Scera Spotlight Podcast

We are SO excited for the great stuff coming at the end of The SCERA Shell's season ... and SO sad it's almost over! We'll review the great events you can still catch before we button-up for the winter, and ... If you spend even a minute with Becca Boberg, you will see why she is the perfect Kim McAfee in Bye Bye, Birdie! and also why she is a perfect addition to SCERA cast and staff. She's a born performer, but also a natural teacher whose enthusiasm for fun and showmanship is obvious five seconds after you've met her. And you DO get to meet her on this episode of SCERA Spotlight! Cover Photo: Rebecca Boberg (Kim), Ian Webb (Birdie), and Jack Brannelly (Hugo)

We meet two of the cast members of Cries of Freedom, a locally-written and produced patriotic musical that celebrates the idea of freedom in the infancy of the United States, and throughout the world. We also talk about many of the activities you can find at and around SCERA this week! Guests: Spencer Baldwin and Presten Stevens Spencer Baldwin Presten Stevens Cries of Freedom runs July 2-3 at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., and July 4 at 1 and 4 p.m. Visit criesoffreedom.com for more information. Don't miss the Brent Ashworth National Treasures exhibit and immigration simulation at the SCERA Center for the Arts, and the 2018 Colonial Festival in SCERA Park.

It's opening weekend for Shrek The Musical! We've been eagerly awaiting Shrek and Fiona's return to SCERA for the last few years, and the wait is over! We'll introduce you to Josh Needles (Donkey), James Marden (Pinocchio) and Preston Harmon (Peter Pan), and find out how they found themselves at auditions, how they beat the heat, and 'What makes them special...' We also want you to meet Melanie Holdaway, our master of popcorn, churros, nachos and hot dogs. She takes great care of our guests and our volunteers ... we are so fortunate to have her! This episode's guests: Josh Needles, playing Donkey James Marden, playing Pinocchio Preston Harmon, playing Peter Pan Melanie Holdaway and her son Braeden, at the SCERA Shell Concession Stand

On the last week of Sister Act, The Musical at the SCERA Center, we share with you a few conversations from the talented people behind the show: Cast members Becca Rose (Deloris Van Cartier), Cristina Bean and Deborah Bowman (Ensemble), and DeLayne Dayton (Music Director). Don't miss this fun episode, or this heavenly show! Guests: Becca Rose, Cristina Bean, Deborah Bowman and DeLayne Dayton Host: Quin Swallow Photography: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Pictured, after a performance: Cristina Bean and Becca Rose  

We're BACK! After a bit of a break, we have a new episode for you this weekend, with the talented and generous SCERA Star Awards winners, including Lindsey Stirling and Ryan Shupe! We are thrilled that you get to 'meet' them! Here they are: Bonnie Busco (Cries of Freedom), Volunteer  Brent and Mary Kelly (Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry), Advocate of the Arts  James & Andrea Clarke, Friends of the Arts Jessica Salazar and The Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance, Dance Bill and Marilyn Brown, Lifetime Achievement Angela Johnson, Visual Arts Aubrey Wilde and Nick Grossaint (Grassroots Shakespeare), Theatre Ryan Shupe, Music Lindsey Stirling, The Star Award Plus, we talk with master Gala detail organizer and general SCERA wizard, April Berlin (SCERA Operations Manager), and the evening's host, Brian Carlson of KTVX Television / Good4Utah. The Clarke Family Honorees Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Honorees Ryan Shupe (Music) and Angela Johnson (Visual Arts) Honorees Marilyn a

Martha Glissmeyer, wife, mother, SCERA performer and musical director, and a legend of the arts in our community, passed away on February 2. On and off the stage, she changed the lives of hundreds of people, through her talent, love, and joy. We had to take some time to remember our amazing friend, Martha. Today's episode is an informal chat as we talk about what we love ... and what we'll miss ... about this magnificent lady of the stage and community. Guests: Jerry Elison, Cristina Bean, Mark Buchannan Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Quin Swallow Music: "How Can I Keep From Singing" Performed by the BYU Singers; Ronald Staheli conducting; Martha Glissmeyer, soloist

Today is a rather interesting day ... This is a recording we made one year ago, during the Utah Dance Film Festival. We meet Katie Bruce Sorensen with the Utah Dance Film Festival, taking place at the SCERA Center for the Arts February 23 and 24. Even if dance is already a part of your life, you may be new to this event and the work that is being exhibited here. Guest: Katie Bruce Sorensen Link: The Utah Dance Film Festival   Program note: You have heard us mention we will be talking about marvelous Martha Glissmeyer, a dear member of the SCERA family who passed away a few weeks ago, on a future episode. We DID get together to record some wonderful stories, and that episode will be released in a few days.

FIELD TRIP!!!! We get to visit Right On Cue Services and meet Jeremy Showgren, stage director of many SCERA shows, and behind-the-curtain musical wizard. What exactly does he do? We can't possibly tell you here ... You'll have to listen to the podcast! Also, we have LOTS of news, including summer plans for the Shell. Finally, and most sadly and importantly, we would very much like to collect from you your memories of the remarkable Martha Glissmeyer, another amazingly talented SCERA friend who passed away this past week. Please send your messages about Martha to podcast@scera.org, or leave a voice message at (385) 429-2787. Guest: Jeremy Showgren Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Kelsey and Jake Thompson, Quin Swallow  

