How to Become a Contestant on Wheel of Fortune

If you would like to become a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune," you have at least two ways of being noticed by its contestant coordinators. You can request an audition in California or participate in the show's "Wheelmobile" events around the country, which serve as screening opportunities for would be contestants. Either way, keep in mind that 6 million people asked to be "Wheel" contestants last year and only 600 were chosen. Read on to learn how to become a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Applying Via Mail

1. Contact the "Wheel of Fortune" staff if you live in the Los Angeles area, or plan to visit, and want to be a contestant on the show. Let them know that you would like to audition by sending a postcard to: "Wheel Of Fortune" Contestant Auditions, 102002 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 5300, Culver City, Ca. 90232. The postcard must include your name, phone number and the exact dates that you will be in the Los Angeles area.
   
2. Audition for the show once you are contacted by the staff with a firm date and time. Keep in mind that there is a chance you won't hear back from them if they are not conducting auditions on the dates you requested.
   
3. Go to the audition. Contestant coordinators bring 70 individuals together for the audition and create a scaled down version of "Wheel of Fortune" with word puzzles and a miniature wheel. Everyone who auditions takes a turn at playing the game, calling out letters and solving the word puzzles. You will also take a 5 minute written test, which consists of 16 word puzzles with missing letters. The entire process, if you survive the first cut, will take about two hours.

Other Audition Strategies

4. Subscribe to "Wheelwire," an email newsletter sent free to subscribers that provides news about the show and about its traveling auditions via the "Wheelmobile." The bus visits cities and towns around the country and gives people a chance to try out for the game show. The "Wheelmobile" gives contestant coordinators a chance to screen possible contestants before the final auditions.
   
   
5. Fill out an application at a "Wheelmobile" event and compete in a traveling version of the "Wheel of Fortune" puzzle board. Applications are drawn at random, and individuals are called to the stage in groups of five to participate in a brief interview and play a round. The most promising candidates are invited back to participate in final auditions, which are usually held at a later date in the host city.
   
6. Remember that an appointment to attend a final audition does not automatically guarantee you an appearance on the show. You are responsible for any expenses incurred to do the audition.
7. Check your local TV station that carries "Wheel of Fortune" for promotions that let you know when the "Wheelmobile" will be in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• "Wheel of Fortune" contestant coordinators look for potential contestants who are good game players, can call out their letters in a loud voice and are aware of game strategy--whether to spin, buy a vowel, or solve the puzzle. The best contestants, they say, also have energy, poise and a sense of humor.
• If you're not ready to try out as a contestant or just can't get your foot in the door, you can simply get tickets to be in the studio audience. Tickets are free and you can order them online at the "Wheel of Fortune" website and print the tickets at home.
• "Wheel of Fortune" wants would be contestants to understand that an appointment to attend a final audition does not guarantee you an appearance on the show.
• Even if you apply to be a part of the "Wheelmobile" screening in your hometown, "Wheel of Fortune" and its producers reserve the right to determine which registrants to contact in the general geographic area where the "Wheelmobile" is scheduled to appear. In other words, they might not contact you.
• You must be at least 18 years old to be a contestant on the show.