Audition Workshop for Matilda the Musical! 

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce an audition workshop for our upcoming production of Matilda the Musical! This workshop will provide all performers with the skills and insights they need to succeed at auditions.

Date: Saturday, November 23rd 12noon-1:45pm Ages 8-12     2pm – 4pm Ages 13 and up   Location: Historic Owen Theatre

During this workshop, participants will:
• Learn the audition dance combination
• Explore the show’s vision and discover what directors are seeking for each character
• Receive feedback on audition song choices
• Performers will be taught the audition song and have a chance to work with our Music Director, Julie Brinkman!

Cost: $25 per individual or $50 for an entire family

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for your best audition yet! For more information and to reserve your spot, please call the Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

Staccato and Crescendo Showcase Performance Announcement!

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Staccato and Crescendo Showcase! This exciting event will feature performances from both of our talented youth theater groups, showcasing the hard work and dedication they’ve put into their craft.

Event Details:

 Dates: Friday, November 15th at 7 PM and Saturday, November 16th at 2 PM

 Location: Downtown Historic Owen Theater Located at 205 S. Commercial Street in Branson, MO

Admission is free, but we encourage and appreciate donations. Your contributions will directly support and enhance our educational programs, helping to nurture the next generation of artists.

Our youth performers have been rehearsing tirelessly, and we’re excited to share their talents with you. Seats are expected to fill quickly, so please plan to arrive early to ensure a spot and to support our young entertainers.

Come celebrate their achievements and be part of a wonderful community event!

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open auditions for its 2025 season opening production of Matilda the Musical!

Directed by Kyle Bradley,  Music Direction by Julie Brinkman,  Choreographed by Jake Deck

Auditions will be held at the Historic Owen Theatre (205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616).

Initial Auditions will take place Sunday December 8th 6:00pm-8:00pm (Ages 8-12) 8:00pm-10:00pm (Ages 13 & up)

Or Monday December 9th 5:00pm-7:00pm (Ages 8-12) 7:00pm-9:00pm (Ages 13 & up)

WHAT TO BRING: Those auditioning are asked to bring: A cut of a musical theatre song, no longer than a minute, in the style of the show. Songs from the show are acceptable and are even preferred! Auditionees ages 8-12 should sing the beginning of “When I Grow Up” (Music for that track will be provided at the audition). Bring your own music track to connect to a Bluetooth speaker. No accompanist will be available. Auditionees are asked to stay after their vocal audition for a dance call audition.

Callbacks will take place Tuesday December 10th 5pm-9pm. Those called back will receive scenes & songs to prepare by Monday night. If you have any questions, please call 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org

Accepting video submissions for those unavailable for in person auditions. Email kylebradley8913@gmail.com

Performance dates at the Historic Owen Theatre are: Feb 13-23 (Th, Fr, Sat @ 7pm, Sun @ 2pm)

ROLE BREAKDOWNS:
Matilda Wormwood (Lead)– Female. Age 10-12. An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched and is a fantastic storyteller. Matilda must be mature, and ready to handle a demanding leading role. Strong singer and actor. Vocal range: A3- D5

Miss Agatha Trunchbull (Lead)– Male or Female. Age 30-55. The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Once a famous athlete, she is described as a “gigantic Holy terror”, a “fierce tyrannical monster” who “marches like a storm trooper with long arms swinging” with an “aura of menace”. Must be a strong actor with an imposing presence. Vocal range: A2- G4

Miss Honey (Supporting)– Female. Age 20-40. Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. She befriends Matilda. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull. A mild, quiet person who never raises her voice and seldom seems to smile- yet possesses the rare gift of being adored by every small child under her care. She should have a curious warmth that is almost tangible. Vocal range: F3- D5

Mr. Wormwood (Supporting)– Male. Age 35-45. Matilda’s uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman. “A mean crooked crook.” Strong comedic acting needed. Vocal range: D3 A4 Mrs. Wormwood (Supporting)– Female. Age 30-45. Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer who is obsessed with her amateur Ballroom dancing partner
and her looks. She has an over-the-top personality who resents Matilda and often berates her. Strong comedic actor, singer & dancer needed. Vocal range: A3- F5

Michael Wormwood (Featured)– Male. Age 12-18. Matilda’s older brother. He is not very bright and favored by their parents. Comedic Actor. Needs good deadpan comedy and the ability to find a character during a lot of stage time with few words.

