The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Historic Owen Theatre

The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council has selected a marvelous production to kick off their 2021 Season of musicals and plays at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a jukebox musical comedy by Roger Bean. This exciting musical has played off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre in New York, and is now playing at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson from January 28 through February 14, 2021. The show, which features pop songs from the 1950s and 1960s as a vehicle to tell its story, pays homage to the high school Songleader squads of the 50s. When called upon to perform at their senior prom as a last minute replacement, Springfield High Songleaders Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, rally together to entertain their classmates in four-part harmony.

[fac_icon icon=”video-camera”] The following performances will also be available to view via livestream from your home computer or smart device: Feb 6th (7pm), 7th (2pm), 11th (7pm), 12th (7pm), 13th (7pm), and 14th (2pm). Visit BransonArts.org/stream for streaming ticket information.

GET TICKETS FOR WONDERETTES  GET STREAMING TICKET NOW

The musical includes the songs “Lollipop”, “Dream Lover”, “Stupid Cupid”, “Lipstick on Your Collar”, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”, “It’s My Party”, and “It’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)” and over 25 more beloved tunes that audiences will love!

The season kick-off production at the Historic Owen Theatre is directed by Jacob Estes, and stars Tami Cooper (as Suzy Simpson), Mesa Mitchell (as Cindy Lou Huffington), Caitlin Secrest (as Betty Jean Reynolds), and Macy Watts (as Missy Miller). Swing actresses for the production are Liz Sambol and Seanna Bounds.

Production crew includes: Karie Dykeman, Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy (Producers), Justin Ables (Artistic Director), Delyla Uebel (Musical Advisor), Sean Neil Myers (Stage Manager), Caitlin Secrest (Vocal Captain), Lorie Best (Assistant Producer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Technical and Sound Director), Jacob Estes (Choreography, Costume and Wigs), Corey Mitchell (Set Design), and Jim Barber (Marketing, BRAC Executive Director).

Per the City of Branson mandate, all patrons and staff must wear masks while inside the theatre, however patrons may remove their mask once seated. All theatre seats are socially distanced, so space is limited.  Advance tickets are highly recommended by calling the box office at 417-336-4255 or online at BransonArts.org/tix.

GET TICKETS FOR WONDERETTES  GET STREAMING TICKET NOW

After several date changes and adjustments due to the 2020 pandemic, the Arts Council is excited to announce their newly updated 2021 season schedule. [download 2021 schedule pdf]

  • The Marvelous Wonderettes (musical) Jan 28-Feb 14, 2021
  • BRAC Cabaret Show (musical) Mar 7, 2021
  • BRAC Cabaret Show (musical) Apr 11, 2021
  • The Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare – Abridged (comedy play) Apr 30 – May 3, 2021
  • The Glass Menagerie (dramatic play) June 3, 6 & 7, 2021
  • Peter Pan Jr. (Youth Troupe Musical – Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park, Hollister) July 15-18, 2021
  • Mamma Mia! (musical) Aug 5-15, 2021
  • 9 to 5 The Musical (musical) Sep 9-19, 2021
  • The Tempest – Shakespeare In The Park (Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park) Sep 26-27 & Oct 3-4, 2021
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame (musical) Oct 14-24, 2021
  • The Sound of Music (musical) Dec 2-12, 2021

 

Merry Christmas from everyone at the Branson Regional Arts Council. We hope you enjoy this virtual online version of our 3rd Annual Holiday Showcase Concert starring Staccato Show Choir as recorded in the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson, Missouri. Hosted by Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director. Running time: 45 minutes.

CLICK VIDEO BELOW TO PLAY THE CONCERT

CLICK VIDEO ABOVE TO PLAY THE CONCERT

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. This year, students met both outdoors and inside the Historic Owen Theatre to study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music with vocal director Delyla Uebel.

 

12 ways to support the Arts without spending a dime

The Branson Regional Arts Council is thankful for our donors, theatre patrons, students, educators, and volunteers! Without your participation and assistance we wouldn’t be able to provide the quality of community arts education and theatrical events that we have hosted each year.  2020 has been an especially difficult year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we have managed to keep our organization running on a shoestring budget, while continuing to provide online arts education classes and a few live theatrical productions.

We look forward to a better year in 2021, but in the meantime, we must extend our hand and ask for your extra support in order to get through this unusual time. Of course, the best way to assist us financially is to become an active member of the Branson Regional Arts Council (as little as $20/year), Buy-A-Seat in the Historic Owen Theatre ($500 donation), or to make a tax deductible donation of any amount for your year-end giving.

However, we completely understand that most of you are also feeling the financial effects of the pandemic, so we wanted to share twelve ways you can truly make a difference in supporting the efforts of the Branson Regional Arts Council without having to contribute a single dime!

We hope that you will find it in your heart to do one or more of these simple, but powerful tasks that will help us spread the news of what we are providing to all residents of our area communities!

01 – [fac_icon icon=”facebook-official”] CREATE A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER FOR BRAC

You can easily start your own facebook fundraiser to support BRAC at: facebook.com/fund/BransonArts/

02 – [fac_icon icon=”envelope”] SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ARTS NEWS E-MAIL LIST

No Spam! Just Fresh Arts News occasionally delivered to your mailbox! Sign up at: http://eepurl.com/dfSq_H

03 – [fac_icon icon=”heart”] SIGN UP TO BE A HELPING VOLUNTEER AT BRAC

Interested in helping us in a variety of ways as a BRAC Volunteer? Sign up at: http://eepurl.com/ddTptP

04 – [fac_icon icon=”facebook-official”] LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Please visit both of our official facebook pages… Branson Regional Arts Council and Historic Owen Theatre

05 – [fac_icon icon=”instagram”] LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Please visit our official Instagram page… Branson Regional Arts Council 

06 – [fac_icon icon=”twitter”] FOLLOW US AND SHARE ON TWITTER

Please visit our official Twitter pages… @BransonArts and @OwenTheatreArts 

07 – [fac_icon icon=”youtube”] SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Please subscribe to our official YouTube Video Channel… Branson Regional Arts Council YouTube Channel

08 – [fac_icon icon=”file-image-o”] BECOME A PROMOTIONAL POSTER PARTNER

Would you hang our theatre show posters in your business window or lobby? Let us know…BRAC Poster Partnership

09 – [fac_icon icon=”share-alt”] SHARE OUR POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Please share our website articles and social media posts to your own social network of friends!

10 – [fac_icon icon=”truck”] HELP US MOVE SCENE PROPS IN YOUR TRUCK

Do you own a truck or trailer? We always need assistance in moving theatrical scenery to and from our warehouse!

11 – [fac_icon icon=”tripadvisor”] SUBMIT A REVIEW OF OUR PRODUCTIONS

Tell the world what you thought of our musicals or plays on TripAdvisor or Google!

12 – [fac_icon icon=”commenting”] TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING

Word of mouth is the best promotion we could ask for! Let your friends and family know of the outstanding theatre arts education programs available both online and in-person at the Historic Owen Theatre. We offer Arts Education Classes for both youth and adults in acting, voice lessons, dance, piano, watercolor painting, charcoal drawing, and much more.  We offer a Conservatory of the Arts Program with several new workshops in Musical Theatre Auditions and more! Our Staccato Show Choir is a fantastic way for young performers to learn from excellent instructors as well as have the opportunity to perform at a number of area events to appreciative audiences throughout the year. Our Summer Youth Institute provides an unforgettable three week opportunity for young actors to build their self esteem and performing abilities, culminating with standing ovations as they perform an amazing broadway style junior musical for sold out audiences. Our professional level Community Theatre Series of Musicals and Plays is keeping the tradition of Tri-Lakes Community Theatre alive and well for generations to come at the Historic Owen Theatre. Once you’ve attended one of our productions, you’ll want to purchase a full season pass! Finally, don’t forget to let your friends know about the many talented local area artists that we feature at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition, the Artist Wall at Chateau on the Lake Hotel, and the Rock Room Art Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

THAT’S IT FRIENDS! NOW… LET’S TELL THE WORLD!

If you could do any or all of the above twelve suggestions, you will be doing a great service by helping us continue and promote our mission of providing arts opportunities to everyone in our community. Thank you and many Blessings to you and yours this holiday season from everyone at the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is offering a new online Musical Theatre Audition Master Class!

The first session of classes begin December 7th and are designed for adult students age 18 and up.

The second session of classes begin January 9th and are designed for youth students between the ages of 12 – 18.

REGISTER FOR THE ADULT CLASS NOW  REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH CLASS NOW

Need help preparing for your next audition? Do you need new music cuts? New monoloque material? Do you want feedback on your current audition package? Are you curious how to prepare music, resumes, and outfits? If your answer is yes, then join BRAC instructors Justin Ables and Traven Harrington for our brand new Musical Theatre Audition Master Class!

In this new masterclass series, we will be delving into audition technique for auditioning in musical theatre. Each participant will be given coaching time to develop new song and monologue cuts to help prepare them for any auditions coming up in 2021. Instructors will be on hand to coach in both areas of acting and singing as well as give recommendations for monologue and songs for students.

We hope you will join us in the new series where we strive to prepare our students to nail their next audition!

This class will be held in (2) 2-hour sessions, for ages 18 and older.
Dates and Times: (2) Mondays: December 7 & 14, 2020
Times: 6:30PM – 8:30PM Central Standard Time (2 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (includes both weeks): $50.00
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.

REGISTER FOR THE ADULT CLASS NOW

Meet Instructor Justin Ables

Justin is excited to be working with Traven to teach this new Musical Theatre Audition Master Class. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years. Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah. Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player). Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.​

Meet instructor Traven Harrington

​​​Traven A. Harrington, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While there, he studied in the voice studio of Dr. Jeff Price. Currently, he is under the vocal tutelage of Dr. Alissa Deeter! Throughout his life, Traven has had a number of opportunities to perform a number of styles of vocal music. From gospel, rhythm& blues, pop to jazz, he has been afforded with these life appointments that have helped set him up for this opportunity. He has trained in the classical/operatic realm, as well as the musical theatre world! Having performed in a number of productions and studied for a number of years, it is his belief that singing is a full body experience, and he absolutely loves every moment and every opportunity he is able to engage in doing just that! You may have seen him in “Into the Woods” in 2019, as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince or at “Villa Vista” in the Showstoppers Cabaret. Traven absolutely loves being able to help others make vocal discoveries and achieve their musical goals! It is a passion of his to see others grow into the best musicians that they can be. With application, practice, and direction, he is looking forward to helping those who want it! “Let’s work! Let’s sing!” Be it Musical Theatre or classical or another genre, he is absolutely excited and grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to working with you!​

Youth Musical Theatre Audition Master Class is the Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory series focusing on auditions for students ages 12-18!

These classes offer the same training as the class described above, however it is specially tailored to youth performers!

*instructors subject to change

This class will be held in (2) 2-hour sessions, for ages 12 to 18.

Dates and Times:
2 Saturdays: Jan 9 & 16, 2021
Times: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Standard Time (2 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Total cost per student: $50 (includes both 2-hour classes)
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC). 
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.

REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH CLASS NOW

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Scholarship opportunities for youth residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

The Branson Regional Arts Council is offering families everywhere a unique opportunity to watch an online presentation of a previously recorded live Holiday theatrical production called Yes Virginia – The Musical.

Yes Virginia The Musical is the heartwarming story of a little girl who taught the world to believe. Share this Holiday message of hope with your family!

On Dec 12, 2015, Tri-Lakes Community Theatre presented the musical at the Branson Star Theatre with a cast of 28 young performers. Now that the  TLC organization has merged into the Branson Regional Arts Council, it is being offered as a 2020 Holiday Season fundraising event in leu of a live stage production during this year’s pandemic at BransonArts.org/yesvirginia.

Music is by Wesley Whatley, with Book and Lyrics by William Schermerhorn. This stage production was adapted from the animated special and storybook by Chris Plehal by Macy’s Department Stores, who then, made it available to schools and community theatres across the nation, royalty-free.

Access to watch the streaming video is available for a $3.00 (or more) donation. The musical will be available for personal viewing through Dec. 31, 2020.

DONATE TO WATCH YES VIRGINIA NOW

The musical tells the story behind the story of one of the world’s most famous letters to the editor. In 1897, an 8-year-old girl named Virginia O’Hanlon wrote to the editors of The New York Sun, asking whether Santa Claus was real. The unsigned editorial printed in the Sept. 21 edition of the Sun has become one of the most reprinted editorials in history. Using prose-filled, positive philosophy and bold belief, the editorial writer affirmed the existence of the jolly old elf and how he can be seen in the love and generosity that exists during the holidays.

