January 29, 2019

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces the establishment of the Gary Wackerly Branson Show Awards Scholarship Fund which will soon benefit young students from the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

Gary Wackerly & BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber

As an associate member of the League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (Branson Show League), the Arts Council has agreed to administrate the scholarship fund in memory of Mr. Wackerly who lived in Branson for 16 years, and passed away on January 5, 2019 at the age of 72. A long time supporter of the Arts, his love of Branson Shows, Theatres, and Music, has been greatly appreciated by our area entertainers and community members.

Through this scholarship, Mr. Wackerly’s enthusiasm for the entertainment industry will be communicated to future professionals in the Performing Arts world.

The Wackerly family, along with the Arts Council and the Show League, have designated that the scholarship be awarded to a Theatre, Music, and/or a Math Student from a High School in the Branson Tri-Lakes Area.

When application information and funds are ready for distribution, the Branson Regional Arts Council and Michael Wackerly (son of Gary Wackerly) will then select winners and present recipients their scholarship on the popular radio and television show “Branson Country USA”.

PLEASE DONATE TO THE FUND:

Donations should be made out to the Branson Regional Arts Council (or BRAC) and designate proceeds to go to the Gary Wackerly Branson Show Awards Scholarship Fund. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Checks may be mailed to: Branson Regional Arts Council, PO Box 2004 Branson MO 65615.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is looking for a few angels who would be interested in furthering the goals of our Youth Education Program of developing artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities for children in our community.

These experiences allow students to gain the confidence and skills necessary to become successful in the field of musical theatre, as well as providing community leadership opportunities. These lifelong tools for success help them become innovative thinkers throughout their educational years, and their leadership experience will assist them in pursuing the career path of their choice.

BRAC recently launched a new musical theatre program for children in our community called “STACCATO”. Staccato is an advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. This show choir provides a unique, one of a kind, arts education experience for young students in the Branson area.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!! The kids in STACCATO have an amazing opportunity to perform at a variety of locations in the Orlando, Florida area including FESTIVAL DISNEY with other Show Choirs from across the country.

We have been working for months to raise the funds necessary to make this awesome opportunity a reality, and we’ve also reduced our travel expenses so that our goal is more achievable. Each student must now raise $700 to participate in this “once in a lifetime” educational opportunity. The money raised will go towards providing transportation, food, airfare, fees and travel expenses for this weeklong trip and competition. We must reach our fundraising goal by February 15th.

Can you help make this dream a reality for our students?

HOW TO SEND YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT

Donate Online via Credit or Debit Card at: BransonArts.org/educationfund

0r Mail a Personal or Business Check to:

Branson Regional Arts Council
Youth Educational Fund
PO Box 2004
Branson, Mo. 65615
If you are sponsoring a specific student, please notate their name on your check.

We appreciate your generosity, and THANK YOU for your support of STACCATO!

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce return of a new painting event called “Art Class by the Glass,” to be held at Vino Cellars at the Lake, 15038 Business Hwy 13
, Branson West, MO 65737This “Cork & Canvas” type event is scheduled for Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 5pm – 7pm.

The $25 registration fee (per person) includes all painting supplies, and instruction. Wine is available separately by the glass or bottle.

The class size is limited to between 10 and 20 participants, so early registration is recommended. Click here to register.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR ART CLASS BY THE GLASS

The painting class will be led by professional artist and teacher, Kelly Wren.

“I have enjoyed several careers before retiring to Branson last year. My Clothing and Design degree from the University of Missouri led to an exciting career in the fashion industry throughout the country. When family brought me back to my roots in Missouri, I went back to school for my Masters in Education. I then taught high school art and adult classes in my hometown of Nevada, Missouri. As a member of the art communities of both Nevada and later Stockton, I developed art shows, classes, city murals, and workshops. My love of art and community always find a home wherever I live.” – Kelly Wrenn (Art Instructor)

Merry Christmas Appreciation From The Branson Regional Arts Council

2018 has been an exciting year for the Branson Regional Arts Council. After moving into our new home venue of the Historic Owen Theatre, we produced workshops, educational events, film presentations, and 9 major theatrical productions with over 8,500 patrons attending throughout the year.

An estimated 100,000 patrons passed through the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery, and we were honored to be the recipients of the 2018 Charity of the Year award from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

We thank our hundreds of volunteers who helped in so many ways. Our volunteers include visual artists, actors, set builders, ushers, concessions, box office staff, cleaning crew, and more.

In 2018 BRAC received financial Assistance from several sponsors including the Missouri Arts Council and from major donors such as Mrs. Jean Cantwell, Herschend Family Foundation, and Mrs. Barbara Cohn. Our Benefactors included Anne & Mac McGregor, Dr. Arthur & Kim Hale, Marty Schmitt’s Art That Rocks For U, Titanic Museum Attraction, Branson Dental Center, and a new benefactor The Tracks Family Fun Parks. Our Business Patron was Martin Dingman, and our Business Sponsors included Greg & Roz Slavik, Silver Dollar City, Peter Engler Designs, Jim & Jennifer Justus, Doug & Nileen Little, Nathan & Darla Howe, and Michael Horn Attorney at Law.

We also thank our many Buy-A-Seat Donors, Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors, and the hundreds of Branson Regional Arts Council members.

Our new BRAC Conservatory of the Arts Education Team includes:

  • Kim Hale – Educational Advisory Chair/BRAC Vice President
  • Lloyd Alexander-Holt – Director of Vocal Studies
  • Kristen Dasto – Director of Dance Studies
  • Jacob Estes – Director of Musical Theatre
  • Perry Harper – New Vocal Instructor
  • Karie Dykeman – Educational Department Administrative Assistant

We must include a special thank you to our 2018-2019 Board of Directors: Lisa Murphy (President), Kim Hale (Vice Pres), Heather Douglas (CFO), Darlene Graham (Secretary), Clint Cross, Hayden Head, Marty Schmitt, Bonnie Herrmann, Dr. Art Hale, Tina Cool-Anderson, Barbara Walker, Lea Trimble, Rick Uebel, Roz Slavik, and Darla Howe. Also two members who went off the board this year, Patty Slicer and Patti Sanders.

Special thanks to: our attorney Harry Styron, Ron and Diane Mathes with the Historic Owen Theatre, and Marc Mulherin and the staff of the Branson Convention Center who assist with Art Gallery that we promote on behalf of the City, and finally the City of Hollister for all their support with our Shakespeare In The Park productions.

“There are so many hard working folks who I didn’t mention in this video, but they certainly deserve special credit for always going above and beyond for BRAC. Karie Dykeman, Jack Vandewark, Pamela Meadows, Marshall Meadows, Jordan Alexander-Holt, Larry Waggoner, Rich Spoley, Melissa Rivera, Mike Groff, Nick Batey, Michelle Rogers, Stephanie Groff, Kyle & Kellsey Bradley, Nicole Dasto, Lori & Lorie Best, Haley Bertrand, Delyla & Rick Uebel, Jonathan Crum, Dave Yeager, Brian Dasto, Alex Harris, Jessica Luthardt, Dylan Pratt, Todd Aeschliman, Melonie Brown, Josh Silvy, Doug & Nileen Little, Greg & Roz Slavik, Marty Schmitt, Lisa Murphy, Kim & Art Hale… the list goes on and on… WOW! This doesn’t even begin to thank the many terrific actors, parent volunteers, student volunteers. I don’t want to miss anyone, so I’ll just say, if you participated in any way this past year… THANK YOU!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!”

– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Local area media has been terrific in regards to helping us spread the word to our community.  They include the Branson Tri-Lakes News, Branson Independent, Springfield News Leader, Springfield Business JournalTaney County Times, Stone County Gazette, area radio stations including KRZK, KHOZ, KLFC, KSMU, and local television stations KY3, KOLR-10, and The Vacation Channel. We are also proud members of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Hollister Chamber of Commerce.

