The Branson Regional Arts Council invites you to attend our First Annual ARTS GALA this Fall at the Branson Convention Center.  It’s an exciting evening of Delicious Dining, Excellent Entertainment, Incredible Artwork, and a Classic Masquerade Game of Jeopardy!

More details will be announced in the coming weeks, but for now, please…

SAVE THE DATE!!! 10-13-23

Mark the evening of Friday, October 13, 2023 on your calendar now to participate in OUR GREATEST ARTS EVENT OF THE YEAR!

It’s not superstition… this will be THE PLACE TO BE on Friday the 13th!

 

Did you know that you can preview all of the incredible works of visual art currently on display at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery, right from your smart phone or home computer?

Simply visit BransonArtShop.com to view or purchase a work of art directly from the artist to hang on your own wall.  With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, an original work of art would be a treasured and unique gift for a loved one, or even yourself!

The current artists featured at the Branson Convention Center until mid-September 2023 include (alphabetical order):

Mary Arneson

“I am a self-directed artist that has been painting nature’s offerings since 2007, first in Colorado and now in Missouri. My journey as an artist has its rewards and challenges. The path to creativity is sometimes wide and straight, sometimes narrow and winding. Whichever path presents itself, I am eager to create the visions I see in my mind and hold in my heart. While the end product is my ultimate goal, the journey to get there is ongoing inspiration and my joy as an artist. My varied painting techniques and many subjects of interest keeps my approach to a canvas exciting and new. I am honored to have my paintings throughout the US, Canada, and Great Britain, as well as published in art magazines.’ – Mary Arneson

Meike Aton

“Hi, I’m Meike Aton. I have been an artist all my life. I just didn’t know it. Growing up in Germany, artistic creativity was considered just part of my life. Artists are usually creative in several different areas, but focus in on one or two methods of expression. One of my creative areas was the fiber world. I picked up fleeces on shearing day, washed, carted and spun the fibers into yarn for weaving and knitting. Sometimes I dyed the wool with plants from my farm. Numerous throws, pillows and blankets grace my sofas. Intricately patterned sweaters, scarfs and hats make up part of my wardrobe. While drawing and painting always accompanied my life to some degree, it took center stage about ten years ago. That’s when I became a full time painter. Today I work in acrylics and mixed media, creating mostly large scale abstract paintings in bold and happy colors. My creativity gives me great satisfaction. And that satisfaction I’d like to share with you.” – Meike Aton

Diana Bogardus

Always seeking creative outlets, Diana Bogardus started out in fine art, receiving a fine art scholarship in college with interest in acrylic painting and graphite illustration. Then while raising a family, supporting her husband in ministry, and refining her photography skills, she received a degree in Graphic Design. Diana has worked as a graphic designer for 30 years, currently as Art Director of New Leaf Publishing Group for 15 years. Coming full circle on her creative journey, she began self-challenges in Prismacolor pencil illustration and digital illustration using Adobe Fresco.

Jennifer Buttell

Jennifer is a multi-talented artist from Ozark and divides her artistic passions between the canvas, stage and screen. Her Jeniblue Art incorporates acrylic paint on canvas in the style of artist, Jackson Pollack. She has appeared in several films and produced her own award-winning music video through her film production company called Blue Monster, LLC.

As an actress, she has appeared locally in several BRAC productions at the Historic Owen Theatre including, The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia!, Hello Dolly! and Nunsense – The Mega Musical.

Jack Clutter

“Photography has long been a passion of mine, starting with my first purchase of a 35 mm camera while in my teens. I have always been fascinated by how you can capture that one point in time and record that small piece of history to be shared with family and friends. Each photo has it’s own story to tell and that moment will never be relived quite the same: kids grow, people age, seasons change, environments are altered, and the light that helps paint the picture continuously varies. I am very blessed with my wonderful wife and our two boys who are growing into outstanding young men. I have lived my entire life in southwest Missouri and I’m a graduate of Evangel University. I have worked in the corporate world for over 30 years and now have an opportunity to live out my dream to take my photography to the next level and establish it as my career. My prayer is that the photos I take will bring glory to God and help showcase His creation!’ – Jack Clutter

