With his outgoing personality and witty charm, actor and host Tony Moore is perfectly suited to “warm up” the studio audiences for Game Show Network programs. But he also has other credentials that makes him uniquely qualified for the job.  

“I’ve been a contestant on nine game shows!” Tony told the Game Show Insider recently. “So, I know when the energy is needed from the audience.”  

As a kid, Moore got his start putting on backyard shows for family members. Today, he performs in front of game show audiences, but don’t call him a warm-up comic.

“I’m not a comedian,” he added. “I’m just funny on accident.”  

I chatted with Tony on a break from the busy taping schedule of America Says, Master Minds, and People Puzzler. Here are some highlights of our conversation. Please add your own laughter and applause!

GAME SHOW INSIDER: What role does the warm-up person play in a game show taping?

TONY MOORE: We’re the Red Bull. We’re in charge of keeping the audience energetic and excited for each of the shows we film throughout the day.

What does a typical day look like?

The audience arrives 30 minutes before filming. I give them a rundown of the day, and then the first show starts. Then there’s a break while they bring in contestants for the next show. Then we have lunch, do the rest of the shows, and go home.

How many shows do you do in a day?

Five to six shows per day, all with that same audience.

Wow! So, it’s important to build up a rapport with them.

Exactly. I try to be an audience member along with them, clapping as hard as they are and paying attention just like they have to. We’re all in this dance party together.  

There’s a cliché of the hacky warm-up comedian. How do you put your own spin on that?

By not doing a stand-up routine for them. I have great conversations with our audience, finding out what they do and what they’re interested in, like a friend. I prefer those personal moments, rather than testing out “material” on them.

Why is the audience important to a game show?

If we’re having a great time, that energy is transferred to the contestants, the host, even the crew. The contestants really need to feel the audience’s energy in order to relax and be their best selves.

Are there do’s and don’ts for the audience?

Don’t yell out the answers because you’re not at home! Do shout out when there’s audience participation, like how much a contestant should wager on People Puzzler. I also remind them how to clap. 

People don’t know how to clap?

There are different types of claps! We like big, huge, energetic claps at the top of the show, medium-sized claps to keep the show going, but never any golf claps. Golf claps mean you’re not paying attention or participating.

How do you get them refocused if attention or energy is flagging?

I get them movin’ and groovin’! I put on some music and we do the two-step. Even if you can’t dance, everyone can do a two-step!

How important is a show’s host in creating the vibe in the studio?

The host sets the tone for the show and that starts in the studio. John Michael Higgins on America Says is open to doing all kinds of bits. Brooke Burns and the Master Minds have their playful banter. And Leah Remini on People Puzzler brings so much light and fun into the room.  

Are audience members ever like, “Please, please, please introduce me to Leah”?

No, the audience is very respectful! They can’t get pictures or autographs, but the hosts do come over and say hi and thank them. That acknowledgment makes the audience feel great.

You’re a host, yourself. Do you aspire to host a game show?

I do! “Fromcontestant to warm-up, and now he’s hosting his own game show!” Wouldn’t that be amazing?

I love how this interview has turned into a pitch! How does Game Show Network differ from other places you’ve worked?

This may sound corny, but it really is like a family there. We’re all there to work together and produce something that’s fun and that the audience will enjoy.

If you could say something directly to the viewers, what would it be?

Stay tuned, play along, and know that there are people working very hard to bring you the shows you love! And start a campaign to get Tony Moore to host a GSN show! [CHEERS and APPLAUSE]

———

My thanks to Tony Moore for this inside look! Would you like to be a contestant on Game Show Network? Just fill out the brief application on our website and you could be on your way to fame and fortune! Best of luck — and thanks for reading!

Connect with Game Show Network on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter