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