Wheel of Fortune - The Audition

Most of you have probably heard by now, but Pamela and I are going to be on an episode of Wheel of Fortune!  It was such an exciting adventure that I wanted to blog it, not only about being on the show, but the events leading up to it. 

Being on a game show or reality show was a goal of mine for a while.  It was on my 30 before 30 list (just barely missed that cutoff).  Every few months I would check online to see what shows were taping and fill out applications for ones that were open.  In the spring of this year I saw that Wheel of Fortune was coming to do auditions in Phoenix and was accepting video applications.  I jumped on this chance and set out to make an epic application video for myself that was sure to get picked by the casting directors.  Pamela shot the video of me while Ryan was taking a nap and decided to get in on the fun and tape a quick video application herself.  I finished editing my masterpiece together and submitted both videos online. 

Trying to use Jordan's cuteness to my advantage

Only a few days went by and Pamela was contacted by one of the contestant coordinators.  She had been chosen to come out to the audition in Scottsdale!  The invitation was for Pamela but it stated she could bring a friend or spouse and try out as a team.  And Pamela being the wonderful wife she is, decided to take me along as her partner.  The auditions were being held at the Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale during the afternoon.  I took off from work and Pamela’s sister Liz was kind enough to watch Ryan so we could go. 

Pamela talking about how she always wanted to be Vanna White.  How could you say no to that face!

When we arrived we filled out some info sheets and watched an introductory video before getting into the ‘audition’ portion.  There were about 100 people there trying out and the contestant coordinators picked people randomly to stand up and play a turn of Wheel of Fortune.  They wanted to see who could play fast, smart, LOUD, and all while looking happy about it.  After everybody got 1 or 2 turns they passed out written tests.  This was a full page, maybe 20, different Wheel of Fortune puzzles partially filled in.  We were only given 5 minutes to get as many as we could then they took the first break.

When the coordinators called everyone back from break they made their cut down to about 40 people.  Polaroids of each person or couple were taken and attached to the info sheets and we played a few more rounds of Wheel.  They called us up to the front of the room this time to play a mock game versus two other couples that were there.  We even practiced our “Pat Chat” conversations like they do with contestants on the show. 

After everyone got another two turns playing they called it or the day and we were free to go.  They didn’t announce who was going to be on the show but they said that if you had been selected, you would hear from them within 2 weeks.  If you didn’t hear from them then obviously you weren’t chosen.  We tried to stay reserved about being on the show or not.  Either way, we had a lot of fun at the audition and came home with a signed 8x10 of Vanna White.  The weeks came and went and we were not picked.  Their website says that each year “over a million” people apply and “fewer than 600” are selected to be on the show.  We knew we were up against long odds so we would just have to wait for the next casting opportunity.