Yes Virginia cast members include: Jordan Kendrick (Virginia), Savannah Jewsbury (Miriam the Librarian), Brynleigh Hill (Ollie), Hayley Jewsbury (Scraggly Santa), Clara Gaut (Ms. Church), Jessica Barber (Charlotte), Anna Cardwell (Miss Whiskers), Alexis Fischer (Mary), Sophie McAdara (Gary), Danilyn Fox (Newsie/Chorus), Chaselyn Evans (Newsie/Chorus), Makenzie Evans (Newsie/Chorus), Courtney Poe (Newsie/Chorus), Derek Brown (Jolly Gentleman/Chorus), Kyleigh Evans (Russian Santa/Chorus), Morgan Brown (Swedish Santa/Chorus), Jamie Sill-Enno (Talin Santa/Chorus), Abigail A Skeen (French Santa/Chorus), Rachel Essary (Hawaiian Santa/Chorus), Ryan Cardwell (English Santa/Chorus), MacKenzie Evans (Dutch Santa/Chorus), Kayleigh Boss (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Madelyn Middleton (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Emrie Straka (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Abbaney Holmes (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Eden Burgess (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Makayla Rich (Mother/Chorus), Caitlyn Holmes (Nanny/Chorus).

Yes Virginia production crew include: Kyle Bradley & Kellsey Bradley (Directors), Kimberly Hale & Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lindsey Howerton (Stage Manager), Dillion Mincey (Lighting Designer), Buster Prine (Sound Designer), Silas Engstrom (Graphic Designer), Lisa Murphy (Marketing), Kimberly Hale, Stephanie Groff, Karissa Fox (Costumes), Devan Spady, Lukus Dement, Nathaniel Finck, Melanie Block (Stage Crew), Louis Allen, Master Set Designer (Set Design), Marshall Meadows (Photography), Charyl E. Philipian, Lorie Best, Georgina Holiday, Mike Groff, Arthur Hale, KJ Soyland, Lisa Murphy, Melanie Block, Cory Block, Lori Best, Hayden Head, Sue Head, Lance Wallace, Becky Enno (Workshop Elves), Jim Barber (Video Production/Editing).

Special thanks to: Josh & Amy Hill, Josh Clark, New Beginnings Fellowship, Ronnie Page, Buster Prine, Jim & Jessica Barber, Louis Allen, Multiprinting, KOLR-10 TV, Hometown Radio.

TLC dedicated this production and the 2015 season to the loving memory of two of our beloved TLC family members… Clay Cantwell and Diane W. Barber.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to announce the cast of the upcoming musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, which opens at the Historic Owen Theatre on January 28, 2021 with twelve performances through February 14th. Showtimes are 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday with 2pm matinees on Sunday.

This was a very challenging casting decision as we had so many incredibly talented candidates who auditioned for this production,” said the Director of the musical, Jacob Estes. “The final selections came down to finding the perfect vocal blend and acting chemistry between the four leading characters in the show,” he added.

Cast Members: Macy Watts, Mesa Mitchell, Caitlin Secrest, Tami Cooper

[fac_icon icon=”star”] The cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes are: Macy Watts (as Missy Miller), Mesa Mitchell (as Cindy Lou Huffington), Caitlin Secrest (as Betty Jean Reynolds), and Tami Cooper (as Suzy Simpson).

Alternate Swings: Seanna Bounds, Liz Sambol

Alternate swing cast members are Liz Sambol and Seanna Bounds.

“Such a Marvelous opportunity for me to be involved with these Wonderful performers,” said Vocal Coach Delyla Uebel“Each not only brought a great vocal talent, but also such vibrancy to each character. This is going to be a ‘must see’ show!”

The production team includes: Jacob Estes (director), Sean Neil Myers (Stage Manager), Delyla Uebel (Music Supervisor & Vocal Coach), Caitlin Secrest (Vocal Captain), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Technical Director), Corey Mitchell (Set Designer), Jim Barber (Marketing & Design), Justin Ables (Artistic Director), Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman, Lisa Murphy (Producers), and Lorie Best (Assistant Producer).

This smash off-Broadway hit written and created by Roger Bean, takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In act two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!

