"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Tryouts Draw Hundreds

Tampa, FL --Robert Sullivan, a land surveyor, was one of more than a thousand people who showed up at the St. Pete Times Forum at 5 a.m. for a chance at getting in the hot seat on Who Wants To be a Millionaire?.

Before he even fills out a form, he knows where the money will go. "I have two five year olds. Anything that I can do to secure their education and their futures is where the money will go." His slow work schedule allowed him to take off time to audition.

Producers say they have seen more and more people affected by the economy who are auditioning. "It's not people that are desperate, that their house is about to go on foreclosure, but it's people that are afraid they are going to get there," said Co-executive Producer Rich Sirop.

It's been six years since someone has won a million dollars, but Sirop says it's those smaller sums that make a big difference. "When you see someone win enough money to accomplish something that is really important to them, that is by far the most magical part of the show."

Over the last 10 years, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? has given away over $132 million to hot seat contestants from all over the country.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? with host Meredith Vieira will premiere its eighth season on September 7, 2009.

Auditions consist of a timed test and, for those people who pass, a brief interview with a Millionaire producer. Testing sessions will start at 7:00 a.m., with the last session beginning at 11:00 a.m. Those who pass the audition test(s) will be given a specific time to return in the afternoon (between 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) for a brief interview with a Millionaire producer.

Those interested in taking the audition test will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is not required. Audition space is limited, however, and admission will not be guaranteed to everyone who shows up.

You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident and meet all eligibility requirements to audition. You must bring a picture ID to your audition.

Tampa was one of six cities chosen for the first leg of Millionaire traveling auditions. Auditions also will be held in Nashville, TN (June 13), Charlotte, NC (June 15), Indianapolis, IN (June 17), Kansas City, MO (June 29) and Houston, TX (July 1). For more information, visit www.millionairetv.com.

©2009 David Leonard, 10 Connects /. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.