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Rock Room Gallery Spooky Nights Exhibit Features Local Area Artists

The Rock Room Gallery at the Historic Owen Theatre is currently featuring a themed exhibition titled “Cityscapes & Spooky Nights” to coincide with the Branson Regional Arts Council theatrical production of Dracula!

The Rock Room art exhibition is complimentary and on display to all Dracula ticket holders from Thursday, October 29th through Saturday, October 31st. Social distanced seats are still available for purchase by calling the box office at 417-336-4255 or online at BransonArts.org/tix.

Featured in the exhibit are original works of art by local area artists Kaitlynn Robinson, Jessica Lowe, Christe Colburn, Glenda Roberson and Gayle Page.

All displayed artwork is priced for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Arts Council.

Kaitlynn Robinson is currently studying at the Kansas City Art Institute and has experience in visual and theatre arts through SOTO (State of the Ozarks) and the Branson Veritas Enrichment program where she also appeared in a production of Narnia: The Witch, the Lion & the Wardrobe. Her original illustration entitled “The Crimson King” (featured in the image above) is a colorful and perfect addition to this display.

Jessica Lowe has been featured in several previous Rock Room Gallery themed shows and many of her works are also currently on display at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition located on the second level glass tier of the venue. As a professional working artist, Jessica also teaches a variety of art classes for the Branson Regional Arts Council including a new online Pumpkin Painting Class video currently available for viewing.  Click here for more info.

Christe Colburn has also provided several original works of art for the Rock Room Gallery as well as the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition. Her unique method of digital art prints makes for an exciting addition to this presentation. Christe is a photographer and digital artist with a keen eye for the creative aspects of any subject. She settled in the Ozarks by way of Taos, New Mexico and Denver, Colorado.

Glenda Roberson was a master science teacher for 22 years, Glenda retired in 2008 to enjoy gardening and golf. At the request of her daughter for watercolor paintings for the new nursery, Glenda picked up a brush for the first time in 2014. She placed 3rd in the 2016 White River Painting Exhibit at College of the Ozarks, and sells prints of her work at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Houzz, Wayfair, Overstock, Gilt, Home Depot, and Marmont Hill. She works exclusively in watercolor, and her main style is realism. Her painting of the City of Oz is the perfect Cityscape for this exhibit.

Gayle Page is also featured in both the Rock Room and Branson Convention Center Exhibitions. She has majored in several media over the years, from acrylics on canvas to watercolor, pencil and most recently collage. Her degree in studio art wasn’t the beginning of her training. She attributes that to childhood art classes at KC’s Nelson Art Gallery. Besides teaching art and owning her own specialty paint business for 30 years, her move to Branson eight years ago has allowed her also participate in the Table Rock Art Guild.

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Incredible Pumpkin Painting Video with Jessica Lowe

Missouri artist Jessica Lowe demonstrates how to paint Halloween pumpkins!

This is a recorded LIVE paint along online class for all ages… a perfect way for families to gather around the computer and create a fun keepsake together!

For as little as a $2.00 donation, you can have access to our incredible PUMPKIN PAINTING CLASS online! (Unlock code will be sent after registration)

GET LINK FOR PUMPKIN PAINTING VIDEO
or click here to register for the video!

Materials You Will Need In Advance: (Can be purchased at WalMart, Hobby Lobby, etc)
  • Acrylic Paint ( you can use washable but it won’t be waterproof)
  • Soft bristled paintbrushes, different sizes
  • Pumpkin (real or fake—if you want it to last forever!)
  • Paper towels
  • Water basin of any sort
  • Toothpicks, toothbrush or a thin stick (for stars)
  • Optional: waterproof acrylic sealer

Proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Jessica Lowe – BRAC Art Instructor

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…

Jessica works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture.

Jessica was born in Wichita, KS and moved to Missouri at the age of 10. At age 13 she began her formal training as an artist, working under local veteran artist Sam Hull for 2.5 years.

