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Master Storyteller Featured This Saturday in Branson

Paul Haygood brings his imaginative Storytelling Workshop and Performance to the Historic Owen Theatre this Saturday, February 10, 2018. (UPDATE: This event is postponed due to bad weather, rescheduled date TBA)

BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber welcomes Paul Haygood

Storytelling is one of the earliest artforms, stimulating the creative imagination and building a sense of community between the teller and listeners. It fosters an appreciation for one’s own culture and history, while at the same time, allowing us to learn about other peoples and places.

“Paul Haygood is a master storyteller. His stories are well-researched and engaging.” – Joshua Heston, StateOfTheOzarks

Each of us has a story in the making, and the 2pm afternoon workshop will help your own stories come to life. Participants will have fun learning story preparation, picture thinking, and the difference between acting and storytelling. Finding the raw material of a story, listening as a skill, dramatic facial expression and body language will also be included. 

The 7pm evening concert performance will include a variety of engaging stories, skillfully presented by Mr. Haygood. These may include: “The Water of Life,” from Grimm’s Fairy Tales; “Iduna and the Golden Apples,” from the Norse tradition (Thor, Loki, etc); and “The Boatman and the Bear,” improbable adventures with a paddle-wheeler, a bear and a catfish, on a flatboat between St. Louis and New Orleans.

Paul Haygood was born and raised in the nature and story-rich Islands of Hawaii, and has shared his stories around the world, from New Zealand to New York. He is related to the famous Haygood family of entertainers, so you know that he is a creative performer at heart.

We are thrilled to present his inventive and entertaining storytelling right here at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson.

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Branson Area Students Experience Symphonic Music

On Tuesday, January 30, 2018, nearly 800 young students from several Branson area schools attended a live music concert with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra as part of an annual Young People’s Concert program that the Branson Regional Arts Council has coordinated on behalf of our area youth.

The concert is provided free of charge to our area schools and is specifically designed to be an in-depth learning experience.  This year’s concert featured guest soloist Richard Todd Payne who combined his commanding and dramatic Baritone voice with the symphony to present a series of Black American masterpieces, including a moving rendition of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.  A native of Memphis Tennessee, and Assistant Professor of Voice at Missouri State University, Mr. Payne’s voice has been described as “Magnificent”,  “Impassioned”, and “Stentorian”.  He is sought after nationally for his commanding presence and ringing tones in both Opera and Oratorio.  

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Branson schools appreciate all you have done. – Sarah Ver Steegt Kirk

Each year, the Young People’s Concerts have educated approximately 4,000 fourth grade children from the Springfield and Branson area school districts, and students from private, parochial and home schools, to listen to live symphonic music and gain valuable exposure to the elements of musical styles and eras.

My students have been learning about the 1960’s and the Civil Rights Movement.  We had listened to Dr. King’s speech a few weeks ago. The LOVED to hear it set to music and to hear some of the stories behind the pieces chosen. Thank you so much Branson Regional Arts Council for this opportunity for our students!!! – Kellsey Howerton Bradley

On the day of the performance, the children arrived at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on the the famous Branson Strip by school busses, seated together by classes with their teachers, and treated to an enriching cultural experience. The music was interspersed with entertaining facts about each composition. Musical instrumentation was explained, as were the differences in musical styles.

Following each performance, the teachers follow up with each class attending in discussing important elements of the musical experience so as to integrate the concert experience into the students’ curriculum.

Major sponsors of this year’s concert were the Branson Regional Arts Council, the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors, the Missouri Arts Council, and a handful of individual donors including Mary Kellogg, Jim Barber, Pam Davis, Craig Burnett, Leah Horn, Patty Tweedle, and Jeff Turner. This year’s event wouldn’t have been possible without their generous assistance.

 

THE FOLLOWING MAJOR SPONSORS OF THIS EVENT APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY.  PLEASE THANK THEM FOR THEIR FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN OUR AREA YOUTH!


   

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Annie the Musical Cast Announced

Congratulations to the following actors and actresses who have been offered roles in the upcoming Branson Regional Arts Council production of Annie, which will debut at the Historic Owen Theatre from March 8 – 11, 2018.

GET ANNIE TICKETS NOW

Over 80 talented youth and adults took the time and effort to participate in a grueling audition process this past week.

