What a 'Deal or No Deal' Casting Call Looked Like

How Hopefuls Prepared for Their 'Deal or No Deal' Audition

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

The original "Deal or No Deal" went off the air in 2010. Keep reading for more information about the show's casting process during its run.

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.

Further Rounds

The next few rounds of the casting process tend to differ slightly, depending on what staff members are available and how many applicants there are. Sometimes, all you'll be doing is talking about yourself, being recorded on 30-second videos for casting to look through later, and waiting in more lines.

Other times, however, there are more interesting things to do, such as:

  • Compete with other potential contestants to see who can be the loudest in the bunch. A trinket such as a Deal or No Deal ball cap or t-shirt is handed out to the loudest person, and that person is guaranteed a spot on the show.
  • Open a case on film. Really!
  • Answer questions about yourself from casting producer Neal Konstantini.

One thing to remember is that, in the game itself, the Banker likes to give contestants a hard time. You might get some of this attitude from casting staff during your audition, so it's important to keep in mind that they want to see how you react. Keep a positive attitude, and try to always have a sense of humor.

Callbacks

If you're really lucky, you'll get a callback to return and play a mock game, or open a few cases to let the producers know what you'll be like on video. Sometimes this happens during the actual casting call, but if there are a lot of people on hand and they run out of time, this will take place on a completely different date.

If you don't get a callback, don't despair! This does not indicate that you failed to make a good impression on the casting folks, and you still have a shot at getting on the show.

What Casting Staff is Looking For

I know what you're wondering now: "What exactly are these people looking for?" It's natural to want to fit the mold that casting staff wants for the show. The true answer here is that they want people who are enthusiastic, excited, and above all, real.

The short phrase "be yourself" may not have much of an impact to you, but that's the mantra you should get used to if you want to be a game show contestant. If you're fake, overdo it, or try to be someone you're not, it will show.

Deal or No Deal casting producer Neal Konstantini told us:

"We need to see your personality, we need to see an evolution as a personality comes out. Open up and be yourself.

We're looking for the person who doesn't care if they look silly, and puts everything on the line. We want to know your story, we want to know who you are. The people who get on the show are wide open. There's no mystery, they are who they are and they're able to share that."

More: Interview with Deal or No Deal Casting Producer Neal Konstantini

VIP Auditions

Deal or No Deal has, in past years, set up VIP auditions through their online application process. All this means is that early applicants get a chance to audition in smaller groups, rather than wait in line at an open casting call.

People who attend a VIP audition have no real advantage over those who attend an open casting call, and they don't stand any better shot at getting on the show. If the casting producer thinks you'd be a great Deal or No Deal contestant, then you'll make the right impression no matter how or when you apply!

Waiting for the Call

Once you've attended an open casting call, VIP audition, or sent in an application online, all you can do is sit back and wait for the call to know whether or not you made it on the show. Contestants are pulled from the potential pool of applicants several times throughout the taping season, so your call could come months from the date of your audition.

At the end of a casting call, you should be given a deadline for when the call will come. If this date comes and goes without a phone call from the Deal or No Deal staff, you can safely assume that you didn't make the cut. However, you can still apply again for the next season, when the madness starts all over again!

More Resources

We've got a vibrant community posting in some of the Deal or No Deal casting blog comments, so if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to post them and someone will be by to answer. Here are the best ones so far: