Where Young Artists Grow

The Branson Regional Arts Council Youth Conservatory is dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and artistic excellence in students of all ages. Whether a child is taking their very first steps onto the stage or preparing for advanced performance opportunities, our programs provide a supportive environment where students can develop their talents, build lasting friendships, and discover a lifelong love of the arts.

Through professional instruction, performance opportunities, and hands-on learning, students gain skills that extend far beyond the stage, including confidence, teamwork, discipline, and creative expression.

Prelude

Grades K-3

Building a Foundation Through the Arts

Mission Statement

“Providing a foundation for the children in our community to grow in their love of the arts.”

Prelude is designed for our youngest performers and serves as an exciting introduction to theatre, movement, singing, and stage skills. Through engaging activities and age-appropriate instruction, students develop confidence while discovering the joy of performing.

Students in Prelude Will Learn:

• Theater vocabulary, etiquette, and safety
• Dance rhythm and movement
• Vocal projection, pitch, variation, and enunciation
• Stage presence and audition confidence

Under the direction of Madison Bridges and Velvet Dougharty, students are encouraged to explore their creativity in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment while developing foundational performing arts skills.

Meet the Instructors

Madison Bridges

Ms. Madison Bridges began her teaching career while attending college, instructing K-5 students in the art of theatre. She is currently entering her third year as a sixth-grade teacher at Buchanan Intermediate and is certified in Elementary Education and Secondary English Language Arts for grades 6-12.

In addition to teaching, Madison is an active performer and has appeared in numerous BRAC productions, including one of her favorite roles, Miss Honey in Matilda. She is passionate about helping young students discover the joy of learning and performing. Her greatest goal for Prelude is for every child to leave class feeling more confident, more capable, and excited about their journey as young thespians.

Velvet Dougharty

Ms. Velvet Dougharty brings experience in dance, piano, puppetry, photography, and live theatre to the Prelude program. As a mother of three and professional photographer, she is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence and creative expression.

Over the past six years, Velvet has appeared in numerous BRAC productions, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Grease. Her background in the performing arts, combined with her experience as both a parent and educator, gives her a unique perspective on nurturing young performers. She is committed to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment where every child feels valued and empowered to discover their talents.

Tuition

$175 per semester (all fees included)

Limited scholarships may be available for qualified students.

Crescendo Performance Troupe

Grades 4-6

Growing Performance, Character, and Service

The mission of Crescendo is to provide opportunities for students to grow in performance, character, and service. Through engaging experiences both on and off the stage, students develop essential performing arts skills while cultivating confidence, leadership, and a commitment to giving back to their community.

Students will receive instruction in:

• Voice and vocal performance
• Acting techniques
• Dance and movement
• Stage confidence
• Teamwork and leadership

Under the direction of Kellsey Bradley and Julie Brinkman, students will work toward public performances while developing friendships, leadership skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Fall 2026 Auditions

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location:
Historic Owen Theatre
205 S. Commercial Street
Branson, MO 65616

Audition Requirements

Students will participate in:

• A brief dance movement call
• Singing a Christmas song of their choice using an accompaniment track
• Performing the monologue “The Talent Show”

Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Jazz shoes or tennis shoes are recommended.

Showcase Performances

Selected students will present two public showcase performances at the Historic Owen Theatre:

• Monday, December 7, 2026
• Tuesday, December 8, 2026

Fall 2026 Class Schedule

Mondays, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

• September 21 & 28
• October 5, 12, 19 & 26
• November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
• December 7

Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Tuition

$200 per semester (all fees included)

Limited scholarships are available for qualified students.

Questions? Contact edu@bransonarts.org or call 417-336-4255.

Staccato Performance Troupe

Grades 7-12

Advanced Musical Theatre Training

The Staccato Performance Troupe is BRAC’s most advanced youth performance ensemble. Designed for dedicated performers who are ready to elevate their skills, Staccato combines advanced vocal training, challenging repertoire, choreography, and performance opportunities in a professional and supportive environment.

Under the direction of Tom and Kristin Cartwright, students focus on developing their “triple threat” abilities while growing as performers and leaders.

Areas of Study

• Music Theory and Harmony
• Vocal and Physical Warm-Ups
• Musical Theatre Vocal Techniques
  • Mix
  • Belting
  • Contemporary Pop Styles
• Song Interpretation and Stage Etiquette
• Musical Theatre Dance

The semester culminates in a public Holiday Showcase performance at the Historic Owen Theatre.

Auditions

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM

Location:
Historic Owen Theatre
205 S. Commercial Street
Branson, MO 65616

Pre-registration is not required.

Who Should Audition?

Students in grades 7-12 who are passionate about performing and interested in strengthening their vocal, acting, and dance abilities are encouraged to audition.

Tuition

$250 per semester (all fees included)

Limited scholarships are available for qualified students.

Questions? Contact edu@bransonarts.org.

Why Choose BRAC Youth Conservatory?

Arts education does more than teach performance skills. It builds confidence, communication, discipline, teamwork, creativity, and leadership. The BRAC Youth Conservatory provides students with opportunities to grow not only as performers but also as individuals.

Whether your child is taking their first steps into theatre through Prelude, expanding their abilities in Crescendo, or pursuing advanced training with Staccato, the BRAC Youth Conservatory offers a place to learn, grow, and shine.

Ready to Get Involved?

Join us and discover how the arts can inspire, empower, and transform young lives.

Questions? Contact us at edu@bransonarts.org or call 417-336-4255.