Video Reveals The Crazy Nerve-Wracking Process Behind Auditioning For SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to land a spot on Saturday Night Live, Nerdstalgic’s recent video lays it out, and it's not pretty. Forget the applause and laughter; the process is designed to rattle even the most seasoned performers.
“If you want to be part of the cast of Saturday Night Live you’re going to have to audition first. …it goes without saying that landing a spot on the most iconic sketch comedy show in history won’t be easy most people don’t realize exactly how awkward and tense the process really is.”
That tension? It's not just nerves, it's built into the system. The video explains that auditions for SNL are performed in near-total darkness, with no audience visible and no feedback. That means no laughs, no smiles, just the cold void of silence while you put everything on the line.
“During auditions the audience is completely blacked out. That means the auditionee can’t see the judges at all and has absolutely no way to gauge how they’re doing by reading their expressions or body language. Those judges are also notorious for staying silent during auditions. there’s a good chance you won’t hear so much as a chuckle from them.”
For comedians, who rely on rhythm, timing, and reaction, it’s like doing stand-up into a black hole.
It’s not about glamor or legacy; it’s about pushing through a brutally isolating moment with no promise of reward.