Frequently asked questions about: The Show

How can I become a ZOOM cast member?

The last season of ZOOM was filmed during the summer of 2004 and we are not producing new episodes. So, there will be no additional taping or auditions for future seasons.


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Why do you change the cast from season to season?

As you know, kids do grow up and move on, so we can't keep the cast forever. Instead, we gave other kids a chance to become ZOOMers. We chose a mix of regular, everyday kids, and we tried to find kids you'll want to watch on TV. If you miss the old ZOOMers, don't worry! You can catch them throughout the year. You can find out more about what the old ZOOMers have been up to by visiting the Cast section of the site.

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How can I be a ZOOMguest?

The last season of ZOOM was filmed during the summer of 2004 and we are not producing new episodes. So, there will be no additional taping of ZOOMguest segments.


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How can I become part of the ZOOM team?

If you're interested in becoming a member of the ZOOMteam, check out the ZOOM Into Action section of the site for volunteering information and resources. That's where you'll find lots of tips on getting started. If you've already helped out in the community and just want to spread the word, you can submit your story directly through the site.


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Can you announce my name/say happy birthday on the air/Web site?

Because there is so much great ZOOMy stuff to cram into a dinky half hour, we can only announce the names of kids whose ideas have been selected for that particular show. Sorry! We wish we could.


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Where and how do I submit my ideas for the show?

The last season of ZOOM was filmed during the summer of 2004 and we are not producing new episodes. So, we are no longer accepting ideas for the show.


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How do I submit a video for the show?

The last season of ZOOM was filmed during the summer of 2004 and we are not producing new episodes. So, we are no longer accepting videos for the show.


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Where can I get information on how to ZOOM Into Action?

The ZOOM Into Action section of the site has volunteering information and resources plus lots of tips on getting started.


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How can I find information about planning a ZOOM party?

We have an entire ZOOMparty feature on the site that has the directions to lots of great party games, recipes and arts and crafts. That's where you'll also find links to ZOOMy party printables like invitations, a cake stencil and place cards. Plus, you you'll find the words to "Happy Birthday" in Ubbi Dubbi. Pubartuby Ubon!


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How can I find out what time ZOOM airs in my area?

To find out when ZOOM is on TV near you, go to the Today on ZOOM section of the site, tell us on which local station you watch ZOOM, and then voila!... your local ZOOM schedule including links to activities seen on the show! If you have any other questions about ZOOM broadcast times, we suggest you contact your local PBS station.


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Can I watch a taping of the show or visit the studio?

The last season of ZOOM was filmed during the summer of 2004 and we are not producing new episodes. As a result, we can't offer studio tours. But, you can take a virtual tour of the ZOOM studio in the Behind the Scenes section of the site. In addition, the Children's Museum in Boston is the proud home of a ZOOMzone. ZOOMzones are places in museums and other cool institutions around the USA with challenges and activities you've seen on ZOOM. For more information about ZOOMzones, visit the ZOOMzones section of the site.


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How can I buy a ZOOM T-shirt or video?

To inquire about ZOOM-related products, just call the WGBH store at 800-949-8670.


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How do you speak Ubbi Dubbi?

To speak Ubbi Dubbi, just place "ub" before every vowel sound in a word. For example, "book bag" would become "bubook bubag." It takes some time to speak Ubbi Dubbi fluently, so keep practicing! For some extra assistance in ubbification, check out the Ubbi Dubbi Translator on the site.


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When and how did you come up with the idea for ZOOM?

The current ZOOM, which made its debut in January of 1999, is based on a show of the same name that aired on PBS from 1972 to 1981. The original ZOOM was based on a British program airing at the same time called "Why Don't You Turn Off the Television and Go Do Something Less Boring." The name ZOOM came from the idea that the show would ZOOM IN and OUT on the lives of kids the same age. The first proposal was for a show called ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT, but the name was later shortened to ZOOM!


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How many people work on the show?

Each season there were seven ZOOMers and 77 people behind the scenes on the show. There are 29 people who've worked on the Web site. And now there are more than five million kids who've sent in their ideas! Whew! In other words, that's a lot of people!


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What's it like to be on ZOOM?

To find out what the ZOOMers think about being on ZOOM, check out the cast home pages on the site. By all accounts, it's pretty dang fun. You can tell by flipping through the wacky Snaps in Behind the Scenes.


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