Mrs. Phelps (Featured)– Female. Age 25-45. The kind Librarian who takes a liking to Matilda. THETEENS/YOUNG ADULTS: (Ensemble)– Male & Female. Ages 12-18 and beyond- A very STRONGgroup of dancers and singers. They are the tough kids at the school and perform the show’s biggest singing and dancing numbers. Speaking, dancing, and singing parts–may play dual roles.

THE ELEMENTARY KIDS (8):

Matilda’s classmates. Various singing, dancing, and speaking roles;

• Bruce (Featured)– Male. Age 8-14. Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Strong singer. Vocal range: C4- E5

• Lavender (Featured)– Female. Age 8-12. Matilda’s classmate and self- proclaimed best friend. Big personality.

• Amanda (Ensemble)– Female. Ages 8-12 Strong dance and vocal ability.

• Alice (Ensemble)– Female. Ages 8-12. Strong and Bold. Strong dance and vocal ability

• Hortensia (Ensemble)– Female. Ages 8-12. Feisty. Strong dance and vocal ability

• Eric (Ensemble)– Male. Ages 8-12. Small. Strong dance and vocal ability.

• Nigel (Ensemble)– Male. Ages 8-12. Spoken dialogue. Strong dance ability.

• Tommy (Ensemble)– Male. Ages 8-12. Strong dance and vocal ability.

ENSEMBLE (10 + Adults, Young Adults, Older Teens) :

Other featured parts with solos & lines. These characters may play numerous roles in the show. Acting, singing, and dance needed for these roles.

•The Escapologist (Ensemble)– Male. A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination. Appears in several numbers. Vocal range: C3- E4

• The Acrobat (Ensemble)– Female. A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination. Vocal range: D4- A4

• Rudolpho (Ensemble)– Male. Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner. Strong singer & dancer. Vocal range: D#3- A4

• Doctor (Ensemble)– Male. Mrs. Wormwood’s Doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda. An optimistic and naïve persona. Vocal range C3- A4

• Children’s Entertainer (Ensemble)– A party entertainer at the start of the show. Any “Clown tricks” are a plus. Vocal range: F#3-Eb4

• Cook, Henchman 1, Henchman 2, Henchman 3, Parents

The Branson Regional Arts Council brings an amazingly powerful stage production to the stage of the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Rated PG) is a musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.

Eight public performances are scheduled from October 17-27, 2024 with showtimes at 7pm (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) and 2pm (Sundays). Advanced reserved tickets are recommended, and may be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.  This is community theatre at it’s best and tickets are $20* (18+) and $12* (4-17). Lap children under the age of 4 are free. (*$3 ticketing service fee applies to all tickets beginning Oct 1, 2024)

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

The production team includes Kristine Brown and Karie Dykeman (Producers), David Hewitt (Director) , Tom Cartwright and Julie Brinkman (Co-Music Directors).

The cast includes: Christian Anthony Ross (Dom Claude Frollo), Michael Sager (Jehan Frollo), Maddie Hewitt (Florika), Joseph Schumacher (Father Dupin), Josiah Sims (Quasimodo), Tate Gettling (Clopin Trouillefou), Joshua McGeough (Phoebus De Martin), Josh Reed (Frederic Charlu), Kayla Pepper (Esmeralda), River Furgerson (King Louis X), Mindy Law (Madame), Hampton Muse (Saint Aphrodisius), and Jerry Ray Cook, Julie Brinkman , Charis Boulden, Sarah Sutherland, Dimitri Tsahiridis, Juanita Wilson, Brittony Tiger, Cyrsten Rainey-Felley, Rachel Sager as the Congregation.