Some of the 80+ actors who auditioned for Annie.

“The producers and directors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to each and every one of them”, said Executive Director Jim Barber.

“The final casting decisions were not easily reached as the talent level was very high, and there were many more people auditioning than available roles.

The Arts Council is excited, however, that we will have many more opportunities for everyone to audition for plays, musicals, or any of our theatre acting workshops that will be scheduled throughout the year”.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Theatre Advisory Committee oversees the selection of all plays and musicals throughout the performance season. Committee members include: Justin Ables, Kristen Ables, Tina Cool Anderson, Jean Cantwell, Kimberly Hale, Jim Barber, Lisa Murphy, Roz Slavik, Greg Slavik, Patty Slicer, Sue Head, Hayden Head, Darlene Graham, Michelle Inskeep, Delyla Uebel, and Rick Uebel.

Rehearsals for Annie begin this Sunday. The public is encouraged to purchase seats for the March 8-11 performances early as this production is expected to sell out.  Advance tickets are available now at BransonArts.org/tix.

ANNOUNCING THE CAST OF ANNIE…

LEADS
ANNIE….. Zoe Allie
ANNIE (Secondary)….. Bekah Williams
MISS AGGIE HANNIGAN….. Kelsey Bradley
OLIVER WARBUCKS….. Lloyd Ray Alexander-Holt
GRACE FARRELL….. Sarah Sutherland

ORPHANS
TESSIE/Ensemble….. Sophie Douglas
MOLLY/Ensemble….. Laurie Payne
PEPPER/Ensemble….. Abby Sundahl
DUFFY/Ensemble….. Brynleigh Hill
JULY/Ensemble….. Jordan Kendrick
KATE/Ensemble….. Sami Sutcliffe
Ensemble….. Bekah Williams
Ensemble….. Aleah Oltjenbrun
Ensemble….. Alexis Fischer
Ensemble….. Emrie Straka

KIDS
NEWSIES….. Jonah Conque, Brady Conque

FEATURED ROLES
Rooster Hannigan/Cordell Hull/Dog Catcher/Justice Louis Brandeis/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Kyle Bradley
L.T. Ward/Bert Healy/Franklin D. Roosevelt….. Michael Horn
Mr. Bundles/ Louis Howe/ Hooverville/Santa (NYC)….. Sean Myers
Drake/Harold Ickes/Sound Effects Man/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Jordan Alexander-Holt
Fred McCracken….. Jim Barber
Hans Morgenthau/Jimmy Johnson/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Alex Harris
Apple Seller/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Noah Beyer

WOMEN
Lily/Mrs. Pugh/Hooverville/Dance Captain ….. Kristen Dasto
Frances Perkins/Cecile/Sophie (Hooverville)/Dance Ensemble….. Sarah Williams
Bonnie Boylan /Annette/Hooverville/ Grace Understudy/Dance Ensemble….. Melissa Rivera
Connie Boylan/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Dani Groff
Ronnie Boylan/ Star to Be/Hooverville/Dance Ensemble….. Brenna Kellem
Mrs. Greer/Hooverville/Ensemble….. Haley Bertrand

PRODUCTION STAFF

Directors….. Jacob Estes & Lloyd Alexander-Holt
Musical Director….. Delyla Uebel
Vocal Director….. Lloyd Ray Alexander-Holt
Producers….. Kimberly Hale & Lisa Murphy
Assistant Producer….. Roz Slavik
Executive Director….. Jim Barber
Choreographers….. Jordan Alexander-Holt and Jacob Estes
Stage Manager….. Lori Best
Sound Engineer….. TBA
Lighting Designer….. TBA
Master Builder/Designer….. Louis Allen
Master Rigger….. Lex Pearson
Costumes & Props….. Roz Slavik
Photographer:….. Marshall Meadows

GET ANNIE TICKETS NOW

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Auditions for Annie The Musical Announced

  • dateJanuary 19, 2018
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council announce auditions for their first musical theatre production of the 2018 season… ANNIE.

5 public performances, March 8 – 11, 2018. Rehearsal schedule will be provided

AUDITION  TIMES

  • Sunday, January 21st from 2-5pm Central for youth under the age of 18.
  • Monday, January 22nd from 6-9pm Central for anyone age 18 and older.

