How To Get Chosen As A Contestant On The Price Is Right

I was on the Price Is Right in 1976, (I was only a child at the time, just kidding), anyway I won the change to go on stage, I then spun the wheel and won $1,000. I went on to bid on the showcase, which I lost, thankfully, because I really didn't want the one that was passed on to me by the top bidder.

A little history. Even before I ever moved to California, I used to watch the Price Is Right. I declared then that if I ever moved to California that I'd be on the show. The format was different at the time, and I was sure that I'd win. However, when I got to California the show had gone off the air. It resurfaced with a new format, but my determination was still the same. I was going to go on the show and win. So I set about learning how to get on the price is right.

Here is what I did. I found out how to apply for the show. I encouraged my friends to join me as a group. The show came back on in 1972, and I was on in 1976. I went to the show as often as I could, which was often. I studied everything about the show while there and while watching the show. I knew all of the games. Anyway each time that I went to the show I studied the producers method for choosing contestants. The method hasn't changed much. What they are looking for is a fine line between vivacity and over the top buffoonery. They want interaction, but not intolerant behavior.

When I confirmed my suspicions the show before I actually got on, I determined that the next time I got the chance that I would get on, and I did. What I did was when Jay, (the producer at the time), came by and addressed me by name, I stopped him and said something silly, but relevant. Jay came back and asked me a silly question, which began with "Alfreta, let me ask you this." That was the phrase for the assistants to take my name down as a possible contestant. I knew then that was my first step to getting on the show. I was told by a former contestant what to do while inside, and I did just that, (I'll tell you later what I did). I noticed on my last trip to the show that although the method of interviewing has changed somewhat, the selection process appears to be the same.

Below find my suggestions for how to get on the price is right. No guarantees, but they did work for several friends after I got on.

1. First, go to the website and study the rules and regulations. You wouldn't want to get there and not have a chance of getting on. For instance, you can't wear shirts or jackets that advertise any company, or group. All cameras and cell phones will be held until after the show.
2. If you don't live in the area, order your ticket online or send a self addressed envelope to the address listed on the website. However, if you live in the area, my suggestion is to go to the studio and pick up tickets, there you will have your choice of shows. Sometimes you can get several days at a time, so you can come back if you fail to get on the first time.
3. Here is a trick that I noticed that works, get together a group of about 10 or 15, and either buy or make matching shirts of the same vibrant colors. Also let the show know that you are coming as a group. Of that group, at least one has a possibility of getting on. Groups are always guaranteed to get into the audience, if they arrive on time.
4. On getting into the audience, this is a tricky one. You must arrive by 6 am on tape day, to get an audience number, (the lower the number the better the chance), which will guarantee you a seat. You should do this for both shows, (12 noon and 4 pm). This can be done by at least one in the group. For the 12 noon show you must arrive, (after you've gotten your number), at 8:30 for the 12:30 taping and 12 noon for 4:00 taping, in order to be processed.
5. The producer begins the interviewing in groups of ten. This is your time to shine. As I observed, they still require interaction. When he, the producer passes by you and speaks to you by name, (because you have on a name tag), if you're interesting enough to him, he'll spend more than a second with you. It's at this point and only at this point you have your moment to impress him, smile, be enthusiastic, vivacious, (not wild). As he speaks to you, talk back, tell something interesting about yourself. As you talk to him take note of the person sitting behind him with the note pad. If you detect that your name is written down, that's just the beginning. Once inside, don't "die out," lose your enthusiasm. Keep the smiles and cheeriness going. You're being watched, the choosing process is still going on.
6. Now if you just want to be on Television, don't worry about knowing the prices of the items up for bid. But if you want to actually have a chance at winning, I suggest that you watch the show as often as possible. You'll want to see what types of items that are usually showcased on the show. Check the prices of those, or like items during your shopping trips, so as to have a fighting chance at winning anything. If after you've gotten on the show, follow your first mind on a price, if you're certain you know it. That's the advice I didn't follow and I missed winning a car. Oh by the way, my daughter and I are in the audience on the May 3, 2010 show. We both have on red sweaters and we're sitting in the front, just FYI.

I hope with these tidbits from my experience, I hope you have learned a little of how to get on the price is right.