The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that Jim Barber, is going public in a big way to further help promote arts and entertainment here in the Ozarks as host of his own radio show and internet webcast.

“The Barber Shop with Jim Barber” will broadcast locally on Branson radio station KCAX 98.1 FM or AM 1220 as well as stream-cast live video from the studio across the world wide web on Branson4U.com or audio via the free Tune In Radio App on your smartphone.

Beginning Monday, May 17, 2021, the show will air live, every Monday through Friday from 9am – 1pm Central Standard Time, and Jim will discuss current and upcoming arts and entertainment events, live shows and celebrity interviews, all geared for area residents and traveling visitors to the Live Music Show Capital of the World.

“My very first radio interview in Branson was in 1994 on the Steve & Janet in the Morning show, and I am so honored that Steve Willoughby, now the General Manager, has asked me to join the outstanding production team at Ozarks DynaCom which has 3 radio stations in Branson, Missouri (Legends 106.3 KRZK; My 100.1; Classic Hits 98.1 FM/AM1220) and 2 radio stations in Harrison, Arkansas (1029 The Z; The Original KHOZ 49.9FM/AM900).

I’m also thrilled to be sharing the all-new 98.1 FM Branson4U studio with my fellow Branson entertainers James Sibley (weekdays 6am-9am), and Jeff Brandt (weekdays 3pm-7pm).”
– Jim Barber

[fac_icon icon=”facebook-official”]  Click here to follow The Barber Shop – Branson4u on Facebook!

Jim has served the Branson community as the Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council (BRAC) since April 2017, and he sees this new broadcasting platform as an incredible opportunity to bring even more awareness to the Arts Council’s efforts in developing visual and performing arts opportunities for everyone. He will continue in his role as Executive Director and thanks the BRAC Board of Directors and Box Office Manager/Executive Assistant Karie Dykeman for their support in taking on some of his duties in order to allow him the time necessary to take on this new venture.

BRAC creates educational opportunities for area residents in all aspects of the arts including acting, vocal studies, dance, music, visual arts, directing, lighting and audio design, as well as targeted youth arts education through their Conservatory of the Arts programming which began in 2018.  Each year, BRAC also presents a series of high-level musical theatre and stage plays at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. (Visit BransonArts.org for more info.)

The Branson Regional Arts Council is extremely proud of the hard work by the dedicated students and faculty of the BRAC Conservatory of the Performing Arts which has provided youth education opportunities in music, theatre, vocal studies, acting, and the visual arts since 2018 at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

2020 was an especially difficult year due to the pandemic, and our 2020-2021 Staccato Show Choir students had to audition and perform in extremely challenging conditions that included online video sessions from home, outdoor practices, and socially distanced rehearsal sessions while wearing face masks much of the time.

We decided to present our 2021 Spring Concert as a virtual performance by recording group and solo segments (without an audience) on the stage of the Historic Owen Theatre, then presenting it online as a digital video for all to enjoy at their leisure.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. Under the direction of Jacob Estes, the choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music with vocal director Delyla Uebel.

“What a year it has been! I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of my students for going on this journey with me. After all the challenges of the pandemic, I’m so grateful we were able to still keep the arts alive!” – Jacob Estes, Staccato Director

Branson-Springfield area youth ages 12-18 who are interested in participating in the 2021-2022 cast of Staccato Show Choir are encouraged to contact BRAC at edu@bransonarts.org or 417-336-4255.

And now… please enjoy the many talented students who are Staccato Show Choir!

SPRING SHOWCASE LINE-UP (69 minutes)

  • STACCATO (Baby One More Time)
  • JORDAN KENDRICK with accompanist DELYLA UEBEL (Think Of Me)
  • THOMAS FERGUSON (Corner Of The Sky)
  • ASHLEY RODGERS (All That Jazz – dance)
  • CARTER HENDRICKSON (Never Ever Getting Rid Of Me)
  • STACCATO (Feel It Still)
  • ABBY WHEELER (Hopelessly Devoted To You)
  • CARTER HENDRICKSON (The Moon And Me)
  • LIYA RIVERE & THOMAS FERGUSON (First Date/Last Night)
  • RENEE ELKADY (What Baking Can Do)
  • STACCATO (When The Party’s Over)
  • SEANNA BOUNDS (On My Own)
  • SOPHIE DOUGLAS & ABBY WHEELER (You Don’t Know Me)
  • LIYA REVERE & CARTER HENDRICKSON (More Than Words)
  • MEGAN ROGERS (Imagine – dance)
  • PACE GILLMAN (A Million Dreams)
  • STACCATO (Happy Days Are Here Again)
  • SOPHIE DOUGLAS (Wondering)
  • SEANNA BOUNDS (She Used To Be Mine)
  • LIYA RIVERE (My Man)
  • RENEE ELKADY (Once Upon A Time)
  • JORDAN KENDRICK (In My Dreams)
  • STACCATO w/ Delyla Uebel (Rainbow – live audience)

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents it’s 3rd production of the 2021 season with the Tennessee Williams classic drama, The Glass Menagerie. Four performances will take place at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, June 3rd (7pm), Sunday, June 6th (2pm & 7pm), and Monday, June 7th (7pm).

No Rating – All Audiences

Advance socially distanced seats are available now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.

The play, under the direction of Justin Ables, stars Josh Bouldon (Tom Wingfield), Nicole Horton (Amanda Wingfield), Charis Bouldon (Laura Wingfield), and Joey Faggion (Jim O’Connor).

Justin Ables – Play Director

The Glass Menagerie was Tennessee Williams’ first successful play. After an initial Chicago premier in 1944, the production moved to Broadway and won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1945, catapulting Williams from obscurity to fame. He went on to become one of America’s most highly regarded playwrights.

The play has strong autobiographical elements, featuring characters based on its author, his histrionic mother, and his mentally fragile sister Laura. In writing the play, Williams drew on an earlier short story, as well as a screenplay he had written under the title of The Gentleman Caller.

Amanda Wingfield is a faded remnant of Southern gentility who now lives in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura, who has a physical handicap and debilitating shyness. The father has left home; Tom supports his mother and sister with a shoe-factory job he finds unbearable. When Amanda convinces Tom to bring home from his workplace a “gentleman caller” for Laura, the illusions that Tom, Amanda, and Laura have each created in order to make life bearable collapse about them.

 

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

PERFORMANCE DATES

  • Thursday, June 3th: 7:00pm
  • Sunday, June 6th: 2:00pm
  • Sunday, June 6th: 7:00pm
  • Monday, June 7th: 7:00pm

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

The Branson Regional Arts Council is holding open auditions for it’s big summer musical Mamma Mia! directed by Jacob Deck.

ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit for Branson audiences. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

AUDITION DATES

Thursday, May 13th: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday, May 15th: 10:00am-12:00pm & 6:30pm-9:00pm

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

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Casting strong singers, actors, and dancers ages 15 and up!

  • An up to date headshot and resume.
  • A cut of a song no longer than a minute. Preferably in the style of the show. Auditioners are welcome to sing from the show.
  • Clothes and shoes you can move and dance in. Tennis shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes, etc.
  • Auditioners may be asked to cold read upon request.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

  • Callback date, if needed, will be determined.
  • Rehearsal schedule will be determined after casting.
  • First rehearsal and cast meeting June 17th at 6:00pm.
  • Performance dates are Aug 5-8 & 12-15, 2021 (8 performances)

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS:

DONNA SHERIDAN
Attractive and free-spirited. A former lead singer in a group called “Donna and the Dynamos” who now owns and runs a hotel/casino on a Greek island. A strong feminist who also has a zany and vulnerable side.
Gender: Female; Age: late 30s-early 40s
Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano, Alto, Belter

SOPHIE SHERIDAN
A very special young woman who is determined to find the romance and happiness she feels eluded her mother. Has a wild, zany spirit even though she pursues a conventional marriage.
Gender: Female; Age: 18-25
Vocal Range: Pop Soprano; Mezzo Soprano

SKY
Sophie’s fiancé’. Athletic, attractive – has given up his life as a successful young businessman in order to make over Donna’s tavern and marry Sophie.
Gender: Male; Age: late 20’s
Vocal Range: Tenor, Baritone