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council was thrilled to be featured today on PLAYBILL.com in a featured PLAYBILLDER Spotlight article entitled: This Production of Disney’sThe Little Mermaid, JR Sold Out Instantly! In a town with nearly 50 theatres, this Branson Regional Arts Council production stood out.

The Spotlight articles highlight shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country who have used Playbill’s program-building service to promote their shows. By welcoming these “PLAYBILLDERS” like the Branson Regional Arts Council center stage, they hope to give their readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life’s big moments.

This week’s featured spotlight focused on our production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, JR. Adapted from the classic Disney animated film, and based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, Alan Menken and Douglas Wright’s musical is about what we sacrifice in the search for love and acceptance. This production was the featured show in our 2024 Summer Youth Institute Theatre Program, where approximately 100 young performers in the Branson area between the ages of 6-18 had the opportunity to work with our skilled BRAC Education staff, Directors, and Staff to present a weekend of SOLD-OUT performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Outgoing Executive Director Jim Barber shared with Playbill all the ways our community theatre is revitalizing Branson, the additional programming needed when the show sold out, and why he’s used PLAYBILLDER 55 times, and counting to create our official programs for each production.

Branson Regional Arts Council’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Marshall Meadows

BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber answered a series of questions posed by Playbill staff writer Dylan Parent regarding the Arts Council, Historic Theatre, and BRAC’s Youth Education Programs.

PLAYBILL QUESTION: “How long have you been running your theatre? What drew you to it?”

Jim Barber: The Branson Regional Arts Council revitalized community theatre in the Ozarks after our 2018 lease and eventual purchase of the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Built in 1936, this is Branson’s first theatre venue, and now the official home of community theatre and a vibrant youth arts education program. We are now in our seventh Season of providing year-round community theatre and youth arts education programming with an average of 8-9 mainstage musicals and plays each season, in additional to many special events, films, classes, lectures and programs for youth with special needs or disabilities. Additional information on how we got started can be found here.

Supporting youth theatre and Branson Regional Arts Council productions like The Little Mermaid JR has a positive impact on the personal growth of young individuals, our community, and the arts as a whole. It’s a valuable investment in creativity, education, and cultural enrichment.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community,” and through the efforts of our board of directors, staff, volunteers and directors, we are helping to nurture creativity, build confidence, foster inclusivity, and engage our community through high quality entertainment and theatre arts education.

Our Conservatory of the Arts Education programming include opportunities for young folks between the ages of 6-18 with summer youth institutes, private and group acting and vocal lessons, as well as our Crescendo and Staccato youth performance troupes who have many performance opportunities throughout the year.

A few years ago, we started our “Special Abilities” program and have worked with area organizations and families to provide training and stage performance opportunities for talented performers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other types of developmental disability who have a love of singing, acting, dancing, playing an instrument, and more.

To read several more questions and answers in this article about the BRAC Youth Arts Education Program at the Historic Owen Theatre, we recommend that everyone please see the full article on PLAYBILL.com by clicking HERE. Included in the article are several beautiful cast photos taken by Branson photographer Marshall Meadows.

Congratulations to the following cast of our upcoming holiday production, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical! We had over 60 people audition, so unfortunately not everyone were able to be cast. Thank you to all who tried out, and please come audition again in the near future! We have many more incredible productions in the pipeline!

Bob Wallace: Kyle Bradley
Phil Davis: Brennan Knudsen
Betty Haynes: Kellsey Bradley
Judy Haynes: Emily Hanner
General Henry Waverly: Tom Baker
Martha Watson: Cherie Stanley
Susan Waverly: Gwen Tsahiridis/Reagan Hoagland
Rita: Sarah Boehm*
Rhoda: Abby Ingram*
Ezekiel Foster: Lamont Wade
Ralph Sheldrake: Dominic Giannotti*
Snoring Man: Josh Silvy*
Snoring Woman: Jory Knudsen*
Mike: Nathan Sutherland*
Dance Captain Character: LyMartin Chattman*

*Also in ensemble

Ensemble:

Annie Henson, Somer Morace, Melinda Prince, Jason Prince, Brenna Bergeron, Sam Baker, Alivia Prince, Sarah Sutherland, Sarah Williams, Caliope Johnson, Kylee Chandler, Vivian Redington, River Furgerson, Velvet Dougharty, Ella Nelle, Julie Brinkman, Lundyn Mitchell, Sophie Karase

Children’s Ensemble:

Danielle Stanley, Josslynn Silvy, Kate Sutherland

Advance reserved tickets for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical in Branson are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that nationally known Branson entertainer and businessman Luke Menard, has been hired to step into the role of Executive Director to replace Jim Barber who will be retiring from the position at the end of September 2024, having served the organization seven and a half years. Menard will officially assume leadership of the Arts Council on October 1, 2024.

“Our board of directors understood that it would be a challenging task to find a suitable replacement for Jim Barber,” stated Kristine Brown, Branson Regional Arts Council President. “After a thorough search and interview process, we identified Luke Menard as the ideal candidate for the position. His passion and enthusiasm for the arts align perfectly with our organization’s mission and values. We are confident that he will successfully lead us forward and continue our commitment to promoting and supporting the arts,” she added.

“I am incredibly excited, honored, and humbled to be stepping into the role of Executive Director for such a successful and vibrant arts council,” said Menard. “I have always been passionate about the arts and am deeply committed to fostering arts education and opportunities for the youth in our community,” he stated.

“Several great candidates applied for the position, but after an exhaustive interview process, Luke’s enthusiasm, professionalism and extensive arts business background positioned him as the top pick for our Board of Directors,” said outgoing Executive Director Jim Barber. “Luke is well known and respected in the Branson area, and in many ways, his performing background and passion for the Arts reflect my own experience. I see a lot of similarity between us… although he has much, much better hair,” Barber laughingly added. “I am confident that Luke will bring a wonderful, fresh perspective to the organization as it continues to grow and provide more arts and educational opportunities for our area residents,” he said.

Luke Menard (click for press version)

“I am incredibly excited, honored, and humbled to be stepping into the role of Executive Director for such a successful and vibrant arts council. I have always been passionate about the arts and am deeply committed to fostering arts education and opportunities for the youth in our community. I look forward to building on the strong foundation of the Branson Regional Arts Council and helping to inspire creativity and artistic expression for all.” – Luke Menard

Luke Menard first captured America’s heart as a top 8 finalist on season 7 of American Idol. Hailing from Crawfordsville, Indiana, Luke’s journey started at Millikin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and communication. Upon graduating, His talent took him around the globe with the world-renowned a cappella group Chapter 6, performing over 200 concerts annually for 12 years.

After life on the road, Luke planted roots in Branson, Missouri, where he’s been a powerhouse performer with the New South Quartet for the past decade. Never one to rest on his laurels, in 2018, Luke added “Real Estate Agent” to his repertoire. His knack for closing deals saw him sell hundreds of homes in the Tri Lakes area, eventually leading him to become the Broker/Owner of Menard Realty Group.

When he’s not helping clients find their dream homes, Luke loves spending time with his 12-year-old daughter, Hope, hitting the gym, golfing, and cruising on one of his 2 Indian motorcycles. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also serenading audiences six nights a week in the Grand Jubilee show at Grand Country’s Music Hall. Luke’s life is sweeter than ever, as he recently got engaged to Branson’s very own singing sensation, Jackie Brown.

For more information, please contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Conservatory of the Arts Program announces three exciting, new adult education workshops at the Historic Owen Theatre. These workshops are designed for students ages 16 and up.

