SCERA Spotlight Podcast

It's so good to be back ... With another podcast episode, AND another recognition of standouts in the community who keep the arts moving forward.  On this episode, we talk to Tara Eyre of the World Folkfest, Sheryl Dowling of The Dance Club, and Jeanette Bennett of Utah Valley Magazine! Hosts: Quin Swallow and Rachael Gibson Photos: Rachael's artistic photography overlooking the dinner from the SCERA balcony Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow at the podcast booth, with photobomb by creepy doll in display case Tara Eyre of Springville's World Folkfest Sheryl Dowling of The Dance Club Jeanette Bennett of Utah Valley Magazine What the meal looked like Photography by Rachael Gibson

Spamalot opens this weekend at the SCERA Center for the Arts, and organizing that circus is Michael Carrasco, director of Newsies and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, also at SCERA. Michael is the podcast guest this week, and tells why this show is so outlandish and perfect. We also take some time this episode to talk about the remarkable David Whitlock, former artistic director at SCERA, who passed away earlier this year.  Guest: Michael Carrasco, Director, Spamalot Hosts: Quin Swallow, Rachael Gibson and Kendall Bowman Michael Carrasco, Director, Spamalot The cast and crew of Spamalot David Whitlock

In part two of our focus on SCERA legend Jerry Elison, you'll learn more of what Jerry was like in his personal and family life - most delightfully his sense of humor ad the joy he found in simple things. Bonus treat: Listen at the end to hear Jerry tell a hilarious story in his own words. Guests: Adam Robertson, Lesa Pulham, April Berlin, and Chase Elison Hosts: Quin Swallow and Rachael Gibson Enjoy these favorite photos of Jerry!

Jerry Elison was supposed to be around forever. That was the plan every time one of his shows closed and his casts and friends looked ahead to what he would do next. When he passed away in December 2019, it hardly seemed real. Even though we miss Jerry, his impact on the arts in our community and in the lives of people was VERY real. This is Part 1 of 2 on the magic and love brought to our neighborhood by The Legendary Jerry Elison. Hosts: Quin Swallow and Rachael Gibson Guests: Adam Robertson, Lesa Pulham, April Berlin and Chase Elison Jerry adds his touch in the SCERA scene shop Jerry and Lesa Pulham Jerry with his grandson, Chase Elison  

In Part 2 of our episodes on this year's Star Awards, meet: Brodee Ripple and SCERA's Acting Up cast Choreographer Jason Celaya Photographer Willie Holdman One Voice Children's Choir director Masa Fukuda and his wife, Alyssa 2020 Star Award winner and Utah governor Gary Herbert Guests: Brodee Ripple, Jason Celaya, Willie Holdman, Masa and Alyssa Fukuda, Governor Gary Herbert Hosts: Quin Swallow and Rachael Gibson Evening of Stars guests walked into a theater ... and into a jungle! Photo op with a witch doctor Acting Up's Brodee Ripple and SCERA President and CEO Adam Robertson The cast of Acting Up! Quin Swallow and Marc Gibson (Rachael's husband) at the podcast station during dinner Dancer and choreographer Jason Celaya Photographer Willie Holdman (center) visits with Star Awards guests  

The timing was SO close to disastrous ... but just a week before a global pandemic shut-down the SCERA Center along with other arts facilities everywhere, we were able to honor eight individuals and groups whose contributions to the arts are stellar in every way. Featured on this episode: dōTERRA (Friend of the Arts), The Utah Cultural Alliance (Advocate of the Arts), Jan and Andrew Hunsaker (Theatre), and T.C. Christensen (Lifetime Achievement).  Guests: McKay Brown, Crystal Young-Otterstrom, Jan Hunsaker, Andrew Hunsaker, T.C. Christensen Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

We can't get enough of April and Lesa, so here is more of our conversation with two talented and dedicated women who really demonstrate what SCERA is all about. Here more great stories, and learn why there is no place like SCERA in the community. PLUS: Listen at the beginning of the episode for information on our special episode on The Legendary Jerry Elison, and how you can contribute! (To leave your own message about Jerry for inclusion in our next episode, call ‪(385) 429-2787‬, or join us at the SCERA Center on Tuesday January 21 at 6 p.m. in Room 201. Guests: April Berlin and Lesa Pulham Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

No one knows SCERA better than Lesa Pulham and April Berlin. You may never see them on a stage, and not too often in the lobby, but they are here, working their magic in our corporate office, making sure all the pieces of SCERA fit neatly into place. On this episode (the first of two), April and Lesa talk about:  The building, and its 80 years of history Meeting famous SCERA visitors, including Charlton Heston, Debbie Reynolds, and artist Arnold Friberg The groundbreaking and construction of the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre The addition of the south wing of the building, and the start of indoor live performance seasons The busy, busy days at SCERA during Disney’s Mermaid, Beauty, Aladdin and Lion King golden age in the 1990s Stories about notable performers  … and interesting things that have happened during their stay Guests: Lesa Pulham and April Berlin Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Lesa Pulham, left, and April Berlin remember their years at SCERA, and all the remarkable things they've seen

When Brittney Wallace is performing as Junie B. Jones, it's easy to accept that she's really starting her first-grade year in elementary school. Truth is, Brittney knows all about adulting, at home and on the stage. On this episode, we have a very casual conversation with Brittney about Junie B., theater, SCERA, marriage and kids- and how it all somehow fits together! Guest: Brittney Wallace Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Brittney Wallace as Junie B. Jones

Joseph is a local favorite, and it isn't hard to see why: A large cast, great songs with amazing variety for a single show, a healthy dose of humor, and of course ... a great message. This episode features a conversation with stage manager Ellie Powell and cast member Brynn Hartley who explain what a singular show this is, and why all the effort is worth it. But first, we want you to meet two SCERA guests who brought incredible street dancing skills with them from Europe to Utah. Meet Thomas Hergenroether and Manuela Bolegue, and learn why their art form, while tons of fun, is something to be taken seriously. View the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Guests: Ellie Powell, Brynn Hartley, Manuela Bolegue and Thomas Hergenroether Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Dancing duo Thomas Hergenroether and Manuela Bolegue Joseph cast member Brynn Hartley and stage manager Ellie Powell The cast of SCERA's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

When you are in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, you really need to 'Consider yourself part of the furniture!' to borrow a lyric from another great musical. Kyle Baugh and Caroline Glissmeyer have done just that, playing a clock (Cogsworth) and a chandelier ... just two in an enormous cast of furnishings and townspeople, heroes and villains. And we squeezed-in an interview with Paige Ford, a member of the crew. It's a fun episode to enjoy, even with some technical hiccups.  Watch the interview on video here! Quin Swallow, Kyle Baugh and Caroline Glissmeyer

Fans love The Pan ... So much that he's coming BACK to the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre for Peter Pan: The Musical.  We headed back out to the top of the SCERA Shell hill to chat with the lead cast members of the show! Watch the recording of this podcast episode ... from the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre ... on YouTube Guests: Kevin Bigler (Peter Pan), Ella Child (Wendy), Cameron Ward (John), Rome Stewart (Michael), and Nathaniel Noyes (Captain Hook) Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow

It's been a long wait: Fans of Disney's Newsies, The Musical, or 'Fansies' as they are often called, have grown-up with the show in one form or another for nearly three decades. But it wasn't until this year that Utah Valley fansies could see the show, licensed and legal, in their own hometown stages. This week, Newsies will welcome thousands to the SCERA Shell as the first musical of the season. On today's episode, we are on-site, at the Shell, and talking to several members of the cast and crew, and we'll see how much they know about Disney, musicals, their own show, and the real-life story behind it. Guests: Michael Carrasco (director), Megan Johnson (stage manager), Cole Souza (Davey), Claire Johnson (ensemble), Skyler Mann (Race), Keely Conrad (Sniper), Tynan Hamilton (Ike), Everett Fairbourne (Scab). Hosts: Rachael Gibson (also in the Newsies ensemble), and Quin Swallow (former real-life paperboy) Photos by Rachael Gibson On episode cover: Tynan Hamilton ,  From left, Everett Fairbourne, Cole Souza, Tynan Hamilton, Keely Conrad, Megan Johnson and Skyler Mann. From left, Everett Fairbourne, Cole Souza, Tynan Hamilton, Keely Conrad, Megan Johnson, Skyler Mann, Michael Carrasco, Claire Johnson and Quin Swallow

In part two of our two-part special on this year's Star Awards winners, we meet these talented and generous contributors to the arts: Chef Todd Leonard of Utah Valley Culinary Arts Jonah Riggs, SCERA Volunteer  Agnes Broberg, Dramatic arts educator  Joseph Brickey, Visual artist  Barb Smith, Journalist and emcee for the 2019 Star Awards  Chelsie Hightower, 2019 Star Award Winner  Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Volunteer Jonah Riggs, keeping busy Agnes Broberg Barb Smith and Chelsie Hightower Danielle Berry and Chase Elison manage the show from the tech booth The Star Awards

Jalyn Macedone, Beatriz Melo and Tyson Wright have a lot of awkward love triangle interactions onstage during Disney's Aida, but there is nothing awkward about them or their performing skils. Quin got to interview the talented trio to learn about their backgrounds and the show ... and quiz them on how well they know each other! New today: We have a VIDEO of today's podcast! View it here: Watch the video version on YouTube!  

This year's Star Awards were outstanding ... So outstanding we had a hard time trying to cram all of our honorees into one episode. So we stopped trying! In this episode, learn more about the Evening of Stars Gala itself, and meet four of our honorees. We'll catch-up with the rest on a future upcoming episode! Episode 51 with  the cast of Disney's Aida is being released WITH this episode on May 4! Hosts: Quin Swallow, Rachael Gibson Guests: Carly Condie, Miss Utah Organization Douglas Smoot  Tina Shelley, Shelley School of Dance Dallyn Vail Bayles

On this episode, we take you to SCERA's Scene Shop ... and it's a wonder to behold. Okay, it looks a little like a garage, but a very large and unusual one. We'll show you set pieces, props ... and, at the end, see if you can look at set models and guess the name of the show! Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Guest: Garrett Smitt, Scene Shop Manager   Below are a few photos from our tour. To view all the photos accompanying this episode while listening to the audio: Play the podcast on our Web player View the podcast on an enhanced podcast player on your mobile device (it works perfectly on Podcast Addict) Download the m4a file directly here, and play in Quicktime Player or another media player that displays chapter images

We have more brilliant artists for you to meet: Michael Carrasco has talent for acting, leadership for directing, and patience and nerves of steel for working with dozens of children! He brought his bag of tricks to SCERA's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical, this year's holiday show. On this podcast, we talk with Michael about his love for theater, and how his stage experiences have shaped his life. We'll also talk with Pageant's "Alice," Stella Parry, who very nearly steals the show on multiple occasions, with her hilarious snooty attitude. Snooty is not a thing for Stella in real-life, though, who couldn't have been nicer in talking with us about the show and why she loves to perform. Guests: Michael Carrasco and Stella Parry Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Michael Carrasco Stella Parry

The work of cosumers is so under-appreciated ... They toil for hours, custom-fitting extra-specialized clothing for performers that are going to put their clothing through a serious workout. They rush to meet deadlines, please everyone ... and suffer the occasional needle sticks, burns and glitter accident for their efforts. It's time you meet the magicians whose talent and dedication make it possible for you to see a colorful display of fantasy fashion in live SCERA performances year-round! Guests: Deborah Bowman, Kelsey Seaver, and Danielle Berry Hosts: Rachael Gibson and Quin Swallow Costume shop wizards, from left: Kelsey Seaver, Danielle Berry, and Deborah Bowman A sample of the costume shop's work: A dress for The Queen of Hearts Deborah Bowman describes her work in the costume shop This miniature iron gets into tight places

It's the final weekend the Wizard is in town: Two performances remain for The Wizard of Oz at the SCERA Center. For the cast and crew of Wizard, their experience was largely shaped by the vision and energy of their director, DeLayne Bluth Dayton. It would take a lifetime to get to truly know her, but we'll give you a few minutes with her on this episode, and it will be a treat and an inspiration. Cover photo: DeLayne Bluth Dayton sneaks into a performance, surprising her cast and a few in the audience! Guest: DeLayne Bluth Dayton Host: Quin Swallow  