Today's super-short episode has a quick run-down of the news, including films and concerts: Star Wars- The Last Jedi, Mark Masri, and A Crescent Christmas. We also have our final interview with cast members from Miracle on 34th Street. And Quin explains why SCERA means so much to him, and to his family. Music clips: The Crescent Super Band See them perform at SCERA December 22-23: Information about A Crescent Christmas Guests: Emille Moffitt and Jaron Young, of Miracle on 34th Street Host: Quin Swallow Program note: SCERA Spotlight Podcast will return with bi-weekly episodes in January, 2018. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and we'll join-up with you in the new year! - Rachael, Kelsey, Jake, Kelly and Quin, and everyone at SCERA

At SCERA, we love Mark Masri so much, we're having him back! Masri's stunning voice will be entertaining SCERA audiences for two nights next week, and we are thrilled to have him! Today, get a sample of his singing and learn why this night is going to be so special. Also, we talk to more folks from the Miracle on 34th Street cast, and we'll talk about Disney/Pixar's Coco, playing at the SCERA Center for one more week! Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

We do Christmas in a big way at SCERA: The decorations are up, the lights are lit, and our holiday show opens this week! On this week's podcast, meet TJ Thomas and Dawn Douglas ... two performers from the cast of Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical! Guests: Dawn Douglas and TJ Thomas, from the cast of Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

The One Voice Children's Choir has over 100 members. On this episode, we offer you a close-up of three of them: Haven, Cairo and Avery McGee, together with their parents Linda and Bill. The McGees have been a 'part of the scenery' here at SCERA for five years, appearing in My Son Pinnochio, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and in SCERA's Acting Up group. We'll talk a bit about that, but we'll talk mostly of their life-changing experiences with the One Voice Children's Choir. Web Site: The One Voice Children's Choir When You Believe: OVCC on YouTube, filmed on Omaha Beach, France Guests: Avery, Haven, Cario, Linda and Bill McGee Hosts: Kelly Cool and Quin Swallow

Today, we talk more about casting, from the would-be cast member's point-of view. In another edition of "Ask Kelsey," Kelsey Thompson shares some great wisdom on how to have a fun and successful callback audition, including some tips on how to succeed at your singing, dancing and cold reads. We also get real today, and talk about what happens when you don't get cast, because though it happens to everyone, it can be a very disappointing and lonely experience. We've been there, but it's part of the arts, it's recoverable, and there are even some great lessons to be learned. Maybe we have some insights you haven't thought of, that will help you out when things don't go as planned. Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Kelsey Mariner and Quin Swallow

It's often the most challenging aspect of putting-together a show, for creative team and cast alike: Casting. How does it work? What is the experience like for the creative team? How can wanna-be cast members make the best impression on a director, and increase their chances of being cast? What is the process like from the inside? In part one of our two-part series on casting, I was tutored and educated by the amazing Shawn Mortensen, Production & Programs Manager at SCERA. He has directed and choreographed numerous shows (not to mention performed in many as well) ... so he understands the casting process in and out, forward and back. Just try to take it all in as Shawn explains the thought process behind casting a production, how tough decisions are made, some common, shocking and avoidable mistakes performers make, and (this was a surprise) how a director gets nervous for auditions too! Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Guest: Shawn Mortensen

This week, we give you a special Halloween episode, with a creepy play-at-home quiz, a guest review of our fall show "Captain Louie" by a four-year-old, some recommendations for theater-themed Halloween entertainment, and our best answer to the question, "Is the theater haunted?" To play today's quiz on your own, go to: http://join.quizizz.com and enter code 117208! Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelly Cook, Kelsey and Jake Thompson Guest game hosts: Bryan and Shaylia Johnson, and their son Levi

Hey, SCERA Friends! We're taking a short break to enjoy a lovely Fall Break. However, this week's update will tell you what's ahead on the SCERA Spotlight podcast!

We don't have a full episode for you today, but we do have a bit of news and a sneak peek at what's around the corner on SCERA Spotlight! We have a phone number now! You can call it at any time to leave us a voice message, and even contribute to the podcast! To leave your comments, suggestions, and great stories about your experiences at SCERA and in the arts, dial (385) 429-2787 or (385) 429-ARTS and tell us what's on your mind! We'll be back with a full episode next week!

It's fall ... The evenings are getting darker and colder ... PERFECT for coming indoors for a bit and catching a movie. In this week's fall movie preview, we'll take a look at films for kids, teens and families (and all of us, really) that are due to be released this fall ... some of which will be screened at the SCERA Center for the Arts! The list of subjects this fall super heroes, super kids, super dogs, a bull, and dead people that aren't scary. Also, Rachael will teach you about stage directions, Quin will give a short-winded lecture on SCERA history, and we'll introduce you to our newest podcaster, Kelly Cook! Hosts: Kelly Cook, Kelsey Thompson, Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow  

Hey, we've had a wild week, so this week's installment is shorter than most. Today, we start two new weekly segments: Rachael gives some theatrical vocabulary, knowledge and mind-blowing factoids in "Did You Know?" Quin takes us back through SCERA's story in "60-Second SCERA History." Guest: Garrett Smit Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

People often talk about how theater is their life, but few people can say that theater carved a new path in their lives as Tanner Hutchens. Visiting NYC and watching the rowdy, profane Broadway Musical The Book of Mormon on a whim, one thing led to another and before long, Tanner found himself becoming a Mormon himself ... and a missionary! This week, Tanner shares his story, and his insights about theater and faith. Find more about Tanner's story and catch up with him on a regular basis at Hi Five Live on Facebook! Guest: Tanner Hutchens Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelsey and Jake Thompson, Quin Swallow Tanner Hutchens Jake and Kelsey Thompson, chatting with Tanner Hutchens Quin Swallow and Tanner Hutchens