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Of Mice And Men At The Historic Owen Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fall Theatre Arts Classes At Historic Owen Theatre

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

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

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

BRAC Fall Education Classes Available

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

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

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

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

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

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Artist Jan Rosenburg Featured At Chateau On The Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Annual BRAC Member Meeting Features New Artists

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend the 2019 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 Friday, September 6th from 6-8pm. 

The annual member meeting will run until 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 2020. The short meeting will be followed by an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition.

The Branson Convention Center Art Gallery has been visited by approximately 100,000 people annually, according to General Manager Marc Mulherin. 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!

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.

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Steel Magnolias Opens At Historic Owen Theatre

Photo by Marshall Meadows: ( left to right) Roz Slavik, Julie Musser, Mindy Law, Kellsey Bradley, Kristen Dasto, Amy Miller

Steel Magnolias At The Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council launches their 7th theatrical production of the year, as Steel Magnolias opens August 29th at the Historic Owen Theatre.

The Owen stage has transformed into Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee, the play moves toward tragedy when the spunky Shelby (a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.Playwright, Robert Harling, had one reason for crafting this beautiful story.  He wanted to preserve the memory of his real-life sister.  Little did he know that her life would go on to inspire one of the most beautiful, heartwarming tributes ever to grace the stage and silver screen. 

The production is under the Direction of Lloyd Alexander-Holt who said, “I hope that as you experience this story on stage, you are reminded of the Steel Magnolias in your life. Those strong, yet loving individuals who have helped you become who you are today.”

Special appreciation to Starboard Corporation, State Park Marina and The Harbor for their financial assistance as the Center Stage Co-Sponsors of this production.

Cast members of Steel Magnolias are Amy Miller (Truvy Jones), Kristen Dasto (Annelie Dupuy-Desoto), Julie Musser (Claire Belcher), Kellsey Bradley (Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie), Mindy Law (M’Lynn Eatenton) and Roz Slavik (Ouiser Boudreaux).

The production team includes Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy, Karie Dykeman (Producers), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Director), Corey Mitchell (Technical Director), Jordan Alexander-Holt, Kyle Bradley (Stage Managers), Sean Myers (Assistant Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Sound Technician), Roz Slavik (Prop Master), Marshall Meadows (Photography), Jim Barber (Marketing), and Corey Mitchell, Julie Musser, Mark Musser, Michael Horn, Mike Groff, Amy Miller, Josh Williams, and Kyle Bradley (Set Construction). 

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Steel Magnolias opens August 29th and runs for six performances: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 7pm, and Saturday, Sunday at 2pm.

Advance tickets are recommended at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

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Auditions Announced For Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

  • dateAugust 13, 2019
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1532 Views

Auditions for the Branson Regional Arts Council‘s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will be held at the Historic Owen Theatre on Sunday, August 18 & Monday, August 19 (2019) from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Call backs will be held on Tuesday, August 20, from 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Performance dates are:

  • Friday, November 1, 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 2, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 3, 2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 8, 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 9, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 10, 2:00 p.m.

Rehearsals will be held at the Historic Owen Theatre from 6:00-10:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

[fac_icon icon=”arrow-right”] Seeking performers ages 16+

Please prepare a 1-2 minute vocal selection that showcases your strengths. All vocal selections must be from standard musical theatre repertoire. NO POP, ROCK, COUNTRY OR GOSPEL.
Please DO NOT perform any songs from the show.
Please bring sheet music, marked and cut, in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Participants may also use an accompaniment track. If using a track, please provide a digital device such as a phone or iPad. NO CD’s.

All participants will be required to attend the dance call. Please bring appropriate clothing that fits closely to the body to showcase your physique. NO BAGGY CLOTHES. Appropriate footwear is required. Ladies are required to wear high heel character shoes and men are required to wear closed toed shoes; jazz shoes preferred. NO SANDALS or BARE FEET ALLOWED.

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is directed and choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt, and musically directed by Lloyd Alexander-Holt.

