1. Entertainment

Discuss in my forum

What to Expect at a 'Deal or No Deal' Casting Call

How to Prepare for Your 'Deal or No Deal' Audition

By , About.com Guide

'Deal or No Deal' contestant with Howie Mandel

A contestant plays 'Deal or No Deal' with host Howie Mandel.

Courtesy NBC

Deal or No Deal casting calls tend to pop up most often when the show is on summer hiatus, and new episodes are being filmed for the next season. Sometimes a theme week occurs and new contestants are needed, but the summer time is the best time to search for casting calls.

If you're interested in playing Deal or No Deal, here's how to find the casting calls, and what to expect when you attend one.

Finding Deal or No Deal Casting Calls

When Deal or No Deal is looking for contestants, there are several places to watch for information on open casting calls and contestant applications.

Deal or No Deal website – The website itself has a link to the online application, which you can fill out and submit at any time. They also update their casting calendar when there are open calls being scheduled.

Craigslist – When specific types of contestants are needed, or when the annual contestant search floodgates are opened, ads will pop up on Craigslist. You should search the New York City pages, specifically under TV/Film/Video/Radio, and Talent sections.

Game Shows at About.com – I make a special effort to include as much information as I can about upcoming casting calls, open auditions, and other Deal or No Deal casting news as I can, because I know how many of you want to be on the show! Keep an eye on the blog, as well as the general How to Be a Contestant on Daytime Deal or No Deal page for updates.

More: Where to Find Game Show Casting Calls

Deal or No Deal Open Casting Calls

Once you've found an open casting all for Deal or No Deal, it's time to plan for the day of the call. Really, all that's required of you is that you show up and follow directions, but for those folks who truly want to be on the show, there are some tips that may help you.

Get There Early

No matter what time the call is set to begin, you'll want to get there early. Deal or No Deal continues to be one of the most popular game shows for potential contestants, and every open casting call is full of people wanting to be on the show.

Take along something to pass the time, whether it's a good book, your iPod, some work to catch up on, or even a friend to talk to. You should also take some water and snacks, avoiding things like Cheetos that can leave their mark on your face, hands, and clothing. If you're prone to spills, take an extra outfit too!

What to Wear

One of the most common questions I've been asked about open casting calls is "what should I wear?" Here's what you should keep in mind:

  • Dress comfortably. You're going to be standing in line for a long time, and if you're uncomfortable, it will show.

  • Watch the weather. If it's going to be a scorcher and you decide on a three-piece suit, you're going to be sweaty. Sweaty is probably not the look you're going for.

  • Keep it simple. You want to look your best, but that doesn't mean you have to look like you're the guest of honor at a royal wedding. Business casual attire would be appropriate, or you can dress it up or down a little if that's more your style.

In my interview with Jennifer Marosy, who did the casting for the initial run of The Moment of Truth, I asked her what to wear for an open casting call. Her response was as follows:

"Start with comfortable shoes. Chances are good that you'll be standing a lot. TV is a visual medium. Treat the open call like a date that you really want to impress. You will probably be photographed and/or video taped, so you want to look your best. And like your Mom always said, 'Be yourself.'"

More: Interview with Casting Director Jennifer Marosy

Forms and Identification

One thing that game show applicants know is that there's always some paperwork to fill out and sign before you can be considered for the show. Deal or No Deal is no exception here! You'll be given all of the forms you'll need during the call, so there's no need to print out the online application.

One thing you'll have to make sure you bring with you is lots of identification. Photo I.D. is a must, so bring whatever you can to ensure that you don't get turned away at the door.

What to Expect When It's Time to Meet the Casting Staff

When it's actually time for you to go and make an impression on the casting staff for Deal or No Deal, here's a general outline of what will happen.

You'll be grouped with nine other people, so you'll have to make sure you stand out. The problem? You only have about 30 seconds to sell yourself during this first meeting. Think of a couple of interesting things you'd like to share about yourself, be enthusiastic, and try not to be too nervous.

After this first round, if you've made the initial cut, you'll be asked to stick around for round two. If not, you'll be thanked and sent home. It sounds harsh and unfair, but that's the way it works. On the plus side, you're free to then submit an online application, and you can still try out at future open casting calls.

  1. About.com
  2. Entertainment
  3. Game Shows
  4. Game Shows A-Z
  5. Deal or No Deal
  6. Deal or No Deal Casting Calls - What to Expect at an Open Casting Call - Deal or No Deal Contestants

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.