Staccato Show Choir invites you to join us for a delicious Spaghetti Dinner with live entertainment at 417 Vibe (inside the Majestic Building), Sunday, March 8, 2020 from 6:00pm until 7:30pm.

This tasty fundraiser benefits the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Education program to send Staccato to the FAME Regional Show Choir in Chicago!

Dinner & Entertainment Tickets:

  • Pre Event: Age 11+ ($15.00), Age 10 and under ($10.00)
  • At Door:  Age 11+ ($20.00), Age 10 and under ($15.00)

Advance discount tickets are on sale now! Click here for tickets!

REGISTER FOR THE SPAGHETTI DINNER

We thank our hosts, 417 Vibe owners Mike and Annette Albert, as well as all of our amazing patrons who support and attend this event.

The 417 Vibe is located inside The Majestic Building at 2849 Gretna Rd, Branson, MO.

For more info on booking your own event at the “Top of the Grand Staircase” in “Affordable Elegance,” Contact 417 Vibe at Events@the417vibe.com, online at www.the417vibe.com, or at (417) 316-2315.

[fac_icon icon=”exclamation-circle” color=”#890000″] NOTICE: We are sorry to report this event has been CANCELLED for 2020 due to the nationwide COVID-19 Quarantine. All registered artists will be refunded by the promoter, Outlaw Nation, very soon.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is proud to have partnered with Outlaw Nation (click here to listen live) to promote the Branson Music & Arts Festival to all of our talented area artisans.

Visual artists of all styles are encouraged to apply to be part of an incredible Artists Market where they can display and sell their works of art.  There is a $25 registration fee, and artists keep 100% of the proceeds from any art works they sell. Our artists will also receive booth electricity, and free food and beverage, including beer.

Bass Pro Shops, ExploreBranson.com, Bud Light and Outlaw Nation, the event producers, are estimating more than 70,000 suburban homeowners and art lovers may attend this first year celebration to be held on Father’s Day weekend, June 20 and June 21, 2020 at Bass Pro Shops’ spectacular Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake.

Held in America’s favorite and most beautiful tourist destination area, the Branson Music & Arts Festival promises to be an annual event that will excite tourists and locals alike for years to come. Come and enjoy live music, fine art displays, a classic car show, a custom motorcycle show, and dozens of fun attractions and highlights.

Check out the Taste of The Ozarks Food Garden, with delicious cuisine, and cold domestic and craft beers. National recording artists will be performing throughout the afternoon and evening on the main stage, as well as juried visual artists presenting the heritage and the culture of the Ozark Mountains and beyond. And best of all, admission is just $5, with children under 12 years admitted FREE! So, bring the whole family for a fantastic weekend of fun.

ATTRACTIONS
• National Recording Artists Concert Entertainment.
• More than 50 Professional Visual Artists.
• Big Contests and Giveaways
• Muscle Car & Truck Display.
• Custom Motorcycle Display.
• Camping & RV Display
• Classic Car Display.
• Interactive Farm Garden.
• Boat & Pontoon Display
• Food Truck Pavilion.
• Beer & Wine Garden.
• Youth Artist Showcase.
• 4-H Clubs Livestock Display.

CONCERT SCHEDULE
Outlaw Nation • Southern Rock, REAL Country Music
(Saturday, June 20, 2020)
• 1:00 PM TBA
• 3:00 PM TBA
• 5:00 PM TBA
• 7:00 PM TBA
(Sunday, June 21, 2020)
• 1:00 PM TBA
• 3:00 PM TBA
• 5:00 PM TBA
• 7:00 PM TBA

For more artist information please visit the Festival website at www.BransonArtsFestival.com

VISUAL ARTISTS
Come shop our incredible Artists Market, presenting the works of more than 50 talented visual artists. Featured art includes paintings, photography, sculpture, stained glass, and uniquely beautiful home made jewelry, crafts, candles, and gifts. You’re going to love the bargains that you’ll find!

If you are interested in being one of our visual artists at the show, please click this link to apply.

VENUE INFORMATION

Big Cedar Lodge Amphitheater in Ridgedale, MO

This stunning, rustic setting truly embraces the beauty of the great outdoors. With hand-hewn timbers and stone fireplaces, the clubhouse is a great indoor facility to pair with the beautiful stone patios for your special event. For large celebrations, concerts or expositions, the Thunder Ridge Arena at the Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy is your ideal venue. This natural amphitheater overlooks Table Rock Lake and the Ozark hills.

