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Private Voice Lessons Are Back At Historic Owen Theatre

After a three month break due to the pandemic shutdown, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that Roger and Karen Bergford are once again offering LIVE private voice lessons for students of all ages in various styles from classical to musical theater, pop, jazz, gospel, and country. Classes are available in 30 or 60 minutes sessions and will be held in the Rock Room Gallery of the Historic Owen Theatre.

BRAC Vocal Instructors Roger & Karen Bergford

Interested parents or adult students should contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org for more information on class scheduling and tuition rates.

[fac_icon icon=”heart”] A limited number of youth scholarships for Branson (65616) residents may be available for these classes.

All students will be required to follow the current health and safety protocols set forth by the Branson Regional Arts Council which include arrival temperature checks, masks when others are present, and social distancing in the classroom area.

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. In 2017, the Voices of Glory were named “Vocal Group of the Year,” receiving both the prestigious Terry Award and the Branson Show Award.  Eighteen-year-old Nadia was  named “Female Vocalist of the Year.” The Bergfords were even invited to host a master class on a Bahamas cruise alongside Michael Jackson’s voice teacher in 2012.

Click Here For High Resolution Promotional Photo of Roger and Karen Bergford with BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber

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Quarantine Cat Film Fest Benefits Branson Regional Arts Council

Quarantine Cat Film Fest Benefits Branson Regional Arts Council’s Historic Owen Theatre

A new online cat video movie made its virtual world premiere on June 19, and proceeds will help keep the Historic Owen Theatre afloat amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Filmmakers sifted through more than 1,100 submissions from across the world to create Quarantine Cat Video Film Festival— a 70-minute compilation cat feature that is now available to watch at home through virtual cinema.

The film brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest, and most loving cat videos exclusively filmed during the 2020 quarantine. Its release is through virtual cinema – a new tool used by cinemas nationwide to sell tickets for newly released films that customers can watch at home.

The response has been better than we could have ever hoped and we have so much great content to work with. It’s going to be a really fun feature with hilarious and adventurous cats and, of course, some adorable kittens too. – Brian Mendelssohn, Film Director

Quarantine Cat Film Fest was developed to help bring digital revenue to independent theaters during the COVID-19 closures. More than 60 independent theatre houses, most of which were closed this spring, signed on to show the movie through virtual cinema. Half of the $12 ticket will go directly back to the theater screening it through its virtual cinema portal.

The pandemic forced the Branson Regional Arts Council to close the Historic Owen Theatre last March, yet our expenses to lease and maintain the facility have continued without any productions to help support our efforts. Until we are able to safely welcome audiences back into this 200 seat venue, we are relying on virtual education classes in the arts and outdoor events to entertain our area residents. This online film fest is a fun and unique way to assist in our ongoing fundraising activities. – Jim Barber, Executive Director of the Arts Council


Unlike most virtual cinema films, Quarantine Cat Film Festival was created and distributed through Row House Cinema, an 84-seat independently owned theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mendelssohn, who also owns Row House Cinema, and his wife came up with the idea at the beginning of the quarantine when they were watching their own cats, Oliver and Isabella, play at home.

“We thought, if everyone is stuck inside with our cats anyway we might as well start filming the hilarious things they do and make a cat movie” said Mendelssohn.

Virtual cinema ticket sales for Quarantine Cat Film Festival in support of the Historic Owen Theatre can be purchased securely online now at BransonArts.org/meow.

GET QUARANTINE CAT TICKETS HERE

Just The Facts:

  • Quarantine Cat Film Festival invites viewers watch adorable cat videos at home while supporting their local theatre venue.
  • More than 1,100 cat videos were submitted for the compilation film Quarantine Cat Film Festival.
  • Ticket sales will help support more than 60 small, independently owned and historic venues across the country, including the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, MO.
  • Purchase your virtual film ticket at BransonArts.org/meow
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July Online Watercolor Landscape Classes Filling Up

The Branson Regional Arts Council continues it’s online education program with another series of it’s popular watercolor landscape art classes this July 7th with master painting instructor Jessica Lowe.