Lee Copen

Born in South Africa, in 1966, Lee was drawing and painting the land, people and animals that surrounded her, before she even started school. Her family moved to Chile when she was 12 years old, where her love of drawing and painting continued. In 1982 the family moved to Colorado, here Lee encountered her first formal art education. Lee has traveled extensively throughout her life; including Zimbabwe, Peru, Bolivia, England, Scotland, Greece, Sweden and throughout the United States. Wherever she went, she painted; filling sketchbooks with beautiful drawings and watercolors. She continued to study art at the University of Northern Colorado, and received a BFA in drawing and painting. After college she pursued a career as an architectural illustrator. In 2000 Lee returned to college to receive a teaching certificate and has been teaching art in a public high school ever since. Both careers allowed Lee to continue painting on her own and building skills. In 2010 she started to pursue fine art professionally. Since that time she has earned numerous local and regional awards and her art can be found in private collections throughout the United States. Whether working in the studio or on location her work is inspired by the beauty and diversity that can be found in nature. She currently lives on a small farm in Missouri; painting the hills, farms, rivers and springs of the Ozarks. Her work reflects her love of the land. She is influenced by many great landscape painters, especially George Inness and Isaac Levitan.

Megan Ellison

Meg Ellison is a contemporary artist known for her unique blend of spray paint and oil techniques, which she uses to create stunning depictions of nature. Born and raised in the Midwest, Meg spent much of her childhood exploring the forests and lakes that surrounded her. This early connection to nature sparked a lifelong fascination with the natural world, which she now expresses through her art.

Meg’s work is characterized by a bold, vibrant style that combines the spontaneity of spray paint with the precision of oil painting. She uses these contrasting techniques to capture the energy and movement of natural landscapes, from rolling hills and thundering waterfalls to delicate wildflowers and soaring birds. Through her art, Meg seeks to convey the sense of wonder and awe that she feels when she encounters the beauty of nature.

Brent Holland

Brent A. Holland of Branson West, MO is a native of Springfield, MO. He is a visual artist who integrates digital and traditional media applications into drawings that showcase figurative representation and formal abstraction. Brent dabbles in 3D modeling techniques as a way to further explore his signature perspective rendering style. In general. Brent focuses on the process and psychology of observation while creating.

“My work is the accumulation of thousands of moments of looking with layers of multiple visual insights. Forms in cavernous studio spaces and on wall come into sharp focus and dissolve into ethereal impressions.”

Holland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Visual Culture at Iowa State University where he teaches all levels of painting and drawing. Brent holds an MFA in painting from the University of Washington, Seattle and a BFA in drawing from Missouri State University, Springfield. His work has been exhibited throughout the US and is represented by Olson-Larsen Galleries in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Jasmine Hutton

Jasmine Hutton is an artist whose chosen medium is photography.

She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Missouri State University in 2022.

Her current work, Waking Up After, is centered around memory, dream, and the landscape. This work is an introspective look into the relationship between memory and dream.

Vic Mastis

Working in pastel and oil, Vic chooses subject matter from what is inspired by everyday living, including landscapes, night scenes, florals and still life. “I find inspiration in solitude and I want to share the peaceful feeling,” she says. Sometimes Vic uses gold leaf to create the illumination of subtle effects along with glazes of oil paint achieving an ethereal aura that compliments all decor. Vic’s work has been in the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joesph, Missouri, Edward Hopper House in Nyack, New York; Fort Walton Museum, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Victor, Colorado and many other exhibits. She received Artist Choice awards at the plein-air events in Augusta, Missouri and Victor, Colorado. Her work has won numerous awards. She teaches and conducts workshops in both oil and pastel.

Audrey Bottrell-Parks

“I believe everyone can learn to draw realistically. It is a teachable skill that is learned, like learning to write your name. Through developing the mind of an artist, your world looks different. Lines, shapes, values and colors come alive, and you wonder why you never noticed it before! God is the ultimate artist and I look in awe at His marvelous handiwork. I am moved by my subjects and by color. My goal is to move the viewers to a greater understanding of the world around them.”

