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Enjoy Watching Our 2024 Special Abilities Showcase Performers Now

  • dateApril 30, 2024
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view2683 Views

On Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th, two talented casts of 37 area residents performed in an entertaining and heart warming talent showcase at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

The Branson Regional Arts Council presented the 2nd Annual Special Abilities Showcase featuring talented performers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other types of developmental disability who have a love of singing, acting, dancing, playing an instrument, and more.

This outstanding community event was presented in coordination with national Autism Acceptance Month! The Arts Council Board of Directors formed the Special Abilities Committee in 2018 with the intention of providing inclusive creative and performance opportunities for area youth and adults dealing with various physical or mental challenges.

“Many of these individuals would not have an opportunity to perform in a traditional theatre setting, but through this Special Abilities Program, they can build their confidence and self-esteem through creative social interaction, music, dance and theatre. BRAC’s Theatre & Special Events Director, Kyle Blanchard, along with the Arts Council, has stepped up these efforts to include productions like Special Abilities Showcase as a way to bridge the gap for these extraordinary cast members who are taking the stage, and daring to dream!” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Saturday, April 27, 2024 Cast members in order of appearance include: Ethan Powell, Will Blankenship, Camden Lampkin, Jesse Bielby, Nicky Rush, Jaime Magnusson, Dewayne Tennison, Joy Geyer, Sam Lesch, Kyle Moeskau, Emmy Schaller, Stephen & Ron Donhardt, Ethan Underwood, Logan Iseley, Kara Lewis, and Jakota & Jerrica Clemons.

Pre-Show Music for both performances was performed by Ethan Powell. (Same selection shown in both videos)

Sunday, April 28, 2024 Cast members in order of appearance include: Katie & Joan Wright, Stephanie Evans, Dylan Pratt, Maria Hildreth, Jason Hoggett, Spencer Coffman, Thomas Pearson, Jen Schiavone-Whorton, Izzy Trower, Gabbie Galvin, Seth Roland, Luke Whitten, Brian Reed, Eric Pemberton, Eli Reimer, Tiffany Burgess, and Elizabeth Schopp.

Pre-Show Music for both performances was performed by Ethan Powell. (Same selection shown in both videos)

The production team includes Kyle Blanchard (Director), Delyla Uebel (Music Director), Jenn Schiavone-Whorton (Vocal Coach), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Operator), Myles Stevens (Sound Operator), Cyrsten Rainey-Felley (Music Operator), Juanita Wilson (Spotlight Operator), and M.J. Szumowski (Audition Assistant) and Jim Barber (Video Production).

The Branson Regional Arts Council would like to extend special thanks to the board and staff of Barnabas Prep who assited with the event, in addition to an extra special thank you to the families, friends, and support staff of each performer for everything they do to encourage these amazing individuals.

Thank you for supporting local arts and for encouraging these spectacular performers to excel!

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