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 and Bill Brown   Kim Delgrosso of Center Stage Performing Arts Studio and Lindsey Stirling, 2018 Star Award honoree The SCERA Staff

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

On opening week of Noises Off!, we admit that performers sometimes fall short of perfection. It can lead to panic and humiliation when something goes wrong ... but it can make for a hilarious story later on! On this episode, we confess our onstage flaws, hiccups and near-disasters! And we do it with the help of two hilarious performers and SCERA favorites, Brodee Ripple and McKelle Shaw! Plus, on the serious side, McKelle and Brodee share some of their wise-beyond-their-years insights about their craft. Guests: McKelle Shaw and Brodee Ripple Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelsey and Jake Thompson, Granite Ogborn, and Quin Swallow Two of our favorite SCERA people- McKelle Shaw and Brodee Ripple!

The pressure is on the cast of Noises Off! to pull-off a performance filled with chaos, physical comedy, and actors so funny they may just have a hard time keeping a straight face. But YOU don't have to, if you're in the audience ... You're more than welcome to laugh your head off. On today's podcast, hear what the craziness is about as we talk to the cast of Noises Off! about scripted insanity on-stage. Guests: Chase Ramsey (director), David Smith, Brittni Bills Smith, Shawn Mortensen, Rob Holcombe, Rex Kocherhans, Shannon Follette, Janessa Ramsey, and Zach Elzey. Host: Quin Swallow From left: Rob Holcombe, Rex Kocherhans, David Smith, Shawn Mortensen, Janessa Ramsey, Brittni Bills Smith, Chase Ramsey, Zach Elzey, Shannon Follette

Last week, you heard Allison Books (Ursula the Sea Witch) and Shawn Mortensen (Director, The Little Mermaid) talk about how they learned of Lily, a girl with a serious heart condition and a thing for Disney characters with purple skin like her own, namely Ursula from The Little Mermaid ... and how the cast of last year's Mermaid production arranged to bring Lily and her mother to Utah to meet her 'evil' idol. This week, Allison and Shawn talk about Lily's visit to Utah, and meeting ... face-to-face ... the girl who dared to love a sea witch. Lily and her mother meet Ursula, Flotsam and Jetsam. Video message from Allison and Shawn to Lily Video response from Lily in hospital Lily, with a part of her Ursula collection Guests: Allison Books, Shawn Mortensen Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Quin Swallow    

If you think theater is simply for entertainment, we have a story that will change your mind. One year afterwards, we talk about a summer that SCERA will never forget ... the one where Urusula the Sea Witch's heart was melted by Lily, a new friend from Pennsylvania who traveled to Utah with her mother just to meet her hero from Disney's The Little Mermaid. It was an incredible experience and we invited Shawn Mortensen (Director, The Little Mermaid) and Allison Books (Ursula) to recount what happened in their own words. This week, enjoy part one of a two-part conversation that will show just how wonderful things can happen on and off stage, thanks to selfless people. Correction: I mistakenly said in the introduction to the podcast that Lily was four years old ... She was actually six last summer when she came to Utah. I have posted correct audio, but just in case you heard an earlier version, Lily turned seven just before she passed-away in Spring of this year. -Quin Guests: Allison Books (SCERA's Les Miserables, James and the Giant Peach, The Little Mermaid, Nunsense); Shawn Mortensen (Director, The Little Mermaid, Seussical the Musical) Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Quin Swallow Photography: Rachael Gibson Production review / Administration: April Berlin Shawn Mortensen and Allison Books Lily and little Ursula From Ursula's video message to Lily Lily performing for Ursula on video  

We've fallen in love with Scotland this summer, and we want to show you why. On the final weekend of Brigadoon at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, we talk to director Jerry Elison, stage manager Julie Bonifay, and actors Vince Abbott and Caroline Glissmeyer. We also spent some time with SCERA performer Erika Bestor, who tells us why SCERA is such a special place to her and her family, why Jerry Elison is like another grandpa, and how the arts can be a perfect fit for someone with tough physical challenges. Then we take it inside to talk with Shawn Mortensen and Kelsey Mariner about their recent performing trip to Scotland's Fringe festival. So grab your Scottish shortbread cookies, and enjoy some arts talk at the end of a long week! And scroll below for photos of today's guests! Vince Abbott Caroline Glissmeyer From Left: Erika Bestor, Julie Bonifay, Chance Richter Jerry Elison Guests: Jerry Elison, Julie Bonifay, Caroline Glissmeyer, Erika Bestor, Shawn Mortensen Hosts: Chance Richter, Kelsey Mariner, Quin Swallow

Garrett Smit is a jerk ... but only on stage. Between the foreman in Les Mis, the dad in Footloose, and George Banks in Mary Poppins, Garrett has had a lot of experience playing the grumpy curmudgeon. Thankfully, Garrett is far nicer and approachable in real life, though he admits he could easily relate to Mr. Banks in many ways. This week we'll share part of our conversation with Garrett, and you'll easily see why we like him so much. Also, we can't Ask Kelsey this week ... she's in Europe. But we get questions all the time about SCERA. Today, we answer a few of them! Guest: Garrett Smit Hosts: Rachael Gibson & Quin Swallow Recording this week's episode with Garrett (left), Rachael (middle), and talking head Jake (right, on the laptop).

Crysta Powell is a veteran stage manager at SCERA ... and she's done some interesting work in New York, too! Christopher Gallacher is a talented singer, dancer and now choreographer! Together, they are two of the brilliant minds behind SCERA's production of Brigadoon, opening this week at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre! On this episode, we'll talk with them both! Guests: Crysta Powell and Christopher Gallacher Host: Quin Swallow

What a great time we had this week meeting the Hixson Family- Parents Amy and Dan, and their family Zach, Sammy, McKenna, Izzy, Cole and Cade! They've quite at home on the SCERA Stage, and you'll see them (most of them, anyway) in Seussica the Musical. Find-out what makes this family tick, and how they manage busy lives on and off the stage. SCERA loves these guys ... you will too! Note: This episode is being released two days early. Our next episode will be released on Friday July 28. Guests: The Hixson Family Hosts: Drey Means and Quin Swallow

This week's episode was delayed a bit, thanks to some technical trouble ... But we're back on track! This week, we'll introduce you to more members of the Seussical the Musical cast, including Reed Hahne and Kelly Cook, and one of our SCERA managers, Megan Johnson. Plus, did you see the incredible National Treasures exhibit at the SCERA Center on July 1-4? If not, we'll take you back in time ... WAY back in time ... to see some of the fascinating artifacts that made their way to SCERA from the Brent Ashworth collection. What a treat for history nerds! And since our podcast is enhanced, you can see the artifacts as you hear about them! Special segment: The SCERA Shell Song written and performed by Chance Richter Guests: Kelly Cook, Reed Hahne, Megan Johnson and the Seussical Ensemble Hosts: Quin Swallow, Kelsey Mariner, Drey Means Photos courtesy of SCERA, taken by Rachael Gibson

Kendall Bowman has been our 'sound guy' for a stellar run, but we're losing him! Before he gets too far, we wanted you to meet Kendall to hear about his great work and some funny stories. He did not disappoint. We've also been talking with some of the cast of Seussical the Musical ... And today we start with Seth Sherman, who plays JoJo! ENHANCED PODCAST NOTE: This episode is enhanced, and will display various images at certain times in during playback in some podcast and audio players. A chime tone sounds when a new image is displayed. Guests: Kendall Bowman and Seth Sherman Hosts: Rachael Gibson, Kelsey Mariner, Drey Means, Chance Richter and Quin Swallow

Today we give you Part 2 of our interview with Seussical the Musical director Shawn Mortensen and musical director DeLayne Dayton! Note: This is our experimental first enhanced episode! Check your iTunes player or podcast player for new images that (hopefully) appear during playback. Guests: Shawn Mortensen, DeLayne Dayton Host: Quin Swallow (with his dog Mia)      On left: Guest host Mia. On the right: God Bless America ... and this cake made by the theatrically and culinarily talented Shawn Mortensen.