Ready to audition for American Ninja Warrior and leap into the spotlight? Your casting call moment could launch you onto NBC’s epic course!
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With auditions fueling Season 17’s thrills (premiered June 2, 2025), casting calls for Season 18 are your ticket to fame, fitness, and a shot at $250,000—or $1 million!
Discover how to ace auditions, nail the application process, and stand out—your ninja journey starts here, as of May 31, 2025!
1. What Is American Ninja Warrior?
American Ninja Warrior pits elite athletes against jaw-dropping obstacle courses—qualifiers, semifinals, and National Finals in Las Vegas—testing strength, speed, and grit. Season 17 (premiered June 2, 2025) wowed with ninjas like Flip Rodriguez and Megan Budway, blending high stakes with inspiring stories. Why audition? Join the ninja movement, shine on NBC/Peacock, and chase glory—your chance to be a legend starts with a bold audition!
2. Audition Basics: Your Path to the Course
Eligibility:
- Age: 19+ at application time.
- Fitness: No formal rules, but strength (pull-ups), agility (balance), and endurance (cardio) are key.
- Residency: Open to U.S. residents or those able to travel for filming.
- Commitment: Auditions lead to filming (e.g., Season 17 in Las Vegas), needing time, energy, and prep.
- Reward: Test your limits, gain national exposure, and aim for a $250,000 prize—or $1 million for conquering all four stages!
3. Casting Call: When and Where to Look for 2026
- Timing: Casting calls often launch late fall or winter—expect Season 18 calls in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Where to Find Calls:
- Official Sites: Visit nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior or awncasting.com for updates.
- Social Media: Follow @ninjawarrior on X, Instagram, and Facebook for instant alerts.
- Recent Example: Season 17 filmed in Las Vegas, with casting likely active in late 2024/early 2025.
- Pro Tip: Set a Google Alert for “American Ninja Warrior casting 2026” or sign up for NBC email updates to catch deadlines early!
4. The Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Online Application
- Go to awncasting.com or nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior.
- Enter info: name, age, contact, athletic background.
- Share your story: Why be a ninja? Highlight grit, unique skills, or a comeback tale.
- Step 2: Video Submission
- Length: 2-3 minutes.
- Content: Show personality, skills (climbing, parkour, gym feats), and passion.
- Tips: Use good lighting, be energetic, try obstacle moves.
- Step 3: Submission
- Submit online before the deadline (TBD for Season 18, likely late 2025/early 2026).
- Check: Ensure form’s complete, video uploads smoothly.
- Step 4: Selection
- Producers seek skills, story, and diversity.
- If picked, expect calls for interviews or tryouts.
- Bonus: Walk-ons may happen at filming (e.g., Las Vegas), but pre-apply for best odds.
5. How to Prepare for Your Audition
Physical Training:
- Strength: Do pull-ups (10-15 reps), grip hangs (30 sec+), weight training.
- Agility: Practice parkour, balance on rails, obstacle runs.
- Endurance: Run 3-5 miles, try HIIT for stamina.
- Find a Gym: Search “ninja gym near me” for obstacle practice (Warped Wall, rings).
Advanced Training Tips:
- Grip Mastery: Hang from a bar for 60-90 seconds, 3x daily; use rock climbing holds to simulate obstacles like CannonBall Alley.
- Explosive Power: Do box jumps (24-36” height, 10 reps, 3 sets) and plyo push-ups to mimic Salmon Ladder bursts.
- Course Simulation: Chain obstacles—e.g., swing from rings to a rope, then climb a 14’ wall—time yourself under 2 minutes.
- Recovery: Stretch daily (hamstrings, shoulders), foam roll to avoid injury; rest 1-2 days weekly.
Mental Prep:
- Watch Season 17 on Peacock—study CannonBall Alley, Salmon Ladder.
- Craft a story—e.g., “I overcame a car accident to train!”—producers love heart and hustle.
4-Week Ninja Prep Plan:
- Week 1: Grip strength—hang 30 sec, 3x daily.
- Week 2: Balance—walk a slackline, 10 min daily.
- Week 3: Agility—jump drills, sprints, 15 min.
- Week 4: Full run—mock obstacle course, time yourself.