CASTING:

Cast Size: Flexible Cast Size
Cast Type: Ensemble Cast
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown
Milly
A feisty, beautiful, frontier woman with a vibrant sense of humor. Strong-willed, smart, and unafraid to say how she feels. She falls in love with Adam.
Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Adam
The eldest of seven brothers. A tall and attractive hunk. Farmer and hunter. Vigorous, confident, charming. He falls in love with Milly.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: A5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Alice
Sweet but very naïve and not too bright. Ultra clean. Very excitable and a hopeless romantic. Falls in love with Gideon.
Gender: Female
Age: 16 to 19
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Gideon
The youngest brother. Shy, sensitive, and deeply honest to a fault. Still rough around the edges like his brothers. Eventually falls in love with Alice.
Gender: Male
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Dorcas
She is feisty sexpot. Works in her parents’ store and rebels against their overbearing nature. Pushes the dress code and acts as if she is not the virgin that she is. Falls in love with Benjamin.
Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Benjamin
The second eldest and second in command. A driven leader who is as quick to being hot tempered as he is to action. Falls in love with Dorcas.
Gender: Male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Ruth
A buttoned-down teacher. Very practical with a sensuality underneath. A problem solver. The mother of the group of girls. Falls in love with Caleb.
Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Caleb
A brother. Solid and smart, he a hunter who is unaccustomed to women. The most levelheaded of the brothers. Falls in love with Ruth.
Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Liza
A homebody attached at the hip to Martha. She is very superstitious. Eventually falls in love with Daniel.
Gender: Female
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Daniel
A brother. He is rough-and-tumble, unkempt, and talkative. Falls in love with Liza.
Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Martha
A bit of a goody two-shoes who does everything with Liza. She eventually falls in love with Ephraim.
Gender: Female
Age: 18 to 22
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Ephraim
A brother. Rough-and-tumble and unkempt. He is like a twin with Daniel, but less talkative. Falls in love with Martha.
Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Sarah
A gardener and “tom boy” raised in a family of boys. She has a fiery sense of exuberance to match her red hair. Falls in love with Frank.
Gender: Female
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Frank
A brother. He is a hot head who is always ready to erupt. Reluctant to do anything that might be classified as sissy. The most rugged and “uncivilized” of all the brothers. Falls in love with Sarah.
Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Mr. Hoallum
Owner of the general store. He is also the town mayor and Dorcas’ dad. Plays guitar and banjo, and is very protective of his daughter and girls in town.
Gender: Male
Age: 45 to 65
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Mrs. Hoallum
Mr. Hoallum’s wife and Dorcas’ mother. She is an accordionist. Snobby and uptight. Like her husband, she does not like Adam and his brothers.
Gender: Female
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Mr. Sander
Owner of the local restaurant and Ruth’s father. Gruff and grumpy. He is conservative and very protective of his daughter.
Gender: Male
Age: 45 to 65
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Mrs. Sander
Mr. Sander’s wife and Ruth’s mother. Plays jug, washboard bass, and the autoharp. Snobby and conservative.
Gender: Female
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Preacher
Alice’s father. A peaceful and deeply religious man who loves his daughter. Dislikes confrontation. He is a violinist.
Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Ensemble

Brothers; Lumbermen; Townsboys; Townsgirls; Suitors (Jeb, Joel, Nathan, Luke, Matt, Zeke)

 

ANY QUESTIONS? Please direct questions to Lloyd Alexander-Holt at lloyd@bransonarts.org.

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Arts Council Youth Show Choir Auditions Announced

  • dateAugust 9, 2019
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1184 Views

Auditions for the Branson Arts Council’s 2019-2020 Staccato Youth Show Choir will be held Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14. 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616.

For students ages 10-18. Tuition and schedule information will be provided at the audition.

Please have ready a 1 minute Broadway-style song (bring your own track). A monologue is optional.

 

Last season’s 2018-2019 Staccato group (from youngest to oldest) included; Hallie Groff (9), Jake Musser (13), Sydney Pride (13), Megan Rodgers (13), Jordan Kendrick (15), Noah Beyer (15), Moritz Mund (16), Jacob Deeter (16), Alex Knudsen (16), Carter Hendrickson (16), Dani Groff (18) and Brenna Kellem (18).

Please contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 with any questions.

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Shakespeare’s Hamlet Rocks Hollister Missouri

Shakespeare’s Hamlet Will Rock Hollister This Weekend

“To Be Or Not To Be” at Hollister’s Chad A Fuqua Park this weekend.  “That Is The Question!”

Forte Theatre Productions LLC, in cooperation with the Branson Regional Arts Council and the City of Hollister, present, Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

This unforgettable Shakespeare in the Park event tells the story of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, who finds out that is father was secretly murdered and plots to avenge his father’s death.  It is the most quoted piece of Shakespeare’s collection of plays and has impacted popular story lines such as The Lion King.

Under the direction of Justin Ables, Hamlet is set in the 1990s and uses an original rock underscore written by local musician, Chris Skillern.  Skillern also portrays King Claudius in Hamlet where he plays live rock guitar as his character.  Josh Boulden, who plays Hamlet, paints temporary murals in selected scenes to help progress the story line.  “Shakespearean grunge meets visual art destruction” says Skillern, “You have never seen Shakespeare rock like this.”