Unarmed Stage Combat will be taught by Josh Boulden, and will teach you everything you know to safely take a tumble or fight on stage without getting hurt! Acting Through Song will be taught by Nicole Horton, and will help your inner voice learn to sing out strong! Finally, our Musical Theatre Audition workshop will be taught by Justin Ables who will show you how to master your fears of rejection, and land that next audition!

Registration is NOW OPEN and CLASSES BEGIN SOON!


Sept. 19th – Unarmed Stage Combat Workshop
Teacher – Josh Boulden

  • 7-9pm – Historic Owen Theatre
  • $30 per student
  • Limited to 10 students

Unarmed Stage Combat 
From throwing fist a cuffs, to taking a tumble an actor needs to know how to tell a compelling story during a fight on stage and keep themselves and everyone else safe. This beginner workshop will introduce you to the world of simulated violence for the stage with a focus on safety, partner work, building trust, and biomechanics, while learning some introductory fight moves and choreography.

Josh Boulden is a professional actor, acting coach, and fight choreographer from Annapolis, MD. He trained at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy at The George Washington University in Washington D.C. where he studied stage combat under the direction of Fight Master, Robb Hunter with the Society of American Fight Directors. Josh has over 20 years of experience with stage combat, historical swordsmanship, and fencing. Starting at a young age with the Calvert Arundel Historical Swordsman Josh has spent the last 12 years training with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). As an SAFD member and certified Actor Combatant he has since directed and choreographed fights for various film and theatrical productions in the southern MO area, and currently performs with Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOP


Sept 26th – Acting Through Song Workshop
Teacher – Nicole Horton

  • 7-9pm – Historic Owen Theatre
  • $25 per student
  • Limited to 8 students

Acting Through Song
The old saying goes that in musicals people talk until the emotion gets too big and then they sing. Acting Through Song is one of the most exciting parts about musical theatre! This class will help you unlock the clues the composer and lyricist have put in the song. We will discuss why the character is singing and what they want from the song. Bring a 90 second cut of your favorite audition song or just a song you’ve always wanted to work on. Please provide your own accompaniment tracks.

Nicole Horton holds a BFA in musical theatre performance from Western Michigan University. She has been a professional actor for almost 20 years and has spent 10 of those years at Sight and Sound Theatres. She’s professionally music directed productions of They’re Playing Our Song, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Beauty and the Beast. Directing Credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, A Murder is Announced, and Much Ado About Nothing. BRAC audiences may know her from music directing Peter Pan Jr or acting in Glass Menagerie and The Tempest.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ACTING THROUGH SONG WORKSHOP


Oct 10th  – Musical Theatre Audition Workshop
Teacher – Justin Ables

  • 7-9pm – Historic Owen Theatre
  • $25 per student
  • Limited to 10 students

Musical Theatre Audition Workshop

In this audition Master Class, Justin will help prepare you to shine your best in the audition room!

We will be going over the many tools an actor can use to show directors the best they have to offer. We will be tackling audition cuts, how to find audition material, how to best present yourself in an audition room, what should be in your audition book, and more!

If participants choose too, they can also be coached on a short audition cut in the masterclass and get some feedback!

Materials for class:

  • Anything to take notes with
  • Audition book if you have one
  • 16 Bar cut of a song if you would like to be coached 

Justin Ables has worked as a professional actor, director, and educator in the world of theatre for the past 13 years. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University and has a passion for the arts and educating fellow artists. 

Some of his favorite credits include: Tevye-“Fiddler on the Rood” (Woodstock Playhouse), Hegai-“Queen Esther” (Sight and Sound Theatres), Porthos -“The Three Musketeers” (Woodstock Playhouse), Marryin’ Sam-“Lil Abner” (Snowcamp Outdoor Theatre) and more! Justin can currently be found performing at Sight and Sound Theaters where he has called home for 10 years. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE AUDITION WORKSHOP

 

Educational events like these workshops are made possible by the Branson Regional Arts Council, our generous patrons, and a grant from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has always strived to present the highest quality theatrical productions possible at the Historic Owen Theatre, while at the same time, keep our ticket prices as affordable as possible for the community. This announcement is to inform our patrons that we will be implementing a modest service fee to each theatre ticket sold beginning October 1, 2024.

