Theatre Arts Opportunities For Branson Tri-Lakes Area Youth

BRAC’s Youth Troupe Institute – July 16-August 5, 2018

Youth Troupe Institute’s Aladdin Jr. Cast

As the curtain closed on the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe production of Aladdin Jr. last week, 43 young area actors received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the appreciative audience. Two and a half weeks of preparation, six public performances, and six standing ovations left these kids feeling proud of their accomplishments. Their parents were equally proud of the effort, dedication, and courage that their children put forth as part of this exciting musical production.

During the final performance, emotions were high as the kids experienced joy for what they had accomplished, as well as sadness that their 3 week theatrical adventure had come to an end. They all have one thing in common, however, their lives have been positively influenced by the opportunity to learn and grow their confidence and performing skills through their participation in the Youth Troupe Institute program.

Youth Troupe Institute’s Aladdin Jr. Cast

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. was the first of two Youth Troupe Institute programs this year, specifically designed for students age 6-18.  The next program begins on July 16th and culminates with public performances of Seussical Jr. from August 2nd – 5th at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. There are no auditions to participate, just a registration fee to help cover a small portion of the expenses involved in producing a community theatre show of this quality. A professional team of Producers, Directors, Technicians and trained volunteers work with the children in a safe, and nurturing environment in order for these young actors to enjoy the best experience possible, while they grow and develop their social and interpersonal skills through the performing arts.

Additional information and registration for Youth Troupe Institute 2 can be found at BransonArts.org/institute.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

BRAC’s New Choir Auditions

Performing opportunities for Tri-Lakes Area Youth will hit hit a high note, as auditions for the new Youth, Concert and Show Choirs commence on August 17 and 18. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for an audition slot, in advance, to secure their chance to participate.

BRAC’s Youth Choir is a fun, beginning choir intended to introduce students to the importance of music theory, vocal warm up, stage: etiquette, presence & showmanship, and l-2 part choral parts. Although the Youth Choir is a beginning level group, the leadership and training will be both outstanding and demanding. Auditions for participation are not required, but students will need to sing in small groups (2-3 students) to determine vocal range for section assignment. Youth Choir Performances will include: Fall Concert, Winter Showcase & Spring Concert. Additional community performances may be added throughout the year. Watch for upcoming information regarding registration for this exciting new program.

BRAC’s Concert Choir is an advanced musical group intended to train and challenge vocal students to reach their maximum potential as individuals and a as unified choir. Students will
study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence & showmanship and multi-part choral music. The leadership will be both demanding & rewarding. The time
at rehearsal will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theater until they leave the theatre training is in process. The director will lead incredibly intensive rehearsals that will result in mind-blowing results and outstanding performances. Auditions are required to be considered for the Concert Choir. Students chosen to participate will gain invaluable vocal training, meaningful friendships and treasured memories for a lifetime. Concert Choir Performances will include: Fall Concert, Winter Showcase & Spring Concert. Additional community performances may be added throughout the year.

SIGN UP FOR A CHOIR AUDITION TIME SLOT

BRAC’s Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group intended to combine challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir will focus on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students will study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence & showmanship and multi-part choral music. The leadership will be both demanding & rewarding. The director will lead incredibly intensive rehearsals that will result in mind-blowing results and outstanding performances. Students chosen to participate in this choir will gain invaluable vocal training, meaningful friendships and treasured memories for a lifetime. Participation in the choir is at the sole discretion of the director. 1-3 years music/choir participation required for consideration. Students participating in Show Choir will be expected to also participate in Concert Choir. Show Choir rehearsals will be held immediately following Concert Choir rehearsal. Show Choir Performances will include: Fall Concert, Winter Showcase & Spring Concert. Additional community performances may be added throughout the year.

 

Disney’s Aladdin Jr Features Large Cast of Young Area Actors

Over 40 talented young actors from across the Branson Tri-Lakes area are discovering “a whole new world” as they prepare to impress area audiences in a fun and exciting musical production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

Produced as part of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe Summer Institute, Aladdin Jr. will be presented in six public performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson this Thursday through Sunday.

Performance Times:
Thursday June 7 – 7pm, Friday June 8 – 7pm, Saturday June 9 – 2pm & 7pm, Sunday June 10 – 2pm & 7pm

Reserved seating tickets are available online at BransonArts.org/tix, and advance purchases are recommended.

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is based on the 1992 Academy-Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.

Songs from the Disney film include “Arabian Nights,” “One Jump Ahead, “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali,” and “A Whole New World,” as well as an additional song “Why Me” which was cut from the original Disney film.

The cast of Aladdin Jr. are all participants of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe Summer Theatre Institute for students ages 6 to 18. Featured cast members include: Alex Knudsen (Aladdin), Abby Sundahl (Genii), Renee’ Elkady (Princess Jasmine), Cole Hill (Jafar), Sophie Douglas (Iago), Pace Gillman (Abu, Featured Dancer), Kevin Williams (Sultan, Cave of Wonders Voice), Morgan Brown (Babkak, Ensemble), Carter Hendrickson (Omar, Prince Abdulah, Ensemble), Emma Heseman (Kassim, Ensemble), Alexis Fischer (Isir, Featured Dancer, Ensemble), Sami Sutcliffe (Manal, Featured Dancer, Ensemble), Bekah Williams (Rajah, Featured Dancer, Ensemble), Liam Hill (Razoul, Ensemble), Macy Myers (Spooky Voice, Apple Vendor, Ensemble), Kaitlyn Jenanian (Fortune Teller, Featured Dancer, Ensemble), Grace Clark, Kendal Mask, Milla Solvie (Beggars, Featured Dancers, Ensemble), Molly Jones (Shop Owner, Ensemble), Lee Brown, Josslyn Silvy (Attendants, Ensemble), Korey Brown, Cameron Cornish, Uriah Guevel, Harrison McGregor, Sailor Tillis, Luke Sundahl, Caleb Sundalhl (Guards, Ensemble), Madison Lundeen, Laurie Payne (Featured Dancers, Ensemble), Sylvie Barbour, Emma Callaway, Claire Cornish, Jael Frost, Hallie Groff, Halle Horn, Addison Russell, Libby Sundahl, Betsy Sundahl, Katie Sundahl, Ashleign Williams and Jacob Foreman (Ensemble).

The production team include: Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy (Producers), Jennifer Sundahl (Assistant Producer), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Director, Costumer, Vocal Director), Jacob Estes (Director, Scenic Designer), Kristen Dasto (Choreographer), Melissa Rivera (Assistant Teacher), Danielle Groff and Dakota Cooner (Student Directors), Jonathan Crum (Additional Costume Design), Nicole Dasto (Stage Manager, Audio Tech), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design and Tech), Marshall Meadows (Photographer), Jim Barber (Marketing), Art Hale, Kim Hale, Lori Best, Jacob Estes, Nick Batey, Lisa Murphy, Charyl Nida, Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Kristen Dasto and Nicole Dasto (Set Construction).

Aladdin Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). The Walt Disney Company is a licensor of the Aladdin Jr. stage play only and is not a producer of this production. Music is by Alan Menken, with Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The musical is based on the Screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio.

For information on upcoming Youth Troupe Summer Theatre Institute programs, visit BransonArts.org/institute.