Graduating from Branson High School, she went on to continue her education at Missouri State University, gaining her BSED in Fine Art in 2015.

She taught High School Art for 4 years at Forsyth High School before deciding to pursue life as an artist-full-time. She is currently working as a free lance commissioned artist creating pieces for patrons, as well as developing her own work.

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Triple Threat Theatre Conservatory Course Begins Oct 18th

Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory program “Triple Threat,“ focuses on the three major areas of performance of musical theatre: Acting, Singing, and Dance.

This new three week course gives the youth of our community the opportunity to study in these specific areas with local professionals from the comfort of their home. All three of our teachers come directly from the fields of theatre and performance and are excited to offer this masterclass series to educate and enlighten in these specific areas.

triple threat
noun: triple threat; plural noun: triple threats
a person, especially a performer, who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field.
“a triple threat can sing, dance, and act”

Registration ends soon! Classes begin Sunday, October 18th!

Dates and Times:
3 Sundays: October 18, 25 & November 1
Times: 2PM-5PM Central Standard Time (3 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (all 3 weeks): $60.00 [click here to register]
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.
Scholarship opportunities for residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

REGISTER FOR THE TRIPLE THREAT CLASSES

Watch this video to meet the Triple Threat teaching staff:

ACTING… with Justin Ables

Justin Ables - Acting Teacher

Let’s take the stage and bring out your inner monologue in the acting portion of Triple Threat! In this theatre masterclass, students will learn about basic acting techniques brought about by the famous Konstantin Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.  Students will dive into the techniques of sense memory, naturalism and the different steps that actors take to develop a character onstage. As a class, we will use these new skills to become more aware of ourselves as performers and look through the lense of life as our stage characters do. So join us, as we develop these basic skills that have shaped the careers of artists all around the world! 

About the instructor: Justin is beyond excited to be joining the teaching staff for BRAC as well as their new series, “Triple Threat”. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years.

Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah.

Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player).

Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.

VOICE… with Tiffany Bear
Tiffany Renee Bear - Vocal TeacherAs singing actors we are partners with the text and our voice is a means of communicating the story to our audience. In our Musical Theatre Voice section of Triple Threat we will focus on how to be compelling storytellers through music. Come ready with “your book” and several contrasting 32 bar cuts that we can “put on their feet”! We will also touch on how to choose appropriate material for YOUR voice, how to prepare your audition and present yourself “in the room” and in when creating a character on stage for an actual show. Together we will sharpen skills, dive deeper into Musical Theatre voice, make strong acting choices that create compelling performances, and most of all have fun while building confidence! 

About the instructor: Tiffany Renee Bear is an extremely versatile performer and teacher. She is actively working on stage, on camera, in voice over and in print modeling. She has enjoyed performing in regional theatres and tours across the country, as well as internationally (China, Germany.) Tiffany has also been very involved in the world of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) and the creation of new works. She has been a part of bringing several new shows from page (staged reading) to stage (world premiere productions) with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, CITA and other theatres.

Tiffany and her husband Conrad moved to Branson 3 years ago to join the cast at Sight and Sound Theatres. She has had the joy of portraying Mary in Miracle of Christmas and several fun roles in SAMSON. She is currently portraying the role of Cayla, Japheth’s wife, in NOAH.

Some of her favorite past stage roles include: Rapunzel (Into The Woods), Maria (West Side Story), Glinda (Journey to Oz), Ruby (Ella’s Big Chance), Nancy (Oliver!) Princess of France (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Lily (Secret Garden), Magnolia (Showboat), Gertrude (Seussical), Kelsi (High School Musical) and Eliza & Belle in Concerts versions of My Fair Lady & Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.

Tiffany is also an award-winning Director, Music Director and Vocal Coach. She holds an advanced degree in Voice and passionate about “cross training” artists to be excellent musicians and compelling actors. Her students have won numerous competitions across the country for music and theatre. Many of current and former students be found in Film/TV/Commercials, in Regional Theatres, on National Tours (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lion King, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Cruiselines (Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival) and on Broadway (Matilda!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical). www.tiffanyreneebear.com

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE… with Jacob Estes
Jacob Estes - Dance TeacherThis class is designed for students with a passion for musical theatre. Get ready to step outside of your comfort zone, while learning various fun pieces of choreography! We will study/move to a vast variety of musical theatre rep and even learn some original Broadway steps! The choreography taught is meant to challenge you and there will be different options of difficulty to choose from when doing the routine! Dance class is how you study, which means auditions are the test. We will be learning by setting up virtual mock auditions where you will receive feedback and instruction. You will leave feeling confident, and ready to book that next audition! 

About the instructor: Jacob is a performer and director based in Branson. He has had the amazing opportunity to travel the United States teaching, performing, and directing in various theatre venues throughout his professional career.

Jacob is currently the director of Staccato show choir at the Branson Regional Arts Council. You may have seen his work performing locally at Silver Dollar City, The Welk Resort, Branson Regional Arts Council, and Sight and Sound Theatres.

 

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Online Piano Lessons Now Available For New Students

Shelley DiMartini has been teaching piano lessons at Conservatory of the Ozarks for the past five years, and has now expanded her classroom to teach virtually through the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Online Arts Conservatory Program. Known for her ability to motivate students to progress quickly in their musical development, Shelley is now accepting new students of all ages.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Interested parents or students are asked to contact the BRAC Education department at 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org for more information. Class times will be arranged between the instructor and student.

Shelley DiMartini – BRAC Piano Instructor

Since she began teaching at Conservatory of the Ozarks in 2015, Shelley has prepared her students for many performances at monthly studio recitals, community outreach events, and public shows. 

Ms. DiMartini holds a BFA in Piano Performance from Stephens College, Columbia, MO and a Lifetime Teaching Certificate K-12. She was the director and accompanist for Campus Sing which traveled the US representing Stephens College at High Schools and College Assemblies. Shelley furthered her education at the UMKC Music Conservatory, Kansas City, MO by earning graduate credits in ORFF Method – including recorder, percussion, and vocal music. In addition to her experience teaching at the Conservatory, Shelley has taught music at Jefferson Jr. High; was the lead music instructor at Music, Magic, and Make Believe in Indio, CA; taught music, aided in honors choir preparations, was accompanist for school programs, concerts and contests at Van Horn High School, Independence, MO; taught piano at Boys and Girls Club, Solana Beach, CA; taught steel drums and piano at Palomar College, San Marcos, CA and was choir director and accompanist at College of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA . A talented pianist, Shelley also plays the organ, harp, guitar, B flat and Alto Clarinet and oboe.

Shelley has forty years of experience teaching private lessons, and the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to have her join our talented team of arts educators.

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Frightful Fun As Dracula Haunts Historic Owen Theatre

Bram Stoker’s classic tale of Dracula comes to life this Halloween weekend as the Branson Regional Arts Council presents William McNulty’s thrilling stage adaptation of this horrifying novel.

Nate Schaefer (Dracula) gives a biting performance with Aline O’Neill (Lucy)

Performances for the PG-13 rated thriller are scheduled for Thursday, Oct 29th (7pm), Friday, Oct 30th (7pm & 11pm), and Saturday, Oct 31st (2pm & 9pm). Face masks will be required inside the theatre venue, except when seated for the production. Social distanced seating will be implemented and tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix, or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255. Admission for Adults (18+) is $16.95 and Youth (17 and under) are $11.45. Proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

The novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was published in 1896 and has remained a classic story with many renditions. In the story, an intrepid band of vampire hunters attempt to end an ancient evil, tying together Carpathian folk tales of the Nosferatu and the historical Voivode Vlad Tepes, known as Dracula. Stoker imagined a being of immense but evil cunning, a shapeshifting predator, and a power-hungry conqueror from an earlier age.