All seating will be socially distanced, so when a patron selects an available seat online, they can be assured that the seats in font, behind, and on either side of their party will be left vacant. This reduces the maximum capacity of the theatre to approximately 25%, so shows are expected to sell out in advance.  Online reservations can be made now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS WE WOULD LIKE TO GET EVENT POSTERS CLICK HERE FOR PLAYBILL AD INFO

Persons interested in placing an ad in the official Playbill of The Marvelous Wonderettes are invited to visit BransonArts.org/adpayment for prices and ad specifications. Any area business or organization willing to display a BRAC Poster in their window or lobby, may also sign up to be a “Poster Partner” at BransonArts.org/getpress. “We appreciate the local businesses who help us promote our productions, and support the printing of these keepsake programs,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber.

Online Charcoal Drawing Classes for Pet Lovers This November!

Event: Drawing Animals With Charcoal – Online Art Classes
Venue: Zoom Live Online Video
Dates & Time: Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 2020 : 6:00-7:00 pm
4 Week Class meets for 1 hour on Tuesdays via Zoom
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!

WATCH a short demo video of the course below. Your class will be LIVE over 4 WEEKS.

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

REGISTER FOR THE CHARCOAL COURSE

NOTE: Students must provide their own materials in advance (see list below). Materials may be purchased at most art supply stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michael’s Craft Store, or via Amazon.com (Approx. $33 + shipping) at this link: https://bransonarts.org/charcoal.

Materials Required (Students Must Provide)

  • Generals Charcoal Kit #15: (white charcoal pencil, five black charcoal pencils, two black charcoal sticks, a white charcoal stick, a black wide charcoal stick, a carbon sketch pencil, a kneaded eraser and a sharpener)
  • Toned Grey Paper 9×12
  • Paper Blending Stumps (varied pack)
  • Standard Eraser
  • Masking or Blue Painters Tape
    Optional Supplies
  • Matte or Workable Fixative
  • Fluffy medium sized paintbrush

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 pleased to once again offer it’s popular online watercolor landscape art classes this November 17th 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: order your art supplies early! [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″] November 2020 – Landscape Painting with Jessica Lowe

  • Live Sessions: Tuesdays (Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 2020) 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
  • Class size limited to the first 8 registrants.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR NOV 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.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is presenting a free, online Virtual Talent Show on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 6:30pm Central Standard Time. Everyone is invited to reserve their “seat” in advance by registering at BransonArts.org/talentshow.  There is no charge to be part of the fun, but space is limited to no more than 100 viewers.

GET YOUR FREE SEAT VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW

The Virtual Talent Show will be hosted by BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber and streamed live via the zoom video platform. Featured performances from previous talent shows at the Historic Owen Theatre will be presented as well as a recent recorded Holiday performance by the 2020 cast of Staccato Show Choir under the direction of Jacob Estes and Delyla Uebel. Some of the solo performers to appear in the virtual program include Alex Knudsen, Ashley Rodgers, Brenna Kellem, Dani Groff, Dylan Pratt, Ember Straka, Jacob Deeter, Jessica Barber, Rebecca White, Sophie Douglas and many more.

“I’m inviting all of my friends in the Ozarks and across the country to join us online in celebrating some truly outstanding young performers! Each November, the Branson Regional Arts Council hosts this exciting talent show for a full-house audience. This year would have been our 3rd annual event, however, the pandemic is our inspiration to bring the show directly into your home, via the internet!”

– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Register early to win this!

In addition to the line-up of featured talent, several exciting announcements regarding the 2021 Branson Regional Arts Council season of entertainment and educational activities will be publicly announced for the first time!

[fac_icon icon=”star”] BONUS: Everyone who registers before November 12th will be included in a live drawing for a chance to win a cool metal Polar Camel Tumbler engraved with the official BRAC logo, courtesy of our friends at Branson Cerakote. This is a $20 value!

Remember to register in advance at BransonArts.org/talentshow.  Then on the night of the show, make yourself a bag of popcorn, settle down in front of your computer or favorite streaming device and enjoy some amazing performances as recorded live at the Historic Owen Theatre. Don’t miss this “LIVE” virtual event on Friday, November 13th at 6:30pm.

Featured performers include (left to right starting at the top): Megan Rodgers, Carter Hendrickson, Sophie Gregoroski, Cole Hill, Pace Gillman, Thomas Ferguson, Jordan Kendrick, Travis Harper, Renee Elkady, Hallie Groff, Seanna Bounds, Liya Revere, Ashley Rodgers, Brenna Kellem, Ashley Rodgers, Ember Straka, Jacob Deeter, Rebecca White, Sophie Douglas, Dylan Pratt, Dani Groff, Alex Knudsen and Jessica Barber.

 

The Rock Room Gallery at the Historic Owen Theatre is currently featuring a themed exhibition titled “Cityscapes & Spooky Nights” to coincide with the Branson Regional Arts Council theatrical production of Dracula!

The Rock Room art exhibition is complimentary and on display to all Dracula ticket holders from Thursday, October 29th through Saturday, October 31st. Social distanced seats are still available for purchase by calling the box office at 417-336-4255 or online at BransonArts.org/tix.

Featured in the exhibit are original works of art by local area artists Kaitlynn Robinson, Jessica Lowe, Christe Colburn, Glenda Roberson and Gayle Page.

All displayed artwork is priced for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Arts Council.

Kaitlynn Robinson is currently studying at the Kansas City Art Institute and has experience in visual and theatre arts through SOTO (State of the Ozarks) and the Branson Veritas Enrichment program where she also appeared in a production of Narnia: The Witch, the Lion & the Wardrobe. Her original illustration entitled “The Crimson King” (featured in the image above) is a colorful and perfect addition to this display.

Jessica Lowe has been featured in several previous Rock Room Gallery themed shows and many of her works are also currently on display at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition located on the second level glass tier of the venue. As a professional working artist, Jessica also teaches a variety of art classes for the Branson Regional Arts Council including a new online Pumpkin Painting Class video currently available for viewing.  Click here for more info.

Christe Colburn has also provided several original works of art for the Rock Room Gallery as well as the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition. Her unique method of digital art prints makes for an exciting addition to this presentation. Christe is a photographer and digital artist with a keen eye for the creative aspects of any subject. She settled in the Ozarks by way of Taos, New Mexico and Denver, Colorado.

Glenda Roberson was a master science teacher for 22 years, Glenda retired in 2008 to enjoy gardening and golf. At the request of her daughter for watercolor paintings for the new nursery, Glenda picked up a brush for the first time in 2014. She placed 3rd in the 2016 White River Painting Exhibit at College of the Ozarks, and sells prints of her work at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Houzz, Wayfair, Overstock, Gilt, Home Depot, and Marmont Hill. She works exclusively in watercolor, and her main style is realism. Her painting of the City of Oz is the perfect Cityscape for this exhibit.

Gayle Page is also featured in both the Rock Room and Branson Convention Center Exhibitions. She has majored in several media over the years, from acrylics on canvas to watercolor, pencil and most recently collage. Her degree in studio art wasn’t the beginning of her training. She attributes that to childhood art classes at KC’s Nelson Art Gallery. Besides teaching art and owning her own specialty paint business for 30 years, her move to Branson eight years ago has allowed her also participate in the Table Rock Art Guild.

Missouri artist Jessica Lowe demonstrates how to paint Halloween pumpkins!

This is a recorded LIVE paint along online class for all ages… a perfect way for families to gather around the computer and create a fun keepsake together!

For as little as a $2.00 donation, you can have access to our incredible PUMPKIN PAINTING CLASS online! (Unlock code will be sent after registration)

GET LINK FOR PUMPKIN PAINTING VIDEO
or click here to register for the video!

Materials You Will Need In Advance: (Can be purchased at WalMart, Hobby Lobby, etc)
  • Acrylic Paint ( you can use washable but it won’t be waterproof)
  • Soft bristled paintbrushes, different sizes
  • Pumpkin (real or fake—if you want it to last forever!)
  • Paper towels
  • Water basin of any sort
  • Toothpicks, toothbrush or a thin stick (for stars)
  • Optional: waterproof acrylic sealer

Proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


Jessica Lowe – BRAC Art Instructor

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…

Jessica 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.

Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory program “Triple Threat, focuses on the three major areas of performance of musical theatre: Acting, Singing, and Dance.

This new three week course gives the youth of our community the opportunity to study in these specific areas with local professionals from the comfort of their home. All three of our teachers come directly from the fields of theatre and performance and are excited to offer this masterclass series to educate and enlighten in these specific areas.

triple threat
noun: triple threat; plural noun: triple threats
a person, especially a performer, who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field.
“a triple threat can sing, dance, and act”

Registration ends soon! Classes begin Sunday, October 18th!