Best of Missouri Hands juried artist, commissioned artist for ESPN, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Promega Corporation, MSU West Plains, PGA golfers and a host of others, Audrey brings years of professional experience to the classroom. Earning her Art Education degree in her home state of Wisconsin in 1979, she has taught publicly and privately for more than 30 years. Her exquisite portraits grace the walls of homes and businesses worldwide and have been published internationally. The ESPN portraits were unveiled on the nationally televised Skins Game in 2003 and 2004. Audrey’s art extends beyond her beautiful portraits of people and animals to encompass the colors of life itself. Being moved by the energy and emotion of pure color, she now offers vivid semi-realistic and abstract acrylic paintings and photographs.

Gary B. Parks

Gary has used his creativity in every aspect of his life, from his construction business, to wood and glass sculptures and to painting. He loves color and to work in a large format. Painting offers him the ability to highlight the energy of color and the flow of movement along with textures. Gary has his own sawmill which he uses to cut large slabs of wood. Some will become furniture and others sculpture. It is amazing to see the colors on the freshly cut slabs along with the designs of the grain. As an avid rock collector, he sees the beauty and abstract designs inside when cut open. All of which, are an art form in itself, and partner beautifully with his abstract paintings.

Whitney Weibel

Whitney Weibel is an independent artist from Pierce City, Missouri with an extensive background in banking and mortgage loan underwriting.

The Branson Regional Arts Council appreciates all of these artists and encourages everyone to visit their exhibition in person by visiting the 2nd level of the Branson Convention Center. Special thanks to the management and staff of the convention center who provide display services in addition to artist receptions at the beginning of each new exhibition.

 

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites anyone interested in theatrical lighting design to attend a free educational workshop presented by BRAC Lighting Designer Pamela Meadows on Monday, May 22nd from 5pm- 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Pamela has been the lighting director for all of the incredible musicals, plays and special events presented at your community theatre.  This is your chance to learn some basic production techniques of programming the lighting equipment used at the Historic Owen Theatre from a true professional.

A graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Pamela earned her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design & Technology, as well as Lighting & Projection Design. Her phenomenal abilities have been a blessing to the Historic Owen Theatre, and now she is offering to share her knowledge and lighting tips with anyone who may be interested in getting involved here at the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Again, this is a free workshop, no registration required. Simply come to the theatre on Monday, May 22nd at 5pm ready to learn and have a great time!

The second week of April is Holocaust Education and Awareness Week in Missouri, and through the efforts of the Antisemitism Education Center of the Ozarks, a series of related special events will be presented for all residents and visitors in our area.

This special week in Branson begins on Sunday, April 16th, at 2pm with a Free Community Film Event and the showing of the movie, The Hiding Place – provided by the Billy Graham Worldwide Association and the Branson Regional Arts Council. This event will be at the HISTORIC OWEN THEATER, 205 South Commercial Street, Branson, MO.

Doors open at 1:30pm, and seating is open with no reservations required. Arrive early for best seat availability.

The Hiding Place is a 1975 film based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Corrie ten Boom that recounts her and her family’s experiences before and during their imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust during World War II.

The film was directed by James F. Collier. Jeanette Clift George received a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Female.

On July 1, 2020, Missouri became the 20th state to require Holocaust education in curricula for secondary schools. Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 681, The Never Again Education Act , which established a permanent Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission and designates the second week in April as Holocaust Education and Awareness Week.

Holocaust Education and Awareness Week Events in Branson

Sunday, April 16, 2023 (Historic Owen Theatre)

Free Community Film at 2pm – The Hiding Place – provided by the Billy Graham Worldwide Association and the Branson Regional Arts Council. 205 South Commercial Street, Branson, MO.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (full day activities)

Yom HaShoah in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust. The most important events of the entire week will be on this day.

The first event at 10am, will be presented by the CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA, MISSOURI, at the COVENANT LIFE CHURCH, 120 North 3rd Street in Branson. Holocaust survivor, Erika Schwartz, will give her living testimony. We are losing our survivors worldwide as they age out, so their testimonials to what happened in their own personal experiences of the Holocaust are imperative that we hear while they are yet with us. At this point in history, there are more Holocaust deniers than we have Holocaust survivors left to stand against the rewriting of historical fact. Erika will recount the story of the murder of her entire family and how she was able to change her life from one of depression and anger to daily celebrations of gratitude and joy!

At 5:30pm at the FREEDOM ENCOUNTER THEATER (the former Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Theater), 3220 Falls Parkway, Branson, MO, the opening of 24-Panel Exhibit from YAD VASHEM WORLD HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CENTER in Jerusalem, Israel – titled “The Righteous Among the Nations” Reception: “Corrie’s Birthday Party” Corrie ten Boom was born on April 15th and also died on April 15th on her 91st birthday. It is considered very blessed to have come to the earth, and also left the earth on the exact same day.

At 7:00pm on Stage: Susan Sandager of Albuquerque, NM, performs “Corrie Remembers” from Corrie ten Boom’s own reminisces of her family’s Holocaust experiences. This one-woman show is about the life and legacy of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who rescued hundreds of Jews from Nazi death camps. Yad VaShem has recognized the ten Boom family in its Avenue of the Righteous Garden in Jerusalem as “Righteous Among the Nations” for their role in saving Jews.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – 6:30pm (First Presbyterian Church)

Before returning to Albuquerque, NM, Susan Sandager will be at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 420 West Main Street, Branson, MO. Susan will deliver the moving original message spoken by Corrie ten Boom at Melody Land Christian Center in Anaheim, CA, on October 1, 1972. The sermon entitled “The Door of Repentance” will be delivered in Corrie ten Boom persona in Corrie’s own words.

Thursday, April 20, 2023 – 1:30pm (Taneyhills Library)

Dr. Mara Cohen Ioannides, Professor in the English Department at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, is a Missouri Humanities Council Speaker. She also sits on the Education Committee of the State Holocaust Commission for Missouri. Dr. Cohen Ioannides will deliver a lecture entitled “How Did the Holocaust Happen? And How Can We Prevent It Happening Again”

Saturday, April 22, 2023 – 10:30am (Taneyhills Library)

Holocaust Survivor Erika Schwartz will again be giving her living testimony. Erika will recount the story of the murder of her entire family and how she was able to change her life from one of depression and anger to daily celebrations of gratitude and joy!

Antisemitism has escalated to levels greater than prior to Hitler’s Germany – and is now growing worldwide! In the climate of hatred throughout our Nation, and many nations of the world, education is the answer to combat hatred. Education of the history of these past failures of certain periods of that history are critical to alert our youth to the dangers of repeating those same mistakes of the past.

The Antisemitism Education Center of the Ozarks was created to begin to educate, not only to the youth in the schools, but to all the tourists that come to our fair city. It is the vision of the AECO to be able to place Holocaust educational materials where they will be available to our visitors so that they may help us in this educational process throughout the Nation by taking this message back to their own communities in an “each one  teach one” concept.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Conservatory of the Arts Education Staff continues to grow, and private lessons for both youth and adults in voice, acting, and piano are available at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Private classes are scheduled on an individual basis between the teacher and students.

Tuition for all Private Classes: $50 (60 minute class), $30 (30 minute class)

To register a new student, or to answer any questions, please contact Karie Dykeman at edu@bransonarts.org or 417-336-4255.

 

Meet the BRAC Conservatory Education Staff… (alphabetical order)

Roger & Karen Bergford – Vocal Lessons

Roger & Karen Bergford

Roger and Karen have over 30 years experience teaching both private and group vocal lessons. Roger earned his Bachelor of Music Education – Vocal Specialist from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, as well as graduate work in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado – Boulder. Karen graduated with high honors from the University of Colorado – Boulder to earn her Bachelor of Music Education. Together they co-authored an industry book titled, “Sound & Language, the Defining Elements of the Complete Singer” in 2007.

After retiring as public school music educators in Colorado, the Bergfords moved to Branson in 2008 and began teaching 26 frontline singers in the Hughes Brothers “it” show, which won the Branson Show Award for “Best Show of the Year” (2009-2012). In addition to working with the Hughes family, the Bergfords have also taught singers from The Haygoods and Jim Stafford Show casts, a backup singer with Andy Williams, and Voices of Glory, the top 5 finalists of America’s Got Talent (2009) who worked with the Michael Jackson/Boyz II Men manager, Qadree El-Amin.

Josh Boulden – Acting Lessons

Josh Boulden

Josh Boulden is a professional actor, acting coach, and fight choreographer from Annapolis, MD.

He trained at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C., and before that at the Sight & Sound Theatre’s Performing Arts Conservatory in Lancaster, PA. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years and is blessed to be in his sixth season as an actor at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson. Before that he spent some time acting and teaching for the Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and currently teaches and directs for the Institute for Cultural Communicators.

You may have seen him in a past Branson Regional Arts Council production such as Blithe Spirit, The Glass Menagerie, and all of the Shakespeare in the Parks, and you will currently see him serving in the roles of board member and director for this fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Kristin Jewell Cartwright – Vocal Lessons

Kristin Jewell Cartwright

A Florida girl at heart, Kristin relocated back to Branson with her husband Tom and kids in January 2022. Besides the winter weather, living in the midwest has begun to feel like home again. Helping vocalists achieve their goals has been Kristin’s passion for over 20 years, teaching both on the collegiate level and in her private studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Kristin is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She additionally has level 3 certification in Somatic Voicework, a functional method of vocal pedagogy created by Jeannette LoVetri, which approaches not just the vocal mechanism but the entire body as the instrument.

Kristin has performed in the community and professionally in both Florida and Missouri and most recently appeared in her BRAC debut as “Miss Andrew” in Mary Poppins. She is currently an adjunct professor of voice at College of the Ozarks and is excited about becoming more involved in the Branson arts community.

Ellie Faggion – Voice, Acting and Piano Lessons

Ellie Faggion

Ellie Faggion has been a professional performer in Branson for the past three years and is now offering private Voice, Acting, & Piano Lessons for students of any age!

She began teaching in 2012 and since then has instructed over a hundred students – including private sessions and group classes. Ellie has 21 years of experience in the arts, including college education in music and a certificate from the Sight & Sound Conservatory in Performing Arts, and has directed and assistant directed several musical productions.

Ellie thrives on helping her students discover their true potential, wherever they’re at in their knowledge and skill, and likes to challenge her students while also having fun along the way!

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the general public to attend the 2023 Spring New Artist Reception at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd Level Concourse in Downtown Branson.

This FREE Community Event will be held THIS Sunday, March 12th from 6-8pmEveryone is welcome! You do NOT have to be a BRAC member to attend!

Please join us for an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new works of art as well as a few new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and a cash-bar will be available, courtesy of the Branson Convention Center.

The fourteen artists selected for this six-month exhibition include: Mary Arneson, Meike Aton, Diana Bogardus, Jennifer Buttell, Jack Clutter, Lee Copen, Megan Ellison, Venetta Harville, Brent Holland, Jasmine Hutton, Vic Mastis, Audrey Bottrell Parks, Gary Parks, and Whitney Weibel. Their creative works will be on display and available for purchase through mid-September 2023.

Bring yourself, or a group of friends and enjoy this FREE community event!

The Branson Convention Center Art Gallery has been visited in past years by approximately 100,000 people annually. Several of the featured artists will be attending the reception to discuss their work, and members of the Branson Regional Arts Council Board will be there to answer any questions. 

Deceased Board Member and Beloved Friend of the Arts, Robert Cohn, enjoyed an earlier Artist Reception. His dedication and hard work to initiate and develop the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will not be forgotten.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce registration for a new six-week series of Acting and Musical Theatre Voice Classes as part of the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts Program at the Historic Owen Theatre. These weekly classes beginning March 20, 2023 are designed for students between the ages of 7 – 18 years old. Our highly trained, professional instructors will provide students with a fun, safe and entertaining educational experience they will never forget!

In six exciting and activity centered workshops, students will learn through the power of play the fundamentals of acting and storytelling for the stage. In addition to training in movement and voice for the actor, students will experience growth by coming together as an ensemble to bring the “drama!” With a focus on theatrical acting each session will consist of activities tailored to each age group in order to equip your student with the foundations of what it means to be present, to listen well, and to act!

Class Schedule for ages 7-12 (Mondays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24)

  • Acting: 3:45pm – 5:15pm
  • Musical Theatre Voice: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (AGES 7-12)


CLASS SIZES LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS! (Registration will end when classes are full)

Scholarship opportunities available to qualifying students (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).


Class Schedule for ages 13-18 (Mondays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24)

  • Acting: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Musical Theatre Voice: 7:15pm – 8:45pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (AGES 13-18)

Meet our BRAC Conservatory instructors!

Acting Class Instructor – Josh Boulden

BRAC Conservatory – Josh Boulden

Josh Boulden is a professional actor, acting coach, and fight choreographer from Annapolis, MD. He trained at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C., and before that at the Sight & Sound Theatre’s Performing Arts Conservatory in Lancaster, PA.

He’s been in the industry for over 10 years and is blessed to be in his sixth season as an actor at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson. Before that he spent some time acting and teaching for the Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and currently teaches and directs for the Institute for Cultural Communicators.

You may have seen him in a past Branson Regional Arts Council production such as Blithe Spirit, The Glass Menagerie, and all of the Shakespeare in the Parks, and you will currently see him serving in the roles of board member and director for this fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For more information visit his website: bouldenstudio.com

 

Musical Theatre Voice Class Instructor – Kristin Jewell Cartwright

BRAC Conservatory – Kristin Cartwright

Kristin Jewell Cartwright is a Florida girl at heart, Kristin relocated back to Branson with her husband Tom and kids in January 2022. Besides the winter weather, living in the midwest has begun to feel like home again.

Helping vocalists achieve their goals has been Kristin’s passion for over 20 years, teaching both on the collegiate level and in her private studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Kristin is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She additionally has level 3 certification in Somatic Voicework, a functional method of vocal pedagogy created by Jeannette LoVetri, which approaches not just the vocal mechanism but the entire body as the instrument.

Kristin has performed in the community and professionally in both Florida and Missouri and most recently appeared in her BRAC debut as “Miss Andrew” in Mary Poppins. She is currently an adjunct professor of voice at College of the Ozarks and is excited about becoming more involved in the Branson arts community.

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a special post-Valentine’s themed event at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 7:00pm.

Sonnets & Chocolates will be hosted by BRAC’s new Theatre and Special Events Manager Kyle Blanchard, and will allow attending guests to share an evening of sultry sonnets and enjoy the “sweet” romance of delicious chocolates and fine *wine!

“It’s not just for couples, singles are welcome to mingle!” – Kyle Blanchard (host)

The evening includes the live piano jazz of BRAC Vocal Instructor Roger Bergford, romantic poetry and sweets! Also expect fun trivia, games, and exciting door-prizes to be won!

If that wasn’t enough, there will also be an open mic for poets and hopeless romantics!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME and a $5 suggested donation per person will be accepted at the box office.

Card carrying BRAC Members are welcome to attend without donation.

Annual BRAC Memberships are only $20/individual or $50/family and include valuable popcorn/drink cards that may be redeemed at the concession stand during any mainstage event at the theatre. To order your membership now, please visit BransonArts.org/membership.

 

* Wine will not be served to anyone under 21 years of age. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available.

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites all fans of groovy dance moves and jazzy swing music to enjoy a free movie night at the Historic Owen Theatre on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2pm.

Twist All Night (1961), starring Louis Prima and June Wilkinson, tells the story of a group of struggling musicians who are very concerned they will be evicted from their nightclub. Musician Louis Evans (Louis Prima) and girlfriend Jenny Watson (June Wilkinson) accidentally encounter a group of art thieves.

Branson area musicians will LOVE the amazing music and area dancers will LOVE to dance along as the on screen performers twist the night away! Watch the Movie Trailer below!

Meet the stars of the film…

June Wilkinson was born in 1940 in Eastborne, England. She started performing at the young age of twelve, and become the youngest dancer at the age of fifteen at the Windmill Theatre in London. After coming to the United States, her career led her to become the world’s most-photographed woman of the late 50’s and 60’s, being featured in over fifty magazines and newspapers from 1958 to 1970. She appeared in several films and had television roles in such series as 77 Sunset Strip, Batman, The Doris Day Show and The ABC Comedy Hour.

MEET JUNE WILKINSON… she will be in Branson and attending this film showing in person! Don’t miss out!!!

Louis Leo Prima (December 7, 1910 – August 24, 1978) was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and trumpeter. While rooted in New Orleans jazz, swing music, and jump blues, Prima touched on various genres throughout his career: he formed a seven-piece New Orleans-style jazz band in the late 1920s, fronted a swing combo in the 1930s and a big band group in the 1940s, helped to popularize jump blues in the late 1940s and early to mid 1950s, and performed frequently as a Vegas lounge act beginning in the 1950s. Prima is also known for providing the voice for the orangutan King Louie in the 1967 Disney film The Jungle Book.

  • Date: Sunday, Jan 29th – 2pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Run Time: 1 Hour, 16 Mins
  • Directors: William J. Hole Jr., Allan David
  • Music composed by: Sam Butera, Don Covay, Walter Greene
  • Producers: Maurice Duke, Allan David
  • Distributed by: American International Pictures

Rated PG-13 | for spiked drinks and saucy dialogue
The Branson Regional Arts Council presents the Noël Coward classic, Blithe Spirit, a hilarious Halloween weekend production!
“A world-class comedy.” – TheaterMania

The production is under the direction of Carson Burkett with 5 performances on Thursday (7pm), Friday (7pm), Saturday (7pm) and Sunday (2pm & 7pm ) from October 27 – 30, 2022.

Seating is limited and advance reserved tickets are suggested at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255. Admission for everyone is locally priced at $17 (Adults 18+), $14 (Youth 4-17). The production is Rated PG-13.

The smash comedy hit of the London and Broadway stages, this much-revived classic from the playwright of Private Lives offers up fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine (played by Josh Boulden), re-married but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira (played by Charis Boulden) who is called up by a visiting “happy medium,” one Madame Arcati (played by Jennifer Buttel).  Jennifer’s over the top, eccentric character is a role made famous by the late Angela Lansbury in both London’s West End, Broadway and national tour productions.

“A highly efficient laugh machine… Can still keep an audience in a state of tickled contentment.” – Ben Brantley, The New York Times
As the (worldly and un-) personalities clash, Charles’ current wife, Ruth (played by Heather Hinnen), is accidentally killed, “passes over,” joins Elvira, and the two “blithe spirits” haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity.

Heather Hinnen (Ruth), Josh Boulden (Charles), Charis Boulden (Elvira)

“Expertly crafted and effervescent.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Cast member of Blithe Spirit are: Josh Boulden (Charles Condomine), Heather Hinnen (Ruth Condomine), Charis Boulden (Elvira), Jennifer Buttell (Madame Arcati), Jeffrey Stringer (Dr. Bradman), Mindy Law (Mrs. Bradman) and Megan King (Edith).
Production members of Blithe Spirit are: Kim Hale & Karie Dykeman (Producers), Carson Burkett (Director), Adam Hood (Assistant Director), C J McElhiney (Stage Manager), Judah Fox (Sound Technician), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Emily RivereHallie Groff, Lexi Keaton (Spotlight Operators), Megan King (Prop Manager), Anika Bryceson (Costume Design), Kyle Blanchard (Set Design), Sarah Briggs, Kyle Blanchard (Set Construction), Lorie Best (Volunteer Coordinator), Josh Silvy (Theatre Inventory Manager) and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director & Marketing).
FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY! Reserve your best seats now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the BRAC box office at 417-336-4255.

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the general public to attend the 2022 Annual Member Meeting and New Artist Reception at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd Level Concourse in Downtown Branson.

This FREE Community Event will be held THIS Sunday, September 25th from 6-8pm

Everyone is welcome! You do NOT have to be a BRAC member to attend!

The annual member meeting will run until approximately 6:30pm, and will provide an opportunity for elections of new board of directors as well as announcements regarding several new, exciting events and theatrical performances slated for 2023.

The short meeting will be followed by an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition.

The fourteen artists selected for this six-month exhibition include: Mary Arneson, Meike Aton, Diana Bogardus, Jennifer Buttell, Lee Copen, Crystal Davis, Charles Herchert, Brent Holland, Jasmine Hutton, Vic Mastis, Audrey Bottrell Parks, Gary Parks, Terena Terry, and Whitney Weibel. Their creative works will be on display and available for purchase through mid-March 2023.

NEW ADDITIONS THIS YEAR include live, cabaret performances by BRAC performers as well as a special invitation to anyone who has ever participated in Tri-Lakes Community Theatre productions here in Branson. We are calling it the TLC Cast Reunion, and we plan to share some fun memories of the early days of community theatre in the Ozarks! This cast reunion also includes anyone who has ever participated in a BRAC theatre production over the past four years!

Bring yourself, or a group of friends and enjoy this FREE community event!

The Branson Convention Center Art Gallery has been visited in past years by approximately 100,000 people annually. Several of the featured artists will be attending the reception to discuss their work, and members of the Branson Regional Arts Council Board will be there to answer any questions. Refreshments will be available as well.

Deceased Board Member and Beloved Friend of the Arts, Robert Cohn, enjoyed an earlier Artist Reception. His dedication and hard work to initiate and develop the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will not be forgotten.

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents one of the most anticipated comedy musicals in years… Something Rotten!

Producers Karie Dykeman and Kim Hale are excited to once again be working with Director Jacob Estes and the talented BRAC production team for this outrageous crowd-pleasing musical. Caitlin Secrest returns as Music Director along with Kristen Dasto who is the Choreographer for this hilarious high energy production.

Performances are on Thursdays (7pm), Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm) from July 28 – Aug 7, 2022.

Seating is limited and advance reserved tickets are suggested at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255. Admission for everyone is locally priced at $17 (Adults 18+), $14 (Youth 4-17). The production is rated PG13| Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“The funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years” – Time Out New York

Something Rotten Poster Branson Missouri

Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years”.

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. They are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock superstar known as “The Bard.”

When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. 

Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine. It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical,” so don’t miss your chance to experience this history-twisting tale on the Historic Owen Theatre stage!

“I have been so blown away by the amazing hard work and dedication from this cast and crew. This show is going to be one for the BOOKS! You don’t want to miss this hilarious show that is sure to be one of your new favorites!” – Jacob Estes – BRAC Director

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Due to cast availability, some featured roles are being shared. Contact the box office for particular cast member performance dates.

The cast of Something Rotten include: Joey Faggion (Nick Bottom), Henry Lange (Nick Bottom), Ryan Hippe (Nigel Bottom), Kade Gaunt (Nigel Bottom), Juli Biagi (Beatrice Bottom), Grace Duncan (Beatrice Bottom / Antonio), Michael Phillips (Shakespeare), Brian Miller (Shakespeare), Blake West (Nostradamus and Minstrel), Benjamin R. K. Wegner (Nostradamus and Minstrel), Catherine Kennedy (Portia), Emily Hanner (Portia and Antonio), Jacob Deck (Brother Jeremiah), Jose DelaTorre (Brother Jeremiah), Zeke Sidwell (Shylock), Nathan Irwin (Lord Clapham), Carter Hendrickson (Peter Quince / Male Ensemble), Dylan Whatley (Tom Snout / Male Ensemble), Aaron DeOrnellis (Robin / Male Ensemble), Wyatt Munsey (Snug / Male Ensemble), Kayleigh Dominish (Francis Flute / Male Ensemble), Briton Szydloski (John / Male Ensemble), Talya Tinoco (Ensemble), Megan Rodgers (Ensemble), Emma Spurling (Ensemble), Kylie Gaunt (Ensemble) Hallie Groff (Ensemble), Delaney Whatley (Ensemble) and Ashley Rodgers (Ensemble).

Henry Lange (Nick Bottom) and Juli Biagi (Beatrice Bottom) are excited to perform in Historic Downtown Branson.

 

Cast and Crew of Something Rotten! Work On The Set For This Hilarious Musical

 

Cast Members Are Excited To Present This Amazing New Musical At The Historic Owen Theatre