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Support the Arts For Less Than 15 Cents A Day

Share your love of the arts with your family by purchasing an annual Branson Regional Arts Council membership!

We offer many theatre, music, artistic, and educational events throughout the year! As a BRAC member, you will receive many valuable perks and discounts to our events throughout the year

– $50.00 / 1 Year  – Purchase Now

You and your immediate family living at home can support and participate in the activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council, helping to shape the future of arts in our area. You will receive membership news, monthly newsletter, and free or reduced event admissions. (Membership dues amount to just $0.96 per week.)

– $20.00 / 1 Year – Purchase Now

You can support and participate in the activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council, helping to shape the future of arts in our area. You will receive membership news, monthly newsletter, and free or reduced event admissions. (Membership dues amount to just $0.38 per week.)

– $10.00 / 1 Year – Purchase Now

Students in high school and college are especially important to our organization. Your reduced fee membership of just $0.19 a week allows you to support and participate in the activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council. You will receive membership news, monthly newsletter, and free or reduced event admissions.

If you are in a position to support the Branson Regional Arts Council in a more meaningful way, please consider becoming a valued SPONSOR or PATRON.

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Youth Troupe Actors Run Wild In Madagascar A Musical Adventure

Branson Regional Arts Council presents Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

Place: Forsyth Performing Arts Center, 178 Panther Road, Forsyth, MO 65653

  • Friday, June 23rd at 7pm

  • Saturday, June 24th at 7pm

  • Sunday, June 25th at 2pm

BRAC Youth Troupe Actors RUN WILD with their production of DREAMWORKS MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR.

The Branson Regional Arts Council (BRAC) invites area residents to escape the “zoo” of life and join them on a transatlantic musical adventure when its Youth Troupe actors perform DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. beginning Friday, June 23rd.  Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture, the show follows a group of Central Park Zoo animals who are unexpectedly shipped to Africa.

Drew Cohen – President of Music Theatre International

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows four friends who are thrust into an exciting, high-stakes, international adventure at the very moment in which they start to imagine the possibilities beyond the safe environment in which they live. The BRAC Youth Troupe actors are on a similar journey, they are experimenting with new skill sets as they venture into new territory personally and creatively, and they are forming new friendships through the shared experience of collaborating on this show.  MTI, through its Broadway Junior™ division, works with the authors of classic musicals to create special editions suitable for students to perform.

– Drew Cohen – Music Theatre International

Branson Reginal Arts Council presents DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.  at the Forsyth Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 23rd at 7pm, Saturday, June 24th at 7pm, and Sunday, June 25th at 2pm.

General admission for adults and children is $5.00 per person at the door.
BRAC Members can attend all three performances at no charge.

Lisa Murphy – President of Branson Regional Arts Council

We are very excited to announce that our Youth Troupe will be one of the first groups in the nation to present Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. Families will really enjoy experiencing this production together, and we have a great cast of talented young actors who will sing and dance their way into your hearts.

To celebrate our first show of the year, we are inviting all of our supporting members to see this production at NO COST! If you aren’t a member yet, we encourage you to join us today!

 – Lisa Murphy, BRAC President

Claim This Member Benefit… Join BRAC Today!

Annual BRAC Memberships may be purchased online for only $20 (individual) or $50 (family) and provide additional benefits throughout the year. Visit BransonArts.org/membership/ for more information.

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. features original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan and a book by Kevin Del Aguila.  As the show opens we learn that Marty the zebra may be celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police, and ultimately felled by tranquilizer darts. They awake, trapped in crates, on a ship, which – through a series of events – is thrown off course.  Upon reaching land the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar.  Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong. 

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker in 1952, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.

MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theaters in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.

MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30 and 60-minute musicals for elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

 

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Arts Council To Support Branson Show Awards

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2016 Branson Show Awards Winners Selected!

