'America's Got Talent' taping live shows

AUSTIN (KXAN) - "America's Got Talent" -- featuring the controversial radio "shock jock" and new judge, Howard Stern -- is set for live videotaping at the Long Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18 -- and the public is invited to attend the shows for free.

Shows are at noon and 5 p.m. on both days. Tickets are available to those who are older than 14, and persons between 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Tickets are available for printing online .

The shows are not audition opportunities, as all contestants have already been pre-selected. Auditions were held in Austin in January.

The Long Center is located at 701 W. Riverside Dr. The tapings will each last four to five hours.

In addition, AGT is looking for groups. A team, organization, school or church group of 20 or more may be able to attend the show as a fundraiser and earn money. For more information and to book a group, call AGT at 818-880-8200.

Those who do not have access to a printer will get a confirmation via email from AGT, then can go elsewhere to print the tickets. Another option is to write down the ticket number that comes in the confirmation email and bring it to the show. AGT emphasizes to be sure to read all the instructions as there are rules and procedures that attendees must adhere to.

Printed-out tickets may be given to others to use.

AGT does do overbooking for the audience, though the staff tries to carefully forecast how many people will be needed to fill the house. If there are no seats available, they will offer guaranteed seating for another show, according to FAQs listed on the AGT website.

AGT is a celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize, according to producers.

Returning judges are Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel -- who in the AFT off-season has a hit show called "Mobbed" -- and host Nick Cannon , who is also married to singer Mariah Carey.

Rules for admittance   -- if -- no admission if the rules are not adhered to:

• No one will be admitted to any of the shows if wearing open-toed shoes. This includes high heels (anything over 1 inch), platforms, sandals, and flip flops. Please wear closed-toed flat shoes. Wearing sneakers with dresses is OK.  
• Minimum age to attend: 14 -- however anyone younger than age 18 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian or there will be no admittance.
• YOU MUST ADHERE TO DRESS CODE. Hip, upscale attire is mandatory.
• The audience will be on camera so it is very important to dress nicely! When the audience looks great, the show looks great.
• No shorts, t-shirts, or hats allowed.
• Producers prefer audience members don't wear jeans, but nice jeans are fine.
• SOLID COLORS ARE APPRECIATED. NO WHITE CLOTHING.
• Absolutely no clothing with logos or writing will be allowed into the theater.
• NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, OR CAMERAS WILL BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE STUDIO.
• You will not be permitted to bring any large bags or backpacks into the theater. Small purses are allowed.
• Smoking, drinking, and eating are strictly prohibited.
• The ticket must be presented on or before the scheduled arrival time indicated on the ticket in order to be valid. The ticket is revocable at any time.