6. What Happens After You Apply?
- Review Process: Producers screen for athletic chops and compelling stories.
- Callbacks: Selected folks get interviews or invites to film (likely spring 2026 for Season 18).
- Filming:
- Location: Often Las Vegas (as in Season 17).
- Duration: Taping ~5-8 hours, often overnight (e.g., 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.); bring energy, patience.
- Conditions: Outdoor sets face heat (90-100°F in June), wind, dust; wear breathable layers, bring water, electrolytes.
- Airing: Mondays at 8/7c on NBC, next day on Peacock.
- Outcome: Qualify, race to semifinals, aim for National Finals glory!
7. Filming Logistics: Las Vegas Details
- Venue: Typically on the Las Vegas Strip, e.g., a lot near Giles St. and E. Mandalay Bay Rd. (Season 17 pattern).
- Schedule: Filming often spans June, with Season 17 taping in 2025; expect similar for Season 18 (check nbc.com for updates).
- Conditions: Night shoots battle heat (90-100°F), wind (setup delays possible), dust; bring scarves, goggles, hydration (water, electrolytes).
- Costs:
- Travel: Round-trip flight to Las Vegas: $150-$400 (varies by city, e.g., $200 from L.A., $350 from NYC).
- Lodging: Hotels near Strip: $80-$150/night; book early, as events like Electric Daisy Carnival spike rates ($200+/night).
- Food: $30-$50/day for meals; pack snacks to save.
- Transport: Rideshare/taxi to set: $10-$20/trip; parking limited.
- Total Estimate: $300-$700 for 2-3 days, depending on origin, frugality.
- Tips: Arrive hydrated, wear sneakers, layer for cool nights; producers may cover some costs if assigned outside your region.
8. Top 5 Audition Mistakes to Avoid
- Dull Video: Skip boring intros—grab attention fast!
- No Story: Don’t just flex; share why ninja life calls you.
- Weak Skills: Practice basics—pull-ups, hangs—before filming.
- Poor Quality: Avoid dim lighting, shaky video; use a tripod.
- Late Submission: Don’t miss deadlines—apply early for Season 18!
9. Could You Be a Ninja? Quick Quiz
- Can you do 10 pull-ups? (Yes/No)
- Got a story of grit—e.g., overcame odds? (Yes/No)
- Can you train 3-5 hours weekly? (Yes/No)
- Ready to shine on camera? (Yes/No)
- Score: 3-4 Yes = Ninja potential! Start prepping now!
10. Tips for Success
- Be Unique: Share a tale—e.g., “I’m a dad racing for my kids!”—to wow producers.
- Train Hard: Master ropes, rings, walls; join a ninja gym or forum.
- Ninja Gym Directories:
- Ninja Guide: www.ninjaguide.com—find local gyms, competitions.
- World Ninja League: www.worldninjaleague.org—locate training spots, events.
- Stay Updated: Check nbc.com, @ninjawarrior on X for Season 18 news.
- Share It: Tweet your training with #NinjaWarrior2025, tag @ninjawarrior!
- Quote: “We love heart-swelling stories,” says host Matt Iseman—make yours shine!
11. Sample Audition Video Script
- Opening (0:00-0:30): “Hey, I’m [Your Name], a [your job, e.g., teacher] from [City]! After a car accident sidelined me, I fought back with grit—now I’m here to conquer American Ninja Warrior and inspire my family!”
- Skills (0:30-1:30): “Check this out: 15 pull-ups [show clip], a 60-second grip hang [clip], and a Warped Wall run [clip]! I train 5 hours a week at [local ninja gym], mastering rings and ropes—ready for the course!”
- Story & Passion (1:30-2:00): “Being a ninja means pushing limits—I’m driven to show my kids anything’s possible. Pick me for Season 18—I’ll bring heart, hustle, and ninja power!”
- Tips: Film in bright light (outdoors or near windows), use a tripod, pick bold music (not “Eye of the Tiger”—try upbeat pop or rock), keep energy high!
Conclusion
Auditions and casting calls unlock American Ninja Warrior—ace your application, train smart, and stand out! Start your 4-week plan, monitor nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior for Season 18 casting, and audition to soar! What’s your ninja story? Share below! From gym to glory, your audition could echo Season 17’s upsets—seize it now!