The Murray State News

Issue date: 1/18/08 Section: College Life

Media Credit: Trae Patton DEAL OR NO DEAL -- Episode 334 -- Pictured: (l-r) Host Howie Mandel, Contestant Britney Lewzader -- NBC Photo: Trae Patton

Britney Lewzader made a deal with Howie Mandel, the host of the NBC series "Deal or No Deal."

Nov. 6-10 Lewzader, alumna from Gilbertsville, Ky., flew to Los Angeles, Calif., to tape an episode of the popular prime-time series, a game show in which contestants try to take home the most cash by playing and dealing with 26 suitcases ranging in cash value from a penny to the top prize of $1 million.

Lewzader, who was a big fan of the show before acting as a contestant, said she auditioned for the show in Nashville, Tenn., at an open call in April after speaking with her husband Jonathan about having a baby. She said although she wanted to have a baby, her husband said they couldn't afford to do so but promised they could try when they had the money.

"When he woke up the next morning, I was waiting in line to audition for the show," Lewzader said.

She said after her conversation with her husband, she called two of her cousins and they made the trip to Nashville that evening.

Lewzader said she and her cousins got in line around 1 a.m., but did not get to audition until around noon.

When Lewzader finally got her shot with the casting directors they took her in with a small group. Each person was then given about 30 seconds to convince the NBC crew to cast he or she to appear on the show.

Lewzader said she was called back for the next day to play a mock version of the show and taped an interview with the casting directors. She brought her parents and her friend Jessi Riddle, senior from Murray, as her supporters.

"I was pretty hopeful after they gave me a callback, but after (a few months) you kind of start to wonder," Lewzader said.

She said she didn't hear anything until October when producers called her to tell her she was going to be on the show.

Casting producer for the show, Neal Konstantini, said Lewzader was chosen because she possesses the traits casting directors look for in contestants.

"Britney had a lot of charisma, not to mention her back story was amazing (since she went on the show to win money to have a baby)," Konstantini said. "With these two traits combined she is the perfect contestant for our show."

Continued...

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