Game Show Boot Camp FAQ
What will the Game Show Boot Camp be like?
It is a chance to participate in a condensed version of what is typically a much longer process, from casting to vetting to production of a show - all in one day! Along the way there will be hints and tips from industry experts that can be applied to other opportunities for contestants on shows.
How much does it cost?
$250 per person (while spots are still available) with 100% of net proceeds going to Project150.org
Will the JEOPARDY! staff really be on site in Las Vegas?
Yes! Contestant coordinators from the show will be traveling to Las Vegas to conduct in-person auditions on Sunday, August 6. You must have completed the anytime test and passed, and the previous Zoom game test and will be contacted by Jeopardy! directly.
When should I take the test?
You can take the Anytime Test any day before June 30th. Those who pass the test will then be invited to a group test via Zoom between July 10th and July 21st. Succeed at the group test and you’ll be booked for an audition at the GSBC!
Does everyone at the Game Show Boot Camp get to audition in person?
Everyone who passes the Anytime Test and the group test will be invited to audition at the GSBC. You must pass both tests to be booked for an audition.
Is there an extra charge for the audition?
No charge! JEOPARDY! is doing these auditions as part of its annual search for great contestants.
I had a JEOPARDY! audition earlier this year. Can I still audition at the Game Show Boot Camp?
If you have taken part in a JEOPARDY! Zoom audition (testing or game play) within the past 12 months, you're not eligible for an in-person audition at the Boot Camp. If your last audition was more than 12 months ago, you are eligible to take the Anytime Test and try for an audition.
What if I already took the anytime test earlier this year but have not had a Zoom audition?
No worries! Send an email to [email protected] and say that you’ll be at the Game Show Boot Camp. That way, if you passed the test, the staff will know to invite you to one of the GSBC group tests.
Is this the same Jeopardy! audition process as for the Mensa Convention or SporkleCon?
Yes, it is the same audition process at the Mensa Convention and SporcleCon and even for those individuals who can’t attend either trivia event.
Is this the Trivia Championships of North America (TCONA)?
No, GSBC is not a general trivia conference of various forms. This event focuses on television game shows and the process of qualification and tactics on TV game shows with some practice in formats of the past, present, and future.
Is this the Game Show Congress (GSC)?
While it is game show oriented, the GSBC will focus on contestant performance. There will be one presentation by the National Archives of Game Show History, but there will not be awards to celebrity hosts and producers. Well known celebrity antagonists and champion players will be in attendance for hints and tips.
Will I see my friends that previously attended GSC & TCONA?
Likely yes, and you will make new friends at the Game Show Boot Camp as well!
Why is there a cap on attendance?
A goal beyond charity fundraising is to provide an accessible, useful workshop for 45 participants -- we will be able to handle a few additional audience members for the playoff games.
What if I find out I can't attend after I register?
The GSBC is a charity fundraiser and registration is non refundable, however, registration can be transferred to someone else age 18 or older named by the original registrant who also agrees to the code of conduct on or before noon on Friday August 4, 2023.
Will I win a BRAND NEW CAR???
Maybe, if you hit a jackpot at one of the nearby casinos, but not at the GBSC. You will win knowledge and experience, and possibly the thrill of victory, or perhaps the agony of defeat. Be sure to fill out information for "How to be a great contestant"
Are there hotel requirements and/or deals?
There is not a requirement to stay at the Hampton Inn Tropicana where the GBSC takes place, but it has a good rating and no resort fees.
If you are a Hilton HHonors member you will get the best discount to stay at the event hotel.
Is GSBC taking place at the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel, Resort, and Casino?
NO - GSBC is at the Hampton Inn Tropicana, which is one mile west of where TCONA and Trivia Nationals have taken place, and in the same location as GSC #2. The Hampton is is just west and south of the interesection of I-15 and Tropicana, on Dean Martin Drive.
The Tropicana Las Vegas is not affiliated with any other Tropicana property or brand; however, the Las Vegas resort has a strategic partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton, and is a Penn National Gaming Casino along with sister property M Resort, which is also located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Who else will be there beyond James and Brad?
Top current and past contestants are being assembled and there will be ongoing announcements of some and last minute surprises for others. See the top of the main page for press releases.
Can I watch a stream?
No. Due to commitments that many champions have for ongoing and upcoming programs there will be an embargo on video for a significant time period. To be in the know be at the Game Show Boot Camp!
What is the Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund?
The Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting competitions based on answering questions from all areas of knowledge, by providing resources to writers, competitors, events, and organizations.. Motto: CELEBRATING KNOWLEDGE toutanticfund.org
How is the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation involved?
The organizer of the event is the Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund (TICF). That fund is housed within the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation (WRCF) which provides administrative and fiduciary support. Paul Bailey is chair of TICF and sits on the board of WRCF. 100% of net proceeds of the Game Show Boot Camp benefit Project150.org
If your question was not covered here:
Please send an email to [email protected] or text/voicemail to (303) 442-5538
please return to this FAQ which will be updated with additional information up until the start of the event.
It is a chance to participate in a condensed version of what is typically a much longer process, from casting to vetting to production of a show - all in one day! Along the way there will be hints and tips from industry experts that can be applied to other opportunities for contestants on shows.
How much does it cost?
$250 per person (while spots are still available) with 100% of net proceeds going to Project150.org
Will the JEOPARDY! staff really be on site in Las Vegas?
Yes! Contestant coordinators from the show will be traveling to Las Vegas to conduct in-person auditions on Sunday, August 6. You must have completed the anytime test and passed, and the previous Zoom game test and will be contacted by Jeopardy! directly.
When should I take the test?
You can take the Anytime Test any day before June 30th. Those who pass the test will then be invited to a group test via Zoom between July 10th and July 21st. Succeed at the group test and you’ll be booked for an audition at the GSBC!
Does everyone at the Game Show Boot Camp get to audition in person?
Everyone who passes the Anytime Test and the group test will be invited to audition at the GSBC. You must pass both tests to be booked for an audition.
Is there an extra charge for the audition?
No charge! JEOPARDY! is doing these auditions as part of its annual search for great contestants.
I had a JEOPARDY! audition earlier this year. Can I still audition at the Game Show Boot Camp?
If you have taken part in a JEOPARDY! Zoom audition (testing or game play) within the past 12 months, you're not eligible for an in-person audition at the Boot Camp. If your last audition was more than 12 months ago, you are eligible to take the Anytime Test and try for an audition.
What if I already took the anytime test earlier this year but have not had a Zoom audition?
No worries! Send an email to [email protected] and say that you’ll be at the Game Show Boot Camp. That way, if you passed the test, the staff will know to invite you to one of the GSBC group tests.
Is this the same Jeopardy! audition process as for the Mensa Convention or SporkleCon?
Yes, it is the same audition process at the Mensa Convention and SporcleCon and even for those individuals who can’t attend either trivia event.
Is this the Trivia Championships of North America (TCONA)?
No, GSBC is not a general trivia conference of various forms. This event focuses on television game shows and the process of qualification and tactics on TV game shows with some practice in formats of the past, present, and future.
Is this the Game Show Congress (GSC)?
While it is game show oriented, the GSBC will focus on contestant performance. There will be one presentation by the National Archives of Game Show History, but there will not be awards to celebrity hosts and producers. Well known celebrity antagonists and champion players will be in attendance for hints and tips.
Will I see my friends that previously attended GSC & TCONA?
Likely yes, and you will make new friends at the Game Show Boot Camp as well!
Why is there a cap on attendance?
A goal beyond charity fundraising is to provide an accessible, useful workshop for 45 participants -- we will be able to handle a few additional audience members for the playoff games.
What if I find out I can't attend after I register?
The GSBC is a charity fundraiser and registration is non refundable, however, registration can be transferred to someone else age 18 or older named by the original registrant who also agrees to the code of conduct on or before noon on Friday August 4, 2023.
Will I win a BRAND NEW CAR???
Maybe, if you hit a jackpot at one of the nearby casinos, but not at the GBSC. You will win knowledge and experience, and possibly the thrill of victory, or perhaps the agony of defeat. Be sure to fill out information for "How to be a great contestant"
Are there hotel requirements and/or deals?
There is not a requirement to stay at the Hampton Inn Tropicana where the GBSC takes place, but it has a good rating and no resort fees.
If you are a Hilton HHonors member you will get the best discount to stay at the event hotel.
Is GSBC taking place at the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel, Resort, and Casino?
NO - GSBC is at the Hampton Inn Tropicana, which is one mile west of where TCONA and Trivia Nationals have taken place, and in the same location as GSC #2. The Hampton is is just west and south of the interesection of I-15 and Tropicana, on Dean Martin Drive.
The Tropicana Las Vegas is not affiliated with any other Tropicana property or brand; however, the Las Vegas resort has a strategic partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton, and is a Penn National Gaming Casino along with sister property M Resort, which is also located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Who else will be there beyond James and Brad?
Top current and past contestants are being assembled and there will be ongoing announcements of some and last minute surprises for others. See the top of the main page for press releases.
Can I watch a stream?
No. Due to commitments that many champions have for ongoing and upcoming programs there will be an embargo on video for a significant time period. To be in the know be at the Game Show Boot Camp!
What is the Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund?
The Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting competitions based on answering questions from all areas of knowledge, by providing resources to writers, competitors, events, and organizations.. Motto: CELEBRATING KNOWLEDGE toutanticfund.org
How is the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation involved?
The organizer of the event is the Toutant Intellectual Competition Fund (TICF). That fund is housed within the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation (WRCF) which provides administrative and fiduciary support. Paul Bailey is chair of TICF and sits on the board of WRCF. 100% of net proceeds of the Game Show Boot Camp benefit Project150.org
If your question was not covered here:
Please send an email to [email protected] or text/voicemail to (303) 442-5538
please return to this FAQ which will be updated with additional information up until the start of the event.