PLACE – Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616

VIDEO AUDITION SUBMISSIONS are allowed if you cannot attend either of these audition times.  Please prepare a short video of you singing a one-minute song of your choice, as well as a short monologue that shows character. Send video links to: info@bransonarts.org. We will reply to let you know we have recieved your email. VIDEO SUBMISSIONS must be received no later than Monday, January 22nd at 9pm Central.

AUDITION PREPARATION

  • Please be prepared to sing a one-minute song (bring your own music CD or sing acapella)
  • Reading scripts will be provided by director
  • Director will lead a Dance Call for all auditioners as well as singing.
  • Bring Resume & Headshot if you have one (not required)

ANNIE CAST BREAKDOWN

  • Cast Size- 21 positions
  • Cast must excel in Singing, Acting, and Dancing due to limited rehearsal period.

LEADS  (4 positions)

  • Annie– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Miss Aggie Hannigan-Alto
  • Oliver Warbucks– Baritone
  • Grace Farrell– Soprano

ORPHANS (6 positions)

  • Tessie/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Molly/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Pepper/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Duffy/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • July/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Kate/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano

FEATURED ROLES
Men (6 positions)

  • Rooster Hannigan/Hans Morgenthau/Hooverville/Ensemble – Tenor
  • Bert Healy/Dog Catcher/Justice Louis Brandeis/Hooverville/Ensemble– Tenor
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt/Mr. Bundles/Hooverville/Ensemble– Baritone
  • Drake/Harold Ickes/Sound Effects Man/Hooverville/Ensemble-Baritone
  • L.T. Ward/Louis Howe/Jimmy Johnson/Hooverville/Ensemble-Baritone
  • Fred McCracken/Cordell Hull/Apple Seller/Hooverville/Ensemble-Baritone

Women (5 positions)

  • Lily/Hooverville/Ensemble – Soprano
  • Bonnie Boylan/Star to Be/Annette/Hooverville/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Ronnie Boylan/Mrs. Pugh/Hooverville/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Connie Boylan/Cecile/Hooverville/Ensemble– Mezzo-Soprano
  • Frances Perkins/Mrs. Greer/Sophie/Hooverville/Ensemble- Soprano
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Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Historic Owen Theatre

The public is invited to attend an Open House and Chamber Ribbon Cutting at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 4pm-6pm.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to begin in front of the theatre at 3:30pm sharp, with representatives from the Branson Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Hollister Chamber of Commerce.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is proud members of multiple area Chamber organizations, as well as the national U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The open house will provide area residents an opportunity to tour the historic theatre venue, and learn about upcoming arts related programming that will be presented throughout the year.  The Arts Council took possession of the theatre on January 1st, and is in the process of relocating their main office into the facility.

Area residents can expect upcoming arts related programming to include: community theatre, youth troupe acting and other artistic workshops, visual art gallery exhibitions, specialty music concerts, films, and much more.  The theatre may also be rented out for organizations and convention groups looking to hold their meeting in one of downtown Branson’s most unique and historic venues.

The Branson Regional Arts Council welcomes the participation of anyone who would like to attend this event, and show their support for what the BRAC is doing to improve the artistic culture of our community.

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Arts Council Volunteer Rally This Saturday

Join us at the Historic Owen Theatre for an informational “Volunteer Rally” and find out how you can be an active participant in the Branson Regional Arts Council. We are developing a full slate of amazing events this year, and are looking for enthusiastic folks who love their community, and LOVE TO HAVE FUN!

When: Sat, January 20, 2018 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616

USHER? ACTOR? PAINTER? STAGE HAND? DIRECTOR? ARTIST? PROMOTER? GRANT WRITER?… something for everyone!

PLEASE RSVP to attend this FREE EVENT

FREE EVENT – PLEASE CLICK THE TICKETS BUTTON ABOVE TO RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND!

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Arts Council Executive Director Recognized by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Chris E. Wallace, IOM, CCE, President TX Assoc. of Business – Jim Barber, IOM – Stephanie M. Parton, IOM, CAE, Winter Institute Board of Regents Chair

Jim Barber, IOM of Branson Regional Arts Council Graduates from Institute for Organization Management

A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Jim Barber, IOM, Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. 

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” 

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. 

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

institute.uschamber.com #IOMeducates @IOMeducates

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