Day 3: Burbank

A quick visit to Burbank for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno was a fantastic experience. I didn’t realize how much of Burbank is filled with television production companies. Every block seems to be one. NBC, ABC, Warner Bros. to name just a few.

I exchanged my reservation for a ticket to the show around 1pm. I was 22nd in the line. While waiting in the line, I met a number of non-AYCJ people traveling from different places. One couple was on a road trip heading home to Austin.

At 3pm we were led into the no photography of any kind studio where the show is taped. They were very strict with this policy, and security watched everyone very closely.

Taping started at 5pm, as Jay came out to say before the show, when the satelliteis overhead and they can beam the show to the east coast. Jay comes out to warm up the crowd beforehand. He asks the audience if anyone has any questions. At this point, you can apparently ask for a photo which the studio gives you aPolaroid. Only three photos were taken, so put yourself out there and you may be rewarded.

The show is live-to-tape, which means it takes exactly one hour to tape it. The band plays for 30 or 60 seconds during thecommercialbreak and then the next segment begins.

The whole process is impressive, and I’m glad it was made possible as an JetBlue airport. Apparently some shows this week did not fill up, but today I think people were turned away. Tickets are not a guarantee, and so a lower number in the line has a better chance.

If you go

You can make reservations ahead. Get down to the studio to get your spot in line. You are free to leave to get lunch or to your car. Free parking is on the street. If you get there early, there is parking on Warner, though the signs are confusing near the corner and prohibit parking for part of the street.

Cost

The show is free and tickets are not guaranteed until you’re basically in a seat in the studio. Dedicate the afternoon to this adventure.