Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
David A.
| Theme: | Tennis Week |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Oconomowoc, WI |
| Week of: | 08-29-2011 |
POSTED 8-29
I've watched Wheel of Fortune for as long as I can remember. I was excited to see that the Wheelmobile was going to be in Las Vegas so I decided to try out. They were holding open auditions so my wife and I drove down to the strip for a chance to be on the show, together! We filled out cards with our information and then we were lead into an auditorium with a mock Wheel of Fortune set. Names were randomly selected to come onstage and play in a mock game. I couldn't believe it when I heard my name called! I remember going onstage and being interviewed by the "host." He asked me what I did and what hobbies I enjoyed. I remember mentioning that I played and taught tennis. He asked me what tips I could give him and I remember telling him you always have to "keep moving." I then proceeded to demonstrate shuffling my feet side to side and running around like a crazy person onstage. I remember drawing a lot of laughs. Once the audience calmed down from all the shenanigans it was time to play a mock speed round. I remember the moment it came back to me and I knew the answer "Kings and Queens!" I thought I might have a good shot at making it on the "real show." I walked off stage that day with confidence, my head held high, and my arms full of Wheel of Fortune goodies a t-shirt, gym bag, hat, and the most useful of all prizes, a fanny pack.
Not a week later I received an email from one of the contestant coordinators saying they wanted my wife and I to come back for a second audition for "Sweethearts Week" that would be airing the following week! Again we traveled down to the strip and participated, together this time, in a mock game. I remember some of the couples were really good and exciting; they fit the word "contestant" perfectly. Then came the written test. I remember this being pretty difficult, but thought I did well after hearing how horribly everyone else thought they did. I thought this might be the deciding factor. Again, I went home that day feeling like I might have a chance, but not knowing when that might be.
A few days later I received a call. Wheel of Fortune wanted me to be a stand-by contestant for the week they were filming in Las Vegas! I was thrilled! I did not get on that day, but I remember before I left, one of the contestant coordinators came over and told me that they will put me on a show, but they didn't know when. He did mention it would probably be "Tennis Week." I thought to myself all that running around on stage looking like a fool might have paid off! I might be able to represent Las Vegas, Nevada or even Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on an actual show! Tune in Monday, August 29th, to see how I did!