Along with original music and performance art, Hamlet incorporates dancing in this production. “The choreography is dark, mellow and edgy. Definitely in line with the twisted story,’ says choreographer, Cori Briggs, “I tried to play up the turmoil, anger and confusion in the movement.”

This is the 3rd annual Shakespeare in the Park at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park located in Hollister Missouri.  As a city park improvement, Hollister has newly installed lighting and audio system in the park’s performance pavilion. Hamlet will be the first to fully utilize the new equipment.

Additional production members include Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Ian Lahlum (Set Designer), Brian Huff (Fight Choreographer), and Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer) .

Photo: Matthew Noll Photography – Josh Boulden (Hamlet) and Charis Boulden (Ophelia)

Cast members include: Josh Boulden (Hamlet), Charis Boulden (Ophelia), Chris Skillern (Claudius), Jonna Volz (Gertrude), John Paul-Fox (Horatio), Ian Lahlum (Polonius), Conor Finnerty (Laertes),  Alex Shriver, Ashley Litke, Austin Delp, Brandon Farrar, Lindsey Lee, Lizzy Hinton, Michael Sager, and Bucky Buckner.

Tickets prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (under 18).

Advance tickets are highly recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255.

CLICK HERE FOR HAMLET TICKETS

Show times are 8pm on  Sunday July 28th and Monday July 29th, and Sunday August 4th and Monday August 5th.  The gate open at 7pm.

This is a “bring your own chair or blanket” event. Seating is not provided. Enjoy an original version of one of the world’s most popular plays, under the stars in beautiful Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park, 312 Esplanade Dr., Hollister Missouri.  In case of a rainout, the show will move to the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S Commercial St. in downtown Branson.
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Youth Summer Dance Fundamentals Classes

The Branson Regional Arts Council Youth Education Department is excited to offer a FOUR WEEK SUMMER DANCE FUNDAMENTALS CLASS for kids ages 8-18!

Join us every Friday from July 26th-August 16th for a fun filled, non-intimidating dance class. Through this four week course, Beginner-Intermediate Dancers will learn and explore the details to dance basics and the technique behind it all.

  • WHEN: Fridays, July 26th thru August 16th
  • TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm
  • WHERE: Historic Owen Theatre

Registration Fee includes all 4 weekly sessions:

1.5 HOUR CLASSES – $55 (non member), $50 (BRAC Family Members)

DANCE CLASS REGISTRATION

PLEASE REGISTER EACH CHILD INDIVIDUALLY, REFRESHING THIS FORM EACH TIME

For any questions, or to register by cash or check, please call BRAC at 417-336-4255.

Meet the Instructor: Kristen Dasto
A six year Rockette Summer Intensive alumni, originally from Southaven, Mississippi, Kristen began dancing at the young age of two years old and hasn’t stopped! She moved to New York in October of 2015 to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) where she trained with industry professionals in dance, voice, and acting. After her first year, Kristen transferred to begin her training at Broadway Dance Center (BDC) in their Training Program where she graduated with a Certificate of Completion in April, 2017. Shortly after graduating from BDC, Kristen received her a certification in Classical Pilates through PowerPilates. When she is not performing, she continues her own training in dance, voice, and acting as she knows always more to learn and room to grow in the arts industry. Kristen loves helping others learn the essentials that she has learned and watching them grow to become the best they can possibly be.

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Arts Council Welcomes New Vocal Instructors

BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber (center), welcomes Roger and Karen Bergford to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is proud to announce that Roger and Karen Bergford have begun accepting new vocal students as part of BRAC’s Conservatory of the Arts program at the Historic Owen Theatre. Offering both private and group vocal lessons, the Bergfords provide an impressive history of professional training and performance experience to new and advanced vocal students in the Branson area.

BRAC Vocal Instructors Roger & Karen Bergford

The Bergfords are now scheduling voice lessons for students of all ages in various styles from classical to musical theater, pop, jazz, gospel, and country. Classes are available in 30 or 60 minutes sessions, and are typically private, or as a group of 3 students together. Interested parents or students should contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org for more information of class scheduling and tuition rates.

Roger and Karen have over 30 years experience teaching both private and group vocal lessons. Roger earned his Bachelor of Music Education – Vocal Specialist from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, as well as graduate work in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado – Boulder.  Karen graduated with high honors from the University of Colorado – Boulder to earn her Bachelor of Music Education. Together they co-authored an industry book titled, “Sound & Language, the Defining Elements of the Complete Singer” in 2007.

