Audience tickets for the program are given out four to five weeks in advance (long before guests are announced), so those wanting to see a specific actor or musician's in-person appearance line up early on the day of the show for a chance at obtaining standby tickets. If ticket holders don't show up, those with standby tickets are given the empty seats according to their spot in the early-morning line.

At 9 a.m., a show coordinator will distribute standby tickets to those in line, making sure to note each person's place. Would-be attendees come back in the afternoon and wait to see if they'll make it into the audience.