already!

141 comments:

  1. I have a question. In scenes where actors are naked (for example in The Rothman Disintegration where Dr. Rothman was standing naked behind Sheldon's office door.) Are they really naked? or is it just camera tricks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of the time those scenes are pretaped - that was the case for all of Rothman's scenes, and for Plimpton back in season 3.

      But Raj's scenes in The Wildebeest Implementation were done live. When he takes off his clothes in the coffee shop, that was done on a set around the corner, so the audience could only see what was on the TV monitors. Raj standing naked in the kitchen in the final scene was also done live... And I'd assume Kunal was actually wearing something, hidden by the table, but that's just my guess. Because of where I was in the audience that week, I was watching the guys play chess on the TV monitors (because I couldn't see them directly), and then didn't notice Kunal was also in the scene until the very end. They had a large, black divider up nearby that Kunal slipped behind after the scene was over, and then he came out wearing a robe.

      Delete
  2. I would like to know:

    1.-How long (hours) is the day of recording?
    2.-Does it stopped for lunch?
    3.-Do they invite the audience with snacks or cold/hot beveraches?
    4.-Which cast member is the most accessible for talk or autographs?
    Thanks a lot for you answers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. The taping itself starts at 6:30, and then could last anywhere from 9:00 to as late as 11:00 (though only a couple I've been to went that long).

      2. There is a bit of a break about halfway through, where the audience is served pizza. (One cold slice.) The cast and crew eat dinner before the taping starts.

      3. Like I said above, the audience gets a slice of pizza, along with a small water bottle. And there's an MC who entertains the audience between takes, and passes out candy.

      4. Kunal - he would stick around almost every week to sign for the audience.

      Delete
    2. Hi, was there a time when no standby ticket holder got access to the taping? Or do usually get some of the these ticket holders access?

      Thank you in advance :)

      Delete
  3. I always wonder how you remember everything that happens and what they say almost word for word. Do you write it down, record it or something?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope, I don't write anything during the taping, and definitely don't record anything... It's all just in my head, with a lot of help thanks to the repetitive nature of the tapings. As soon as a scene finishes for the first time, I'll try to run through it mentally, taking note of any lines or spots I'm having trouble remembering. Then when they do it again (because scenes are almost always done at least 2 - 3 times, often more), I'll follow along, comparing my mental version to the actual performance, noting where I messed up, and paying close attention to the lines I'd forgotten. Then as soon as the scene finishes, I run through it in my head again.

      When they change a line for a joke, I'll usually repeat it immediately in my head a couple times, then think back to what the original was so I don't forget it. And when there's a funny blooper, I immediately repeat it mentally a few times too, since that's the one shot I have at trying to remember what it is.

      Then when they move on to the next scene, I'll shift my concentration to that, and start all over. The easiest scenes for me are actually when there's more people - I can sort of make a pattern in my head of who speaks when, as the conversation jumps around. But when it's just two people talking for an extended scene, it will get jumbled easier of who says what when. And the scenes that are pre-taped, or only done once, are the hardest to remember.

      Then when I get home, I usually start by jotting down the bloopers, and the lines that had two or three or more different variations - the smaller details. Then I'll go back and write out the full scene around those.

      Delete
    2. I'm not gonna lie, I find it supper impressive. =)

      Delete
    3. Thank you - too bad I could never manage to apply the same concentration for certain tests back in school!

      Delete
  4. I'm curious about the actors' personalities off camera. Are all of them warm friendly, or do some of them give off a negative vibe? Also, do they really seem to get along as a group as much as it appears?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also, thanks for the site and the taping reports. I like to read them after I watch the episodes as to not spoil anything, but I always look forward reading about the different takes and the bloopers!

      Delete
    2. I've never noticed any strong negative vibes from the cast. They definitely take their jobs seriously - remain focused on the scene, going over their lines between takes (especially Jim), and on occasion might get frustrated when having difficulty with a scene... But I wouldn't say anyone's standoffish, or appears to have a vastly different personality off camera than compared to the many interviews I've seen them in.

      And yes, they really do all seem to get along closely. Some weeks there were more fun cast interactions than others, but once I did catch a glance of their little huddle they do before each taping (they do it behind the dividers, before they come out for their introductions), and I can think of tons of times I saw them talking and laughing (and on rare occasion even dancing!) between takes with each other.

      Delete
  5. When will tapings start again? I'd love to go see one but understand they're not filming right now. Do they start up again in August?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct, they'll start again in early to mid August. The specific dates probably won't be posted until sometime in July.

      Delete
  6. Does Jim Parsons sticks around with the audience like Kunal Nayyar? Sorry for my english

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, in all the tapings that I went to, I never saw Jim stay to sign autographs or greet the audience.

      Delete
  7. Roxanne:
    How many total tapings were you able to attend before AU finally cut you off? Also, I noticed where you said that this year was the first year they have had guarateed tickets and standby tickets, I wonder what the breakdown is for how many of each they actually issue? As the show gains more and more popularity, I imagine it will be like Friends, the very last year all the tickets for the tapings were given to the sponsors of the show. We finally got tickets to the Feb 28 episode of BBT after several months of attempts, we came from the east coast on Saturday, and came home on wednesday morning after the taping. It was so much fun, and since being home I have had many people stop and ask where I got my t shirts that I have been wearing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I went to the final 7 episode in S3, all 24 in S4, and 21 in S5 - so a total of 52.

      Unfortunately, I've never been able to figure out what exactly the breakdown is between standby tickets and guaranteed tickets... Some weeks I did try to get a general count, but it would range from 50 - 100+ people in either line (generally closer to 100). And those are just the people who show up - who knows how many people get tickets online but are then unable to use them.

      Delete
  8. Do the characters ever improv some of their lines? Is there ever a time when they just have to make up what they say at a certain times? I've been very curious and thought maybe you'd know! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They'd never improv - they went word for word on the script. Even down to the smallest detail on phrasings, they didn't change a thing. I can't think of specific examples, but a number of times they'd do multiple takes when a line was flubbed, but really the "flub" was just one word off. Basically the same meaning, and it would have worked fine, but they did it again to get it to match the script.

      Delete
  9. I'm curious as to which episode you thought was the funniest to watch live, and if you had the same feeling when you watched the edited version.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The first ones that come immediately to mind are The Irish Pub Formulation (when the guys are all outing each other in the cafeteria), The Love Car Displacement (when they're on the panel), and The Werewolf Transformation (Howard's butterfly line really got to me). I still adore all three of those scenes, and am likely to chuckle when I watch them again, but I never laugh as hard as I did the first time I watched them (which is true for about everything for me).

      Delete
  10. I am anxious to attend a taping of this when the show resumes taping. My only setback is the website says the age restriction is 18 -- I'm 13
    Is there any possibility for me to see the taping at 13 -- should I just show up?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also, I heard it resumes in August do have any idea when in July the tickets will go up on tvtickets?

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately, no - with a regular, free ticket, they're extremely strict on the age restrictions. I've seen families that had tickets, waited for hours in line, then eventually left when they were told their kids wouldn't be allowed in. On occasion there will be younger kids in the audience, but they've always got VIP production tickets.

      And tickets should go up 30 days before the taping, and my guess is they'll start taping on either August 7th or 14th.

      Delete
    3. Tell me about these VIP production tickets...

      Delete
    4. Also, that seems a bit unfair that under certain circumstances it's allowed...

      Delete
    5. Who handles the VIP tickets?

      Delete
    6. Basically the only way to get VIP tickets are to have connections with people on the show - to know someone on the cast or crew, or know someone who knows someone, etc. I got in with a VIP ticket once, but only because a friend of mine won them in an auction.

      Delete
  11. My husband and I will be in California in September and I wanted to go see a taping but we'll have our 7 month old with us. Will they let us come in with her? Also, 90% of the reason we'd be going would be to get Johnny's autograph--will that be impossible? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope. I never saw anyone try to get in with a baby, but age limit aside, they wouldn't want to risk a baby suddenly crying in the middle of the scene.

      And it's not impossible to get Johnny's autograph, but it's not exactly easy either. It took me 5 tapings before I got his autograph. To slightly boost your chances, wear a Leonard shirt, and cross your fingers for seats near the front - a few times Johnny approached me to thank me for wearing my "I *heart* Leonard" shirt.

      Delete
    2. Ha! That's fantastic :) Thanks for the tip!

      Delete
  12. Do you have any tips for getting a good seat? I'm coming from Florida and want to make the most of it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The main thing is to get there early. There are six rows of seats, and the first three to four are reserved for VIPs. Then they fill in the rows behind them, starting with the center sections, and then moving back and to the sides. If they give you a choice, opt for seats that are closer to the center, even if they're further back, rather than seats too far on the sides.