Over the past few years, we have dramatically increased the quality of your theatre experience by upgrading the venue with new flooring, improved lighting, new sound equipment, upgraded costumes and sets, and the reaction from all of our patrons has been simply incredible!  Thank you!

During this same time, our expenses to provide these musical productions and plays have also increased dramatically. Everything from our show licensing rights, music rights, construction materials, electricity and other utilities, insurance and much more have increased substantially.

Though we have decided to keep our ticket prices at our affordable $20 Adult (18+) and $12 Youth (4-17) through the end of the season, we will be implementing a $3 per ticket service fee to compensate for new requirements from our professional ticketing service. This service fee goes back to help pay for the use of our ticketing software, and some new features that will hopefully provide an even better online experience for our patrons who purchase their tickets via our website BransonArts.org/tix or directly from our box office at 417-336-4255.

SAVINGS NOTE: If you haven’t purchased tickets yet for The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A New Musical (Oct 17-27) or Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – The Musical (Dec 5-15), you can order them now without paying the new service fee which goes into effect on October 1, 2024.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

We appreciate your support and applause as we continue to improve our community arts in Branson!

 

Don’t Miss Our Final Monday Movie Of The Summer at the Historic Owen Theatre!

The Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District is pleased to partner with Branson Regional Arts Council to present the last selection in a series of Classic Films that were actually shown at the Historic Owen Theatre when they first came out. Everyone is invited to join us this Monday, September 16, 2024 at 7pm as we relive the nostalgia of great classic movies at the Historic Owen Theatre with your family and friends!

FREE ADMISSION – SEATING IS LIMITED

No reservations required, but seating is limited and on a first come basis. Doors open at 6:30pm and the film starting at 7:00pm. The concession stand will be open with fresh popcorn, refreshments and other tasty treats available.

Monday, September 16th – 7pm – Steven Spielberg’s JAWS (1975 – starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw)

Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley. Dive into suspense with the classic thriller that made everyone afraid to go into the water! The film stars Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody, who, with the help of a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a professional shark hunter (Robert Shaw), hunts a man-eating great white shark that attacks beachgoers at a summer resort town. Murray Hamilton plays the mayor, and Lorraine Gary portrays Brody’s wife. The screenplay is credited to Benchley, who wrote the first drafts, and actor-writer Carl Gottlieb, who rewrote the script during principal photography.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CLASSIC FILMS, COMMUNITY THEATRE, AND YOUTH ARTS EDUCATION AT THE HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE!

“We are excited to partner with BRAC to offer free classic films. BRAC and the Historic Owen Theatre are a vibrant part of our community and history. It’s always a pleasure to work with our friends and neighbors!  We recommend you arrive early for best parking, then take some time before the films to shop, dine and explore downtown!” 

– Cris Bohinc, Administrator Historic Downtown Branson CID

In 2006, downtown Branson worked with the city and state to form the Historic Downtown Branson CID. The purpose was to help Historic Downtown generate more visitors when its new neighbor arrived; The Branson Landing. The downtown CID started the first public transportation system in Branson and operated within a “Community Improvement District”. The FREE trolleys join Historic Downtown with The Landing!

The “District” provides many things. Several trolleys that are free for riders and paid for by a 1-cent sales tax collected by businesses in the district. Also, Christmas light displays in November and December, lots of advertising on TV, social media, website and so much more!!

The District also partners with the DBBA to get out over 200,000 downtown brochures annually and other needs. The CID is currently working with the city to make upgrades to the public Awbery bathroom and to have the downtown’s landscaping completely redone!