TANYA CRESHAM-LEIGH
Rich, sophisticated, acerbic, funny, and witty. One of Donna’s best friends and former member of Donna and the Dynamos. She is recently divorced from her third husband and preparing for her fourth plastic surgery.
Gender: Female; Age: late 30s-early 40s
Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano, Alto, Strong Belter

ROSIE MULLIGAN
Also a former singer in the “Dynamos” who now writes for and runs a feminist press. She’s confident, strong, and funny on the outside but shy underneath. Kooky and fun, good comic actress, bit of a clown.
Gender: Female; Age: late 30s-early 40s
Vocal Range: Alto

SAM CARMICHAEL
May be Sophie’s father. Left Donna 20 years ago because he was engaged to another woman. Charming, successful architect.
Gender: Male; Age: 35-45
Vocal Range: Baritone

HARRY BRIGHT
May be Sophie’s father. British financier, wealthy, buttoned-up, and conservative but trying to reconnect with his freer, youthful self. Formerly known as a Head Banger, he is now a banker. Plays the guitar. Must do a very convincing English accent.
Gender: Male; Age: 35-45
Vocal Range: High Baritone, Tenor

BILL AUSTIN
May be Sophie’s father. A travel writer with no possessions or strings. Good-natured, always ready for adventure. Funny, preferably a big or imposing man.
Gender: Male; Age: 35-45
Vocal Range: Baritone

LISA
Sophie’s friend who arrives to be a bridesmaid. Very energetic and kooky. Should be African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Native American or any non-Caucasian young woman. Must be able to dance well.
Gender: Female; Age: 18-25
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano

ALI
Sophie’s friend. Impulsive and fun. Should contrast to Lisa and Sophie.
Gender: Female; Age: 18-25
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano

PEPPER
Sky’s friend. Helps run the hotel. Charming, loves women, always flirting. Must be a good dancer. Acrobatic skills a plus.
Gender: Male; Age: 20s
Vocal Range: Tenor, Baritone

EDDIE
Another friend of Sky and hotel worker. Laid-back, easygoing. Must be a good dancer.
Gender: Male; Age: 20s
Vocal Range: Tenor, Baritone

FATHER ALEXANDRIOS
Gender: Male; Age: 50ish
Vocal Range: Tenor, Baritone, Bass

ENSEMBLE
Actors must be exceptionally strong actors/singers who move extraordinarily well and are confident and adept at creating fully realized, strong, textured characters. The ensemble plays a wide variety of roles. We are seeking full range of male and female voices including excellent low-reaching Altos, experienced Mezzo and Sopranos, Basses, Baritones and Tenors.

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites everyone, everywhere to enjoy a free online Cabaret Show featuring a wide variety of top talent.

As our community and nation begin to emerge from the devastating effects of the pandemic, the BRAC is excited to announce a special BRAC Cabaret Show designed to provide a breath of musical fresh air and positive enthusiasm to our area residents. The theme of the show is “A Celebration of Hope & New Beginnings” as conceived by Cabaret Director Jacob Deck

Miss Branson’s Outstanding Teen 2021 Megan Rodgers

The concert will be held live at the Historic Owen Theatre on Sunday, April 11th at 7pm. Families of the performers will be welcome to attend in person, but most of the audience will be watching the live simulcast video stream.

“Donations are welcome, but we are offering folks an opportunity to enjoy this exciting show at no charge, live from the comfort and safety of their own home via live-stream video technology,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. “Any proceeds we do receive for this event will go directly towards our BRAC Youth Conservatory of the Arts fund providing educational opportunities for area youth in theatre, music, dance, and the visual arts,” he added.

GET STREAMING TICKET NOW

Cast of the Cabaret Show…

The BRAC Cabaret show will be hosted by Megan Rodgers, the recently crowned, Miss Branson’s Outstanding Teen 2021! Megan’s platform is to support and create awareness for the community arts, and she will also be performing during the event.

Other performers include: Ellie Faggion (Musical Theatre Vocalist), Molly Tennison (Aerial Hoop Acrobatics), Kristen Walker (Operatic Soprano), Madilyn Irvin (Concert Clarinetist), Cat McWhirter (Musical Theatre Vocalist), Delyla Uebel (Concert Pianist), Ava Belin (Lyrical Solo Dance) and a special performance by Staccato Show Choir under the direction of Jacob Estes.

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open casting auditions for The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams on Sunday, April 18th beginning at 4:00pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Auditioners are asked to please bring a 1 minute prepared monologue. Sides will be provided the same day as the audition. Final rehearsal Schedule will be determined by the director based on the selected cast availability.

Four public performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 3rd (7pm), Sunday, June 6th (2pm & 7pm) and Monday, June 7th (7pm). Reserved seat tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] COVID-19 Precaution: Please wear a facial mask when entering the theatre according the the City of Branson mandate.  Once seated in the theatre, and while auditioning, masks may be removed. Please do not attend if you have a fever or are feeling ill.

The BRAC play production is under the direction of Justin Ables. There is no official rating and is recommended for all audiences.

The Glass Menagerie is a memory play, and its action is drawn from the memories of the narrator, Tom Wingfield. Tom is a character in the play, which is set in St. Louis in 1937. He is an aspiring poet who toils in a shoe warehouse to support his mother, Amanda, and sister, Laura. Mr. Wingfield, Tom and Laura’s father, ran off years ago and, except for one postcard, has not been heard from since.

The cast of characters include:

Amanda Wingfield

Laura and Tom’s mother. A proud, vivacious woman, Amanda clings fervently to memories of a vanished, genteel past. She is simultaneously admirable, charming, pitiable, and laughable.

Laura Wingfield

Amanda’s daughter and Tom’s older sister. Laura has a bad leg, on which she has to wear a brace, and walks with a limp. Twenty-three years old and painfully shy, she has largely withdrawn from the outside world and devotes herself to old records and her collection of glass figurines.

Tom Wingfield

Amanda’s son and Laura’s younger brother. An aspiring poet, Tom works at a shoe warehouse to support the family. He is frustrated by the numbing routine of his job and escapes from it through movies, literature, and alcohol.

Jim O’Connor

An old acquaintance of Tom and Laura. Jim was a popular athlete in high school and is now a shipping clerk at the shoe warehouse in which Tom works. He is unwaveringly devoted to goals of professional achievement and ideals of personal success.

The Rock Room Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre is excited to announce the following themed Rock Room Art Exhibitions during 2021, and invites interested artists to submit work to be included.

CALL FOR ARTISTS - SUBMIT HERE

[fac_icon icon=”angle-right”] All pieces submitted for display must be original works of art, and be available for sale to the public during the exhibition.

[fac_icon icon=”angle-right”] All selected artists must have an active BRAC Membership ($20 – individual membership/ $50 – family membership).


April 29 – May 2, 2021 (6 showings)
“Shakespeare Art & Comedy”
This exhibition coincides with the comedy play The Complete Works of William Shakespeare… abridged, and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some humorous manner to William Shakespeare, or simply a comedy work of art.

 


June 3 – 7, 2021 (4 showings)
“Reflections”
This exhibition coincides with the dramatic play The Glass Menagerie, and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some manner to reflective light, mirror imaging, fragile circumstances, etc.

 


July 12 – 30, 2021 (15 days)
“Off To Neverland”
This exhibition coincides with the BRAC Summer Youth Theatre Institute production of Peter Pan Jr., and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some manner to Peter Pan, lost boys, refusing to grow up, etc. While the actual musical will occur in Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister July 15-18, this exhibition will be open to the public Mondays through Fridays, 1oam – 12pm (times may vary).


Aug 5 – 15, 2021 (8 showings)
“Island Dreams”
This exhibition coincides with the musical Mamma Mia!, and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some manner to life on an island, the Greek Islands, wedding day, etc.

 


Sept 9 – 19, 2021 (8 showings)
“STICK-IT! – A Post-It Note Art Show”
This exhibition coincides with the Dolly Parton comedy 9 To 5 The Musical, and will be open to amateurs and professional artists. This event will differ from most of the other exhibits as it will include interactive workshops and fundraising opportunities for both the Arts Council as well as the Artists. Watch for detailed information regarding this exhibition soon.


Oct 14 – 24, 2021 (8 showings)
“Paris Romance”
This exhibition coincides with the musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some manner to Paris, romance, Notre Dame Cathedral, Quasimodo, etc. We are NOT looking for recreations of the Disney animation characters.

 


December 2 – 12, 2021 (8 showings)
“A Few Of Our Favorite Things”
This exhibition coincides with the popular musical The Sound of Music, and may include original paintings or photography that relate in some way to Christmas, ornaments, or even Whiskers on Kittens!

As our community and nation begin to emerge from the devastating effects of the pandemic, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce a special BRAC Cabaret Show designed to provide a breath of musical fresh air and positive enthusiasm to our area residents.

Video audition submissions are now being accepted for performers who would like to appear in this fundraising event to be held live at the Historic Owen Theatre on Sunday, April 11th at 7pm.  The theme of the show is “A Celebration of Hope & New Beginnings” and the production is is under the direction of Jacob Deck.

Jacob Deck – Director

“Singers, musicians and variety acts are all encouraged to submit an audition video. We are looking for performances that would be considered sincere, inspiring or moving in order to relate to the theme of fostering hope and the opportunity for new beginnings. Nothing silly or campy for this event please!”
– Jacob Deck, Director

AUDITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 28th 11:59PM
Performers wishing to audition, have until Sunday evening, March 28th to submit a video of their intended performance.  All performance pieces should be under 5 mins in length, but multiple songs or routines may be submitted for consideration. Performers must provide their own music performance tracks, or live instrumentals.  There will not be a dedicated accompanist for this event.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION
Audition video links (YouTube, Google Drive, etc) or small attachment files (under 10 MB) should be emailed to bransonarts@gmail.com.  Please include your contact information (name, phone, email) along with your submission. This is a volunteer concert to benefit the work of the Branson Regional Arts Council. Final cast members will be selected from among the videos submitted based on how well their performance fits the theme.

EVENT TICKETS TO BE AVAILABLE SOON
Socially distanced reserved seat tickets for the BRAC Cabaret will be available online soon at BransonArts.org/tix for $10.00 per person.  The performance will also be live-streamed for those who wish to watch at home from anywhere in the country for the same price per streaming device. Proceeds for this BRAC Cabaret Concert will benefit the community arts programming of the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Branson Regional Arts Council seeks your help in restoring an important treasure of the Ozarks of Missouri. The Historic Owen Theatre and the legacy of Jim Owen deserve to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

To assist in this task, the BRAC is participating in Give Ozarks Day: Rally for Recovery, an online day of giving event on Wednesday, March 24, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Along with more than 150 Ozarks area nonprofit agencies, the Branson Regional Arts Council is participating as part of our region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are raising funds to combat the ongoing financial challenges we have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support our efforts to restore the Historic Owen Theatre. Anyone can help by making a secure donation anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central on March 24th.”
– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

DONATE HERE ON MARCH 24, 2021

This region-wide day of giving is presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

With the theme “Rally for Recovery,” this Give Ozarks event will offer nonprofits the opportunity to raise operating funds to help sustain their work after a year of fundraising cancellations, financial challenges and program disruptions, often coupled with an increased need for services during the pandemic.

For each donor to its project, the Branson Regional Arts Council will have a chance to win one of the $5,000 hourly prizes provided by event sponsors. The event is powered by CauseMomentum.org, the CFO’s crowdfunding platform.

Making a secure online donation is simple. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 24, donors can go to causemomentum.org/projects/restore-the-historic-owen-theatrehpc to complete a basic credit-card donation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS.

Please mark March 24th on your calendars and follow BRAC’s Give Ozarks Day Facebook Event using the button link below to keep up to date on the Rally for Recovery and be alerted to live-stream video updates throughout the day.

GIVE OZARKS DAY FACEBOOK EVENT

This short video (below) explains why BRAC is working to preserve the Historic Owen Theatre for generations to come.

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the cast of the upcoming production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).

