How to Apply for Hard Quiz Season 11 (2026) – Full Audition Guide

🧠 Casting Open Now

🎬 Produced by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
🎥 Created by: Chris Walker

Want to test your trivia skills and trade witty banter with Tom Gleeson on national TV? Hard Quiz Season 11 (2026) is now casting, and this is your chance to shine!

Whether you’re a trivia buff or love a good roast, here’s your ultimate guide on how to apply for Hard Quiz auditions 2026, including eligibility, expert tips from a casting director’s perspective, and how to stand out.

Eligibility Criteria for Hard Quiz 2026

• Age: You must be 18 or older at the time of application.
• Nationality: Open to Australian citizens or permanent residents only.
• Proof of Identity: Provide proof of citizenship or residency and address during the application process.
• Specialist Subject: Choose a unique topic not previously covered on the show (e.g., “Wicked the musical” or “the Julio Claudian Dynasty”). Check the list of past topics on the casting website.
• Fitness: Be physically and mentally able to participate in a televised quiz show, including travel to Melbourne for filming.
• No Criminal Record: Applicants must have no criminal record that disqualifies them from public broadcast.
• Travel: Be willing to travel to ABC Studios, Southbank, Melbourne, for filming.
• Single Application: Only one application per person with a specific, unique topic (e.g., “Nova Peris” instead of “basketball”).

How to Get on Hard Quiz Season 11 (2026)

1. Visit the Casting Site: Start your application at the official casting website or complete a saved application via mycastingnet.com if you have a link from the production team.
2. Check Past Topics: Ensure your specialist subject is unique by reviewing the list of previous topics on the casting site.
3. Submit Your Application:
   • Personal Details: Include name, contact info, proof of citizenship, and address.
   • Quiz Skills: Detail your expertise in your chosen topic.
   • Bio: Share a brief bio showcasing your personality and why you’re a great fit.
   • Security Info: Confirm eligibility (e.g., no criminal record).
   • Audition Quiz: Complete any general knowledge quiz if included.
   • Media: Upload recent photos and, if requested, a video following provided guidelines.
4. Await Response: The production team will review your application and contact you for an audition (virtual or in-person) if selected.
5. Support: Email help@mycastingnet.com for application help or contact the production team via the casting site.

Tips to Pass the Hard Quiz Auditions

From a casting director’s perspective, here’s how to stand out and nail your Hard Quiz audition:

Choose a Unique Topic

• Why It Matters: Casting directors want fresh, specific topics to keep the show engaging. Broad subjects like “movies” are often rejected.
• How to Prepare: Pick a niche you’re passionate about, like “Radiohead’s discography” or “Australian finches.” Check the casting site to avoid duplicates. Explain why your topic is unique in your application.

Show Deep Expertise

• Why It Matters: Questions test obscure details, so surface-level knowledge won’t cut it.
• How to Prepare: Study your topic thoroughly—dates, facts, and anecdotes. For example, a past Rent musical contestant memorized production history and cast details. Practice answering tough questions under time pressure.

Bring Personality and Banter

• Why It Matters: Tom Gleeson’s roasts are a show highlight, and casting directors seek contestants who can handle or return banter.
• How to Prepare:
  • Watch episodes on ABC iView to study Gleeson’s style.
  • Practice quick, witty responses to potential roasts (e.g., if your topic is “Wicked,” expect musical theater jabs).
  • Be enthusiastic but natural in your audition video or interview.

Ace General Knowledge

• Why It Matters: The “People’s Round” and “Tom’s Round” test broad trivia.
• How to Prepare: Brush up on Australian history, pop culture, and current events (up to July 2025). Use quiz apps like Quizlet for practice.

Shine in the Audition

• Why It Matters: Casting directors assess your camera presence and composure.
• How to Prepare:
  • Video Audition: Follow instructions for length and format. Introduce yourself confidently and answer sample questions.
  • In-Person Audition: Dress TV-ready, answer 5–10 topic questions, and stay calm. Practice with a friend quizzing you to mimic the experience.

Know the Show’s Format

• Why It Matters: Understanding the structure (Expert Round, Tom’s Round, People’s Round, Final Round) impresses casting directors.
• How to Prepare: Watch Season 10 episodes on ABC iView (e.g., Episode 8, March 12, 2025) to study pacing and scoring (+5 for correct, -5 for incorrect, +10 for steals). Practice buzzing in with a toy buzzer.

Be Ready for Filming

• Why It Matters: Filming happens in Melbourne, and commitment is key.
• How to Prepare: Confirm availability for early to mid-2025 filming at ABC Studios, Southbank. Attend a live taping via comedy.com.au to get a feel for the studio.

Where to Apply for Hard Quiz 2026

Applications are accepted exclusively through the official casting website. Subscribe to casting alerts at mycastingnet.com for updates. For Hard Quiz Kids (ages 10–13), apply at hardquizkidsauditions.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)