Note: You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. But pets and coolers are prohibited.

BRANSON MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL HOME
http://www.BransonArtsFestival.com Presented by Outlaw Nation.

1

Charcoal Drawing Classes for Pet Lovers This March at Historic Owen Theatre!

Event: Pet Portraits – Charcoal Drawing Classes
Venue: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616 – Art Instruction Studio
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 6pm-7pm (Ages 13 +)
4 Week Class meets Tuesdays, March 10th thru 31st 6pm-7pm (Ages 13+)
Art Instructor: Jessica Lowe

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is a 4 week charcoal drawing class for teens and adults. Learn classic charcoal drawing techniques and create your own pet portrait with the guidance of a local artist, Jessica Lowe. Materials should be purchased prior to the first class. Come to experiment, have fun, and develop a new artistic skill!

$40 registration fee covers all instruction over the 4 weeks of classes. Click here to register, class size is limited!

NOTE: Students must provide their own materials (see list below). Materials may be purchased at most art supply stores such as Michael’s Craft Store, or via Amazon.com (Approx. $22 + shipping) at this link: https://bransonarts.org/charcoal.

Materials Required (Students Must Provide)

  • Strathmore Drawing 400 Series Toned Gray Sketch Pad, 5.5″x8.5″, 50 Sheets
  • MyLifeUNIT Paper Blending Stump and Tortillion for Student Sketch Drawing
  • General Pencil Charcoal Kit, 12-Piece

Jessica Lowe is a Missouri based artist. She 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.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is thankful for the tremendous financial support we have received from our theatre patrons, benefactors, members and grant providers in 2019. You are helping us to grown an incredible community arts program that our area has needed for so very long.

Please consider making a year-end financial contribution! 

“The prescription for a healthy Community Arts program includes an annual vision check to be certain we have a clear understanding of where we are heading as an organization. If you take a look at what we’ve accomplished in just the past two years, everything comes into focus! Please consider making a year-end 2019 financial contribution to help us achieve our 2020 Vision for all residents of the Branson area!”
– Jim Barber – BRAC Executive Director

Our 2020 Vision is to continue the growth that was started in 2018, and make significant progress towards paying off the theatre venue so we can ensure that our community will continue to benefit from these arts programs for generations to come!

Since moving our offices into the Historic Owen Theatre in January 2018, BRAC has presented NINETEEN major productions (musicals and plays), and several cabaret style concerts. Over 18,000 patron tickets were generated for those programs! That year we also founded a Youth Arts Education Program for students ages 8-18, providing high quality education in vocal music, theatre arts and dance from certified instructors. In February 2019, our youth show choir STACCATO successfully represented the Ozarks at Festival Disney, a national music competition in Florida. Our Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition has been viewed by an estimated 100,000 visitors each year! In November 2019 we opened the “Rock Room Gallery” inside the Historic Owen Theatre as a new way to promote local area artists, as well as hold visual arts painting classes for kids and adults! These programs are making a positive impact on our entire region, and we would be honored if you would join us in our efforts to grow arts opportunities for residents across the Ozarks!

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, AND HELP OUR 2020 VISION BECOME A REALITY!

  • GENERAL DONATIONS OF ANY AMOUNT (The Branson Arts Council, Inc. EID: 43-1606888)
    Since we are a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization, your donation will be fully tax-deductible. Donations may be mailed to: BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615
  • BRAC MEMBERSHIP (Personal or Business)
    Various levels of membership that include special perks! Visit BransonArts.org/membership.
  • BUY-A_SEAT at the Historic Owen Theatre
    $500 Donation includes a brass nameplate in your honor. Visit BransonArts.org/buyaseat.
  • CENTER STAGE SPONSORSHIP of an upcoming musical or play Put your business in the limelight as a production sponsor. Contact us for various sponsor opportunities.
  • HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND
    Your tax deductible donation will assist BRAC with the purchase and preservation of the theatre. Donations for this fund may be mailed to: BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615 (indicate Capital Campaign on the check)
  • SEASON SHOW PASS to the Historic Owen Theatre
    Get the best seats and save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Visit BransonArts.org/pass
  • VOLUNTEER in 2020
    If you aren’t able to support the arts financially, we still have important ways for you to get involved in all we are doing. Visit BransonArts.org/volunteer.

