I won tickets to go see the show Monday, I'm not sure exactly who's going to be the guest that day (they wouldnt say) but it's something I've always wanted to do. Just wondering if anyone has ever been to a taping and might have any advice? One question I have is can I bring a camera?
If you want to get good seats, act really enthusiastic when they talk to the crowd before they let you in. We did and ended up with the aisle seat in about the 4th row. Had Letterman done any audience interaction that day we would have been right in the middle of things. Alas, they only did a camera sweep of the audience so we were on TV for about 1/2 second. It was a while back when we went and I cannot remember the camera policy, but I am fairly certain you can't use one during the taping. Guests tomorrow will be Alec Baldwin (you lucky dog) and some singer named Wiz Khalifa.
Letterman also tapes friday's show on monday, so it may be that as well. I guess it depends how late the taping you're going to is.
I haven't ever been to a taping, but I've read several places that he keeps the studio really cold (for whatever reason, I'm remembering that the temperature is kept in the 40s, but that seems a bit ridiculous). In any case, you will probably want to wear a long-sleeve shirt or bring a jacket.
The reason they keep it cold (I seem to remember wearing short sleeved shirt and shorts), is due to the heat that the lights generate. It was nowhere near the 40s, perhaps mid 60s.
Go around the side alley beforehand. Rupert is always there, and always friendly. Paul and most stars will enter and exit through the side door, although Dave is very rarely seen.
this is true, at least the very cold part...dont know if it got into the 40's - my friends band was on the show and he said the exact same thing - letterman likes it cold. i imagine it is very hot onstage w/ all the lights and stuff, but still. he also said letterman is kind of a diva, which was a tad disappointing. they were not allowed to talk to letterman beforehand and 15 minutes or so before airtime everyone has to clear out of all the hallways and backstage areas - when letterman walks out he doesnt want anybody around whatsover. my friend said his band was quickly ushered into their dressing room and told to stay there.
Yeah I heard that too. Ridiculously absurd imho. I don't think Leno, Kimmel, Fallon or Conan tape Fridays show AHEAD OF Friday!!! But hey, he's Letterman so he's the best. Whatever! To the OP, have fun at the show. I went to a taping of the Tonight show with Leno about five years ago. Twas pretty awesome.
Ok, saw the show. Was the Friday show, Tina Fey, some comedian and supposed to be Chris Cornell but I guess he cancelled and Gaslight Anthem replaced him. Great seats, 2nd row, isle directly in front of Dave's desk. Bad part about that is after the monologue they move the cameras right in front of the desk. I had always heard about it being cold, wasn't too bad but had we been there more than an hour I could see where it would get uncomfortable. Bought some merch at Hello Deli, that is the only place you can get anything, no official store. All in all a great time.
Just remember that the one person who replied in this thread who had actually been there, told you it wasn't that cold.