The Historic Downtown Branson CID’s only goal, is to bring more business and beauty to downtown!!

Visit RideSparky.com for updates, the live trolley tracker and much more!

Monday Movies Are Back this Summer at the Historic Owen Theatre!

The Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District is pleased to partner with Branson Regional Arts Council to present a series of Classic Films that were actually shown at the Historic Owen Theatre when they first came out in the 30’s and 40’s. Everyone is invited to join us this Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7pm as we relive the nostalgia of great classic movies at the Historic Owen Theatre with your family and friends!

FREE ADMISSION – SEATING IS LIMITED

No reservations required, but seating is limited and on a first come basis. Doors open at 6:30pm and the film starting at 7:00pm. The concession stand will be open with fresh popcorn, refreshments and other tasty treats available.

Monday, September 9th – 7pm – That Certain Woman (1937 – starring Henry Fonda and Bette Davis)

That Certain Woman – After the death of her gangster husband, Mary Donnell (Bette Davis) starts working as a secretary for lawyer Lloyd Rogers (Ian Hunter), who quickly develops feelings for her despite his marriage. Then Mary meets Jack (Henry Fonda), and they elope, but their brief bliss is interrupted by Jack’s father, who pursues an annulment. Nine months later, Mary bears Jack’s child, but Jack has a new wife who suffered injuries in an accident. Mary must face the many challenges that come her way.

 

The photo above was taken when the film was first presented at the Owen Hillbilly Theatre in 1937.  The theatre had recently opened the year before, and the famous Owen Boat Line truck is parked outside the office of the Owen Boat Line located inside the lobby area of the theatre. This truck is now owned by Johnny Morris and is on display outside the Bass Pro Shop at the Branson Landing.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR FINAL MONDAY MOVIE THIS SUMMER!

  • September 16th– 7pm – Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) 124min

“We are excited to partner with BRAC to offer free classic films. BRAC and the Historic Owen Theatre are a vibrant part of our community and history. It’s always a pleasure to work with our friends and neighbors!  We recommend you arrive early for best parking, then take some time before the films to shop, dine and explore downtown!” 

– Cris Bohinc, Administrator Historic Downtown Branson CID

In 2006, downtown Branson worked with the city and state to form the Historic Downtown Branson CID. The purpose was to help Historic Downtown generate more visitors when its new neighbor arrived; The Branson Landing. The downtown CID started the first public transportation system in Branson and operated within a “Community Improvement District”. The FREE trolleys join Historic Downtown with The Landing!

The “District” provides many things. Several trolleys that are free for riders and paid for by a 1-cent sales tax collected by businesses in the district. Also, Christmas light displays in November and December, lots of advertising on TV, social media, website and so much more!!

The District also partners with the DBBA to get out over 200,000 downtown brochures annually and other needs. The CID is currently working with the city to make upgrades to the public Awbery bathroom and to have the downtown’s landscaping completely redone!

The Historic Downtown Branson CID’s only goal, is to bring more business and beauty to downtown!!

Visit RideSparky.com for updates, the live trolley tracker and much more!

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend the 2024 Annual Member Meeting and New Artist Reception at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd Level Concourse in Downtown Branson.

This FREE Community Event will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 6-8pm

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

The annual member meeting will run until approximately 6:30pm, and will provide an opportunity for elections of new board of directors as well announcements regarding several new, exciting events and theatrical performances slated for 2025. Outgoing Executive Director Jim Barber, who has held the position since April 2017, will be honored at this event by the BRAC Board of Directors and special guests!

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

The local area artists selected for this six-month exhibition include: Bethanie Adams (Thirkell), Mary Arneson, Meike Aton, Diana Bogardus, Jennifer Buttell, Jack Clutter, Lee Copen, Ketty Diaz, Peggy Dyke, Ivan Edson, Jasmine Hutton and Vic Mastis. Their creative works will be on display and available for purchase through mid-March 2025.

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

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

 

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