Forte Theatre Productions and the Branson Regional Arts Council present Villains: A Halloween Cabaret. A fun, live musical stage experience for the entire family at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

Monday, October 8th at 7:30 pm – Historic Owen Theatre

Come in costume for the “Dress like your Favorite Villain” contest. The lucky winner will get tickets to the Branson Ferris Wheel and The Track. Awesome prizes for awesome costumes! Dress to intimidate, or just make someone laugh!

The New York Cabaret style show will be filled with huge talent and fantastic performances! Hosted by “The Sanderson Sisters” (from the movie Hocus Pocus), you will see amazing songs from your favorite movies and musicals such as Sweeney Todd, Hamilton, Little Mermaid, Jekyll and Hyde, Wicked, and the upcoming BRAC production of Little Shop of Horrors, to name a few!

Adult(18+) tickets are $10 and Youth (4-17) are $5, plus small service fee. Skip the line and get your tickets at BransonArts.org/tix and just walk in with your printed receipt or mobile device!

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend the premiere showing of a new digital film entitled, “Pratt The Movie.”

This free community event is on Saturday, October 6th at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St. in downtown Branson.

The movie was written, produced and directed by an exceptionally talented young man, Dylan Pratt, a twenty-two year old resident of Branson.  Dylan is a frequent Arts Council volunteer and has performed in several BRAC musicals and events at the Historic Owen Theatre.  In the movie, he documents his journey from being diagnosed, at the age of two, with both Tourette’s Syndrome and high functioning Autism, to his recent desires to fulfill his dream of becoming a full-time actor.

Dylan didn’t realize he had a disability until the age of 15, when he was put in psychiatric care for the many struggles and difficulties he was having throughout his life. After receiving treatment for his condition, and through the support of a Christian school and group home, he was able to turn around his problems and is now well on his way to making his dreams come true.

Dylan wants to share his true, life story with anyone who would be interested in attending, and he will be on hand to personally welcome the audience and answer questions.

As this is a free event, no tickets are necessary to attend. Audience members are encouraged at arrive approximately 1:30pm for the 2:00pm showtime.  The movie is approximately 80 minutes in length, and features not only Dylan Pratt, but also Branson area entertainers Carrie Orlando, Dennis Pratt, Bobby Allynn, Jim Barber and Terry Wayne Sanders.

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council inducted several new Directors to serve at least a two-year term at the Annual Member Meeting on Sunday, September 20th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson.

The event began with BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber welcoming the large group of active members and guests that were in attendance.  BRAC President Lisa Murphy called the meeting to order and presided over the items on the agenda. All eligible voting members cast their votes on two items, first being an amendment to the official by-laws that would allow the current number of board members to increase from seven to the maximum of fifteen. This was unanimously passed by all voting members, as was the second item, to accept the new slate of incoming Board Members as well as renewing members.

The new Directors elected to serve at least one two-year term are (in alphabetical order): Tina Cool-Anderson, Heather Douglas, Darla Howe, Roz Slavik, Lea Trimble, Rick Uebel and Barbara Walker.

Renewing Directors who’s terms were expiring this year are (in alphabetical order): Clint Cross, Kim Hale (BRAC Vice President), Hayden Head and Lisa Murphy (BRAC President).

Other Directors currently serving on the BRAC Board include: Darlene Graham, Art Hale M.D., Bonnie Herrmann and Marty Schmitt.

We asked our members to approve the amendment to increase the number of directors allowed to serve at one time to fifteen, simply because the Arts Council is growing so fast, we need more active members on our board who can participate in all the incredible activities that are now in development. – Lisa Murphy, BRAC President

Following the election, members were informed of all upcoming events for the remainder of 2018 as well as most major events scheduled for 2019. They were also invited to sign up for any volunteer interests they may have by visiting BransonArts.org/volunteer.

As a special treat to close out the member meeting, several young performers took to the stage to entertain the appreciative audience. Alexis Fischer represented the “Showstoppers” Youth Theatre Troupe with a beautiful vocal performance of “A Million Dreams” dressed in a fantastic themed costume. The next performer, Dylan Pratt, presented a fun and entertaining performance of “What A Wonderful World” in the vocal style of Louis Armstrong.  Dylan not only volunteers in a variety of ways at nearly every theatre production, but has also been a cast member in some recent BRAC productions.  Finally, Director Jordan Alexander-Holt and cast members of BRAC’s upcoming “Little Shop of Horrors” presented a preview of the incredible vocals and memorable music that will be featured during the live stage production opening October 25th. Tickets for Little Shop are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

Lunch & Laugh with the Comedy of Jim Barber and benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council too!

The Jim Barber comedy lunch show is playing through October 27th at the indoor Pavillion Theatre at the famous Shepherd of the Hills Attraction in Branson, Missouri.

Your meal includes: Garden Salad with fresh made Ranch Dressing, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Herbed Green Beans, Rolls, Texas Fudge Cake, and a drink.

LUNCH & SHOW TICKETS (Begins at 11:15 am – Tuesday thru Saturday)

  • $37.22 Adults (17+) – tax included
  • $24.37 Youth (4-16) – tax included

[fac_icon icon=”heart”]  A PORTION OF ALL TICKETS PURCHASED HERE WILL BENEFIT THE BRANSON REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL.

GET JIM BARBER SHOW TICKETS

Enjoy a delicious lunch and be entertained by the creative comedy of internationally renowned ventriloquist Jim Barber and his wacky cast of characters!

Jim Barber is not only the Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, but has been featured on many national television shows including the Late Show with David Letterman. He’s hosted USO shows around the world entertaining our Troops, and was voted the Campus Comedy Entertainer of the Year, having performed at over 2,000 colleges and universities across the United States. As a Branson headliner, he has shared the stage with many notables such as Glen Campbell, Eddie Rabbitt, The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, and many more!

Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience a fun show and delicious meal, and help raise funds for the Branson Regional Arts Council at the same time!

Let’s Jam – The Music of the Hills

A Free Community Event at the Historic Owen Theatre

Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 7pm – Concessions will be available

This fun and informative concert traces the 350 year odyssey of Ozark fiddle music from Scotland (1650) to the fiddle jams of today at McClurg, Taney County, Missouri. Learn about the heritage of Ozark Fiddle Music.

Come and enjoy this historical presentation on the rich and varied nature of this music that is still prevalent in the Ozarks today.

Presented by the Possum Holler Fiddlers and sponsored by Ozark Mountain Music with additional support from the Missouri Arts Council and parents and friends of Ozark Mountain Music.

This program is supported by the Missouri Humanities Council, and hosted by the Branson Regional Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.

This is a free community concert, though donations to benefit both the Possum Holler Fiddlers and the Branson Regional Arts Council would be appreciated.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the 2019 Season of Theatrical Musicals and Plays.

NOTE: Show schedule or titles subject to change.

Advance Reserved 2019 Season Ticketing Options will be announced soon. Individual Tickets for all shows may also be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

 

 

Disney’s Beauty & The Beast – Feb 21-24, 2019 & Mar 1-3, 2019 (9 shows)

“A Tale As Old As Time!” The Academy Award-winning film comes to life at the Historic Owen Theatre in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale. This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.


Into The Woods – April 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 2019 (6 shows)

BRAC and Forte Theatrical Productions present a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.


Chicago the Musical – May 2-5, 2019 (5 shows)

Chicago is an American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in Jazz Age Chicago, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she reported on. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the “celebrity criminal”.


Shrek Jr. – June 6-9, 2019 (5 shows)

BRAC’s Youth Troupe Institute presents Shrek Jr. Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.


25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – July 18-21, 2019 (5 shows)

Rated PG-13 | 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. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents 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.


Hamlet – Shakespeare In The Park – July 28-29 & Aug 4-5, 2019 (4 shows)

Shakespeare In The Park! Forte Theatrical Productions presents Hamlet. Set in Denmark, the play dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, by the ghost of Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet. Claudius had murdered his own brother and seized the throne, also marrying his deceased brother’s widow. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play, and is considered among the most powerful and influential works of world literature. It was probably one of Shakespeare’s most popular works during his lifetime.


Steel Magnolias – Aug 29-31 & Sept 1, 2019 (6 shows)

PG-13 | Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is 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 of this fine production.


Of Mice and Men – Sept 19, 22, 23, 2019 (5 shows)

Forte Theatrical Productions presents, Of Mice and Men, a highly celebrated play adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel of the same name. George, an affable migrant farm worker, and Lennie, a towering simple-minded pleasantly humble young man, are the subjects. They are bound by George’s devotion and Lennie’s “pathetic helplessness”. George’s guardianship keeps Lennie out of trouble, but we soon see this is a slippery slope. Lennie’s displays of love result in several deaths ranging from mice and puppies to a beautiful woman. Eventually, in the face of a lynch mob, George kills Lennie to put him out of his misery.


