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When shows like Jeopardy are nominated for awards, you often see Alex Trebek or Jeopardy's executive producer, Harry Friedman, on the stage accepting on behalf of the show. You would hear of the many people who worked behind the scenes in bringing the show to life. Yet, you'd never know of the details unless the show comes to town, when the inevitable article is done covering the contestant search.
The contestant experience begins and ends with the contestant department. Susanne Thurber, Glenn Kagan, and Maggie Speak, are the collective keeper of the keys to the kingdom of Jeopardy. Yet, from the point you meet them to the day you say goodbye, they are there to make sure your experience is everything you would hope for. They cheerfully administer the Jeopardy audition test to thousands of individuals across the country each year, and from that they pick out the 400 or so people who answer all of Alex's queries in the form of a question. The day you arrive to play, they are the escorts and counselors for your experience. From the walk to the studio, to your moment in Answer and Question glory, Susanne Glenn and Maggie do everything they can to make sure you remember the time there fondly. Whether it's going over your numerous life experiences that you'll talk about with Alex (or telling you that you have numerous life experiences) or keeping you occupied while the game has paused to make sure that everything is as it should be (sometimes as long as a half-hour), they calm the nerves as best they can. If you win, they're happy for you; if you lose, they are there to console.
They are not alone. From the stage manager to the cameramen to the Clue Crew and everyone in between, the people behind the scenes are not only there to do their jobs, but also to support the people who occupy the stage for a half hour at a time. If you ever get to be a contestant, you'll understand when you do a practice game. Anyone who hits a Daily Double during the rehearsal will often be hit with a chorus of "Bet it All!!!" from just off stage, applause if they actually follow through with it. In as much as it is a business to put together the second most popular syndicated show, it is a very relaxed atmosphere that propels the crew and helps to keep the focus on the game.
Once at the tournament, and it has completed, the secret as to why it's so relaxed is clear. This is a show that does not work on an "Us and Them" mentality. It's a collective experience. For the contestants, it is a brief experience. Contestants get to meet with the men and women who write the material, run the cameras, operate the electronics, read the clues, and put it all together. One thing is apparent: they appreciate what it is they do, and they support the contestants who put themselves on the line.
And when it is all over, the contestants may walk away from the tournament a little frustrated with their performance (except for the champion, maybe...but even then...), but they rarely walk away unfulfilled. For the men and women who play in these two weeks, it is an opportunity to rediscover that the fun of the game is in part due to the people who make the game possible.
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