The novel, first presented as a stage play in 1927, has been presented all over the world and is the basis for the 1931 classic Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. McNulty freely uses this stage play in his adaptation. Dracula has had many different incarnations – Lugosi played him with snake-like aristocracy, Gary Oldman as a tragic figure of epic overreach, and Christopher Lee as a controlling madman. This production of Dracula is closest to Stoker’s imagination: he is a beast with two personalities, one all primal bloodlust, the other a time-displaced medieval dictator who lives to enthrall, enslave, and control.

In the play, Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the profoundly evil Count Dracula. But the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength, psychic powers, and shape-changing to confound and frustrate his antagonists. Culminating in a wild and shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him, this adaptation is an action-packed, blood-soaked retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror.

Cast members of Dracula include: Alex Harris (Dr. Thomas Seward), Nate Schaefer (Count Dracula), Robert Hazlette (Professor Abram Van Helsing), Somer Dean (Mina Grant), Joey Blackwood (Jonathan Harker),  Jennifer Kersey (Miss Sullivan), Aline O’Neill (Lucy Westphal), Sean Myers (Robert Renfield), Tucker Rullman (The Monster and Norbert Briggs), Bethany Mecke, Lindsey Breeden & Taylor Haverstick (The Brides), and Londyn Mitchell (The Child).

The production team for Dracula include Jacob Deck (Director), Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman and Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lorie Best (Assistant Producer), Karie Dykeman (Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Sound Technician), Lex Pearson (Special Technical Effects), Jonathan Crum (Costume Design), Sara Williams (Assistant), and Jim Barber (Marketing).

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New Youth Show Choir For Branson Area Kids Ages 9-12

Branson area youth are invited to register to participate in an exciting musical show choir group called “Crescendo”. Under the supervision of the Branson Regional Arts Council, Crescendo Show Choir is a performance-based educational opportunity for students ages 9-12.

Crescendo: “Meaning growing, as in swelling of sound, or becoming louder.”

Students will have fun developing their performance skills in the areas of voice and dance, while gaining new friendships, skills and increasing their confidence. The students will learn and perform musical show choir routines under the direction of their talented and qualified instructors Caitlyn Secrest and Jacob Deck.

Crescendo classes may meet initially online via zoom, and then rehearse at the Historic Owen Theatre under strict social distancing and CDC guidelines for the safety of all involved. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 4:00pm – 5:30pm for 11 weeks beginning October 6, 2020. The rehearsals will culminate with a combined Christmas Concert performance for family and friends at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, December 17th.

The registration cost per child to participate in all eleven weeks and the holiday performance of Crescendo is $110.

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] Residents who reside within the city of Branson may qualify for a tuition scholarship to cover the registration fee.  Contact the Arts Council as edu@bransonarts.org to see if you qualify.

Crescendo Class Schedule:

  • Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
  • Dec 1, 8, 15
  • Christmas Concert – Dec 17 (tentative, may evolve into another event)
REGISTER FOR CRESCENDO NOW

Click the button above now, to register your child to participate in Crescendo! 

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Attend A Free Online Watch Party Of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

The Branson Regional Arts Council and Forte Theatre Productions invite everyone to a free online virtual watch party of last year’s 2019 Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamlet, as performed live at Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, Missouri. This classic play features original music by Chris Skillern. Guest speakers from the creative team and cast will be on hand to share behind the scenes excitement and little known facts about this outstanding event.

This live zoom video event takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2020 beginning at 7:00 pm Central Standard Time.  The entire event is expected to end around 9:30 pm Central.

There is no fee to participate in this viewing party, however attendance will be limited to the first 100 people who pre-register at BransonArts.org/hamlet. The event link to this zoom video party will be emailed after your registration has been submitted.