South Pacific – Oct 31 & Nov 1-3, 7-10 (8 shows)

A Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, set in an island paradise during World War II. The plot centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart.


White Christmas – Dec 5-8, 12-15, 2019 (8 shows)

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas.


BRAC New Year’s Eve Gala – Dec 31, 2019 (1 Event)

NOTE: Show schedule or titles subject to change.

 

A Tara-ific Event Is Blowing Into Branson!

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Film and Art Fundraising Event.

“We are so excited to present this award winning film that received 8 Academy Awards in 1939, including Best Picture as well as an Oscar for Vivian Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett.”
– Adele Groote, Taneyhills Community Library Liaison

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, the American classic film, Gone With The Wind, returns to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, 78 years after it was first released in 1940. Written by Margaret Mitchell, this famous film stars Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh and is one of the most recognized films of all time.

“The Branson Regional Arts Council has been seeking a means to collaborate more often with our community library, and this opportunity has worked out beautifully. The Historic Owen Theatre opened in 1936 and uniquely brings a sense of nostalgia to the film. We want to thank Marc Mulherin, Clint Cross, and the entire team at the Branson Convention Center for their enthusiasm and contribution in making this after-movie artist reception possible.”
– Jim Barber – Executive Director of BRAC

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

A Tara-themed gala at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will immediately follow the movie. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and visual art exhibition with an opportunity to meet the amazing local area artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

“This event came about through The Great American Read project with PBS. The library is a co-sponsor of this 7-part television series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, and told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels. The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books. Our local PBS station is very excited that the library and the Branson Regional Arts Council is hosting this Gala to celebrate Margaret Mitchell’s iconic Pulitzer prize novel through the showing of the epic film.”
– Marcia Schemper-Carlock – Taneyhills Community Library Director

The event kicks off with the showing of Gone With The Wind at 1:00 pm, followed by the Tara-ific Gala Reception at 5:45 pm. Cost to attend is $29.95 per person which includes a reserved theatre seat to the film, and the Gala Art Reception, just one block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible as this event is a fundraiser for both organizations.

With only 200 seats available, advance reserved tickets are recommended by visiting BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to have been selected to perform at the 21st Annual Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield, MO!

BRAC Cast members will present a delicious assortment of tasty tunes from our upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors” on the Show Wagon Stage on Sunday, September 16th beginning at 3:15pm. The public performance of the full musical runs from October 25 – November 4th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. Advance reserved tickets available at BransonArts.org/tix. The show is directed by Jordan Alexander-Holt and has a PG-13 Rating.

The 21st annual Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street will be held on September 15 and 16, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. This two-day fall festival will feature regional artists and crafters, three performance stages, fall-themed activities for kids, and, of course, delicious apple cider!

Artists and crafters from across the region exhibit at Cider Days, selling a variety of handmade products including jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, furniture and much more.

Admission is $4 per person; children 10 and under are free.

Come experience the first days of fall among the historic Victorian homes on picturesque, tree-lined Historic Walnut Street! Cider Days is presented by CoxHealth, managed by the Downtown Springfield Association and hosted by Historic Walnut Street Association. For more information on Cider Days, visit itsalldowntown.com.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the final cast selections for our ALL-NEW Youth Performance Troupe, and Show Choir. The following individuals will be contacted and are invited to register and participate for the 2018-2019 season.  Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who attended the auditions.

2018-2019 BRAC Youth Performance Troupe Cast Selections…

  • Derek Brown
  • Morgan Brown
  • Noah Beyer
  • Sophie Douglas
  • Alexis Fischer
  • Dani Groff
  • Hallie Groff
  • Carter Hendrickson
  • Brynleigh Hill
  • Cole Hill
  • Molly Jones
  • Jordan Kendrick
  • Jake Musser
  • Megan Rodgers
  • Bekah Williams

About Youth Performance Troupe: Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe will meet weekly and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, Team Work. Students will develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in Theatre Arts. The Youth Troupe will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theatre until they leave the theatre…training is in process. The Youth Troupe will be a congregate group that will have regular break out sessions based on age. All Youth Troupes will perform at various festivals, concerts, and gatherings throughout the academic year.

Please note that there will not be a Concert Choir for 2018-2019 as we didn’t have enough expressed interest for this year. If your name is listed above, and you auditioned for Concert Choir, you have the option of being in Youth Performance Troupe.