Visit our website BransonArts.org for info on Memberships, Season Passes, or how to “buy a seat” at the Historic Owen Theatre.

Thank you for a tremendous first season at the Historic Owen Theatre! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber will be presenting a concert of comedy and music on Saturday, January 12th at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. The event is a benefit show with 100% of the proceeds going to the Branson Regional Arts Council. Advanced reserve tickets are $14.95 (Adults 18+), and $9.95 (4-17) and can be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix. A small service charge applies to all ticket sales.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Sharing the stage with Jim will be his friends Melonie Brown, Babette Fogle and Aloha Post who perform together as Harmony Trio, as well as the multi-talented arial violinist Janice Martin from A Janice Martin Cirque Show appearing at the Americana Theatre in 2019. Jim’s 17 year-old daughter Jessica Barber will also be singing in the evening show only, as well as a special appearance by internationally acclaimed juggler Michael Chirrick.

Jim’s unique approach to the art of ventriloquism and his unusual vocal skills have earned him the reputation as one of the most original ventriloquist acts in the world.  He has been featured on many national television shows, most notably, the Late Show with David Letterman.

Jim’s career started in Minneapolis, MN where he co-hosted a local children’s television show (Breakfast with Casey Jones) while attending college at the University of Minnesota. During that time, he also entertained for military troops as host of a USO variety show all across the United States and several Mediterranean countries. Jim then moved to Nashville, TN as a featured performer aboard Opryland USA’s General Jackson Showboat, for two seasons, before setting out on a ten-year tour of comedy clubs and colleges across the country. This led to an invitation to come to Branson as the featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show in the mid-90’s.  Jim went on to perform at the Kirby VanBurch Theatre, Osmond Family Theater, Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Theatre, and eventually a 10-year run at the Hamner Barber Theatre. In 2017 Jim accepted the role of Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council and has since devoted his time and energy to working with a large group of talented volunteers who, together, are developing new and exciting community arts programming for all residents in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

Celebrate New Years Eve At The Historic Owen Theatre

Ring in the New Year with an incredible show, fantastic food, delicious beverages (including wine and champagne), amazing prizes and auction items, party favors, masquerade masks (for early ticket purchasers) and lots of surprises.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is winding up our FIRST YEAR at the Historic Owen Theatre with an unbelievable event you won’t want to miss!

This is a perfect event for singles, couples, or groups who want to celebrate in one of Branson’s most historic venues, the Owen Theatre.

We are producing theatrical performances that will feature highlights of this year’s productions as well as next year’s shows. Our BRAC Show Choir STACCATO will perform, as well as stars from our 2018 season of musical theatre shows, plus a special performance from the professional acting troupe Forte’, with another of their spectacular cabaret shows with a Masquerade theme! Lots of fun and surprises!

GET NYE TICKETS

The entire event is $19.95 (plus service fee) per person, and proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Seating is limited, so please get your tickets soon!

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to welcome Perry Davis Harper as our newest vocal instructor to offer private vocal training through the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts program.

Perry Davis Harper is a Paragould, AR, native who is currently performing in his fourth season at Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson. Before coming to Sight and Sound, Mr. Harper traveled the United States singing both Operatic and Musical Theatre repertoire. Some of his favorite roles include Don José from Carmen, Eisenstein from Die Fledermaus and Jean Valjean from Les Misérables.

Perry received his Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Alabama and received his BA in Music with a Minor in Psychology from Arkansas State University.

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

Faculty members of the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts include:

  • Lloyd Alexander Holt – Education Director & Vocal Studies
  • Kristen Dasto – Director of Dance Education
  • Jacob Estes – Director of Theatre Education
  • Perry Davis Harper – Vocal Instructor

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 Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org.

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents, Miracle on 34th Street, a beloved Christmas play for the entire family!

Performances are December 14-16 at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Tickets may be purchased at the door, however, as seating is limited, advance reserved tickets are recommended and available at BransonArts.org/tix. Adult (18+) tickets are $14.95 and Youth (4-17) are $9.95.  A small ticketing service fee applies to each order. 

