How to become obstacle tester on 'American Ninja Warrior'? Here’s how to get behind-the-scenes look at NBC show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Do you want to take on the 'American Ninja Warrior' course but don't want to compete on TV? You are in luck.
The night before each city's run, an entourage of volunteers is picked to notify producers of any last-minute changes. There is no money involved, but they get to tackle the course and test their ninja abilities without any pressure.
'American Ninja Warrior' course tester volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, including professional stuntmen, everyday gym goers, and former candidates who submitted a tape for consideration but were not selected for the program. Former testers say that you may email the casting staff if you would like to try out, or visit the set around the time of filming to check if they need any testers.
An additional benefit? They allow you to return for the filming at no cost if you try out the course.
Who organizes the testing session of the obstacles in 'American Ninja Warrior'?
The show's Challenge Producer, Adam Sheldon, oversees the planning of each testing session. It makes sense that he would be busy at this time of year.
Adam outlines how to sign up and what to anticipate if you want to participate in testing the 'American Ninja Warrior' course. A word of caution: you are not allowed to compete in that season if you test the course.
If you want to try for the walk-on lottery in Washington, DC, for instance, don't sign up to test in Los Angeles.
Where can you sign up to become an obstacle tester in 'American Ninja Warrior'?
Please email anwobstacletesting@gmail.com with your preferred test city, Adam. In response, he will acknowledge receipt of your email and promise to keep you updated on any updates pertaining to that particular city as it gets closer.
Allow him about three days to get back to you. A city's specifics will be distributed by Adam about two and a half weeks prior to the testing dates in that city.
At that point, he will ask which days work for you, email you the exact testing dates and hours, and schedule you in accordance with those answers. Adam will provide you with specifics on the dates, hours, and places of your testing when it approaches.
He will serve as your primary point of contact and inform you of any updates on the testing sessions that you are chosen to attend.
How long do testing sessions for obstacles last in 'American Ninja Warrior'?
Testing starts about a day or two before the Qualifiers and continues until each city's Finals. All skill levels are welcome to participate in the days before the qualifier.
Testing for finals is more selective. They chose the top Ninjas from the qualifying rounds, as well as the Ninjas who participated in the qualifiers but were eliminated from the competition.
A typical testing session lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. There are many sessions on some days.
Test takers may be requested to attend all the sessions or only one of them. You can attend as many sessions as you like during the season.
At testing sessions, there are usually between 75 and 100 testers present. The production makes every effort to include as many people as possible and to get them all over at least one obstacle.
Sometimes you could encounter three or four hurdles, and other times you might encounter none at all. Everything is dependent on how things are going and what's required that day.
Regretfully, no assurances are ever given. The same course used for the Ninja competition is used for testing.
Therefore, every barrier will be above water. It will be necessary for you to have extra clothing and footwear so that you can attempt the challenge as soon as necessary.
On testing days, access is limited to testers who have registered with Adam prior to testing. Spectators are not permitted on the set during testing.
Filming is not permitted. While there are places to snap photos, no videos should be taken there.
Watch the latest episodes of 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 16 on NBC and Peacock beginning on Monday, June 3, to ensure you don't miss a second.