      And being by yourself can also help - if there's a single empty seat in the front VIP rows, they might offer it to you. (I got to sit in the front two rows a number of times this way.)

      Delete
  13. Roxanne,
    I will be visiting LA in mid-August. I've heard that they will have begun taping by then. Can you tell me anything about the days they tape episodes and just how to get tickets? I saw a place online to get them, is that how you have gotten them in the past or do you have to show up early and get the tickets the day of "at the door"?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They just about always tape on Tuesdays, but the specific dates for this season aren't known yet. And you do have to get them online; this entry should tell you about everything you need to know - http://www.thebigbangbuzz.com/2012/03/how-to-score-taping-tickets-to-big-bang.html

      Delete
    2. Thanks Roxanne! I didn't see that post before, very helpful. When do they normally resume taping again? Do you think season 6 will have started by mid-August?

      Delete
    3. You're welcome! They'll probably start taping the first or second week in August, so keep an eye on the TV Tickets website to see when they announce the dates.

      Delete
  14. The next taping of the Big Bang Theory will be on 08/14/12, does that means the tickets will be available around 8:30 a.m. on 07/15/12? How early should I start "refreshing" the order form?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The tickets should go up on July 16th (the site doesn't update on weekends). I would start checking around 8am, but they might not be up until at least 9 - the exact time varies.

      Delete
    2. how quickly do they sell out of non standby tickets?

      Delete
    3. Sometimes within 5 - 10 minutes.

      Delete
    4. It says on website, if underage you may not be admitted, does that mean there is a possibility you can enter the show underage accompanied by an adult? Do they always check for I.D.?

      Delete
    5. With the regular tickets, no chance at all. They ALWAYS check ID, and don't make any exceptions.

      Delete
    6. Hi, is it possible that there were only standby-tickets available for the season premiere taping on 8/14/12 ? I was watching the site all day long but never saw any guaranteed tickets. Maybe the soundstage is already filled with VIPs for the premiere?

      Delete
    7. No, there were definitely guaranteed tickets - my friend got ones for herself and me. I don't know how quickly they sold out, but I think they were released by 8 this morning.

      Delete
    8. they were released before 7:59. i was able to get 3 tickets for me and my friends. at around 8:05 they were all gone. it took me 36 seconds to score our tickets and the ticket number from the first and last ticket differ bei 39. it was brutal.

      Delete
    9. hi roxanne-- i got tickets for 8/14 also by ueing your tips, thanks. i think i was one of the last got my around 8:05. and also a stand-by about 4 minutes later.
      new york

      Delete
    10. Hi Roxanne - I love your blog! Reading it gets me really exited for the taping on 8/14. We are from germany and visitng L.A. for just one day. We had everything booked already and found out later that TBBT is taping on tuesdays, so much luck!!! Getting the tickets was really brutal, ours also differ by 42 (in 23 seconds!). Thank you so much for the hint, that they might get up earlier than 8:30.
      So see you at the studio...

      Delete
  15. Correction 8/10/12

    ReplyDelete
  16. I scored tickets for my wife and I for the 8/14/12. The only question I have is how do the different scenes work. Do they have one set that they continually change based on the room used? Is the seating area expanded across all rooms. Does the seating move depending on what room is used? Just curious about what to expect. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The permanent sets center stage are Penny's apartment, the stairs, and the guys' apartment - the seating area is spread across those sets. To the far left and right of those they'll set up swing sets for that week's episode, which may include the cafeteria, comic book store, Cheesecake Factory, etc. Those you might be able to partially see, depending on where you are. Then there are some sets in locations where no one in the audience can directly see them.

      All scenes are shown on TVs above the audience, so if you can't see directly you can watch on the screens.

      Delete
  17. Is there anyway of simply buying VIP tickets instead of having connections? I would really like to bring my sister, but she's only 16.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Basically not unless there's a special contest/auction - that's how I ended up going backstage, a friend won them in an auction held by Simon Helberg. Those can go for thousands of dollars, though, and very rarely happen.