Clay Cooper - 2015 Entertainer of the Year

Clay Cooper – Last Year’s 2015 Entertainer of the Year

 

The Branson Show Awards have been honoring outstanding entertainers in Branson since 2008. Created by founder Gary R. Wackerly, the annual nominees are carefully reviewed by a non-biased Award Committee who personally attend every show before announcing the nominations and selected winners.

The committee accepts no direct advertising from any theaters or shows, and does not benefit financially from anyone in the entertainment industry.

Awards are typically announced in the Fall of each year, however, health issues have forced Mr. Wackerly and the BSA Committee to postpone the presentation the past two seasons.

Last year, the Show Awards received assistance from the Branson Regional Arts Council who arranged sponsorship for the award trophies and a dinner presentation ceremony held at the Uptown Cafe.

 

Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, Jim Barber, is pleased to announce that the Arts Council is stepping up again this year to help put the event back on track by sponsoring the 2016 and upcoming 2017 Branson Show Awards.

As a recipient of a few Branson Show Awards myself, I am very aware of Mr. Wackerly’s love for our area entertainers.

His volunteer efforts, and those of his committee, have helped our show industry for many years by providing legitimate marketing tools that entertainers and theatre shows have used to differentiate themselves to the millions of visitors traveling to the Ozarks for entertainment.

These award titles are very helpful to many of the recipients who proudly share and promote the recognition, so it’s vital that we help the awards stay on schedule. – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

And now, the 2016 Branson Show Awards Winners are…

BEST SHOW – Clay Cooper’s Country Express
BEST LEGACY SHOW – Barbara Fairchild
BEST NEW SHOW – Rock and Roll Revival
BEST COMEDY SHOW – Smoke On The Mountain
BEST GOSPEL SHOW – New South Gospel
BEST VARIETY SHOW – The Duttons
BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION – Moses
BEST MORNING SHOW – The Bretts
BEST SHOW FOR FAMILIES – Amazing Pets
BEST MUSICAL FAMILY – The Haygoods
BEST TRIBUTE SHOW – Carpenters Once More
BEST DINNER SHOW – A Tribute To George Strait
BEST MATINEE SHOW – #1 Hits of the 60’s (& 50’s too)
BEST SHOW LIMITED ENGAGEMENT – Arizona Keepsakes
BEST PATRIOTIC SALUTE – Clay Cooper’s Country Express
BEST MALE VOCALIST – George Dyer
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST – Tamara Tinoco
BEST SINGING GROUP – Statler Brothers Revisited
BEST FEMALE SINGING GROUP – Branson Dreamettes
BEST MALE SINGING GROUP – New Jersey Nights
BEST QUARTET – Million Dollar Quartet
BEST BAND – Labamba
BEST KEYBOARD – Darrell Croy
BEST LEAD GUITAR – Wayne Severson
BEST BASS OR UPRIGHT – Larry Alred
BEST DRUMMER – Josh Gabriel
VIOLINIST OF THE YEAR – Amy Dutton Arambulo
BEST HORN – Marvin Short
BEST INSTRUMENTALIST – Katherine Haygood
BEST TRIBUTE ARTIST – CJ Newsom
BEST IMPRESSIONIST – Terry Sanders
COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR – Terry Sanders
BEST PHYSICAL COMEDY – Jordan Gabriel
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – Andrea Brett
BEST DANCE TROUPE – Country Express Dancers
BEST FEMALE DANCER – Jennifer Turner
BEST MALE DANCER – Steve Parish
FEMALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – Heather Gentry
MALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – Timothy D. Dutton
YOUNG MALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (age 11-17) – Timothy J. Dutton
YOUNG FEMALE ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (age 11-17) – Nadia Cole
BEST MAGIC SHOW – Illusionist Rick Thomas
BEST DUET – Shane Vorhaben & Dave Sanders
BEST MASTER OF CEREMONIES – Mike Patrick
ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR – Hughes Brothers, IT
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOW – Maxine’s Christmas Carol

Trophies for these 2016 Branson Show Award winners will be delivered in a few weeks, and a special 2017 awards dinner event is currently being planned for later this year. More information on the Branson Show Awards can be found at BransonShowAwards.com.