After retiring as public school music educators in Colorado, the Bergfords moved to Branson in 2008 and began teaching 26 frontline singers in the Hughes Brothers “it” show, which won the Branson Show Award for “Best Show of the Year” (2009-2012).  In addition to working with the Hughes family, the Bergfords have also taught singers from The Haygoods and Jim Stafford Show casts, a backup singer with Andy Williams, and Voices of Glory, the top 5 finalists of America’s Got Talent (2009) who worked with the Michael Jackson/Boyz II Men manager, Qadree El-Amin. In 2017, the Voices of Glory were named “Vocal Group of the Year,” receiving both the prestigious Terry Award and the Branson Show Award.  Eighteen-year-old Nadia was  named “Female Vocalist of the Year.” The Bergfords were even invited to host a master class on a Bahamas cruise alongside Michael Jackson’s voice teacher in 2012.

The Arts Council is excited to have the Bergfords join the BRAC Education faculty, and they are now accepting private vocal students from the Branson Tri-Lakes area who wish to train under their professional direction.

Faculty members of the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts include:

  • Lloyd Alexander Holt – Director of Vocal Studies
  • Kristen Dasto – Director of Dance Education
  • Jacob Estes – Director of Theatre Education
  • Roger & Karen Bergford – Vocal Instructors

All private and group classes are pre-scheduled and held at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Students of any age who are interested in information regarding lessons in voice, dance or acting, are asked to contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org.

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

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee At Historic Owen Theatre

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Historic Owen Theatre

How do you spell HILARIOUS? Branson area audiences will soon find out as the Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee hits the stage of the Historic Owen Theatre July 18-21.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

This version of the original Broadway musical introduces an eclectic group of six awkward spelling champions who learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything. The students vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime, while candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. The tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

The production is under the direction of Jacob Estes. Additional Production members include Caitlyn Secrest (Vocal Director), Kristen Dasto (Choreographer), Jacob Deck (Assistant Director), Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman (Producers).

Cast members include: Josh Powell (William Barfee), Aryn Bohannon (Marcy Park), Brenna Kellem (Olive Ostrovsky), Janie Johnson (Rona Lisa Peretti/Olive’s Mom), Ellie Maji (Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre “Schwarzy”), Patrick Mulheron (Mitch Mahoney/Dan Dad/Olive’s Dad), Sean Myers (Douglas Panch), Conner Paulson (Leaf Coneybear/Carl Dad) and Declan Rhodes (Chip Tolentino/Jesus).

This production is rated PG-13. Ticket prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (under 18).

Shows are at 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday with 2pm Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Advance reserve seat tickets are recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre at 417-336-4255.

Download High Resolution 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Cast Photo – Sitting Version

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Fall 2019 Replacement Musicals Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces a production schedule change for the 2019 Season of musicals and plays at the Historic Owen Theatre.

“Due to reasons beyond our control, we will not be presenting SOUTH PACIFIC (November) or WHITE CHRISTMAS (November) this season. The good news, however, is that we will present TWO AMAZING PRODUCTIONS that we think our audiences will love just as much (if not more!)
– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS will be presented on the following dates:
Nov 1- 7pm, Nov 2- 2pm & 7pm, Nov 3- 2pm, Nov 8- 7pm, Nov 9- 2pm & 7pm, Nov 10- 2pm
Based on the classic film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is an authentic piece of Americana, a time-tested romantic comedy with a special, contemporary relevance. Bringing the raucous Oregon frontier from the screen to the stage, it is a crowd-pleasing hit that has audiences cheering from the opening scene to the curtain call. Saddle up for a joyride in this tale of stubborn men and cunning women. The men in question are Adam and his six unruly brothers, who think they know what a woman’s place is and how to keep her there. It takes Milly, Adam’s spirited new wife, and six other savvy women to show them who’s the boss.

Reserved seat tickets for Seven Brides For Seven Brothers may be purchased online now!
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL – THE MUSICAL will be presented on the following dates:
Dec 5- 7pm, Dec 6- 7pm, Dec 7- 2pm & 7pm, Dec 12- 7pm, Dec 13- 7pm, Dec 14- 7pm, Dec 15- 2pm
This is the full Broadway musical version as seen at Madison Square Garden! Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

Reserved seat tickets for A Christmas Carol – The Musical may be purchased online now!
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For any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Historic Owen Theatre at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org.

 

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