[Pics] 15 crazy rules Ellen Degeneres forces her audience to follow

We may receive compensation from the providers of the services and products featured on this website. Read our Advertising Disclosure.

Show Rules

The Ellen DeGeneres Show started airing in 2003. It quickly became one of the most popular shows in America. The talk show has since won 61 Daytime Emmy Awards. Making something like this run smoothly isn’t easy so Ellen set some rules for her audience members.

Here are 15 of the rules the audience members have to obey when they are on the Warner Bros. set.

1. No Shouting Out Things

Credits

While the show is known for its lively audience that is frequently whipped into a frenzy. What you might not realize is that there are limits to their reactions. To make sure that nothing interrupts Ellen or her guests, audience members are not allowed to shout out anything, no matter how complimentary except when prompted or allowed to.

2. Prepare To Be Cold

Credits

You might think that the studio would be hot due to the heat from all the lights and equipment. However, the truth is that they are more likely to catch a cold. The air-conditioning is set so low throughout the filming that the audience members are advised to wear as many layers as possible.

3. No Autographs

Credits

The show is known for its touchy-feely, feelgood vibe. However, that doesn’t extend to Ellen herself. Fans hoping for an autograph or a selfie with Ellen would be disappointed. Due to the time constraints and the sheer number of people, Ellen doesn’t engage with the audience.

4. A Strict Dress Code

Credits

You may have noticed that the audience appear just as vibrant and lively as Ellen herself. However, this is due to the fact that there is a strict, no all-black, or all-white outfits are allowed. The audience is also not allowed to wear shorts, beachwear, or t-shirts with branding.

5. Even Celebrities Have To Dance

Credits

One of the other things most people know about the show is that there is always dancing. Not only does Ellen dance but the audience members are encouraged to dance even during the brief commercial breaks. On top of that, even the guests are expected to dance during the breaks.

6. Anyone Under 14 Is Out Of Luck

Credits

While the show has fans of all ages, no one under the age of 14 is allowed to attend the filming. Unfortunately, these fans have to make do with watching from home. Also, teenagers in their early teens may only attend if someone 18 years or older is accompanying them.

7. Take Care Of The Accommodation Yourself

Credits

Fans travel from all over the country to attend the show. However, those who are going to be in the audience will also have to take care of their own accommodation. This might not seem strange in of itself, but the crew is not even allowed to give advice or suggestions related to accommodation to audience members.

8. Fans Might Be Separated From Their Friends

Credits

There is also a very strict seating arrangement for the show. While you and your family or friends may be attending the filming together the odds of you sitting together are surprisingly slim. Audience members are usually seated amongst complete strangers.

9. Each Row Has To Devise Their Own Dance

Credits

According to past audience members of the Ellen Show, dancing is a big part of the experience, and each row of fans are asked to devise their own dance to perform in unison. Amusingly, some fans who aren’t keen on the idea waste their allotted time just staring uncomfortably at one another.

10. Game Players Must Be Super Chipper

Credits

Not only does Ellen DeGeneres love playing games, she also likes to have the crowd members participate. While the audience members are seemingly chosen randomly to take part in a particular game, they are actually selected before filming starts. Only those with high levels of enthusiasm get the chance to show them off to the nation.

11. Even The Clapping Is Choreographed

Credits

Dancing is not the only part that is highly choreographed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. While most viewers may think that the clapping, whooping, and hollering occurring throughout the show is totally spontaneous. In fact, the audience members are given some instructions as to when and how to respond by a designated staff member before the show begins.

12. Fans Must Get Gifts Checked By Security

Credits

With a net worth of at least $330 million, Ellen DeGeneres is short of nothing. Even so, some fans would still like to deliver a gift to the host by hand, but they’re usually out of luck. That’s because the presents will only be given to the comedienne once they’ve been officially checked by security.

13. Fans Get Just One Freebie

Credits

You may argue that just having the chance to attend The Ellen DeGeneres Show is reward enough. However, the comedienne reportedly makes the audience members return home even happier. The host delivers to each of the audience members a piece of merchandise that they can treasure forever.

14. Travel Expenses Aren’t Reimbursed After A Canceled Show

Credits

There is, of course, a chance that an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show has to be canceled for whatever reason. As a result, fans that travel thousands of miles to be the Warner Bros. set may find themselves out of pocket, as well as experiencing the disappointment of missing out on the show’s filming. That’s because the show doesn’t reimburse fans for their expenses.

15. Recording The Show Is A Big No-no

Credits

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is professionally filmed for a 40-minute episode that screens in front of the whole nation. Audience members are forbidden to record their experiences in the studio. Though cellphones are allowed to be brought into the studio, they have to be switched off, and any cells or standalone cameras are confiscated if they are found in use during the show’s filming.