Talk about a big "Deal'' -- Bay Park braces for the masses

And here we thought folks got kind of crazy when Johnny Depp showed up in Wisconsin and started looking for movie extras for "Public Enemies.''

It turns out a "Deal or No Deal'' stop in Titletown -- one without Howie Mandel or even the briefcase-toting beauties -- is also a pretty big, uh, deal

Fans of the NBC game show are all whipped up for Wednesday's open casting call for contestants at Bay Park Square mall in Ashwaubenon, where the show's casting crew is expecting thousands to turn out. Previous calls in other cities have brought out 7,000, 8,000, 12,000, -- you get the idea. In other words, you'll have plenty of people to talk to about how you'd spend the million if you bagged the top prize on the show.

The mall has been getting slammed with phone calls from people wanting more info, so here are the latest details for those of you making the haul from near and far for a shot at $1 million:

You must be at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident.

People will be asked to line up at the mall’s east entrance, next to Younkers.

People will be allowed to line up no earlier than 8 a.m.

The casting call is from 1 to 4 p.m. People who are in line by 4 p.m. are guaranteed to be seen by a member of the casting staff, but the line will close promptly at 4 p.m.

Each person will get time -- but only about 30 seconds -- with a member of the casting crew to make a lasting impression.

Casting director Luke Conklin discourages gimmicks, like costumes, props and big cardboard signs (save those for Packers games at Lambeau Field or Tuesday night's Carrie Underwood concert).

"You want to be on this show? Just be yourself,'' Conklin told the Press-Gazette in an interview last week. "I'm asking you to take 30 seconds and tell me about yourself and talk to me like a friend.

"Don't tell us you like the show. Tell us something interesting or unique about yourself,'' he said.

Casting scouts are looking for "energetic, charismatic and outgoing individuals who can think quickly on their feet.'' If you've ever watched a contestant risk a $447,000 offer from The Banker in favor of bigger bucks, you know guts and emotion count, too.

"Passion is the No. 1 thing I look for when I want to put people on the show,'' Conklin said. "It's a feel-good show. … You ultimately want someone America can root for.''

Everyone will be asked to fill out an application. Forms will be handed out at the casting call, or you can download a copy at WIXX.com and bring it with you. Judging by the questions, you might want to get a look at it ahead of time so you can think about your answers. Among the questions:

What is the most interesting thing about you that strangers can't tell just by looking at you?

What is the next milestone in your life?

What is the most outrageous thing you've ever done?

What was the luckiest moment in your life?

Do you think bald is beautiful?

OK, OK, so we made that last one up. Just kiddin', Howie.

-- Kendra Meinert, kmeinert@greenbaypressgazette.com