America’s Got Talent Behind The Scenes – Sort Of
September 15, 2026
America’s Got Talent AGT
America’s Got Talent, or AGT, is an NBC show filmed in Pasadena at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. In addition to getting to be a part of the live audience for AGT, I was able to walk through areas most other people didn’t. I was allowed to be there even though it felt behind the scenes.
I walked into the attached hotel and literally almost ran into Mama Duke. There were AGT related signs all over telling staff and talent where to go for hair and makeup, lunch, etc. I also walked past the satellite truck responsible for broadcasting the show to the world. After the show, I went down a small alley and talked to the special guest, Solange Kardinally, a quick change artist.
Reserving A Ticket
I applied for a ticket to America’s Got Talent on the official ticketing website. It was free, but I wasn’t sure if I would get one. I was traveling from Ohio, so it was a long shot. Just a few days before my trip, I saw the email saying I was getting a ticket. This was very exciting. The timed ticket was for the 2:30pm line.
Pasadena & Parking
Not only was I excited about AGT, I have wanted to visit Pasadena for a long time. Everywhere in the city was beautiful. The parking directions were not very good from the ticketing service, so I got there very early. It turns out, you can park in the Pasadena parking garage right next to the venue. So, I parked and walked to the check in desk.
There were two lines. One for 2:30pm arrivals and one for 3:30pm arrivals. I stood in the 2:30 line as designated by my ticket. One of the staff came around to tell us that after check in, we could leave for an hour or so and come back. Based on what I had read, I was prepared to stand outside for 2 hours to get in. The ticket line lasted for 10 minutes, then I went to my car for about 45 minutes.
How To Get In Line For America’s Got Talent
On the walls of the building you line up in front of are schedules for the day. This was very helpful to know. The staff was excellent at telling us where to stand and when to be back. There are no reserved seats (like Row 7 Seat 3). Instead, you show them your ticket email to the staff and they hand you a ticket from a pile. It seemed like the earlier you arrived to the line, the better ticket you get.
Pre-Show Special Taping
After waiting in my car, I went through security at the northern facing auditorium steps in preparation for a taped segment. For about 30 minutes, we sang and waived batons while the AGT crew filmed us. We were going to be a quick segment on the finale the next week. I loved this because I love learning the processes for television and movie making. This is partially what I wanted to become a videographer and wedding film maker.
During The Show
During America’s Got Talent, we were hyped by the staff and given outstanding directions. I was there for a results show, so the actually live taping was only 1 hour. I got to See Terry Cruise and the four judges. Watching how the crew worked was equally fascinating for me.
Everything about getting to the show, ticketing, the show itself, and exiting the show was easy. It is a big production, but the staff is there to make sure you have a good time. It was VERY easy and would be something fun for families to do as long as they don’t bring small children. I can’t say enough good things about the AGT staff!
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