I’m lucky enough to have friends that have some pretty awesome jobs working in TV, which has afforded me the opportunity to see multiple TV tapings in New York City over the years. I find it so interesting to see and hear about what happens behind the scenes when producing a TV show. It is so different from my job (speech pathologist) and I love getting the inside scoop and living vicariously through them. My friend Andrew happens to work for the show, Watch What Happens Live, on my favorite channel, Bravo. I love Bravo and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It’s my guilty pleasure and I can’t get enough of the drama. Andrew also knows my fav celebs (regular and Bravo celebs alike) and keeps an eye out to get me tickets when someone I love is on.
A couple of weeks ago, Shaun White, one of my favorite celebs was making his debut appearance, and Andrew was able to get me tickets. Ahhh! My friends Jake and Marisa came to the show with me. We arrived at the studio around 10:15pm for the 11pm live taping. This time was my first time in the new Bravo Clubhouse. The studio looks almost identical to the original one, but it is a little bit bigger. The audience seating area is still tiny, maybe 30 people. Once you get checked at security downstairs, they take you up to the waiting area, where they have a bar serving free Bravo themed cocktails, the Fresquila (Tequila and Fresca), the Mazel (Vodka, Cranberry and OJ) and the Whisky Ginger (Whiskey and Ginger Ale). I had the Mazel, which was delicious. After a couple of drinks and a fresh refill for the show, they call you to get in line to head into the studio.
They bring you in a few minutes before the show starts, then Andy comes out to pump the crowd up and introduce the guests as they walk out on the set. In addition to Shaun White, Tracee Ellis Ross from Blackish was the other guest and Gigi Gorgeous, a transgender model, was the guest bartender. WWHL is a live show so they film each segment with a real time commercial break between. During the commercial breaks, guest drinks are refilled, make-up and hair is touched up and the guests get to joke around with Andy and each other. It is all done very fast and exciting to watch how seamlessly everything runs. They film the 30 minute live show, then immediately tape the live after show, which airs on bravotv.com. The whole taping lasts about 45 minutes. After the show is over, the guests say their good-byes and leave the studio, then they escort the audience out. Tracee and Shaun were both funny and it was a great show.
While we were waiting to say good-bye to Andrew after the show, Shaun White walked literally right by me to go to the elevators and leave. I was freaking out (obviously) and was on the fence if I should talk to him or try to get a picture with him. I decided I would play it cool and not bother him this time, as I have already met him twice and gotten pictures with him both times previously (growth on my part right?!). After saying good-bye and a giant thank you to Andrew we headed home. It was a late night, but a super fun and exciting night. Anytime I have the opportunity to “mingle” with celebrities is the best. I love having great friends who hook me up with these opportunities that I would never get in my field. Thanks Andrew, next time something exciting in the speech path world is happening I’ll be sure to repay the favor!
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