      Delete
  18. Did everyone get tickets? They didn't go up until about 8:18 and the site was at the point of crashing it seemed from all the traffic. Somehow we managed to get 2 tickets. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey silly question, do you know exactly where the line is? I got stand by tickets and I'm fortunate enough to be interning near the studio and will be getting there by foot, don't wanna lose time getting lost and is 1230 an ok time to go?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For most of last season the line was outside the parking garage, on the left hand side (when you were facing the garage from the street). That's because Ellen was usually taping on the same day, and her audience took up all the benches inside. I'm not sure what her show schedule's like for this season, though, so it might be best to ask a security guard when you get there where the line is starting.

      Delete
  20. Hi, I got into the 8/14 taping with my standby-ticket (yay!!! and thank you very much for your guide to score tickets!!) and enjoyed every second of it. But it really puzzled me that they did two completely different endings in the restaurant-scene. I will not give anything away, but the first one was a real shocker, but it was only logical and they kind of indicated it over the last episodes. The second ending was rather weak in my eyes. Does anybody know why they did that? Didn't they know yet what ending they want to use? Or did they maybe want to keep it a secret for the audience? Are there often different endings during the tapings?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Often they'll try different lines on different takes, especially when they're trying for the biggest laugh, but generally they have the same overall effect. Off the top of my head I can't remember any scenes where they filmed two vastly different endings, so I'm not sure why they did that last night.

      Delete
    2. I was in the audience too and I was wondering the same thing about that scene. The two takes were complete opposites. Given that they reset the scene and did the takes so quickly, I got the impression that they had planned to shoot both endings, so as to not give away the direction they're going.

      Delete
  21. Hi, I have standby tickets for the 9/18 taping. Do you have any recommendations in how early we should arrive?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always aimed to be there by 1:00 - 1:30 last season when I had standby.

      Delete
  22. In the episode in which the gang goes to the New Year's Eve costume party at the comic book store, they see a car robbery as they walk home along the street. My dad and I assume that was shot outside, but we were wondering if the scenes outside of the apartment building are also shot outside or is that a set?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whenever they're outside (that New Year's Eve scene, waiting in the line for the Indiana Jones movie, the street outside their apartment building, etc.), those are filmed outside of the sound stage on the backlot street sets. Those streets are built and designed so they can be redressed to look like different cities and different eras, so a wide variety of shows and movies can use them.

      Delete
  23. Thank you so much for this site! Very helpful. After trying to get tickets for months, I finally was able to get standby tickets for my husband and me. I noticed you said you had many standby tickets before. I was wondering how often you got in? We will have to take the day off work, which we are happy to do, but it would just stink to get there at 1 and wait all day and not get in. After reading many blogs I felt pretty confident but then I had a friend tell me they didn't get in and only like 3 standbys did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was lucky to always get in on standby, and I was generally within the first 10 in line. I know at the last taping only about 15 standbys got in, and sometimes close to 50 get in... I've never heard of it being as low as 3, but really it does vary every week and there's no way to know for sure.

      Delete
  24. Hello there, I'm really enjoying reading about your experiences watching all these tapings, so exciting! Question please, I am coming in town tomorrow and have been checking the ticket site like crazy but no luck. Is there any point or chance in my just showing up early afternoon like 1pm without any ticket whatsoever?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok Plan B... if I take the Warner Bros tour that ends around 6:15. Do you think the tour would bring us by the Big Bang Theory set or anywhere near where the actors would be? Or does the tour stay clear of filming areas? Thank you

      Delete
    2. I know some people have taken the tour before getting in line for a taping, and they've seen some of the cast outside the sound stage as they passed by. But no two tours are exactly the same, so there's no guarantee what you'll see.

      Delete
  25. hey, Roxanne, great blog.
    One question: does the taping for one episode actually only take 3-5 hours?
    they still have to do their special stuff, like when they're outdoors, right?

    Thanks

    Andi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just came from a tapping of Two and a Half Men and we sat there for about 3 hours and got served cold cheese pizza and yes a small bottle of water. To answer about the special stuff or scenes like outdoors is done at a different time and replayed for the audience but they play it in the order as meant to be seen. I guess you can consider that a little Hollywood magic. It is interesting to see how they take pieces of shots and place them into what we see on TV.

      Delete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Roxanne,

    I just scored a standby ticket for the March 26, 2013 taping! Since the show's been increasing in popularity each season, what time do you recommend I get there to increase my chances of getting in?

    Also, the ticket states that parking doesn't open until about 2 hours prior to the taping, so any suggestions on what to do since I will obviously need to arrive earlier than those with guaranteed tickets?