REGISTER FOR THE HAMLET WATCH PARTY

The cast of Hamlet includes: Josh Boulden (Hamlet), Chris Skillern (King Claudius), Charis Boulden (Ophelia), Conor Finnerty-Esmonde (Laertes), Jonna Kae Volz (Queen Gertrude), Ian Lahlum (Lord Polonius), John-Paul Fox (Horatio), Alex Schriver (Prince Fortinbras), Ashley Litke (Voltimand), Austin Delp (Guildenstern and Osric), Brandon Farrar (Francisco), Lindsay Lee (Marcellus and Player), Lizzy Hinton (Player), Michael Sager (Rosencrantz and First Clown), Zach “Bucky” Buckner (Bernardo and First Player) and Justin Ables (Ghost).

The production team includes: Justin Ables (Director), Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer), Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Ian Lahlum (Set Designer), Peter Gibbons (Sound Engineer), Tori Hurley (Lighting Operator), Mariah Garrett (Lighting Operator).

Special appreciation to the City of Hollister, Missouri and the Hollister Parks and Recreation Department for their participation and cooperation each year for our Shakespeare In The Park events.

#forte #hamlet #bransonarts #virtualwatch #shakespeare #missouriarts #watchparty #zoomevent #hollistermo #bransonmo

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Triple Threat Online Conservatory Of Musical Theatre Now Taking Students

Triple Threat is the Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory which focuses on the three major areas of performance of musical theatre: Acting, Singing, and Dance.

This new three week course gives the youth of our community the opportunity to study in these specific areas with local professionals from the comfort of their home. All three of our teachers come directly from the fields of theatre and performance and are excited to offer this masterclass series to educate and enlighten in these specific areas.

triple threat
noun: triple threat; plural noun: triple threats
a person, especially a performer, who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field.
“a triple threat can sing, dance, and act”

We are excited for you to join us!

Dates and Times:
3 Sundays: October 18, 25 & November 1
Times: 2PM-5PM Central Standard Time (3 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (all 3 weeks): $60.00 [click here to register]
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.
Scholarship opportunities for residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

REGISTER FOR THE TRIPLE THREAT CLASSES

Meet the teaching staff:

ACTING… with Justin Ables

Justin Ables - Acting Teacher

Let’s take the stage and bring out your inner monologue in the acting portion of Triple Threat! In this theatre masterclass, students will learn about basic acting techniques brought about by the famous Konstantin Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.  Students will dive into the techniques of sense memory, naturalism and the different steps that actors take to develop a character onstage. As a class, we will use these new skills to become more aware of ourselves as performers and look through the lense of life as our stage characters do. So join us, as we develop these basic skills that have shaped the careers of artists all around the world! 

About the instructor: Justin is beyond excited to be joining the teaching staff for BRAC as well as their new series, “Triple Threat”. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years.

Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah.

Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player).

Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.

VOICE… with Tiffany Bear
Tiffany Renee Bear - Vocal TeacherAs singing actors we are partners with the text and our voice is a means of communicating the story to our audience. In our Musical Theatre Voice section of Triple Threat we will focus on how to be compelling storytellers through music. Come ready with “your book” and several contrasting 32 bar cuts that we can “put on their feet”! We will also touch on how to choose appropriate material for YOUR voice, how to prepare your audition and present yourself “in the room” and in when creating a character on stage for an actual show. Together we will sharpen skills, dive deeper into Musical Theatre voice, make strong acting choices that create compelling performances, and most of all have fun while building confidence! 

About the instructor: Tiffany Renee Bear is an extremely versatile performer and teacher. She is actively working on stage, on camera, in voice over and in print modeling. She has enjoyed performing in regional theatres and tours across the country, as well as internationally (China, Germany.) Tiffany has also been very involved in the world of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) and the creation of new works. She has been a part of bringing several new shows from page (staged reading) to stage (world premiere productions) with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, CITA and other theatres.

Tiffany and her husband Conrad moved to Branson 3 years ago to join the cast at Sight and Sound Theatres. She has had the joy of portraying Mary in Miracle of Christmas and several fun roles in SAMSON. She is currently portraying the role of Cayla, Japheth’s wife, in NOAH.

