I have been in many live studio audiences, albeit years ago when I was a kid. (I live near Hollywood.) Yes, there is an "applause" sign, and there are many other signs, like "cheers," "laugh," and "boo".

These are some Hollywood shows that have or had a live studio audience. The links are to the companies that can get you free tickets to be in live studio audiences. I have tried to just include sitcoms, but I am not up on all the new shows:

http://www.seeing-stars.com/tapings/AudiencesUnlimited.shtml
"According To Jim", "Two And A Half Men", "The New Adventures Of Old Christine", "Back To You", "Rules Of Engagement", "‘Til Death"

http://www.seeing-stars.com/tapings/ParamountTapings.shtml
"Frasier," "Moesha" (with Brandy), "Becker," "Dharma & Greg," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Two Guys & A Girl"

http://www.seeing-stars.com/tapings/AudienceAssociates.shtml
"Girlfriends", "Til Death", "Just Jordan", "Deal Or No Deal" (with Howie Mandell)

http://www.seeing-stars.com/tapings/CBStapings.shtml
"The Young & the Restless", "The Bold & The Beautiful"

vintage CBS sitcoms with live audiences:
"Carol Burnett Show," "The Sonny & Cher Show", "All in the Family", "Good TImes"
Permalink | Report

Usually TV shows that use the traditional 3 camera recording/filming technique use a live studio audience, while shows with a single camera, in-action, bouncy style, do not.

I've been part of live studio audiences before, one thing you should know is that a 30 minute sitcom takes about 2 hours or slightly more to actually tape. The scenes are shot in chronological order and there are signs to laugh when appropriate, but more importantly I remember they always have what they call a warm-up guy.

He or she is a comedian that warms up the crowd before shooting and is always visible to encourage laughs when needed by waving his arms or making a gesture.

It's a fun and unique experience.
Permalink | Report

i know a few do, saved by the bell, fresh prince of belair, friends.

I hope this helps.

Thanks Mike!
Permalink | Report