Support Arts in the Ozarks! Be a member of the Branson Regional Arts Council… JOIN HERE NOW! 

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Madagascar Jr. Cast List Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce the cast list for our upcoming productions, Madagascar Jr. and Shakespear’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Congratulations to all who were selected.  Cast list subject to change if actors are unable to accept roles.

Madagascar Jr. Cast List

Alex – Carter Hendrickson

Marty –  Gianna Redding/ Jordan Kendrick

Gloria – Danielle Groff

Melman – Dakota Cooner

Mason the Monkey – Ryan Cardwell

Skipper – Jacob Foreman

Kowalski – Tobias Collins

Rico – Carlie Strong

Private –  Emrie Straka

Zookeeper Zelda– Izzy Hall

Zookeeper Zoe – Alexis Fischer

Zookeeper Zeke – Kevin Williams

Ship’s Captain – Micah Collins

 

Zoo Guests:

Lee Brown

Ruthana Collins

Cadence Kleeman

Electra Arndt

Charis Myers

Joel Frost

TBA……

 

New Yorkers:

Candy Hammernose – Lucy Riley

Camera Woman  – Katie Sundahl

Police Officer #1 – Korey Brown

Police Officer #2 – Morgan Brown

Animal Control Officers –  Anna Cardwell, Sabrina Kulis

Newspaper Man  – Jacob Deeter

Old Lady – Molly McNeil

Passerby – Hallie Horn

TBA………

 

Lionesses:

Lead Lioness – Bo McHenry                  Olivia Fennell

Ashley Williams                                         Lauren Rantz

Anna Foreman                                            Gemma Redding

Audrey Echols                                            Jordan Kendrick

 

Lemurs:

King Julien – Abigail Sundahl

Maurice – Jacob Deter

Mort – Hallie Groff

Lynn Lemur – Macy Martin

Lee Lemur – Austin Cardwell

Lew Lemur – Morgan Brown

Lars Lemur – Paige Stanford

Lee Brown

Ruthana Collins

Cadence Kleeman

Electra Arndt

Charis Myers

Joel Frost

TBA……

 

Foosa:

Head Foosa – Derek Brown

TBA………. 

Congratulations to all cast members!!!

We are very excited to have such a great group of students. Please note, the directors will be casting students in multiple (TBA) roles as we begin the rehearsal process.

 

 

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production Cast 

Bo McHenry                        Derek Brown

Lucie Riley                          Morgan Brown

Audrey Echols                    Olivia Fennell

Abigail Sudahl                    Jordan Kendrick

Anna Foreman                    Danielle Groff

Jacob Foreman                   Carter Hendrickson

Gianna Reding                    Jacob Deeter

Gemma Reding                   Carlie Strong

Austin Cardwell                 Dakota Cooner

 

 

 

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Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition Grand Opening

The Branson Regional Arts Council, in collaboration with the Branson Convention Center will be hosting the opening reception of the current fine art exhibition featuring acclaimed artists. These artists will display their award winning artwork, ranging from oils to acrylics to photography, at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery located at 200 South Sycamore, Branson, MO.

This free, community event is this Friday, May 12th from 7pm – 9pm at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery located on the second floor concourse of the venue. Reception attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their works and creative process. The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors and staff will also be part of this fun premiere event. Refreshments including a cash bar will be available.

Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin is thrilled with the response he has been receiving from the thousands of visitors and convention center guests, and city officials that pass through the art exhibit every week.

We are honored to have the opportunity to share great works of art from area artists at the Branson Convention Center.  I am in awe every time I’m at an event and see these beautiful masterpieces on display for the world to view. – Karen Best, Branson Mayor

Each artist will display a variety of their work in the Concourse of the Branson convention center on a 14’x20′ wall panel. All works are for sale and will be replaced by the artist as they are sold, so it is advisable to visit the exhibition often during the exhibition dates. Click here to view and purchase artwork online.

Featured Missouri Artists:

*online gallery pieces subject to change

Please plan to attend and also invite all of your family and patrons to the public opening. We hope to see you there.

