Peoria heads were spinning as audience members tuned in to watch Bradley student Ryan Southwood appear on “Wheel of Fortune” on WMBD-TV Tuesday evening.
Southwood, a senior television arts major, auditioned for the show last summer and then taped the show last month in Culver City, California.
“When I arrived on set, I was coached on how to be a good contestant,” Southwood said. “I got to practice spinning the wheel and calling out letters. Then, I got some makeup on and started taping.”
Southwood said other than talking with the host, he wasn’t nervous during the show.
“I wasn’t thinking about the cameras or all the people watching me,” Southwood said. “I was just playing the game and having fun with it. I wasn’t even really thinking about the money or prizes.”
Southwood came in second place among 15 contestants, earning $9,000 and a trip to Costa Rica.
After the show, Southwood said he relaxed by sitting in the studio audience and watching another round of “Wheel of Fortune” being taped.
According to Southwood, he really appreciated the opportunity to see first-hand how a game show runs.
“I always dreamed of being a game show host or at least working in game show production,” Southwood said. “I’m a really big fan of game shows, and I grew up watching ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘The Price is Right’ and ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’”
Southwood said one element that appeals to him about game shows is the ordinary background of most of the contestants.
“They’re people you’d meet every day on the street,” Southwood said. “They could be your next door neighbor, and so even though you don’t know them personally, you can still relate to them.”
Southwood gave some advice for those interested in competing on “Wheel of Fortune.”
“Like most things in life, practice is important,” Southwood said. “So, watch the show and play along with the contestants, or play word games with your family and friends. It’s fun, and it’s a great way to bond, and it might win you some money down the road.”