Some of her favorite past stage roles include: Rapunzel (Into The Woods), Maria (West Side Story), Glinda (Journey to Oz), Ruby (Ella’s Big Chance), Nancy (Oliver!) Princess of France (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Lily (Secret Garden), Magnolia (Showboat), Gertrude (Seussical), Kelsi (High School Musical) and Eliza & Belle in Concerts versions of My Fair Lady & Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.

Tiffany is also an award-winning Director, Music Director and Vocal Coach. She holds an advanced degree in Voice and passionate about “cross training” artists to be excellent musicians and compelling actors. Her students have won numerous competitions across the country for music and theatre. Many of current and former students be found in Film/TV/Commercials, in Regional Theatres, on National Tours (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lion King, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Cruiselines (Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival) and on Broadway (Matilda!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical). www.tiffanyreneebear.com

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE… with Jacob Estes
Jacob Estes - Dance TeacherThis class is designed for students with a passion for musical theatre. Get ready to step outside of your comfort zone, while learning various fun pieces of choreography! We will study/move to a vast variety of musical theatre rep and even learn some original Broadway steps! The choreography taught is meant to challenge you and there will be different options of difficulty to choose from when doing the routine! Dance class is how you study, which means auditions are the test. We will be learning by setting up virtual mock auditions where you will receive feedback and instruction. You will leave feeling confident, and ready to book that next audition! 

About the instructor: Jacob is a performer and director based in Branson. He has had the amazing opportunity to travel the United States teaching, performing, and directing in various theatre venues throughout his professional career.

Jacob is currently the director of Staccato show choir at the Branson Regional Arts Council. You may have seen his work performing locally at Silver Dollar City, The Welk Resort, Branson Regional Arts Council, and Sight and Sound Theatres.

 

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Auditions Announced For October Production of Dracula

  • dateSeptember 9, 2020
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1240 Views

The Branson Regional Arts Council is now accepting video submission auditions for it’s Halloween weekend production of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, Dracula, as adapted by author William McNulty.

Actors over the age of 18 are invited to submit a video audition performing a short read for one or more roles they are interested in. The monologue script may be downloaded for printing by clicking this link.

Audition video links (YouTube, Google Drive, etc) or attached video files (under 8 MB) may be emailed to BransonArts@gmail.com. Please include a digital headshot and acting resume if available. Women who are only interested in auditioning for one of the brides, may just submit a headshot and resume as there are no spoken lines for those roles.

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] Video audition submissions must be received no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, September 16th.

Character Roles include: 

  • Dr Seward – Head doctor at the asylum. In mourning over the death of his fiancée Mina.
  • Count Dracula – Seward’s new neighbor; recently moved from Transylvania.
  • Professor Abram Van Helsing – old friend of Seward; comes to help Lucy.
  • Mina – Love of Seward; recently died of a mysterious illness involving a loss of blood.
  • Lucy – Mina’s friend; Displaying the same troubling symptoms as her friend Mina.
  • Jonathon Harker – Lucy’s fiancée; missing after a trip to Transylvania.
  • Renfield – Psychiatric patient who seems to know a bit too much about what is going on.
  • Miss Sullivan – Dr Seward’s assistant.
  • Mr. Briggs – Dr. Seward’s orderly. Responsible for maintaining peace among the patients.

Under the Direction of Jacob Deck, this production is scheduled for five thrilling performances at Branson’s Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, October 29th (7pm), Friday, October 30th (7pm & 11pm), and October 31st (2pm & 9pm). Advance audience tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix. All seat purchases will be social distanced for extra safety of the audience, therefore, seating for each production will be limited to approximately 50 patrons per performance.

Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled to begin on September 18th with sessions on Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri (6:30pm – 10pm) and Sat (9am-12pm and/or 2pm-5pm) at the Historic Owen Theater.

Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the profoundly evil Count Dracula. But the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength, psychic powers, and shape-changing to confound and frustrate his antagonists. Culminating in a wild and shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him, this adaptation is an action-packed, blood-soaked retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror.