Reception attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about their works and be part of this premiere event.

 

 

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Branson Chorale To Perform This Sunday

The Branson Regional Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church Branson are proud to this concert event in Branson, Missouri. These Community Concerts are presented free of charge, and the public is invited and encouraged to bring friends.  Mark this on your calendars and join us for a most delightful event!

The Branson Chorale – Gregg Busch, Director
Place: First Presbyterian Church of Branson
Time: Sunday, April 30, 2017 – 7:00pm

This program entitled “Alway Something Sings – A Celebration of Choral Music,” will be presented by this Branson based Chorale of forty talented participants.

The program will feature songs by Whitacre, Forrest, and Beethoven, to name a few of the composers. This promises to be a memorable experience and an amazing concert.

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Youth Troupe Auditions Next Weekend – Madagascar Jr.

 

  • dateApril 22, 2017
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1458 Views

An important reminder for Taney and Stone County area youth, ages 8-18… You’ve Got To Move It, Move It!

Branson Regional Arts Council auditions for Youth Troupe and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. are this coming Saturday and Sunday!

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

As a member of the theatre “Youth Troupe,” area youth will also have the opportunity to audition for our Shakespeare Theatre Group (ages 11 and up) and MidSummer Night’s Dream.  Performers will be part of the productions and receive professional instruction in workshops designed to build artistic skills in musical theatre, voice, dance, and acting.

Come prepared to sing a one minute Broadway or Disney style song.

Audition Times & Locations

Saturday, April 29th – 10am to 12pm noon
Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson, MO 65616
-or-
Sunday, April 30th – 2pm to 4pm
Forsyth Performing Arts Center, Forsyth High School

Audition Information & Cost

Who: Students ages 8 to 18 years old
Tuition: $50.00 for the entire Summer Program (May 23-June 25)
Scholarships Available (call us for information)

Full Audition & Rehearsal Schedule Available Here

Production Dates

Performance Dates: June 18, 23, 24 and 25 

[fac_icon icon=”calendar”] Click Here To Download the Entire Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

 

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3 New Branson Community Concerts Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church Branson are proud to announce three more exciting concert events at the Old Stone Church in Branson, Missouri. These Community Concerts are presented free of charge, and the public is invited and encouraged to bring friends. The Old Stone Church is located at Fourth and Pacific Streets, next to First Presbyterian Church of Branson. Mark these dates on your calendars and make the most of these free community concerts!

The Colliers in Concert

Place: The Old Stone Church
Time: Sunday, April 23, 2017 – 2:00pm

An amazingly talented family, the Colliers (Jenni, Eliya and Steve), will present an eclectic afternoon of music.  They will energetically present several original pieces and some cover songs in their own wonderful style.  The afternoon promises to be a concert of musical excellence and toe-tapping delight.

Clara Christian and the Clara Christian Piano Studio

Place: The Old Stone Church
Time: Saturday, April 29, 2017 – 2:00pm

Clara Christian, Piano Professor at the College of the Ozarks, and the students from her studio will perform classical piano compositions including selections by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Liszt.

Clara has given solo recitals throughout North America as well as in St. Petersburg, Russia.

She has performed at venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center and played on the “Jaani Kirik” (St. John’s Church) Recital Series in St. Petersburg and the Fourth Presbyterian Church concert series in Chicago.

She has served as  the rehearsal accompanist for the Chicago Master Singers, and performs frequently as a collaborative artist.

Come, sit back and relax in the intimate setting of the Old Stone Church and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music.

The Branson Chorale – Gregg Busch, Director

Place: Main Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church
Time: Sunday, April 30, 2017 – 7:00pm

This program entitled “Alway Something Sings – A Celebration of Choral Music,” will be presented by this Branson based Chorale of forty talented participants.

The program will feature songs by Whitacre, Forrest, and Beethoven, to name a few of the composers. This promises to be a memorable experience and an amazing concert.

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Java Jived Returns To Villa Vista April 22nd

 

Java Jived is back by popular demand, for a one-night-only concert at the beautiful Villa Vista in Lampe.

Java Jived is based out of St. Louis, MO and specializes in a cappella arrangements of jazz and pop classics from the 20’s to the 80’s. Known for its fine blend and intonation, this high-energy ensemble performs polished stylistic renditions of challenging repertoire by the best contemporary arrangers, including Deke Sharon, Kirby Shaw, Teena Chin, and Gene Puerling, who is well known for his arrangements for The Manhattan Transfer.

April 22, 2017 at 7:30pm

Performance at Villa Vista – $25 per person admission [Purchase Tickets Now]

Location: Villa Vista, 1245 Kingsgate Rd., Lampe, MO 65681 [Google Map Link]

Our members are primarily classically trained professional musicians with years of experience exploring a variety of musical periods and genres with acclaimed local groups, including the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, The American Kantorei, and Collegium Vocale of St. Louis.

Sponsored by Villa Vista, Stone County’s “Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake” and the Branson Arts Council, Java Jived will perform the hottest tunes and the coolest harmonies with their vocal jazz. Audience space is limited, purchase your tickets online now at https://bransonarts.org/shop/java-jived-in-concert/. All proceeds benefit local area non profit organizations.

Google Map To Villa Vista

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Branson Regional Arts Council Announce Auditions For New Theatre Productions

The Branson Regional Arts Council proudly announces auditions for Youth Troupe and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

As a member of the theatre “Youth Troupe,” area youth will also have the opportunity to audition for our Shakespeare Theatre Group (ages 11 and up) and MidSummer Night’s Dream.  Performers will be part of the productions and receive professional instruction in workshops designed to build artistic skills in musical theatre, voice, dance, and acting.

Come prepared to sing a one minute Broadway or Disney style song.

Audition Times & Locations

Saturday, April 29th – 10am to 12pm noon
Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson, MO 65616
-or-
Sunday, April 30th – 2pm to 4pm
Forsyth Performing Arts Center, Forsyth High School

Audition Information & Cost

Who: Students ages 8 to 18 years old
Tuition: $50.00 for the entire Summer Program (May 23-June 25)
Scholarships Available (call us for information)

Full Audition & Rehearsal Schedule Available Here

Production Dates

Public Performance Dates: June 23, 24 and 25 

[fac_icon icon=”calendar”] Click Here To Download the Entire Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

 

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2017 Branson Regional Arts Council Youth Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

[fac_icon icon=”file-pdf-o”] Download & Print PDF Version

Branson Regional Arts Council – 2017 Youth Troupe Audition & Rehearsal Schedule

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Auditions Saturday April 29th 10 am- noon (Branson Community Center)

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Auditions Sunday April 30th 2-4pm (Forsyth Performing Arts Center)

Madagascar/Shakespeare Troupe Rehearsal Schedule

Location: Forsyth Performing Arts Center

  • Tuesday May 23: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday May 24: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Thursday May 25: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday May 26: 3:00 -6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Tuesday May 30: 3:00- 6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday May 31: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 1: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday June 2: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Monday June 5: 3:00 -6:00  (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 6: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday June 7: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr.  Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 8: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Friday June 9: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Monday June 12: 3:00-6:00 (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 13: 3:00-6:00 Madagascar Jr. Rehearsal
  • Wednesday June 14: 3:00-7:00 (Headshots will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm) Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman and King Julian at 2:00 for Make up.
  • Thursday June 15: 3:00-7:00 Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech with lighting
  • Friday June 16:3:00-7:00  Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech with lighting
  • Monday June 19: 3:00-6:00 (Shakespeare Troupe) Rehearsal
  • Tuesday June 20 3:00-8:00  Madagascar Jr. Dress Rehearsal and Tech
  • Wednesday June 21 3:00-8:00  Madagascar Jr. Final Dress Rehearsal
  • Thursday June 22: Madagascar Jr. School Performance 1:00 pm Call Time 11:30 am  Brush up Rehearsal 2:30-5:00
  • Friday June 23  Madagascar Jr. Show at 7:00 pm  Call Time 4:30
  • Saturday June 24 Madagascar Jr. Show at 7:00 pm Call Time 4:30
  • Sunday June 25  Madagascar Jr. Show at 2:00 pm Call Time 12:00

Shakespeare Rehearsals & Performance Schedule

  • Monday June 5th    3:00-6:00 Shakespeare Rehearsal
  • Monday June 19th 3:00-6:00 Shakespeare Rehearsal
  • Monday July 17th Shakespeare Rehearsal  (Hollister park) Time TBA
  • Monday July 24th Shakespeare Rehearsal (Hollister park) Time TBA
  • Sunday July 30 Shakespeare Show 7 :00 pm  Call time 5:30 (Hollister Park)
  • Monday July 31 Shakespeare Show  7 :00 pm  Call Time 5:30 (Hollister park)
  • Sunday August 6th Shakespeare Show 7:00pm Call Time 5:30 pm (Hollister Park)
  • Monday August 7th Shakespeare Show  7 :00 pm Call Time 5:30  (Hollister park)
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Jim Barber Named New Executive Director of Branson Arts Council

Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors (left to right): Denise Jones (Chief Financial Officer), Rex Wood, Clint Cross, Ex Officio Bonnie Herrmann, Jim Barber (Executive Director), Lisa Murphy (President), Kim Hale (Vice President), Robert Cohn, Chris Benham, Hayden Head, and Darlene Graham (Secretary).

Press Materials
Press Release: text version  | Press Release pdf version |  Images: high-rez photo  | high-rez jpg logo | high-rez png logo

Published April 4, 2017

Jim Barber Named New Executive Director of Branson Arts Council

The Branson Arts Council Board of Directors have implemented several big changes for the organization after Bonnie Herrmann, who successfully served as Executive Director for over 12 years, announced her retirement from the position. Ms. Herrmann will remain active as an advisor and valued member of the Board.

Long time Branson entertainer and marketing professional, Jim Barber, is excited to step into the role of Executive Director. His extensive arts background in live entertainment, theatre, music, journalism, broadcasting, multimedia and tourism marketing position him as an ideal person to champion the development of arts in the Ozarks.

Jim has already initiated a few changes that set the stage for new growth of the Arts Council, leading to enhanced artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of our area. Moving forward, the name of the organization will be changed to ‘Branson Regional Arts Council’ to better describe the outreach of arts initiatives and programs in the neighboring communities, counties, and states that the organization has, and will continue to serve. A new, official logo has been designed, the website is undergoing a major upgrade, and the previous domain name BransonArtsCouncil.com has been simplified to BransonArts.org.

Jim earned his BA Degree in Broadcasting and Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota as well as an Associates Degree in Multimedia Development from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. In addition to his service on behalf of the Arts Council, Jim will continue as an independent marketing advisor for other area businesses, including Trophy Run Resort on Lake Taneycomo.

In January 2018, Jim will complete his fourth and final year to attain IOM accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management. IOM is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association, chamber, and nonprofit professionals. This complements his board participation in many area organizations including the Branson Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Branson League of Theater Owners & Show Producers, Mountain Country Homes of Hope, Salvation Army of Branson, and Faith Community Health Clinic.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has been serving the Branson Tri-Lakes community since 1965 when it was known as the ‘Taney Arts Council’, founded by Jean Cantwell, who remains an active member today. The council evolved through the decades and was known for several years as the ‘City of Branson Arts Council’ with a board and administrator, but no general membership by the community. The organization received 501 C3 not-for-profit status with the State of Missouri on April 19, 1993, and has provided competent, creative arts leadership to our community ever since.

The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors include (left to right),Denise Jones (Chief Financial Officer), Rex Wood, Clint Cross, Ex Officio Bonnie Herrmann, Jim Barber (Executive Director), Lisa Murphy (President), Kim Hale (Vice President), Robert Cohn, Chris Benham, Hayden Head, and Darlene Graham (Secretary).

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