Dates and Times:
3 Sundays: October 18, 25 & November 1
Times: 2PM-5PM Central Standard Time (3 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (all 3 weeks): $60.00 [click here to register]
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.
Scholarship opportunities for residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

REGISTER FOR THE TRIPLE THREAT CLASSES

Watch this video to meet the Triple Threat teaching staff:

ACTING… with Justin Ables

Justin Ables - Acting Teacher

Let’s take the stage and bring out your inner monologue in the acting portion of Triple Threat! In this theatre masterclass, students will learn about basic acting techniques brought about by the famous Konstantin Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.  Students will dive into the techniques of sense memory, naturalism and the different steps that actors take to develop a character onstage. As a class, we will use these new skills to become more aware of ourselves as performers and look through the lense of life as our stage characters do. So join us, as we develop these basic skills that have shaped the careers of artists all around the world! 

About the instructor: Justin is beyond excited to be joining the teaching staff for BRAC as well as their new series, “Triple Threat”. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years.

Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah.

Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player).

Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.


VOICE… with Tiffany Bear
Tiffany Renee Bear - Vocal TeacherAs singing actors we are partners with the text and our voice is a means of communicating the story to our audience. In our Musical Theatre Voice section of Triple Threat we will focus on how to be compelling storytellers through music. Come ready with “your book” and several contrasting 32 bar cuts that we can “put on their feet”! We will also touch on how to choose appropriate material for YOUR voice, how to prepare your audition and present yourself “in the room” and in when creating a character on stage for an actual show. Together we will sharpen skills, dive deeper into Musical Theatre voice, make strong acting choices that create compelling performances, and most of all have fun while building confidence! 

About the instructor: Tiffany Renee Bear is an extremely versatile performer and teacher. She is actively working on stage, on camera, in voice over and in print modeling. She has enjoyed performing in regional theatres and tours across the country, as well as internationally (China, Germany.) Tiffany has also been very involved in the world of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) and the creation of new works. She has been a part of bringing several new shows from page (staged reading) to stage (world premiere productions) with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, CITA and other theatres.

Tiffany and her husband Conrad moved to Branson 3 years ago to join the cast at Sight and Sound Theatres. She has had the joy of portraying Mary in Miracle of Christmas and several fun roles in SAMSON. She is currently portraying the role of Cayla, Japheth’s wife, in NOAH.

Some of her favorite past stage roles include: Rapunzel (Into The Woods), Maria (West Side Story), Glinda (Journey to Oz), Ruby (Ella’s Big Chance), Nancy (Oliver!) Princess of France (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Lily (Secret Garden), Magnolia (Showboat), Gertrude (Seussical), Kelsi (High School Musical) and Eliza & Belle in Concerts versions of My Fair Lady & Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.

Tiffany is also an award-winning Director, Music Director and Vocal Coach. She holds an advanced degree in Voice and passionate about “cross training” artists to be excellent musicians and compelling actors. Her students have won numerous competitions across the country for music and theatre. Many of current and former students be found in Film/TV/Commercials, in Regional Theatres, on National Tours (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lion King, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Cruiselines (Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival) and on Broadway (Matilda!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical). www.tiffanyreneebear.com


MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE… with Jacob Estes
Jacob Estes - Dance TeacherThis class is designed for students with a passion for musical theatre. Get ready to step outside of your comfort zone, while learning various fun pieces of choreography! We will study/move to a vast variety of musical theatre rep and even learn some original Broadway steps! The choreography taught is meant to challenge you and there will be different options of difficulty to choose from when doing the routine! Dance class is how you study, which means auditions are the test. We will be learning by setting up virtual mock auditions where you will receive feedback and instruction. You will leave feeling confident, and ready to book that next audition! 

About the instructor: Jacob is a performer and director based in Branson. He has had the amazing opportunity to travel the United States teaching, performing, and directing in various theatre venues throughout his professional career.

Jacob is currently the director of Staccato show choir at the Branson Regional Arts Council. You may have seen his work performing locally at Silver Dollar City, The Welk Resort, Branson Regional Arts Council, and Sight and Sound Theatres.