    Thanks in advance!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does anyone else happen to know???

      Delete
    2. Honestly, the best advice is get there as early as you can. People seem to be consistently arriving earlier and earlier, and there's really no safe time I can tell you.

      As for parking, unfortunately I'm not sure what other options are available. When check-in was at Gate 3, there was parking on residential streets nearby I used until the lot was open, and then I moved my car. But now they're using Gate 8, and I only checked in there once, so I'm not sure what else is an option.

      Delete
  28. I got guaranteed tickets to the March 26th taping and I have a couple of questions:

    1. Is it cold/warm in the studio? I know some stages can be very cool and want to be prepared.

    2. Will they let you in with a cell phone or are they really strict about that?

    3. With guaranteed tickets does it matter if we get there early? I know they saw 90 minutes before tpaing, but does it matter if we get there at 1pm or 4pm?

    Thanks!

    Andre

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. It depends a little on where you're sitting. If you end up under a vent, it can be pretty chilly, so I'd recommend bringing a jacket just in case.

      2. They're very strict. At the sound stage security checks all backs and you walk through a metal detector. If they find a phone, they'll hold it until after the taping.

      3. The only difference it would make is by getting there earlier you'd probably be sitting a few rows closer.

      Delete
  29. Do you think Penny will propose to Leonard this season? and Who is your favorite female character?

    ReplyDelete
  30. I also have a ticket for the March 26th taping. I was wondering if some of the cast *always* stays to sign autographs and if so, how long do you have to wait around for them? How long can that process take?

    ReplyDelete
  31. hey, roxanne,

    i just wanted to thank you for posting all of this. because of your blog, i was able to snag a ticket to see the taping of the season finale. i had the time of my life and i will most definitely go again.

    ReplyDelete
  32. On some episodes, they show the characters walk up all three flights of steps. Does the set have three flights of steps, or is there one flight of steps that they alter slightly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's just one flight of stairs and they change the numbers on the apartments and the caution tape and other little things.

      Delete
  33. Do they ever tape in January or February? My husband is celebrating a milestone birthday and I would love to get him in as a gift. Any way to pay someone to get VIP tickets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they do tape in January and February. Unfortunately, you can't purchase tickets.

      Delete
  34. Hello, I have some questions too:
    Are the taping sessions in same order of TV release?
    How many weeks in advance will the taping take place?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, episodes almost always taped in the same order that they air. (The one exception I know of is 5x06 was taped the week after 5x07.)

      And they're taped anywhere from about a month in advance to sometimes just a week before they air.

      Delete
  35. Do they ever use audience members as extras? Like if they need to have an audience in the show? If they do, how are the people that they pick dressed? (I would assume no BBT tees, obviously, but other than that?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope - they already have all the extras ready that they need for each scene.

      Delete
  36. I have a question to:
    My friends and me are on vacation in California this september. I watched nearly every hour since last week for the 24th september show on the tvtickets.com website. Are they already sold out or is there hope to get some tickets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They would have gone up, and sold out, on this past Monday (8/26). You MIGHT have a chance for tickets if you keep looking, because in the past sometimes they would randomly put up tickets again for an upcoming taping that was previously sold out, but it's rare.

      Delete
  37. I have a question as to why you attend a show every week. It just doesn't seem fair.
    It is fine that you enjoy it, but you shouldn't go every week and deny other people, people with only one chance, the opportunity to see the show as well. I am sure it is fun, but its pretty selfish to take up a seat every week when there are plenty of out of town people who will not get in by one or two spots every week and would have then wasted an entire day.
    Not everybody has time to wait online every week and try and get ticket, and they definitely do not have time to spend a day in line waiting for something that might not happen.
    You should be more considerate of other people who are not as fortunate to live as near and have as much time as you do to wait every week in line. They may only have one opportunity, and it may be wasted because of selfish "fans" who attend every week.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous. She went as she appled diligently like anyone else could hhave. There was no restriction. Now there are restrictions.
    She worked hard to get tickets. So do the people who apply now.

    I'm sure that's there is something you work hard at at other people are envious about

    The studio COULD make it a lottery where everyone applied a year in advance at their leisure. Why should they do that? Its a business.