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Songwriting Workshop with Prince Ivan This Saturday

Modern Songwriting & Production with Prince Ivan

Saturday, September 5, 2020 9:00am-12:00pm
Historic Owen Theatre
$20 Registration Fee (benefits the Branson Regional Arts Council)

REGISTER FOR THE PRINCE IVAN WORKSHOP

Aaron Space, Brydon Brett

Over the last couple of years, local songwriting and production duo, Prince Ivan, has traveled between Branson and LA to collaborate with writers, producers and engineers who have worked with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber. Along the way they have learned many of the secrets of commercial songwriting and production and now they are going to share them with you.

The duo recently released a new album, “The Preface,” which earned them a spot (from a field of over 3000 bands) on the Springboard West Festival roster in San Diego, CA and their song, “Let Her Be Beautiful,” will be featured in an upcoming film release “The Never List.”

In this workshop presented by the Branson Regional Arts Council, they will take you behind the scenes and into the process of creating their album and share with you everything from song structure to toplining, beat making to recording and all of the elements that you’ll need to create high quality music for today’s competitive musical marketplace.

Click PLAY on this video for a special greeting from Brydon Brett about the workshop…

Whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned writer or producer, you will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience Prince Ivan will share with you in this three-hour workshop.

“We invite folks to bring their songs to the workshop (either to sing live or play an MP3 for us), as we will do some live feedback during the workshop. We can’t guarantee their song will get critiqued during the workshop, but we’ll have time to do that on 3-5 songs.” – Brydon Brett 

CLICK HERE to register to attend the workshop.

REGISTER FOR THE PRINCE IVAN WORKSHOP

About Prince Ivan

Prince Ivan is a songwriting, production and performing duo consisting of Brydon Brett and Aaron Space. The duo calls their musical output, SpectraPop— a fresh fusion of styles from across the Top 40 spectrum designed to break down cultural and musical boundary lines. From being a trio to being a duo, to seeking a record deal and not getting it, and then almost quitting altogether, Prince Ivan has been through the fire over these last two years. Their first full length album, “The Preface,” (released on December 13, 2019) marks the completion of that phase of their story and the beginning of a new chapter in the Chronicles of Prince Ivan.

Live on stage, Prince Ivan is captivating and engaging—combining the energy and hype of a DJ dance party with the connection and intimacy of a singer-songwriter set. Their fully produced live concert can be experienced on tour at high schools, colleges, festivals and cities all across North America. For more information about Prince Ivan’s music, message and mission please visit www.princeivan.com.

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Audition Submissions Open For The Marvelous Wonderettes


The Branson Regional Arts Council welcomes video audition submissions for it’s upcoming production of The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Historic Owen Theatre.<

The Marvelous Wonderettes Performance Dates [tickets on sale now]

  • Jan 28-30, Feb 4-6, Feb 11-13, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
  • Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14, 2021 @ 2:00 pm (12 Shows total)

Cast of Characters:
(Some roles may be double cast. We are also looking to cast swings to play multiple roles. Swings are guaranteed actual performances as well, so if you are interested in auditioning and can’t make every performance, we encourage you to still submit.)

MISSY (Adult Female): Always the over-achiever of the group, Missy is the one to cover for mistakes and is always ready to jump in and save the day. Head of the prom decorations committee, and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. She has been best friends with Suzy since elementary school. (Soprano with wide range and very high vocals; also requires the ability to belt/mix)

CINDY LOU (Adult Female): Cindy Lou is the “bad girl” of the group. It seems that things always go her way, making Betty Jean crazy. She makes the biggest change between Acts I and II, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. (Mezzo Soprano with strong belt; sings melody line on most songs; the role requires strong vocal abilities)

BETTY JEAN (Adult Female) Betty Jean is the self-anointed clown of the group, always vying for attention from her best friend Cindy Lou. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, causing a lot of the friction at the prom; she holds this grudge against Cindy Lou, until they make up at the 10-year reunion. (Mezzo/Alto with strong range)

SUZY (Adult Female) Gum-chewing Suzy is happy-go-lucky, a little giddy, and a little silly. She finds great pleasure in everything she does; the sillier it is, the more fun she finds it. Her best friend is Missy. (Please note: The script does not want you to play her like a stereotypical “ditzy blonde.”) (Mezzo Alto with a sweet, soulful sound, and big belt)

Show Description:

This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In act two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!