[fac_icon icon=”heart” font_size=”24″] Watch this sample video for a brief sample of this exciting and creative course in watercolor landscape painting which is taught LIVE via Zoom Video Conferencing!

These interactive zoom video classes will focus on Watercolor Landscape Painting techniques, and students will learn to create a new and unique painting each week, while developing their artistic skills in a fun and safe manner from the comfort of their own homes.

Course Description: This is a 4 week online LIVE course where students join the instructor for 1 hour each week to practice watercolor landscape painting.

After you sign up you will get access to:

  • Amazon linked shopping list to order your art supplies! [View Shopping List Now]
  • Two pre-instructional streaming videos about watercolor techniques and tools!
  • One beginners project streaming video to practice with!
  • Four Live Interactive Online Courses with Jessica Lowe!!!!

[fac_icon icon=”calendar” font_size=”24″] July 2020 – Landscape Painting with Jessica Lowe

  • Live Sessions: Tuesdays (July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020) 6pm – 7pm.
  • Class size limited to the first 8 registrants.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR JULY WATERCOLOR CLASS

Registration is only $40 per student – designed for adults and high school age students (16 years +). Painting supplies not included in registration fee.

Each live session will last for 1 hour. Students will be sent a private Zoom Video link so they may interact with the instructor via their computer, pad or smart phone device.

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…
Jessica works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture.

Jessica Lowe – Art Instructor

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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BRAC Announces New Online Summer Music, Theatre and Visual Arts Classes

NOTE: We have extended the start of Summer Online Arts Classes by one-week to allow for additional students to participate in the scholarship program who could not attend the previous week. All classes will now begin the week of July 6, 2020.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce a new series of affordable online education classes providing at-home learning opportunities in theatre, improv, music, script writing and visual arts. Some of the classes are designed for younger kids, while many others for teens and adults. All classes begin during the week of July 6th.

Class Registrations for these fun and unique courses are only $10 per session, with four sessions included with each course.  That’s $40 total registration per student for each 4 week course.

[fac_icon icon=”heart”] Full scholarship opportunities are available for students who reside in the Branson/Springfield region. CLICK HERE for scholarship information.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amelia Jo Parish to our Branson Regional Arts Council Arts Education program,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber, adding, “her professional experience in professional theatre, comedy improv, fine arts and humanities is a wonderful addition to our team of outstanding visual art, theatre, dance and vocal instructors.”

Amelia’s is an artist based in Nixa, Missouri and studied at Drury University and Webster University as well as performed improve with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade in New York City. She has performed at The Muny (St. Louis, MO), The Goodspeed Opera House (Connecticut), The Paramount (New York) and other theatres across the country. She also currently serves at the Literary Manager for the Firebrand Theatre Company based in Chicago, Illinois.

Student registrations may be filled out from the links below, and paid via credit card or by mailing a personal check to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

Secure registration is now open for the following online arts classes with Amelia Jo Parish:

Theatre Makers 1! – instructor Amelia Jo Parish
Mondays, 1pm-2pm (Ages 5-12)
Dates: July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2020

Are you a thespian just waiting to blossom? Are you eager to explore the art of acting and theatre? Have you already been bitten by the acting bug and want to get even better? Regardless of your previous experience, you will take a huge step forward in this class! This will be a thorough introduction to the art of acting, technique and finding material that excites us a young artists!
Click here for more information on this class.

Theatre Makers 2! – instructor Amelia Jo Parish
Mondays, 3pm-4pm (Ages 12+)
Dates: July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2020

Ah, all the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players… truer words were ne’er spoken!

Students of this acting and theatre workshop will learn the importance of developing their own unique approach to their work, helpful rehearsal tools and get notes and class coachings to polish up material for a professional acting reel.
Click here for more information on this class.

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark! – instructor Amelia Jo Parish
Tuesdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-18)
Dates: July 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Do you love watching scary movies…and secretly wish you could write one? Or STAR in one? What about BOTH? Let’s read some of the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Shwartz, and allow them to inspire original adaptations of our own — and along the way, let’s learn how to utilize jump scares, tension building, basic special effects and creative writing to write and record our own short horror film by the end of this class!
Click here for more information on this class.

