Blog du Wren

Wheel Of Fortune Taping Day

First, let me assure the Wheel of Fortune producers and legal team that there is nothing in this post about the winners, outcome, or any content of any episode (as I agreed to in my contract). This post is merely to share a little about the process with my friends who are very interested in this great show and institution. Please contact me with any concerns. And thanks for being totally awesome!

Among the things I've gotten to do in my life, there are quite a few neat ones: running away with the circus, spending time on a deserted tropical island, getting a crossword published, building a cabin in the woods, etc. etc. Well, I've now got another great experience to add to the list: being on Wheel of Fortune!

My taping was last week down in Culver City, CA. Della and I flew down for a 3 day stay* where we got to explore the area a little, but mostly it was a focus on the task at hand.

The day started early with a shuttle picking me up at the hotel and whisking us off to the studio where we went through some paperwork, logistics, etc. Then it was time for make-up, a whole new experience for me. The make-up lady was so super nice (just like everyone I interacted with*) and the hair lady said I looked great and didn't need to do anything.

After we were all , they took us out on the set to first ooh and aah over seeing the set, which was totally awesome! but then to film our hometown howdies, a short clip of us saying where we're from and when you can watch us on our home station. I don't know if KOMO airs these (some stations do and some don't), but I look forward to seeing it!

Next was spinning practice. You might think there isn't much to spinning, but there is! The wheel weights 2

400 lbs and to get it moving is not as easy a task as you might think. They actually had us do stretches before hand so as not to pull a muscle! When it was our turn to spin, they had us practice our calling out of letters in loud clear voices. They really want the show to be as good as possible.

Seeing the set, spinning the wheel, and even a cameo appearance in the green room by Vanna both served to calm my nerves in getting me more comfortable with everything but also get me more nervous in knowing that it was actually happening! While I won't say that I was a wreck, I was more nervous than I thought I would be, and I wasn't even playing yet!

After spinning practice, they divvied us up into games* and our positions on stage. I was put in the 4th show of the day, just after lunch. This meant that Della, who was to arrive at 11:00, would have to wait until I went on at 3:30 but not know it. As the contestants came out for each show, she said she was on the edge of her seat waiting to see if it was me!

Those of us not in the first show were then ushered into the audience* to watch the tapings before it was our turn. While I initially was bummed at my draw of a later show (thinking that it just meant more time to stew), seeing how everything was done (commercial breaks, movement of the contestants, etc.) helped me feel more comfortable in knowing how things were going to *.

And then it was my turn to hit the set, which is where this story will have to end for now. I fully intend to keep my promise to the producers about not revealing the outcome, and I wouldn't want to anyway. I want you to watch and find out for yourself. So tune in on October 30, 2014. Check your local listings for times and channel.

Overall, I have to say again how wonderful the whole experience was. Between the clear communications, wonderfully helpful people, great co-contestants, and the extreme neatness of seeing how things that you love are done, this experience ranks up near the top of my Life Neato list no matter what the outcome. To know that outcome, be sure to watch!

Wednesday July 16 2014

File under: wheel

Toggle Comments (6)

comment?

on Wed 16th Jul, 2014 04:17 pm CDT Mark said:
There should be a 'Wheel' watching party...I would come to that! Congrats Wren!
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on Wed 16th Jul, 2014 07:08 pm CDT Wren said:
Yes! I've for one at H2O downtown Anacortes. They've got a big screen, great food, and plenty of space. So come one, come all!
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on Fri 18th Jul, 2014 07:51 am CDT Ken said:
It was a fantastic experience. It was great to meet you and everyone else. Can't wait to see your episode on the 30th! :) Mine will be on the 28th.
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on Fri 18th Jul, 2014 11:08 am CDT Wren said:
@Ken: It's so neat you found this blog! Yes, I intend on watching all the episodes that week. It was so fun meeting everyone and playing America's Game!
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on Sun 20th Jul, 2014 12:58 pm CDT Horge said:
Congratu-friggin-lations, man! That's so damn cool, I'm going to have to tell all the Americans I know (which would be 2-3 here, plus my family on Skype - I'll have them put it on their calendar!)
Any idea if WoF streams their shows on some way that silly Europeans can watch, too? If not, please record it and somehow send it to me? ¡Muchos gracias!
Trebek, he's gunnin' for ya' now!
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on Mon 21st Jul, 2014 04:01 pm CDT Kat said:
Love this! I marked my calendar for October 30!
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