2018-2019 BRAC Show Choir Cast Selections…
*some additions are expected to the final cast list

  • Joey Blackwood
  • Noah Beyer
  • Dani Groff
  • Carter Hendrickson
  • Cole Hill
  • Brenna Kellem
  • Jordan Kendrick
  • Megan Rodgers
  • *(TBA)

About Show Choir: Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group intended to combine challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir will focus on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students will study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, and multi-part choral music. The directoral leadership will be both demanding & rewarding. The time at rehearsal will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theater until they leave the theater… training is in process.

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Event. Join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 for a special reserved showing of the 1939 American classic film, “Gone With The Wind” at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

A Tara-themed reception will follow at the Branson (Hilton) Convention Center Promenade Art Gallery. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and opportunities to meet the amazing artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

Gone With The Wind Film & Gala

WHEN
Saturday, September 29, 2018
1:00pm – Gone With The Wind Film (Historic Owen Theatre)
5:45pm – Tara-ific Gala Reception (Branson Convention Center)

WHERE
Historic Owen Theater, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
Branson Convention Center – 2nd Level Art Gallery

COST TO ATTEND
$29.95 per person – includes reserved seat theatre ticket to Gone With The Wind film, followed immediately by the Gala Reception just one-block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your donation is tax deductible. ONLY 200 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE – RESERVE YOURS EARLY!

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

[fac_icon icon=”credit-card-alt”] Advance Reserved Seats Available At: BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind

This is a special fundraising event for the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library. All profits will be split by the two organizations. The wearing of period costume will be enjoyed by all, but not required attire.

The Great American Read

The Great American Read is a 7-part series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.

The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.

The Taneyhills Community Library is a sponsor of the Great American Read and is excited to join with the Branson Regional Arts Council in celebrating the reading and the art of storytelling through the showing of Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel, “Gone With The Wind.” She received a Pulitzer prize for the book in 1937. The iconic novel became an international phenomenon that has sustained the public’s interest for over 75 years.

Audition to join the cast of Little Shop of Horrors, with public performances Oct 25-28 and Oct 31-Nov 4th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

Public performances will be October 25-28, 31, November 1-4, 2018, with rehearsals beginning September 4, 2018.

The show is Directed and Choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt. Music is under the Direction of Lloyd Alexander-Holt.

[fac_icon icon=”file”] [download & print audition information & character breakdowns packet]

General Audition Information:
Tuesday, August 28 & Wednesday, August 29 at 6pm – No appointment required!

Call backs: Thursday, August 30 starting at 6pm (Possible extension into Friday, August 31 starting at 8:30pm)

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

Requirements:

  Bring audition form and one copy of your head shot and resume.

  We greatly prefer a LIVE audition, but will accept video/online submissions through August 29th at midnight if absolutely necessary.

Singing:

  Prepare TWO contrasting songs, one up-tempo and one ballad, 16-32 bars of each only.

  An accompanist WILL be provided. We greatly prefer that you utilize the accompanist, but will allow the use of tracks if absolutely necessary.

  Please bring a clean copy of your music in the correct key, preferably in a binder. Lead sheets will not be accepted. (If using a track: the music must be in a digital format. No CDs or tapes.)

  Those interested in being considered for Audrey MUST prepare a selection that shows off their belt voice.

Dance Call:

  All auditioning MUST attend the dance call AND have a singing audition, unless otherwise specifically stated.
  Bring proper dance attire and dance shoes.
  A combination will be taught in groups.

Please contact the casting coordinator, Melissa Rivera, with any questions regarding auditions. casting@bransonarts.org

Why do some actors get cast in a stage production, while others don’t? Would you like to improve your audition abilities with one, fun afternoon workshop?

Preparation is crucial, and to help make the audition process easier, the Branson Regional Arts Council is presenting an Audition Workshop on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 12pm – 4pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 2015 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616. Registration fee to participate is $25, payable by credit or debit card, or check.

NOTICE: Actors must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Directors Jordan Alexander-Holt and Lloyd Alexander-Holt will teach you how to maximize your chances of landing that important role at your next audition for the hilarious Broadway musical, Little Shop of Horrors, coming to the Historic Owen Theatre in October. Class size is limited to the first 50 students who register.

The attendees will get a chance to workshop their vocal audition selection and receive vocal critique and feedback. All attendees will learn the audition choreography combination in advance as well.

This workshop is especially recommended for anyone Interested in auditioning for the Little Shop of Horrors musical (Performances Oct 25 – 28 and Oct 31 – Nov 4).

Click here to register in advance online.