Jam Session! – instructor Amelia Jo Parish
Thursdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm (all ages)
Dates: July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2020

If you have an instrument (piano/guitar/ukulele), we have the class for you! “Fake it till you make it” is an artform musicians at any level can harness and utilize to elevate their performances, and after this class you will be feeling confident enough to play and sing to your hearts’ content — we will learn the basics of chord diagrams, tablature, arrangement and creative musicianship to have you singing and accompanying yourself in no time! And we’ll all join in together, and have a good old fashioned jam session!
Click here for more information on this class.

Intro To Improv! – instructor Amelia Jo Parish
Thursdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm (open to all ages)
Dates: July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2020
Let’s make stuff up! Learn the basics of Chicago style improv to sharpen your performance skills, quick wittedness, and become the best conversationalist in any social setting! We will explore the concept of recognizing comedic game, playing at the top of our intelligence, active listening and support to “yes-and” our way to improvised scenes. By the end of this class, students will be ready to move on to Intermediate Improv and beyond!
Click here for more information on this class.

BRAC also reminds all painting enthusiasts to participate in our upcoming July series of “Watercolor Landscape Painting Courses” taught by professional artist Jessica Lowe. Early registration is recommended as class size is limited.

Visit BransonArts.org/artclass for information on all the various online classes currently offered by the Branson Regional Arts Council.

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Summer Online Watercolor Landscape Art Classes with Jessica Lowe

The Branson Regional Arts Council expands it’s online education program with a new summer series of watercolor landscape art classes this June and July with master painting instructor Jessica Lowe.

[fac_icon icon=”heart” font_size=”24″] Jessica is offering a FREE Sample Course (see video below) to give students a taste of this exciting and creative course in watercolor landscape painting!

These interactive zoom video classes will focus on Watercolor Landscape Painting techniques, and students will learn to create a new and unique painting each week, while developing their artistic skills in a fun and safe manner from the comfort of their own homes.

Course Description: This is a 4 week online LIVE course where students join the instructor for 1 hour each week to practice watercolor landscape painting.

After you sign up you will get access to:

  • Amazon linked shopping list to order your art supplies! [View Shopping List Now]
  • Two pre-instructional streaming videos about watercolor techniques and tools!
  • One beginners project streaming video to practice with!
  • Four Live Interactive Online Courses with Jessica Lowe!!!!

[fac_icon icon=”calendar” font_size=”24″] June 2020 – Landscape Painting with Jessica Lowe

  • Live Sessions: Tuesdays (June 2, 9, 16, 23, 2020) 6pm – 7pm.
  • Class size limited to the first 8 registrants.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR JUNE WATERCOLOR CLASS

Registration is only $40 per student – designed for adults and high school age students (16 years +). Painting supplies not included in registration fee.

Each live session will last for 1 hour. Students will be sent a private Zoom Video link so they may interact with the instructor via their computer, pad or smart phone device.

[fac_icon icon=”calendar” font_size=”24″] July 2020 – Landscape Painting with Jessica Lowe

  • Live Sessions: Tuesdays (July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020) 6pm – 7pm.
  • Class size limited to the first 8 registrants.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR JULY WATERCOLOR CLASS

Registration is only $40 per student – designed for adults and high school age students (16 years +). Painting supplies not included in registration fee.

Each live session will last for 1 hour. Students will be sent a private Zoom Video link so they may interact with the instructor via their computer, pad or smart phone device.

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…
Jessica works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture.

Jessica Lowe – Art Instructor

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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In Memory of Americanna Magness – Branson Arts Champion

Americanna Magness was a beloved Champion of the Arts in the Ozarks. On April 2, 2020, Americanna quietly passed from this life leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to several area organizations including the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Americanna prepares her costume for the Gone With The Wind Gala.

In honor of her upcoming heavenly birthday on May 27th, the BRAC Board of Directors is pleased to honor Americanna’s legacy by dedicating a seat engraved with her name at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

NOTE: This is not a live event, but an opportunity to donate to a special memorial in Americanna’s memory.

Seat K-5 was where Americanna chose to sit during a “Gone With The Wind” film and gala fundraising event that she helped to create in September 2018 to benefit both the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library.

