Classes at Ohio State have just begun, but an exam has already been scheduled. However, passing this one could mean cash rewards.
Auditions for “Jeopardy!” are being held today in the Ohio Union East and West Ballrooms from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with members of the “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew directing.
Over 1,000 Ohio State students are expected to compete for the last open contestant spot and one possible alternate for “Jeopardy!’s” annual College Championship.
As an extra perk, this year the competition will be filmed at OSU.
Jeff Ritter, spokesman for “Jeopardy!,” said sometimes the specialized shows are filmed on the road.
“‘Jeopardy!’ is a major supporter for education, so it is perfect to have the competition on a college campus,” he said.
This year marks “Jeopardy!’s” 15th annual College Championship, and it is the first to be filmed on a Midwest campus. Previous locations include Uniersity of California, Berkeley and Chicago’s Rosemount Theatre.
Ritter said “Jeopardy!” is excited to shoot at OSU.
“Ohio State has a built-in team spirit and a lot of energy in general for a large Midwest college,” he said. “It will provide the perfect background for the television show.”
Fifteen students from across the country will be competing Oct. 5 and 6 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on a special college-themed set.
The winner will receive $50,000 cash and a brand new Volvo. The champion’s school will also receive a $50,000 scholarship from Volvo.
In addition to the college championship, the Clue Crew will be in Columbus for 12 days, taping clues that are uniquely significant to the city. These clues will be used as questions on future shows.
Tom Griesdorn, vice president and general manager of WBNS-10TV, said the publicity “Jeopardy!” will bring to the city of Columbus and Ohio State’s campus will heighten the profiles of both around the country.
“We will have the opportunity to showcase the city in it’s current splendor,” Griesdorn said.
“Jeopardy!’s” College Championships will air nationally from Nov. 11-22.