    Sorry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You say its a business, like if she paid for the event week in and week out. But its free.
      I know she spends hours on end trying to be a part of the show, but is it fair that someone who lives farther out cannot get in after waiting hours in line because someone who has a greater opportunity to get in, gets in every week. It just sounds like she could be a little more courteous to her fellow fans. Does that not make sense? Or is it absolutely fine to take the spot of other people who have lower chances to get in every week. With the opportunities she has, maybe she think of restricting her visits to season premieres of finales, and allow other people the opportunity to enter throughout the season.

      Delete
  39. Anonymous. She went as she appled diligently like anyone else could hhave. There was no restriction. Now there are restrictions.
    She worked hard to get tickets. So do the people who apply now.

    I'm sure that's there is something you work hard at at other people are envious about

    The studio COULD make it a lottery where everyone applied a year in advance at their leisure. Why should they do that? Its a business.

    Sorry

    ReplyDelete
  40. I was wondering where they get all the food they eat on set? Do they actually eat it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The prop master, Scott London, prepares all of the food. The cast has said that it's really good, so often they really are eating it.

      Delete
  41. We have tickets for Oct 8th. We recently attended a taping of Dads. The seats were incredibly uncomfortable - more leg and seat room on our flight to LA!! How is the seating for BBT? Thanks, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great blog, Roxanne! I'm planning on getting tickets for Feb 4th, when I'll be in LA (if they're taping that day). Does Mayim Bialik usually sign autographs or at least talk to fans after the taping? Besides Kunal, which other actors like to sign? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been to 4 tapings. Kunal always does at least one round of signing. You have to get to the rails as soon as the audience is released. As for the rest of the cast, Simon signed after one of the tapings I attended and Melissa and Kaley signed after two of the tapings I attended. As far as I know, Jim, Mayim and Johnny never do the signings after the tapings.

      Delete
    2. After Kunal, I was able to get autographs roughly the same number of times from Johnny, Kaley, and Simon. I got Melissa slightly less, but I started going before she was a regular, so she was in fewer episodes. But Jim and Mayim, same as Moyra said, I never saw sign after a taping.

      Delete
  43. I have 2 tickets (It doesn't say guaranteed or stand by on them ) for the show on 11/12 one printed and the other one didn't. Do you think I will have a problem when I get there? Also should I go early to make sure that we get in if so where is the best place to park? It says on the ticket the parking garage doesn't open until 2 hours prior to showtime.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If the tickets don't say anything then they're guaranteed. You should not have a problem checking in withouit a ticket as the staff has a list of ticket holders. You need your photo ID. As for parking, security often lets people in to the garage up to 4 hours before the taping but if they don't let you in, there's parking on streets nearby. The area is residential.

      Delete
  44. Does any character on the show carry a cell phone?

    ReplyDelete
  45. I have tickets to the Nov 26th taping of the show but received an email stating that the taping was cancelled for this date. Is there any way to confirm this? How often does this happen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have ticket for this taping too but I didn't receive the email which say it's cancelled, is it true ??

      Delete
    2. what does it say in your email?

      Delete
  46. How long after the taping of a episode does that episode air?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been twice and each time the episode aired less than 30 days after the tape date.

      Delete
  47. Can a non US citizen score a ticket? If so, what kind of ID do I show to check?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there are people there from other countries every week. And any official ID should be fine - I've seen a lot of people who brought their passports.

      Delete
  48. I got tickets online but I saw several people in line with blue postcards instead of email printouts. How do they get the postcards, and is it easier than trying to get tickets online? I asked one guy but he was vague about calling some number.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I was wondering if you were present for any tapings in which two characters video chatted with one another? By any chance, do you happen to know how they accomplish this? I'm guessing they don't actually use Skype or a similar program. I don't know why I'm so curious about it - I guess because it occurs in so many episodes. This past season - season seven - Amy and Sheldon were even video chatting via Amy's tablet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (Super late reply, but...) I do know that in Beverly's last couple appearances, they actually did record it via Skype, since the actress was in New York. In those situations, the scene was taped and edited ahead of time, and was just shown to the audience rather than done live. I'm sure sure of the technicalities for everything else - I have seen them tape some video chats in front of the audience, but there's always further editing that's involved so we don't see all the same footage as what actually ends up in the episode.

      Delete
  51. Is the ID check really strict, or is it just a glance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's pretty strict - they're checked by a WB security guard.

      Delete
  52. Hi, I'm french and I will be in LA for 5 months since August 26th, I'm a big fan of TBBT and I hope I will be lucky to score a taping ticket during my stay. But I have a question for you, I know it is forbidden to bring your cell phone inside the stage, but is it possible to leave it to the security for the show and take it back after ? Because I'm not sure I'll have a car, and I would take my phone to call a cab !!

    Again, thank you for you answers, it's very helpful, I hope having the chance to see it in real !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - while you're waiting in line the staff will keep telling you to put everything in your car, but if that's not an option the security at the sound stage will hold it (along with your ID) during the taping.

      Delete
    2. Ok thanks, you do a really good job !!

      Keep going !!

      Delete
  53. Thanks for the great website that helped my partner and I score tickets for the taping of the series 8 premiere.

    My girlfriend would like to take in a small item to the recording like a t-shirt or something to be signed. Is this allowed?

    Thanks in advance for your advice and fingers crossed that the Jim Parsons rumours are the just that, rumours, as the show wouldn’t be the same without him!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, no. It used to be allowed, but now security at the sound stage will take and hold any Big Bang Theory merchandise when they check your bags, and you can't get it back until after the taping has ended. But they do hand out a simple program at the taping, and a lot of people have that signed.

      Delete
  54. I was wondering - what should I bring to wait for hours to get in? I have a standby ticket, and I'm in a hotel by Disneyland, so I'm going to have to plan for all day, Also, what qualifies as a big bag?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I normally kept a book to keep busy, occasionally some logic puzzles. There's usually someone with a laptop or tablet watching videos in line. As far as bags, I've gotten in with a good sized tote bag, but I really don't remember them ever making announcements about leaving big bags in your car (like they announce for cell phones and stuff).

      Delete
  55. Is it first in best dressed for stand by, or is it still a bit of a lottery whether you get in?

    Are there separate lines for stand by and guaranteed?

    And finally, if yes to both of the above, roughly how many people behind in line would you expect not to be able to get in?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes to both. But how many people get in honestly can vary a lot - anywhere from 10 - 50 as a rough estimate. (Though I haven't been this season, so I don't know if it's changed.)

      Delete
  56. Hello,
    Do they tape the show in January? My wife and I love the show. We are planning of flying all the way from Brazil to the USA to watch it live, if we get the tickets.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Once you're in, can you leave the studio? I'm mean like an emergency or something..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - they discourage leaving early, but if you HAVE to they'll let you.

      Delete
  58. Hello,
    -Do the procedure of admittence still work the same way, or has it changed?
    -If I've got a priority ticket, is it still enough to show up by latest 5pm?
    -Will there be any time for visiting the restroom before the show?

    Thank you for a very informative site, such good work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't gone this season myself, but as far as I've heard there have been no major changes to the procedure. According to the website that distributes the tickets, 5:00 is still the cutoff time for arriving with guaranteed tickets. There are restrooms in the waiting area, and sometimes they make a bathroom stop when they move the audience into the studio.

      Delete
  59. I am not sure if I have a guaranteed ticket for the show b/c after I filled out the form I received an error message. I tried again and received a message saying I had already entered my information. Do you think the info went thru? Or, should I not count on it?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Joshua Jensen Loves Big BangApril 6, 2015 at 1:47 AM

    Do the cast members finish eating the food off set and why can't they be seen eating it more in the scenes we're they're eating food? I hate wasting food so it really bugs me when I see them not eating the food and play with it with there forks why don't they have one person talking while the other/s eat then when that person finishes talking he/she eats and the other/s talk

    ReplyDelete
  61. My fiance` and I will be in southern CA for 2 weeks in Mid January for our honeymoon. We would be available to attend a taping of the show the week of Jan. 18th to the 22nd. Is the show back from hiatus around that time or would it still be on the holiday break? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Just went to season 9 premiere filming. Wish I had known about this site beforehand. Thanks for info!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Does Melissa sign? She is one of my absolute fave characters. It's gonna be my first time at a taping, any advice? Also when are taping dates and times? I live in Aurora, IL. So it'll be a long flight(guessing) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi, I have tickets for the taping, not stand by but general admission. Nevertheless it says that admission is not guaranteed. I won't be able to arrive very early in the morning, just a couple of hours before the show. Do I have any chance to get in? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  65. Is there a dress code? Or is casual jeans and tee shirts okay for audience members?

    ReplyDelete