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open cast auditions for all roles for our upcoming musical production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Audition Dates/Times:

  • Sunday, Dec 15th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Wednesday, Dec 18th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Location:

  • Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

Rehearsal Dates/Times:

  • Sundays through Thursdays (tentative)
  • Initial Cast Meeting – January 4, 2020, 6:00pm
  • January 5, 2020 – February 13, 2020, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (tentative)

Performance Dates/Times:

  • Feb 14-16, Feb 21-23, Feb 28-Mar 1 (12 performances)
  • Evening Performances @ 7:00 pm – Matinee Performances @ 2:00 pm

Producers: Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman, Lisa Murphy
Director: Jacob Deck
Music Director: Caitlin Secrest

About The Show:
This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for 80 years!

This will be the RSC version of THE WIZARD OF OZ, and includes the songs “Over The Rainbow,” “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead),” “If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road),” “The Jitterbug,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” “Poppies (Optimistic Voices)” and “If I Were King Of The Forest.”

IMPORTANT:
[fac_icon icon=”star”] Please prepare (1) song and bring Karaoke tracks for your musical audition on phone or as an MP3 on a thumb drive. If you are reading for a specific role, please sing that characters song from The Wizard of Oz (not required).

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Please be prepared to run through some simple choreography. Dress in comfortable, loose clothing, no high heels or ruby slippers.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] You may be asked to do a cold read from the script.

 

Character Breakdown – Principal Roles:

Dorothy Gale – The heroine of our Fairytale, young, full of energy, strength and kindness. Must be strong dancer, singer and actress.

Professor Marvel/The Wizard of OZ – Professor Marvel portrays himself as one who knows many things and has great wisdom in all matters with the help of his crystal ball. Must be a strong actor. Wizard of Oz is a mysterious character that rules over Oz. Must be strong actor with crisp clear voice and commanding presence.

Hunk/The Scarecrow – Hunk is the thinker of the bunch who speaks his mind. Must be a strong actor with good comedic timing. The Scarecrow is made of straw and walks with constant unrestricted movements. He has no brain but often says more intelligent and insightful things than any other person in the musical. Must be a strong singer, actor and dancer.

Zeke/The Cowardly Lion – Zeke is the farmhand Dorothy turns to for encouragement and courage. He is sweet and comforting but easily spooked. Must be a strong actor.
The Cowardly Lion wishes to go home throughout the adventures in Oz but his friends never let him. In the end he finds the courage he thought he was lacking. Must be strong dancer, singer and actor and have great comedic timing.

Hickory/The Tin Man – Hickory is emotionally charged farmhand who desires great things. He is quick witted and lovable. The Tin Man is the most loving and emotional character in the musical. He wants nothing more than to have his heart back. He is strong, protective and encouraging. Must be a strong dancer (tap), singer and actor.

Aunt Em/Glinda the Good Witch – Emily Gale is the Aunt of Dorothy who leads a busy and tiring life on her Kansas farm. Strong actress capable of portraying a strong motherly character. Glinda the Good Witch of the North watches over Dorothy and her friends. She is caring and nurturing and is a great aid to anyone in need. She must portray dignity and grace. Strong actress and good singer for her solos in Munchkinland and Poppy field.

Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West – Miss Gulch is uptight neighbor who attempts to take Dorothy’s beloved dog Toto away from her. She is harsh, mean and strict spirit but also has a good delivery of sarcastic banter. The Wicked Witch of the West is the villain of our story. She follows our four friends throughout the land of OZ striking fear into them any way she can. While she is a bully with a fantastically creepy cackle she also has a playful fun side. Actress must be able to blend the witch’s wicked ways with her sarcastic wit.

Character Breakdown – Supporting Roles:

Uncle Henry – Uncle Henry is a busy man trying to keep his farm afloat. He is goodhearted and good natured.

Three Crows – Three male crows sing with Scarecrow in “If I only had a brain. Must be good dancers, singers and actors.

Three Trees – Three female trees sing along with Tin Man in “If I only had a heart”. Must have good singing and speaking voices.

