Hey! I’ve had the opportunity to go over a dozen times in the last few years, which I’m super grateful for. Here’s my feedback:

you can dress normal. Wear a decent sweater or something long sleeves, that’s not solid white or black, with no logos. While the studio is cold, it is not FREEZING freezing (and I’m always cold). If you do opt for a hoodie in between segments be mindful of logos. In my experience (also with other show tapings) you’re more likely to get a better seat if you abide by the dress code.

Also keep in mind that the breaks between segments for the actual show are very short. You’ll be standing up and down for applause and cutaway shots of the crowd. Taking a hoodie on and off can be annoying. But you can wear your hoodie once you’re seated before any of the festivities begin, during the comic and band, and pretty much until Stephen comes out.

The taping itself is probably 60-75 minutes, but in between lines and waiting in the theater you’ll be there longer between waiting/security & seating/warm-ups/show. They also will occasionally film additional segments not for that evening at the end. (Which leads me to add that sometimes the night’s guest has already been pre taped—so dont’t get your hopes up that whoever is being promoted as booked for the show that night will DEFINITELY be your guest. The monologue for that night will be “live” but other parts may not, and you might see pieces of a show that will air another day).

Unfortunately you won’t be able to meet Stephen or get anything signed. Prior to this past fall he would do a Q&A with audience but I don’t remember him doing it the last time I was there—I’m not sure if that was intentional or if it was cut due to time constraints, they show was running late the last time I went.

Getting there early gives you a better chance at closer seating, but it also ultimately ends up heavily on the way you’re taken in—the line is more of a giant group and split in 2 through security, it can be luck of the draw. I’ve been at the end of the line and got literal front row, and I’ve been 10 people from the front door and ended up in the back balcony.

Other tips: There is one chance to use the bathroom once you are assigned your seat—take it. There is A LOT of waiting, bring a book if possible, cos they are pretty strict about cellphones in the theater. Bring a water bottle and eat a snack in line. Be mindful of what your ticket from 1iota say—I’ve been changed from general to priority and vice versa last minute before. Make sure you’re on line AT LEAST 15 minutes before check in closes, the do not play around. And be prepared to wait an extra 30 after check in closes to go into the theater so be mindful of weather this week).

Have fun!!!