Audition Requirements:

**Due to the impact of COVID-19 and our commitment to your safety, the initial round of auditions will be by video submission only.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Please send all audition videos with the headline WONDERETTES SUBMISSION to: BransonArts@gmail.com.

Please prepare 32 bars (no more than 2 minutes) of a pop song or ballad FROM THE 1950s OR 1960s…You can also choose to sing a Musical Theatre piece, but please make it of the appropriate show style. (NO A CAPELLA SINGING)

This is a jukebox musical (all of the songs are well known) so it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the shows approach. Click here to listen to the cast recording on YouTube.

When picking an audition song, this note from the creator may be helpful:

“Listen to Connie Francis, Doris Day, The Chordettes, & The McGuire Sisters for Act I styles; listen to Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore, The Shangri-Las, & Betty Everett for Act II styles.”

From the director…
All four characters are powerhouse vocalist. These girls sing very tedious harmonies and get a full vocal workout throughout the show. (30+ songs!) When selecting a song, pick something that will showcase your greatest strengths and range. With a video submission, you have the advantage to sing without the nerves of a live audition…be bold with your choice!

After your initial vocal audition, we will be in touch if we need to see more from you. (Sides, dance)

Please feel free to contact the director with any questions you may have at jacobmestes@gmail.com.

ALL VIDEO SUBMISSIONS DUE BY OCTOBER 20, 2020!

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The Odd Couple Brings Laughter Back To Historic Owen Theatre

After a six-month postponement due to the pandemic, big laughs are about to fill the air as the Branson Regional Arts Council presents the hilarious comedy play The Odd Couple by Neil Simon at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Additional performances have been added to the calendar so that more people can enjoy this incredibly funny production. The facility is continually sanitized with social distance seating established so the audience will have an empty row or a couple of seats between them and other patrons.

Eight performances are scheduled on Sept 10-11 (7pm), Sept 12 (2pm & 7pm), Sept 13 (2pm) and Sept 17-19 (7pm), with advance reserved seat tickets available now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255. Ticket prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (Youth 4-17) with proceeds benefiting the work of the Arts Council on behalf of our community.

Recommended for all audiences, this classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born!

The BRAC production is directed by Jody Madaras, star of the  All Hands On Deck show at the Dutton Family Theatre. “Neil Simon’s timeless American comedy delivers biting zingers and the ingredients that laughs are made of,” says Madaras. “Our BRAC production comes complete with a boat load of laughs, and a heart-warming ending that is sure to please!”

Lead Actors: Sean Neil Myers & Chance Havens

Chance Havens plays the role of Oscar Madison along with Sean Neil Myers as Felix Unger. Additional cast members include Cory Hensen as Murray, Deron Wolfe as Roy, Mark Peper as Vinnie, Dylan Pratt as Speed, J.C. Clinton and Abby Reeve as the vivacious Pigeon sisters. Keep your eyes open for an unexpected virtual appearance by funnyman Terry Sanders!

Producers Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman are assisted by Jack Vandewark (Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Director), and Mac Hill (Set Design and Sound Technician), Marshall Meadows (Photography), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director and Marketing).

As an added bonus, theatre patrons will be invited to visit the Rock Room Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre for the new “Cityscapes & New York Nights” exhibition featuring artwork from a variety of local area artists. All works displayed will be available for sale by the artists. Artists interested in placing a work in the exhibit are asked to contact the Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org.

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