The launch of the second season of SpellCast is only a matter of hours away, but before we can start the party, we have to tell you about something really important. Starting with season two, SpellCast is switching file formats from MP3 to AAC. The new file format will allow us to do things such as create chapters and changing album artwork within the show. However, as awesome as the new file format is, the format only works on iTunes and iPods. So, what does this mean for all of our non-iTunes listeners?

Well, if you're currently subscribed to SpellCast using a program besides iTunes, such as Juice or WinPodder, you're going to need to subscribe to our new "Standard (MP3)" feed:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/spellcastmp3

The FeedBurner link also gives you information on how to subscribe with other programs and several web based podcatchers. Please note that the MP3 feed will not be offered in the iTunes music store, so if you want to subscribe to the MP3 feed using iTunes, follow the instructions at the FeedBurner page.

If you have any questions or need help with the switch, don't hesitate to e-mail us at staff@spellcastpodcast.com and we'll do our best to help you solve your issues.

Also, we have a new website that you can check out at:

http://www.spellcastpodcast.com

There's still some work to be done on it, so watch your step as several areas are still under construction.

SpellCast was at the Hollywood premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Enjoy our interviews with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Chris Rankin, David Yates, Michael Goldenberg, David Heyman, David Barron, and fans, including actors and TV personalities Rachael Harris, Duff Goldman, and (briefly!) Seth Green along with the Hand, Foot and Wand print ceremony at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood.

And don't forget to vote for SpellCast this month on PodcastAlley, enjoy!

SpellCast's Sidney Parker attended the London premiere of Order of the Phoenix in London on July 3, 2007. She talked to Dan, Emma, Rupert, Tom, Devon, Imelda, Alfie, the Phelps brothers, David Heyman, David Yates and more - and even caught a few words with JK Rowling. She also spoke to a bunch of fans, and found some Death Eaters lurking around. Most of the cast weighed in with their own predictions about Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, too!

 

You can also download the whole vidcast here or view it on our LiveJournal, our blog or MySpace - then discuss it in FictionAlley Park.

An iPod-friendly version of the vidcast is coming soon!

Before I head off to the Big Easy, I wanted to give everyone an in-depth run down of what's happening with the podcast play.

We will be having our main auditions on Friday between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM outside of the Starbucks in the Sheraton Hotel. At 5:00 PM, we'll post the cast list, location to be determined, and the location where you can pick up your script.

If you've already sent in your audition via e-mail, be sure to still drop by so we can put a face to the audition. So, if you sent in your audition already, you won't have to stick around and read lines, but we do need for you to show up and say hello.

Any parts not filled will be open to auditioners during FictionAlley's meet and greet event at the Pelican Bar inside of the Sheraton Hotel from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Saturday. We'll also be going over how the podcast play will work and how the audience plays into it. So even if you're not looking for a part, it might be informative to stop by and see what the podcast play is all about.

Final rehearsal is at 7:00 PM and we request that all performers be in Ballroom C at 8:45, prepared to go on stage. The show will run from 9:00 PM until 9:30 PM.

That's all for now, if you have any questions, be sure to look for people in orange SpellCast t-shirts. Trust us, we'll be hard to miss!

Auditions are open! SpellCast and Phoenix Rising are bringing you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in a live radio play. "The Three Trials of Severus Snape" will be performed and recorded during the SpellCast podcast recording at Artists and Authors Night. We're seeking voice actors to portray a wide variety of roles.

Who can audition?

Any Phoenix Rising attendee! You MUST be available for Artists and Authors Night, Saturday May 19, at 7:00 PM. You must also be available for one rehearsal session at a date to be announced.

What voices do we need?

Young and mature, male and female, British and American - all of these have a place in the production. Please feel free to affect an accent!

How do you audition?

Send an email to spellcast@fictionalley.org for selected canon passages to read, as well as more detailed instructions on how to record your audition.

Auditions begin today and end on May 6, so don't hesitate! Parts will be posted on May 9, along with scripts for the chosen actors.

Tell your friends, tell your roommates - you won't want to miss your chance to participate in "The Three Trials of Severus Snape"!