Tax deductible contributions of any amount towards the dedication of this seat in Americanna’s memory, may be mailed to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615 (indicate Americanna on the check). Donations may also be made online via a special PayPal link (all major credit cards accepted).

DONATE TO THE MEMORIAL SEAT

Contributions in Americanna’s memory will benefit the ongoing activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council including art exhibitions, community theatre productions and youth education programming at the Historic Owen Theatre. Individual Donors will be recognized on this webpage as well as in the lobby of the Historic Owen Theatre.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE AMERICANNA MAGNESS MEMORIAL (to date):

    • Jim Barber
    • Bonnie Herrman
    • Marshall Howden
    • Cheryl Campbell
    • Ed Garrison
    • Bill & Sharon Budnick
    • Shirah Aumann
    • Barbara Cohn
    • Wilma Samford
    • Jack & Sherry Herschend
    • Barbara & Harold Anderson
    • donate to add your name here

In retirement, Americanna served on various boards for the Taneyhills Community Library; Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church; Board of Directors for the Branson Arts Council and received Art Citizen of the Year (2006); Coordinator of Old Stone Church Concerts; officer of PEO Chapter IB; and helped found the Branson Chamber singers, known today as the Branson Chorale.

Born in Springfield, Missouri on May 27, 1942, Americanna May (Awbrey) Magness lived in Branson her entire life. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom Magness,her three children; Lynne Erin Murrow, Patrick Awbrey Magness, and Michael Alan Magness; her sister, Clara Lee Beasley; her four grandchildren; Kacey Marie Murrow, Alexandra Magness Smith, Mackenzie Magness Parks and Shane Patrick Magness; her two great-grandchildren; Watson Magness Smith and William Thomas Parks.

Americanna’s loving and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all.

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Prince Ivan Songwriting Workshop Scheduled for September 5, 2020

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

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.

Aaron Space, Brydon Brett

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.

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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BRAC Announces 2020-2021 Schedule Changes at Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to postpone the majority of their 2020 Season of Community Theatre productions at the Historic Owen Theatre until next year with the opening of The Sound of Music in mid-February 2021.

“This move to next season includes our popular 4-week Summer Youth Institute classes and production of Peter Pan Jr.,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. “The health of our students, patrons, actors, technicians, volunteers and staff is our primary concern,” he added. “We carefully monitor the recommendations by the CDC, our Governor, County and City of Branson and feel that we will not be at a point this summer where we can be assured it is safe for a large group of young students to gather inside an intimate performance facility such as ours.”

There are a few exceptions to the announced schedule change. The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, originally scheduled to open just as occupancy restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic went into effect, will be slated to run September 10-13, 2020. “This hilarious comedy play has been ready to go since March. Out of respect to our amazing cast and our dedicated BRAC director Jody Madaras, we would like to present this show as soon as possible, following any recommended social distancing and occupancy guidelines that are still in force,” said Barber.

Some BRAC Education Department Classes, Staccato Show Choir and Arts Workshops are expected to resume at the Historic Owen Theatre, or virtually online, early this Summer. September 5th’s Song Writing Workshop with Prince Ivan, and the outdoor Shakespeare in the Park collaboration with Forte Theatrical Productions remains on schedule for late September and early October at Chad Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, MO. Additional theatrical programming may be announced this Fall if conditions warrant.

Anticipated theatre production date changes for the 2021 season include: The Sound of Music (Feb 11-14, 18-21, 25-28), The Glass Menagerie (Apr 8, 11,12), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare – Abridged (Apr 30, May 2-3), Summer Youth Theatre Institute (May 17-21, 24-28, 31-June 2), Peter Pan Jr. (June 3-6), Mama Mia! (July 8-11, 15-18), 9 To 5 The Musical (Sep 9-12, 16-19), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Nov 4-7, 11-14), and a yet to be announced Family Show (Dec 3-4, 10-12).

With regard to the financial challenges for the organization due to this postponement, Barber adds, “This will be a difficult time, no doubt. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we must be fiscally responsible with our funds. We carefully budget each theatrical production we present, and the investment in nearly all of our community events has been substantial. If we were restricted in our ability to sell enough tickets to cover our licensing expenses, set construction and costume needs, we would risk taking a loss on those shows. Despite the fact that many businesses will soon be opening with restrictions, it is very apparent that permissible occupancy rates and public confidence to attend performance events in an small, well-attended theatre environment will take several months to occur.”

The Arts Council asks loyal patrons to please hold their current tickets for use on the new dates, and if they can’t attend, transfer them to another show or perhaps consider converting their ticket purchase into a fully deductible tax donation to the organization.

Other ways to support the BRAC during these next 9 months would be to renew or purchase an annual membership; “Buy-A-Seat” with a personalized nameplate; or make a general donation.

General check donations may also be mailed to BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

All current ticket holders for upcoming events will be contacted over the coming weeks with updated information. Ticketed seat locations and day of week performances will remain the same, only the monthly dates will change.

To see the updated schedule for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, please visit BransonArts.org/tix.

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Get Your #HereForGood417 Historic Owen Theatre T-Shirt

We’re all in this together! Help keep local business here… for good! Buy a Shirt and support BRAC.

Show your support for the Branson Regional Arts Council and our community arts programs at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson buy ordering an awesome “On With The Show!” theatre logo t-shirt. For every shirt sold, $10 will be donated to the Arts Council by our friends at Greek Corner Screen Printing and Embroidery.

We thank them for including us in the “417 Here For Good Campaign” to raise awareness and funds to assist small business and organizations in the Springfield/Branson area to help with the financial losses suffered during the shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shirts are available in sizes from small to 4XL, with white lettering against a beautiful cotton/polyester blend Heather Midnight Navy colored t-shirt.

The shirts can be ordered securely online for $20 (plus tax/shipping/handling). $10 from each sale of this shirt will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

[fac_icon icon=”arrow-circle-right” font_size=”20″] CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE SHIRT

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The Odd Couple Brings Laughter To Downtown Branson

Get ready for big laughs 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. Five performances are scheduled on May 14 (7pm), May 15 (7pm), May 16 (2pm & 7pm) and May 17 (2pm), 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.

Note: As precaution against the COVID-19 threat, we rescheduled this performance from it’s original dates in March. We will continue to monitor the status of the virus, and may need to reschedule again for the safety of our guests, volunteers and performers. We have increased our sanitization standards to keep the entire theatre extra clean. We hope you enjoy this production and thank you for your support!

BRAC Director: Jody Madaras

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 production is directed by Jody Madaras, star of the popular All Hands On Deck show at the Dutton Family Theatre, in cooperation with Assistant Director Sean Neil Myers, who was recently featured as the Cowardly Lion in BRAC’s musical The Wizard of Oz.

“American comedy, The Odd Couple, delivers biting zingers and the ingredients that laughs are made of.  Our BRAC production comes complete with a boat load of laughs, and a heart-warming ending that is sure to please!” – Jody Madaras, Director

 

Chance Havens plays the role of Oscar Madison along with Robert A. Montgomery 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.

The Odd Couple Supporting Cast (L-R): Dylan Pratt, Cory Hensen, J.C. Clinton, Abby Reeve, Deron Wolfe, Mark Peper

Producers Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman are assisted by Justin Ables (Artistic Advisor), 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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Call For Artists – Rock Room Gallery

The Branson Regional Arts Council is seeking area artists to display in the Rock Room Gallery at the Historic Owen Theatre as part of our next exhibition entitled “Cityscapes & New York Nights.”

The art exhibition will open concurrently with the upcoming comedy play The Odd Couple by Neil Simon with shows May 14 – 17th.

As the play takes place in New York City, the theme of this gallery showing will include anything that would relate to the Big Apple, city skylines, urban architecture, or even poker playing dogs and cigar smoking cats. Creative and imaginative works are encouraged for submission.

Approved artists must offer their works for sale on consignment with the Arts Council during the run of the display. Several paintings were sold to patrons during our previous “Art of Oz” exhibit in February.

Interested artists should contact the Branson Regional Arts Council and submit a photo sample of their work(s) to info@bransonarts.org.

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Prince Ivan Songwriting Workshop At Historic Owen Theatre

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

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.

Aaron Space, Brydon Brett

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.

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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