We had a very good time yesterday, though it was a long and tiring day, and most of it spent standing in line (or sitting on the concrete).
We got there early to be near the front of the line, making sure we at least got in, and not being sure how they do the seating. But we got there so early, no one was there. We ended up grabbing lunch at a pub-like place a few blocks north of the studio, then went for a long walk to Times Square.
When we got back to the studio, a couple was waiting in line, and so the “fun” began. They don’t have issues with you stepping out of line to get foor or find a restroom, so long as someone in your party stays in line, so Marcia and I both took turns stepping out. But eventually they ushered us in. It was a longer wait then expected, but we found out when Colbert came out before the show started taping is that they rewrote a section of the show due to some breaking news (if you watch the episode HERE, you will know what section I am talking about).
If you watch it, you can see Marcia and I in the front row, both wearing rust color shirts (not planned … honest!). Then after Colbert introduces the guest, Toby Keith, he ran around the studio and gave Marcia a high five. The only thing is that they cut our part of the section. They pick it up just as he is slapping Marcia’s hands. However, the following clip shows the whole sequence.
As expected, the studio is much smaller then it appears on TV. What was impressive is how they juggled four (yes FOUR) cameras while filming Toby Keith singing, and none of them ran into each other, and they always had a clear view of him without seeing one of the other cameras.
There is more to say, but I am too tired right now. We got home at a decent hour, but it was still a tiring day, and Nigel still wanted to see Mommy and Daddy before going to sleep last night.
July 29th, 2008 at 7:35 am
What time did you get in line? We got in line around 6pm and were fine. Obviously not in the front, but the seating is small enough everyone can see no problem.
We were there on THE COLDEST day of the year. I never thought the walk to Times Square was that far.
Did you drive or bus or train to the city??
July 29th, 2008 at 8:12 am
The way they do it now, if you are not in line by 5:15, you won’t get in. Before 6:00, the people in the stand-by line were already given tickets of those on the list that didn’t show up.
We didn’t actually make it into the “holding room” until a little after 6:00. It was close to 7:00 before everyone had gone through security leading into the holding room.
As for the long walk, it was a long walk for the heat, and a figure of speech. No, Times Square isn’t that far.
We drove. The parking structure we used was 200 feet from the studio doors.
July 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Forgot to add. We would like to go again, but they don’t allow people to be a part of the audience more then once every six months. Regardless, Marcia says she doesn’t want to wait that long again for a close seat. It was exciting doing it once. The next time we do it (if we get the chance), we would arrive at the same time, but go see the city. Then make sure we are in line by 4:45-5:00.
July 29th, 2008 at 8:42 am
What time does the taping start now? It was 7:30 when were there.
July 29th, 2008 at 9:02 am
7:30 was their goal. I think we started later though because of the re-writes.