GET TICKETS

Miracle on 34th Street, the play, is based on the perennial Christmas classic film by the same name. The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the impact of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa.

L-R: Josh Silvy (Fred Gayley), Laurie Payne (Susan Walker), Kemp Horn (Theatre Lobby Santa), Brenna Bergeron (Doris Walker)

When Kris Kringle, a nice, old man from a retirement home gets a job working as a Christmas Santa at Macy’s, his honest and generous spirit unleashes waves of good will throughout New York City and a hint of magic in the heart of a very practical little girl. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing where his freedom and the joys of childhood fantasy are threatened. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa.

The BRAC Community Theatre stage production stars Laurie Payne and Payton Youngblood, alternating in the role of young Susan Walker, with Lloyd Alexander-Holt portraying the role of Kris Kringle.

Other featured cast members include: Kemp Horn (Lobby Santa/Drunken Santa), Brenna Bergeron (Doris Walker), Josh Silvy (Fred Gayley), Sean Neil Myers (Judge Harper), Kay Marchand (Dr. Pierce), Mindy Law (Shelly Shellhammer), Jeremy James (Albert Sawyer), Dylan Pratt (Finley), Ryann Burton (Ms. Mara), Josslynn Silvy (Janet Mara), Jim Barber (Mr. Macy), Greg Slavik (Mr. Bloomingdale), Carter Hendrickson (Al), Cameron Morrison (Lou), Dakota Cooner (Mr. Duncan), Alex Harris (Halloran), Jeanie Hall (Bag Lady), Cassandra Greenemeyer (Sharon), Audrey Echols (Sharon’s Parent / Pedestrian / Others), Xander Greenemeyer (Johnny), Kylee Moody (Johnny’s Parent / Pedestrian / Others), Sylvie Barbour (Dutch Girl), Rebecca White (Rich Lady / Foster Mother / Others), Ben Stevens (Reporter / Mail Room), Sophie Douglas (Head Elf), Cassandra Carter (Teenager / Elf), Clara Dean (Elf), and Moritz Mund (Reporter / Bud / Pedestrian / Other).

The production team includes: Kimberly Hale & Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Director / Audio Technician), Karie Kykeman (Assistant Producer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design Technician), Jack Vandewark (Stage Manager), Jacob Deeter (Spotlight), Melissa Rivera (Casting Coordinator), Jordan Alexander-Holt (Costumes & Wardrobe), Jacob Estes (Scenic Design), Larry Waggoner (Muralist), Michael Groff & Arthur Hale (Set Construction),  Jim Barber (Marketing Director), Noah Beyer (Videographer), and Marshall Meadows (Photographer).

All ticket proceeds from this production benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

3 Unique Christmas Gifts That Support The Arts

Looking for something totally unique and different to give for Christmas this year? Give the Gift of the Arts!

The Branson Regional Arts Council has three fun suggestions for you to consider…

Christmas Gift Idea #1 – $139.50 per person

GET SEASON PASS THEATRE TICKETS

Season Pass for 2019 Theatre Shows
10 Amazing Musicals and Plays will be presented during our 2019 Season. Save time and money by making a one-time seat selection. Your ticket may be used by you or anyone you wish to occupy your seat. 
Best seats will go first, so order your season passes soon! A season pass to the Historic Owen Theatre is a unique gift item for a friend or loved one that will be enjoyed all year long!

Christmas Gift Idea #2 – $50.00

BRAC MEMBERSHIP

1 Year Family Arts Council Membership – Benefits include:
• Special Member Perks such as Free Popcorn or Sodas during the 2019 Theatre Season.
• Monthly Arts Newsletter- keeping you “in the know” about upcoming events and programs.
• Involvement in shaping the future of the arts in our community and surrounding area.
• Participation in an active and growing Arts Group.
• Satisfaction in knowing YOU are helping improve the quality of life in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area by providing quality arts programming for EVERYONE!