Abby Reeve (as Jess), Amber Gathright (as Adam) and Somer Dean (as Daniel) will star in this hilarious comedy play at the Historic Owen Theatre with five performances on Friday, April 30 (7pm), Sunday, May 2nd (2pm & 7pm), and Monday, May 3rd (2pm & 7pm). Several outstanding performers attended the auditions, but director Sean Neil Myers could only cast three roles for this production. He selected these three actresses for their amazing chemistry working together as a trio as well as their excellent comedic timing and delivery.

Socially distanced reserved seats are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix, and live-stream tickets will also be available at BransonArts.org/stream for those who wish to watch the performances from home. Please contact the box office at 417-336-4255 with any questions or ticketing needs.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS  GET STREAMING TICKET NOW

About the production…

PG-13 Rating: As there are some instances of bawdy and/or suggestive language or action, this show is best suited for most audiences ages 13 and up.

All 37 plays in 97 minutes! Three madcap players weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic farce, two of its original writer/performers (Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield) thoroughly revised the show to bring it up to date for 21st-century audiences, incorporating some of the funniest material from the numerous amateur and professional productions that have been performed throughout the world. The cultural touchstone that is THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) was born when three inspired, charismatic comics, having honed their pass-the-hat act at Renaissance fairs, premiered their preposterous masterwork at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987. It quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, earning the title of London’s longest-running comedy after a decade at the Criterion Theatre. 

Fast paced, witty, and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open actor auditions for their upcoming comedy play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged! This hilarious and fast-paced comedy will be directed by Sean Neil Myers and will be presented live onstage at the Historic Owen Theatre and also live-streamed via the Internet.

  • Audition Dates: Friday, March 5th and Saturday, March 6th, 2021 (you only need to attend one audition)
  • Audition Time: 6:30pm Central Standard Time
  • Audition Location: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

Audition Requirements…

Please prepare a short comedic monologue to present.  It can be from Shakespeare, but that is not required. We are auditioning both women and men for the three roles in this production. No specific age requirements, however, these roles are suited to adults or older teens.

Performance dates will be Friday, April 30 (7pm), Sunday, May 2nd (2pm & 7pm), and Monday, May 3rd (2pm & 7pm). Rehearsal schedule will be discussed at the auditions.

About the production…

All 37 plays in 97 minutes! Three madcap players in tights weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic farce, two of its original writer/performers (Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield) thoroughly revised the show to bring it up to date for 21st-century audiences, incorporating some of the funniest material from the numerous amateur and professional productions that have been performed throughout the world. The cultural touchstone that is THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) was born when three inspired, charismatic comics, having honed their pass-the-hat act at Renaissance fairs, premiered their preposterous masterwork at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987. It quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, earning the title of London’s longest-running comedy after a decade at the Criterion Theatre. 

Fast paced, witty, and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.

UPDATE: We were informed that all volunteer positions for this event have been filled. Thanks to all who applied.

This is a casting notice of sorts for area makeup artists and actors of all ages. 

Imagine if you were cast as an extra on a new blockbuster film. Your big scene includes a major plane crash. Now imagine that that scene actually takes place in your own backyard at the Branson Airport. Well, this isn’t a Hollywood film, but it is a very important emergency drill that could potentially save lives in the event of an actual plane crash emergency.

The Branson Airport is seeking 100 volunteers to play the role of “victims” in a simulated large aircraft crash. The full-scale emergency exercise is planned for April 17, 2021 from 7:30am until 1pm. Interested participants are asked to contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at edu@bransonarts.org right away to “book your flight” aboard this exciting and beneficial drill for the safety of our community. Please include your full name and contact information in your email request.

“This exercise will be a full deployment of all of the mutual aid, fire, ems in the area. We are especially in need of makeup artists and actors to participate. Makeup artists will assist in applying stage makeup and special effects to create realistic looking wounds on the actors.” – Jesse Fosnaugh, Deputy Director; Operations & Maintenance – Branson Airport

Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in assisting! Thank you in advance for your participation in this safe, but exciting simulated emergency event.

Please let us know if you are interested right away so we can “reserve your seat”!