Mayor of Munchkinland – Must be a strong speaker and singer.

Coroner of Munchkinland – Should be a good singer with a unique voice.

Lullaby League – 3 Tots – Ballerinas – Must have sweet voices and be able to dance on pointe.

Lollipop Guild – 3 Tough Guys – Must be good singers and dancers.

Winkie General – Head of the Witch’s Army

Nikko – Head of the Flying Monkeys

Flying Monkeys

Poppies & Snowflakes

Emerald City Guard

Jitterbug Lead Dancers, Jitterbugs and Ghosts


Practice Accompaniment Tracks on YouTube To Help Inspire Or Get You Started…

Over The Rainbow
Follow The Yellow Brick Road
If I Only Had A Heart
If I Only Had The Nerve
If I Were The King Of The Forest
Munchkin Musical Sequence
The Jitterbug
Entre’ Acte / Merry Old Land Of Oz
Original Movie Soundtrack Songs

The Branson Regional Arts Council is presenting a one-day (two-hour) watercolor workshop, where registered participants will learn the techniques of creating an old fashioned Hand-made Christmas Card as seen in the photo.

Old Fashioned Watercolor Christmas Card Workshop

  • Tuesday, December 10, 2019
  • 6pm – 8pm
  • Historic Owen Theatre (downtown Branson)

Class Description: This is a one-day workshop for all ages where participants will be walked through a step by step paint along process. We will create a hand-made Christmas card featuring a classic red ornament nestled in the pine branches of a Christmas tree. Join us to learn some new watercolor painting techniques and create a lovely holiday greeting card for a family member or friend.

REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTMAS CARD CLASS

CLICK HERE for more information and to register online for this fun and educational workshop! Call 417-336-4255 with any questions.

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council is offering two new art class programs at the Historic Owen Theatre’s Gallery Studio for youth and adults beginning Tuesday, October 22nd.

FALL NATURE ART CLASSES FOR KIDS

  • 5 Week Class meets Tuesdays, Oct 22nd thru Nov 19th
  • Two time slots available: 3pm-4pm or 4pm-5pm
  • For Kids Ages: 6-11 (Class Sizes Limited)
  • Art Instructor: Lisa Murphy

Children will enjoy learning how to use a variety of art media to create Fall Themed Art Projects. They will have the opportunity to experiment with Painting, Printmaking, Collage, Charcoal and Chalk. Each week students will use nature as their theme as they learn to mix and blend Fall colors and explore nature through a variety of mixed media techniques. Kids will have fun using their imaginations to celebrate the Fall season!

$60 Registration fee covers all instruction and art supplies over the 5 weeks of classes. Great program for homeschoolers or any student who enjoys the arts!

REGISTER FOR THE FALL NATURE ART CLASSES

Visit BransonArts.org/artclass for more information or to register.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING FOR TEENS & ADULTS

  • 5 Week Class meets Tuesdays, Oct 22th thru Nov 19th
  • 5pm-6pm (Ages 12-17) or 6pm-7pm (Ages 18+)
  • Art Instructors: Lisa Murphy & Jessica Lowe

This is a 5 week painting class for teens and adults interested in watercolor landscape painting. Learn new watercolor painting techniques, follow along in a mock landscape demo, and paint your own style of landscape with the help and guidance or our experienced, local instructors, Jessica Lowe and Lisa Murphy.

Come to experiment, have fun and develop an exciting artistic skill!

Registration fee covers all instruction over the 5 weeks of classes.

REGISTER FOR THE WATERCOLOR CLASSES

NOTE: Students must provide their own materials (see list on registration page). Materials may be purchased at most art supply stores such as Michael’s Craft Store, or via Amazon.com (Approx. $61 + shipping) at this link: https://bransonarts.org/watercolorsupplies .

Visit BransonArts.org/artclass for more information or to register.

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS:

Jessica Lowe is a Missouri based artist. She 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.

Lisa Murphy is a Board Member Emeritus and Past President of the Branson Regional Arts Council. She has dedicated her life to promoting Art Education in Southwest Missouri. After graduating from MSU with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Art and Library Science she started working towards a Masters Degree at Drury University, where she studied Secondary Art and Gifted Education. Her professional career includes teaching Art at the Springfield Art Museum for five years and teaching in the public schools for over thirty years. The majority of her career was devoted to teaching Art in a small rural school that was named one of the top five high schools in Missouri and awarded the National Blue Ribbon. Her professional awards include: National Recognition in Who’s Who Teacher of the Year, seven times and the Outstanding Teacher Award by the Missouri Fine Arts Academy twice in her career. Currently she teaches Art at The Summit Preparatory School in Springfield.

Incredible Pumpkin Painting Party at the Branson Centennial History Museum!

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Branson Centennial Museum are teaming up to present a FUN & FESTIVE EVENT for all ages!

Register today for our INCREDIBLE PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY in Historic Downtown Branson!

There will be 2 EVENTS to choose from based on age:
• Kids (12 and under) – Saturday, Oct 19th, 10am-12pm
• Teens (13-17) – Saturday, Oct 19th, 1pm-3pm

Parents are welcome to attend with their child, or also register for their own pumpkin to paint as well! GREAT FAMILY FUN!

$20 Registration Fee per participant. Class sizes are limited. Sign up soon to secure your spot!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

We will provide the pumpkins, and all painting materials needed. Your instructors are Certified Professional Art Teachers with years of experience!

Our prize sponsor Dicks 5&10 will be providing refreshments, special treats and prizes for everyone! You won’t want to miss it!

All proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Branson Centennial Museum (both organizations are 501(c)3 charities).

Auditions for the Branson Regional Arts Council‘s production of A Christmas Carol, The Musical will be held at the Historic Owen Theatre on Friday, October 18th  & Saturday, October 19th  (2019) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Callbacks-To be Determined

Performance dates (8 shows):

  • December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 – 7:00 PM
  • December 7, 15 – 2:00 PM

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

➢ Seeking Adult and Children performers

➢ Please prepare a 1-2 minute vocal selection that showcases vocal ability. All vocal selections must be from standard musical theatre repertoire in the style of the show. NO POP, ROCK, COUNTRY OR GOSPEL.

Please DO NOT perform any songs from the show.

Please bring an mp3 track on a digital device such as a phone or iPad. NO CD’s.

A dialect will be required for this show. Please come prepared to cold read from the script with a Standard British dialect.

All participants will be required to attend the dance call. Please bring appropriate clothing & footwear. Ladies are required to wear high heel character shoes and men are required to wear closed toed shoes; jazz shoes preferred. NO SANDALS or BARE FEET ALLOWED.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of A Christmas Carol is directed by Jacob Estes.

Character Breakdown

➢ Most of the performers in the cast will be playing multiple roles.

 

Scrooge

A man who lost his father to creditors as a kid and has grown up heeding his father’s advice to save his money. Until he realizes how terrible he’s become, he is grumpy, unsympathetic man and has no time for anyone or anything.

Gender: Male

Age: 45 to 65

Vocal range: Baritone

 

Mr. Cratchit

A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. He works hard to provide for them but is mistreated by his employer, Scrooge.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range: Baritone

 

Mrs. Cratchit

Tiny Tim’s mother and Mr. Cratchit’s wife. She is a loving mother who tries to provide the best for her children with what she’s got.

Gender: Female

Age: 30 to 40

Vocal range: Soprano/Mezzo

 

Tiny Tim

Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit’s youngest son. He is crippled and sick, but is the definition of loving Christmas spirit. He constantly reminds his family that as long as they all have each other, they will be happy.

Gender: Male

Age: 9 to 12

Vocal range: Boy Soprano

 

Fred

Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world.

Gender: Male

Age: 25 to 35

Vocal range: Tenor

 

Ghost Of Christmas Present

A jovial, larger-than-life ghost who comes back to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he his missing out on while those around him celebrate Christmas. Actor doubles as Sandwichboard Man.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 45

Vocal range: Baritone/Tenor

 

Ghost Of Christmas Past

An ever cheerful, sprightly ghost who comes back with the history book of Scrooge’s past to show him the events that led to his current state. Actor doubles as Lamplighter.

Gender: Female

Age: 20-30

Vocal: Soprano/Mezzo

 

Blind Old Hag / Ghost Of Christmas Future

A beautiful, and terrifying wrath, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continue down the path he is currently treading.

Gender: Female

Age: 50 to 65

Vocal range: Mezzo

 

Marley

Scrooge’s former business partner who, before his death, was exactly like Scrooge. Comes back as a ghost in chains to warn Scrooge of how his life decisions will bind him in the afterlife.

Gender: Male

Age: 45 to 55

Vocal range: Tenor

 

Emily

Scrooge’s fiancé from when they were young. She is a beautiful girl, not impressed or in need of money.

Gender: Female

Age: 18 to 25

Vocal range: Soprano

 

Young Scrooge

A handsome young version of Scrooge from his youth, He is engaged to Emily.

Gender: Male

Age: 18 to 25

Vocal range: Baritone/Tenor

 

Mrs. Fezziwig

The consummate hostess and Mr. Fezziwig’s wife, she loved to help throw the Christmas party every year. She is prideful.

Gender: Female

Age: 30 to 60

Vocal range: Soprano

 

Mr. Fezziwig

A portly, jolly man who used to throw a huge Christmas party every year for the community. He was Scrooge’s first boss and after teaching him all he knew, he became deeply disappointed in the man Scrooge became.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 60

Vocal range: Tenor

 

Ensemble:

Scrooge’s Mother; Fan; Cratchet Children; Bankers; Street Vendors; Sailors; Ghosts; Jailers; Clerks; Monks

 

Forte Theatre Productions LLC and the Branson Regional Arts Council are collaborating to bring five performances of the theatrical classic, Of Mice and Men to the stage of the Historic Owen Theatre on September 19th, 22nd, and 23rd.

Written by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men follows the journey of Lennie and George, two migrant field workers as they chase down their dream of a farm of their own. Their relationship is unconventional as Lennie is a child-like man who doesn’t know his own strength, and George, his reluctant caretaker, feels the pressures of society to hide Lennie’s uniqueness.

“Even though the story was written in 1937 during the Great Depression, there are many relatable themes that a modern audience can relate to,” says Producer, Tina Cool-Anderson. “We still struggle with loneliness, financial struggles, class systems, and bigotry today and Steinbeck does a wonderful job of illuminating those issues,” she adds.

“The saying ‘hope deferred makes the heart sick’ applies to every character in Of Mice and Men,” explains Forte Director, Kyle Blanchard. This production features an immersive experience for the audience. The cast will greet guests and sit with the audience during the performance where they will actively be a part of the production. “Forte Theatre Productions’ Of Mice and Men will be a refreshingly energetic and active retelling of the classic American story, “ says Blanchard, adding, “patrons should expect to find more humor throughout the story than is usually displayed.”

The performance location of the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson is especially fitting for this production. Of Mice and Men was first performed in 1937 and the Owen was built in 1936. “The rustic ambiance of the Owen and classic Steinbeck were meant for each other,” says Cool-Anderson.

The cast Of Mice and Men are: Austin Delp (George), Jesse Brown (Lennie), Connor Sullivan (Slim), Andy Brown (Candy), Caleb Schantz (Curley), Jessica Brown (Curley’s Wife), Traven Harrington (Crooks), Conor Finnerty-Esmonde (Carlson), Nick Haney (Whit), and Mark Peper (The Boss).

The production team includes: Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer), Kyle Blanchard (Director), Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Director) Connor Sullivan (Fight Choreographer), Nick Haney (Marketing), Mariah Garrett (Stage Manager), and Adrianna Cota (Prop Mistress).

Performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson are September 19 at 7:30pm, and September 22 and 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

A special talk-back performance of the show will be held on Monday, September 23 at 2pm. The actors will hit the stage after the play and answer questions from the audience. This special Monday Matinee event is being offered at a “student price for all” ticket. To select and reserve seats online, visit bransonarts.org/tix or call the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to offer a full line-up of Fall Theatre Arts Education Classes at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson!

Parents who are interested in getting their kids involved in musical theatre, acting or dance are encouraged to sign up soon. Online registration is now open and class sizes are limited.

All classes begin the week of September 16th and run for six weeks.

BRAC Fall Education Classes Available


Acting II – Intermediate to Advanced Acting (ages 12-18 or by permission)
Instructor: Jake  Deck
Class Meets: Thursdays, 3:30pm – 4:30pm (6 weeks)
Cost: $65.00 [REGISTER NOW]
Description: Acting II is an upper level course, designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to further their skills and become the best actor they can be. Students will review technique and continue to learn and find new discoveries in their characters and performances.


Advanced Audition*
Instructor: Jacob Estes
Class Meets: Tuesdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm (6 weeks)
Cost: $80.00 [REGISTER NOW]
*prerequisite: This class is open for advanced musical theatre students only…other inquiries will need to go through instructor.
Description: Students will go through a substantial six week audition intensive designed to break bad auditioning habits. This class will be set up so each student will be assigned new (appropriate for their type) materials each week to learn. Then, they will return the following week and perform these materials as a mock audition. Through different exercises and group discussion every student will leave this class feeling more prepared than ever to BOOK THAT ROLE!


Advanced Musical Theatre II*
Instructor: Jacob Estes
Class Meets: Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm (6 weeks)
Cost: $80.00 [REGISTER NOW]
*prerequisite: This class is open for advanced musical theatre students only…other inquiries will need to go through instructor.
Description: Students will focus on the exploration and discovery of the skills necessary to be a polished musical theatre performer (singing, dancing, acting). This class is not for beginners, as students will be expected to have a high level of prior theatrical knowledge in order to dive deeper into the craft. The work as a performer is NEVER complete. The journey to finding who you are on stage is a process that is ever changing, and the moment an actor embraces that, their world will be opened up to ALL possibilities!


Dance Fundamentals – Beginner to Intermediate (ages 8-18)
Instructor: Kristen Dasto
Class Meets: Fridays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm (6 weeks)
Cost: $80.00 [REGISTER NOW]
Description: Six, fun filled weeks of non-intimidating classes with your instructor, Kristen Dasto! Through this six week course, Beginner-Intermediate Dancers will learn and explore the details to dance basics and the technique behind it all.


PREFER TO PAY BY CHECK?
To pay by check for any of the above, please follow the online registration and select “Pay by Check” in the checkout process. Otherwise, please call Karie Dykeman at 417-336-4255 and ask to register for the class of your choice.

Artist Jan Rosenburg Featured At Chateau On The Lake Art Wall Exhibit

The Branson Regional Arts Council is honored to feature the works of artist Jan Rosenburg at the Artist Gallery Wall located inside the Chateau Grill Restaurant at Chateau on the Lake.

Jan has been infatuated with art since she was a young girl. She enjoyed barns, landscapes, mountains, clouds, children and animals, though flowers were her favorite subject. She has worked in oil, acrylic, pastel, water color and of late, photography.

She attended Birch Tree High School in rural Missouri, but Art was never offered.  She graduated along with her 17 other graduating classmates and became a cosmetologist, a job she says, “satisfied my yearning to create.”

“All in all, it has taken about 40 years to complete my dream of putting color on paper and creating artwork with feeling that is pleasing and exciting to me as well as the viewer. I find joy in the exploration of natures’ intricacies and it pleases me to put that joy on paper for all to see.” – Jan Rosenburg

Before retirement, Jan taught oil painting at Jefferson Jr. College in Jefferson County, Missouri. After retiring to Table Rock Lake with her husband in 2006, Jan began teaching art at the Senior Center in Kimberling City. There she taught all aspects of art color, composition, texture, in mediums such as oil, water color acrylic and fabric art.

She joined the Table Rock Art Guild in 2006 and has been able to take advantage of many workshops and field trips offered to TRAG members. Throughout her life, she has participated in workshops and seminars by nationally known artists.

In addition to the exhibit at the Chateau on the Lake, many of Jan’s art pieces can be seen at the Table Rock Art Guild in Kimberling City, the Ozark Empire Fair, and Hammonds Hall in Springfield, MO. She’s also an award winner having won first, second and third place awards in local and national competitions.

In the late 1990’s, Jan began to dabble in photography.

“For me, this medium is another form of art expression. It too allows me to express myself through my art. I am certain that while I was a tiny baby in my mothers womb, I poked her with the pointed end of a paint brush and said, “Mama, I want to be an artist!” – Jan Rosenburg

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites everyone to visit Jan’s art display at the Chateau on the Lake.  All items on display are available for sale with prices between $110 and $150. What a wonderful and unique gift to give to a friend, loved one… or even yourself!