Christmas Gift Idea #3 – $500 (tax deductible)

BUY-A-SEAT NOW

Buy-A-Seat at the Historic Owen Theatre
Give a lasting gift in the name of a loved one (or yourself) to showing support of the arts in our community by sponsoring a Historic Owen Theatre seat! Your custom engraved plate will be secured to the back of your seat and will permanently remain in place. This tax deductible donation benefits the Branson Regional Arts Council efforts to preserve and maintain the Historic Owen Theatre. Select any available seat now, and your memorial plate will be engraved and installed for all to see. 

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council Celebrates #GivingTuesday and pledges to the BRAC Youth Education Fund.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday takes place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has established it’s BRAC Youth Education Fund to provide financial support to our theatre and music conservatory students between the ages of 8 and 18. Our goal is to make it possible for any student, regardless of their personal financial means, to have an opportunity to participate in at least one of our youth arts performance troupes.  Our Showstoppers Youth Theatre Troupe and our Staccato Show Choir are the first of these performance groups.  They have been performing locally for a variety of community events, such as the Grand Opening of the new Mercy Clinic on Hwy 248, the lighting of the Branson Mayor’s Christmas Tree, the 11th Annual Downtown Piccadilly Gala, as well as their own Holiday Showcase Concert coming up on December 1st at the Historic Owen Theatre (click here for more information).

“It feels so good to see our young performers excel and improve through the programming developed by the Branson Regional Arts Council. Our Youth Education fund has been established with an initial goal of sending our STACCATO Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World in March. Major credit goes to the amazing leadership and training they receive from our Vocal Education Director Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Dance Director Kristen Dasto, and Theatre Director Jacob Estes. Can you help support this effort in some small or significant way?” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

HOW TO DONATE TO #GivingTuesday

YOUTH EDUCATION FUND DONATION

Donations specifically towards the BRAC Youth Education Fund may be made via the Facebook Fundraiser Link Button above, or by mailing a personal donation check payable to BRAC (notate Youth Education Fund in the memo) to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students meet at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. “We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”

Branson area residents are invited to enjoy a special, one-of-a-kind Holiday Showcase Christmas Concert featuring the young talented members of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Showstoppers Youth Performance Troupe as well as the Staccato Show Choir.

There will be two performances on Saturday, December 1st at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. All seats are $10 and proceeds benefit the BRAC Youth Education Fund, which provides performing opportunities for area youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

GET TICKETS

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students meet at the Historic Owen Theatre and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

General seating, no reservations required. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at BransonArts.org/showcase, or at the door.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and provides a wide variety of artistic events and theatrical programs for all residents in the Ozarks. Financial support for many of these programs is provided by the Missouri Arts Council and through the generous contributions of private donors and Arts Council members.

The Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns To Historic Owen Theatre Thanksgiving Weekend

Bill, Dan, Joe and Gail Lennon

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon will be reuniting for two special shows this weekend, Saturday November 24th at 8pm, and Sunday November 25th at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. The shows will feature the All-Star Lennon Brothers Band.

BUY TICKETS

The group first came to Branson in 1994 as the morning show at The Welk Resort. At the end of the year, they were voted Best Breakfast Show and Gail was named Best Female Vocalist at the Branson Entertainment Awards.
Through the years, the show garnered many accolades…
CHICAGO TRIBUNE – “The Best Show in Branson!”
TULSA WORLD – “…subversively hip!”
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH – “…one of Branson’s most respected shows.”
And entertainers agreed…
ANDY WILLIAMS – “…the best four-part vocals I’ve heard in years! Nobody sings like this anymore…”
PETE FOUNTAIN – Jazz Legend – “They’re the best. The show was over way too soon!”
SUNNY SPENCER – The Sons of the Pioneers – “…my favorite singing group in the whole world!”
Part of the talented Lennon Family that includes The Lennon Sisters, the brothers… Dan, Bill, and Joe, and Bill’s wife Gail… are excited to be taking the stage again. They’ve gathered some of Branson’s finest musicians, led by Michael Cathcart on the keyboard.
Advance tickets are recommended at BransonArts.org/lennon or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre (417) 336-4255.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon