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Nunsense The Mega Musical May Be Habit Forming

  • dateApril 13, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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RATED PG | Parental Guidance

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a comedy musical, so hilarious… it would be a sin to miss it!

Nunsense, is a popular musical revolving around eight nuns, one Revered Mother and one Father. These however, are not your normal nuns, but self-proclaimed “fun nuns,” who are faced with financial issues after losing 52 of their fellow sisters to food poisoning caused by the infamous Sister, Julia Child of God.

The musical is portrayed as a “fundraiser” towards the audience, as they attempt to raise the money they need to bury the remaining four nuns, who are currently being kept in the freezer of the Mount Saint Helen’s Catholic Middle School in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The BRAC version of this comedy is super-sized to present a mega-musical extravaganza!

The production, directed by Jeremiah Reeve, will run for eight performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson from May 11 – 21, 2023 on Thursdays (7pm), Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm), and Sundays (2pm). Advance reserved tickets are on-sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.

The cast includes Claire Denton (Reverend Mother Mary Regina),  Loran Polson (Sister Mary Hubert), Kellsey Bradley (Sister Robert Anne),  Jennifer Buttell (Sister Mary Amnesia),  Madison Hewitt (Sister Mary Leo), Abby Reeve (Sister Julia, Child of God),  Kyle Bradley (Brother Brendan),  Mindy Law (Sister Mary Luke), Christina Schanda (Sister Mary Wilhelm), Jimmy Bratz (Father Virgil), Beth Lambeth (Sister Mary Timothy) and Kyle Denton (Father Patrick). The Singing/Dancing Sisters of Hoboken include: Kayleigh Dominish, Emily Hanner, Madison Hatfield, Peyton Seymore, Amy Lynne Sorenson, Jenny Steelman, Brittony Tiger and Sarah Williams.

The production team includes Karie Dykeman and Kim Hale (Producers), Kristine Brown (Assistant Producer), Jeremiah Reeve (Director), Kyle Denton (Music Director), Heather Stolfa (Choreographer), Brooke Sams (Stage Manage), Dimitri Tsahiridis (Assistant Stage Manager),  Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Myles Stevens (Sound Technician), Kyle Blanchard (Theatre & Special Events Manager), Lorie Best (Volunteer Coordinator), Josh Silvy (Theatre Inventory), Marshall Meadows (Photography), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director, Marketing and Design).

Get your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss a single holy moment

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Branson Regional Arts Council Spotlights Talents Of Disabled Performers

  • dateApril 6, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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On Sunday, April 23rd  at 7:00pm, a talented cast of over 24 area residents will participate in an entertaining and heart warming stage show at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a very special program titled Scenes & Songs for Special Abilities featuring a cast of talented performers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other types of developmental disability who have a love of singing, acting, dancing, playing an instrument, and more.

This outstanding community event is presented in coordination with national Autism Acceptance Month, and the public is invited to attend and cheer on the performers!

A $5 donation will be collected at the door, and open seating will begin at 6:30pm. Please arrive early for best seats. The concessions stand will be serving refreshments, fresh popcorn and other treats.

The Arts Council Board of Directors formed the Special Abilities Committee in 2018 with the intention of providing inclusive creative and performance opportunities for area youth and adults dealing with various physical or mental challenges.

“Many of these individuals would not have an opportunity to perform in a traditional theatre setting, but through this Special Abilities Program, they can build their confidence and self-esteem through creative social interaction, music, dance and theatre. With the addition of our new Theatre & Special Events Director, Kyle Blanchard, the Arts Council has stepped up these efforts to include productions like Scenes & Songs for Special Abilities as a way to bridge the gap for these extraordinary cast members who are taking the stage, and daring to dream!” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Cast members in order of appearance include: Spencer Coffman, Thomas Pearson, Katie Wright, Brian Reed, Dylan Pratt, Matthew Burford, Jacob Matthew Brown, Seth Roland, Stephen Donhardt, Kyle Moeskau, Emmy Schaller, Sam Lesch, Jesse Bielby, Eli Reimes, Tiffany Burgess, Logan Iseley, Jakota and Jerrica Clemons, Gabbie Galvin, Luke Whitten, Jaime Magnusson, Nicky Rush, Camden Lampkin, Will Blankenship, and Brendan Morris.

Special mention to Ellie Faggion, Chris Skillern and Mindy Law who will participate  in a couple of theatrical acting scenes with Dylan Pratt that are directly related to the autism experience.

The production team includes Kyle Blanchard (Director), Delyla Uebel (Music Director), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Myles Stevens (Audio Technician), M.J. Szumowski, Chris Skillern, Mindy Law and Ellie Faggion (Stage Crew).

The Branson Regional Arts Council would like to extend special thanks to the board and staff of Barnabas Prep who is assisting with the event, in addition to an extra special thank you to the families, friends, and support staff of each performer for everything they do to encourage these amazing individuals.

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Auditions For Monty Python’s Spamalot Announced

  • dateApril 4, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council is holding open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot on Saturday,  April 29th and Sunday April 30th at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Callbacks will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023.

All auditioners need to be ready to begin the Dance Call at 5pm, but PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR VOCAL AUDITION (takes place after dance call) by signing up at this link:

[fac_icon icon=”file-video-o”]  Video Audition Submissions may also be sent to edu@bransonarts.org.

  • Director: Jacob Estes
  • Music Director: Caitlin Secrest
  • Choreographer: Kristen Dasto

When: April 29, 2023 (Saturday) & April 30, 2023 (Sunday)
Where: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

  • 5:00-6:00 Dance Call each day of auditions. (Everyone who signs up for a singing slot must attend at least one day of the dance call.)
  • 6:00– 9:00 pm Vocal Auditions (sign up for a time slot)

What to Bring: 60-90 second song in the style of the show. (Musical theatre repertoire only) Bring your own tracks (on your phone/player, no sheet music)

Also Bring: Printed headshot (if you have one) & Resume (if you have one).

Clothing for Audition: You may wear dance attire to the auditions. Bring comfortable shoes you can dance in/character heels (ladies) if you have them, also if you have tap shoes, bring those as well.

Dance Requirements: including elements of Jazz, Tap, & Musical Theatre styles

Additional Notes: Rated Pg-13. Students in high school can audition with permission slip from parent/guardian (provided at auditions). These will be “open auditions” – those who are waiting after dance call are welcome to sit in back of theatre and observe until they are called.

Performance dates: Jul 27 (Thu – 7pm), Jul 28 (Fri – 7pm), Jul 29 (Sat – 7pm), Jul 30 (Sun – 2pm), Aug 3 (Thu- 7pm), Aug 4 (Fri – 7pm), Aug 5 (Sat – 8pm), Aug 6 (Sun – 2pm).

(Typically rehearsals will be in the evenings from 5-9:30 pm)

Show Synopsis

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls? The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”

Character Breakdown

Please note that the ages listed just serve as a guide. All roles are available and casting is open, and newcomers are welcome and encouraged. Also, character doublings are only suggested here and may be changed based on audition results and production needs.

KING ARTHUR (Baritone, Late 30s-60s) – The King of England, who sets out on a quest to form the Knights of the Round Table and find the Holy Grail. Great humor. Good singer.

THE LADY OF THE LAKE (Alto with large range, 20s-40s) – A Diva. Strong, beautiful, possesses mystical powers. The leading lady of the show. Great singing voice is essential, as she must be able to sing effortlessly in many styles and vocal registers. Sings everything from opera to pop to scatting. Gets angry easily.

SIR ROBIN (Tenor/Baritone, 30s-40s) – A Knight of the Round Table. Ironically called “Sir Robin the Brave,” though he couldn’t be more cowardly. Joins the Knights for the singing and dancing. Also plays GUARD 1 and BROTHER MAYNARD, a long-winded monk. A good mover.

SIR LANCELOT (Tenor/Baritone, 30s-40s) – A Knight of the Round Table. He is fearless to a bloody fault but through a twist of fate discovers his “softer side.” This actor MUST be great with character voices and accents, as he also plays THE FRENCH TAUNTER, an arrogant, condescending, over-the-top Frenchman; the KNIGHT OF NI, an absurd, cartoonish leader of a peculiar group of Knights; and TIM THE ENCHANTER, a ghostly being with a Scottish accent.

PATSY (Tenor/Baritone, 30s-40s) – King Arthur’s horse and servant. Under-appreciated but always longing for Arthur’s approval. Good, funny, physical mover with some tap dancing. Also plays MAYOR, a jolly red-faced man who advertises the merits of his hometown; and the drunken, useless GUARD 2. Very good mover. Tap skills a bonus.

SIR GALAHAD (Tenor, 30s) – A Knight of the Round Table. Begins as Dennis, a lower class “mud gatherer” who becomes knighted and transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad. Also plays PRINCE HERBERT’S FATHER, a wealthy, brutish Yorkshireman at odds with his sensitive son; and THE BLACK KNIGHT, who is always ready to duel despite multiple injuries. Strong bari-tenor singing required.

SIR BEDEVERE (Tenor/Baritone with falsetto, 20s-40s) – A Knight of the Round Table. An inept scholar. Also plays DENNIS GALAHAD’S MOTHER, a shrill peasant woman; and CONCORDE, Sir Lancelot’s horse.

HISTORIAN/NOT DEAD FRED/ PRINCE HERBERT/ MINSTREL/ FRENCH GUARD (Tenor, 20s-30s) – A tweedy academic. Also plays NOT DEAD FRED, a sickly little fellow who — despite others’ beliefs — claims he is “not yet dead”; a FRENCH GUARD, the condemnatory sidekick to the French Taunter; a MINSTREL in Sir Robin’s band; and PRINCE HERBERT, the hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing and pines for his love atop a tower. Tenor singing required. Very good mover.

MALE ENSEMBLE (6 men) – Seeking strong dancers and singers to play many roles including the other Knights of the Round Table, Sir Not Appearing, Sir Bohrs, Bodies in “Not Yet Dead,” the Dancing Monk, the Dancing Nun, French Citizens, Finland Citizens, a French Guard, Robin’s Minstrel, and more! Strong dance skills preferred; tap skills a bonus.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE (6 women) – Seeking strong dancers and singers to play many roles including the Camelot Girls, the Laker Girls, a French Guard, Knights of Ni, two of Robin’s Minstrels, French Citizens, Finland Citizens, and more! Strong dance skills preferred, tap skills a bonus.

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Free Community Film Screening For Holocaust Education Week

  • dateApril 1, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The second week of April is Holocaust Education and Awareness Week in Missouri, and through the efforts of the Antisemitism Education Center of the Ozarks, a series of related special events will be presented for all residents and visitors in our area.

This special week in Branson begins on Sunday, April 16th, at 2pm with a Free Community Film Event and the showing of the movie, The Hiding Place – provided by the Billy Graham Worldwide Association and the Branson Regional Arts Council. This event will be at the HISTORIC OWEN THEATER, 205 South Commercial Street, Branson, MO.

Doors open at 1:30pm, and seating is open with no reservations required. Arrive early for best seat availability.

The Hiding Place is a 1975 film based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Corrie ten Boom that recounts her and her family’s experiences before and during their imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust during World War II.

The film was directed by James F. Collier. Jeanette Clift George received a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Female.

On July 1, 2020, Missouri became the 20th state to require Holocaust education in curricula for secondary schools. Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 681, The Never Again Education Act , which established a permanent Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission and designates the second week in April as Holocaust Education and Awareness Week.

Holocaust Education and Awareness Week Events in Branson

Sunday, April 16, 2023 (Historic Owen Theatre)

Free Community Film at 2pm – The Hiding Place – provided by the Billy Graham Worldwide Association and the Branson Regional Arts Council. 205 South Commercial Street, Branson, MO.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (full day activities)

Yom HaShoah in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust. The most important events of the entire week will be on this day.

The first event at 10am, will be presented by the CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA, MISSOURI, at the COVENANT LIFE CHURCH, 120 North 3rd Street in Branson. Holocaust survivor, Erika Schwartz, will give her living testimony. We are losing our survivors worldwide as they age out, so their testimonials to what happened in their own personal experiences of the Holocaust are imperative that we hear while they are yet with us. At this point in history, there are more Holocaust deniers than we have Holocaust survivors left to stand against the rewriting of historical fact. Erika will recount the story of the murder of her entire family and how she was able to change her life from one of depression and anger to daily celebrations of gratitude and joy!

At 5:30pm at the FREEDOM ENCOUNTER THEATER (the former Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Theater), 3220 Falls Parkway, Branson, MO, the opening of 24-Panel Exhibit from YAD VASHEM WORLD HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CENTER in Jerusalem, Israel – titled “The Righteous Among the Nations” Reception: “Corrie’s Birthday Party” Corrie ten Boom was born on April 15th and also died on April 15th on her 91st birthday. It is considered very blessed to have come to the earth, and also left the earth on the exact same day.

At 7:00pm on Stage: Susan Sandager of Albuquerque, NM, performs “Corrie Remembers” from Corrie ten Boom’s own reminisces of her family’s Holocaust experiences. This one-woman show is about the life and legacy of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who rescued hundreds of Jews from Nazi death camps. Yad VaShem has recognized the ten Boom family in its Avenue of the Righteous Garden in Jerusalem as “Righteous Among the Nations” for their role in saving Jews.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – 6:30pm (First Presbyterian Church)

Before returning to Albuquerque, NM, Susan Sandager will be at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 420 West Main Street, Branson, MO. Susan will deliver the moving original message spoken by Corrie ten Boom at Melody Land Christian Center in Anaheim, CA, on October 1, 1972. The sermon entitled “The Door of Repentance” will be delivered in Corrie ten Boom persona in Corrie’s own words.

Thursday, April 20, 2023 – 1:30pm (Taneyhills Library)

Dr. Mara Cohen Ioannides, Professor in the English Department at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, is a Missouri Humanities Council Speaker. She also sits on the Education Committee of the State Holocaust Commission for Missouri. Dr. Cohen Ioannides will deliver a lecture entitled “How Did the Holocaust Happen? And How Can We Prevent It Happening Again”

Saturday, April 22, 2023 – 10:30am (Taneyhills Library)

Holocaust Survivor Erika Schwartz will again be giving her living testimony. Erika will recount the story of the murder of her entire family and how she was able to change her life from one of depression and anger to daily celebrations of gratitude and joy!

Antisemitism has escalated to levels greater than prior to Hitler’s Germany – and is now growing worldwide! In the climate of hatred throughout our Nation, and many nations of the world, education is the answer to combat hatred. Education of the history of these past failures of certain periods of that history are critical to alert our youth to the dangers of repeating those same mistakes of the past.

The Antisemitism Education Center of the Ozarks was created to begin to educate, not only to the youth in the schools, but to all the tourists that come to our fair city. It is the vision of the AECO to be able to place Holocaust educational materials where they will be available to our visitors so that they may help us in this educational process throughout the Nation by taking this message back to their own communities in an “each one  teach one” concept.

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Now Accepting New Students For Private Voice – Acting – Piano Lessons

  • dateMarch 31, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Conservatory of the Arts Education Staff continues to grow, and private lessons for both youth and adults in voice, acting, and piano are available at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Private classes are scheduled on an individual basis between the teacher and students.

Tuition for all Private Classes: $50 (60 minute class), $30 (30 minute class)

To register a new student, or to answer any questions, please contact Karie Dykeman at edu@bransonarts.org or 417-336-4255.

 

Meet the BRAC Conservatory Education Staff… (alphabetical order)

Roger & Karen Bergford – Vocal Lessons

Roger & Karen Bergford

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.

Josh Boulden – Acting Lessons

Josh Boulden

Josh Boulden is a professional actor, acting coach, and fight choreographer from Annapolis, MD.

He trained at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C., and before that at the Sight & Sound Theatre’s Performing Arts Conservatory in Lancaster, PA. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years and is blessed to be in his sixth season as an actor at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson. Before that he spent some time acting and teaching for the Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and currently teaches and directs for the Institute for Cultural Communicators.

You may have seen him in a past Branson Regional Arts Council production such as Blithe Spirit, The Glass Menagerie, and all of the Shakespeare in the Parks, and you will currently see him serving in the roles of board member and director for this fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Kristin Jewell Cartwright – Vocal Lessons

Kristin Jewell Cartwright

A Florida girl at heart, Kristin relocated back to Branson with her husband Tom and kids in January 2022. Besides the winter weather, living in the midwest has begun to feel like home again. Helping vocalists achieve their goals has been Kristin’s passion for over 20 years, teaching both on the collegiate level and in her private studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Kristin is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She additionally has level 3 certification in Somatic Voicework, a functional method of vocal pedagogy created by Jeannette LoVetri, which approaches not just the vocal mechanism but the entire body as the instrument.

Kristin has performed in the community and professionally in both Florida and Missouri and most recently appeared in her BRAC debut as “Miss Andrew” in Mary Poppins. She is currently an adjunct professor of voice at College of the Ozarks and is excited about becoming more involved in the Branson arts community.

Ellie Faggion – Voice, Acting and Piano Lessons

Ellie Faggion

Ellie Faggion has been a professional performer in Branson for the past three years and is now offering private Voice, Acting, & Piano Lessons for students of any age!

She began teaching in 2012 and since then has instructed over a hundred students – including private sessions and group classes. Ellie has 21 years of experience in the arts, including college education in music and a certificate from the Sight & Sound Conservatory in Performing Arts, and has directed and assistant directed several musical productions.

Ellie thrives on helping her students discover their true potential, wherever they’re at in their knowledge and skill, and likes to challenge her students while also having fun along the way!

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Announcing The Cast of Nunsense – The Mega Musical

  • dateMarch 31, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to announce the cast for our upcoming heavenly musical, Nunsense: The Mega-Musical, with shows May 11-14 and 18-21, 2023.

With familiar faces and new talents, it would be a sin to miss these amazing performers!

Reverend Mother Mary Regina – Claire Denton
Sister Mary Hubert – Loran Polson
Sister Robert Anne – Kellsey Bradley
Sister Mary Amnesia – Jennifer Buttell
Sister Mary Leo – Madison Hewitt
Sister Julia, Child of God – Abby Reeve
Brother Brendan – Kyle Bradley
Sister Mary Luke – Mindy Law
Sister Mary Wilhelm – Christina Schanda
Father Virgil – Jimmy Bratz
Sister Mary Timothy – Beth Lambeth
Father Patrick – Kyle Denton

The Singing/Dancing Sisters of Hoboken:
Kayleigh Dominish
Emily Hanner
Madison Hatfield
Peyton Seymore
Amy Lynne Sorenson
Jenny Steelman
Brittony Tiger
Sarah Williams

Get your tickets now at bransonarts.org/tix to make sure you don’t miss a single holy moment.

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Emma! A Pop Musical Opens Next Week At Historic Owen Theatre

  • dateMarch 22, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Staccato Performance Troupe presents Emma! A Pop Musical for five exciting performances from Thursday, March 30 to Sunday, April 2, 2023.

The production is Rated G | General audiences. Showtimes are 7pm (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and 2pm (Saturday, Sunday).

All tickets for this production are only $12 (Adults & Youth), with lap children (age 4 and younger) admitted free of charge. Advance reserved tickets are recommended and on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box-office of the Historic Owen Theatre at 417-336-4255.

Emma! A Pop Musical loosely follows the storyline of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, but incorporates a 21st century prep school twist. Emma Woodhouse, portrayed by Renee Elkady, considers herself to be Highbury Prep’s top matchmaker after she sets up two of her teachers. She then tries to set up her best friend Harriet Smith (Liya Rivere), with school president nominee Philip Elton (J. Perry) and herself up with rockstar Frankie Churchill (Dylan Whatley). Meanwhile, the arrival of a new potential student and heiress, Jane Fairfax (Abby Wheeler), stirs up controversy. Emma’s relentless matchmaking plans take an unexpected turn, and Harriet ends up with the ‘commoner’ lunch busboy Martin (Jason Prince), while Emma ends up with the power-focused schoolboy Jeff Knightley (Pace Gillman). 

The storyline of the production is woven together with a string of hit songs by legendary girl groups and iconic female singers from The Supremes to Katy Perry. Girl power has never sounded so good!

The cast of 14 talented performers also features Jordan Porter as Ashley, Melinda Prince as Miss Bates, Megan Rogers as Miss Taylor, Hallie Groff as Ronnie, Ashley Rogers as Estelle, Lundyn Mitchell as Elaine, and Alivia Prince as Nedra.

Director Jacob Estes leads the production in addition to being choreographer, adding one more credit to his long list of acting and directing achievements on behalf of the Branson Regional Arts Council. Jacob has also performed at Kings Castle Theatre, Silver Dollar City, The Welk Resort, Sight and Sound Theatre, and on tour nationally with Forever Young.

Stage Manager Dimitri Tsahiridis makes his BRAC debut with this production. Dimitri is a student at Branson High School, and has done technical work for such shows as The Curious Savage and Mamma Mia!. He is adding to his portfolio to gain working experience in all aspects of theater before going to college, where he will major in theater and eventually reach his lifetime goal of directing.

Staccato Performance Troupe is an advanced show choir for area youth between the ages of 12-18 that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography, on-stage acting, and stage performance. Through the training season, members work towards a common goal while studying advanced music theory, vocal and physical warm ups, musical theatre vocal techniques (belting, mixing, telling a story), stage etiquette, hip hop, jazz and musical theatre dance. Open auditions for new Staccato members are held each Fall, and under the direction of Jacob Estes, the students focus on elevating their “triple threat” skills and applying their formal training into a lively musical theatre presentation such as this production of Emma! A Pop Musical.

The production team also includes Karie Dykeman and Kim Hale (Producers), Kristine Brown (Assistant Producer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Myles Stevens (Sound Technician), Kyle Blanchard (Theatre & Special Events Manager), Lorie Best (Volunteer Coordinator), Josh Silvy (Theatre Inventory), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director, Marketing and Design).

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Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

  • dateMarch 15, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a comedy play for anyone who ever felt like they weren’t the hero in their own story! 

RATED PG | Parental Guidance (Family Friendly Version) 

Six performances are slated from March 17 – 26, 2023 with showtimes on Fridays & Saturdays 7pm, and Sundays 2pm.

Tickets are on sale now by calling the box office at 417-336-4255 or online at BransonArts.org/tix.

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is a 2015 original play by New York-based playwright Matt Cox. The comedy is a parody as presented from the perspective of the “Puffs”.
Directed by Kyle Bradley, Puffs tells the story of the Puffs, who just happened to also attend the same wizard school where for seven years a certain young boy wizard conquered evil. 

 The cast of Puffs, at the Historic Owen Theatre include:
  • Narrator — Loran Polson
  • Wayne Hopkins — Lucas Dahlgren
  • Oliver Rivers — Ruben Dutton
  • Megan Jones — Kellsey Bradley
  • Harry / Mop Ron — Molly Tennison
  •  Leanne / Hermeoone / Frenchy — Lacey Kellett
  • Sally Perks / Rowena — Maddy Hatfield**
  • Susie Bones / Professor McG — Charis Boulden
  • Ernie Mac / Uncle Dave / Fat Friar — Jimmy Bratz**
  • Hannah / Ghost History Teacher — Emily Hanner
  • J. Finch Fletchley / Scorpy / Viktor — Trenton Bryant**
  • Cedric / Goyle — Alex Harris*
  • Mr. Voldy / Mr. Nick / Real Mr. Moody — Jeremiah Reeve
  • Xavia Jones / Ms Babble — Mindy Law*
  • 1st Headmaster / Ginny / Mr. Bagman / Sal / Certain Potions Professor — Abby Reeve*
  • 2nd Headmaster / Ric Gryff / Professor Lanny / Hermeoone #2 — Ari Franks*
  • Helga / Myrtle / Runes Teach — Juanita Wilson**
  • Professor Sproutty / Colin / Hermeoone #3 / Seamus — Aubriana Chambers*
  • Blondo Malfoy / Professor Turban / Rita Scooter / Dragon / Bippy — Ellen Barney*
  • A Very Tall Man / Clumsy Longbottom / Professor Locky / Goldstein — Gavin Deel*
*Ensemble: (Death Buddies, Soul Sucking Security Guards, and Wizard Students)
**Swing Performer / Ensemble
This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.
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Auditions For Nunsense The Mega-Musical At The Historic Owen Theatre

  • dateMarch 9, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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Nunsense: The Mega-Musical  is coming!

All the fun of the original Nunsense has been super-sized! And now, the zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, is bigger and better than ever! It would be a sin to pass up the opportunity to be part of it!

The Branson Regional Arts Council is holding open auditions at the Historic Owen Theatre.

Audition dates are Sunday March 19, 2023 from 6pm – 9pm, Monday March 20, 2023 from 7pm – 9pm, and Tuesday March 21, 2023 from 6pm – 9pm.

The hilarious comedy musical is under the direction of Jeremiah Reeve with musical director Kyle Denton.

Nunsense is the hilarious musical farce about a convent of Nuns staging a fundraiser to enable them to bury the last four nuns of their order who died of botulism in an unfortunate convent cooking accident (and who are temporarily being stored in the freezer!). The Little Sisters of Hoboken (well, what’s left of them) put on this riotous revue packed with hilarious, show-stopping song and dance numbers, and always proves to be a crowd favorite. The BRAC version of this comedy is super-sized to present a mega-musical extravaganza!

The show has roles for adults (18+) with a variety of talents and skill levels.  If you are a singer, actor, dancer, or all three, there could be a spot for you!

Public performances are May 11-14 and 18-21, 2023.  Please be prepared to provide all conflicts from March 26 through the show dates.  A theatre resume and headshot are required for those seeking named roles.

Auditions will be held at the Historic Owen Theater, 205 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616

Sunday, March 19
6:00 PM – Vocal
7:00 PM – Acting
8:00 PM – Dancing

Monday, March 20
7:00 PM – Vocal
8:00 PM – Acting
9:00 PM – Dancing

Auditions will consist of three sections each night. You can be present for all three or only your preferred skills.  Please review the description of roles below to see what skills/talents are necessary for each role.

For vocal auditions, please prepare a less than 60 second cut of a musical theatre song in the style of the show that showcases your range and acting skills. You may also sing from the show. Please bring an mp3 track or youtube karaoke track cued up on your smart device. NO A CAPPELLA auditions.

Acting auditions will include cold readings from the script.  We will be looking for strong comedic timing and interpretation.

Dancing auditions will include learning a jazz combo.  Some tap dancers and at least one ballerina are needed.  Time will be reserved at the end of the dance call for these specialized dancers.  Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Callbacks will be held Tuesday, March 21 starting at 6:00 PM as necessary.  You will be invited to participate following your audition.  Some roles may not require callbacks.

PRIMARY CHARACTERS

These performers must be strong singers, dancers, and actors.

REVEREND MOTHER MARY REGINA 
– Vocal Range B3 – F5
– Mother Superior: A feisty Sophie Tucker-type who can’t resist the spotlight.

SISTER MARY HUBERT 
– Vocal Range G3 – F5
– Mistress of Novices: The second in command, she is always competing with the Mother Superior.

SISTER ROBERT ANNE 
– Vocal Range G3 – D5
– A streetwise nun from Brooklyn. A constant source of aggravation for the Mother Superior

SISTER MARY AMNESIA 
Vocal Range G3 – C6
– Lost her memory after a crucifix fell on her head. She is very sweet.

SISTER MARY LEO
Vocal Range G#3 – G5
– Novice who wants to be a ballerina. Does not have to complete ballet audition.

SUPPORTING ROLES

These characters require strong acting skills but will also require some singing and dancing.

SISTER JULIA, CHILD OF GOD 
Vocal Range D4 – C5
– The convent cook

SISTER MARY BRENDAN 
Vocal Range A3 – E4
– A novice

SISTER MARY LUKE 
Vocal Range C4 – G4
– A novice

SISTER MARY WILHELM 
Vocal Range D4 – B4
– The convent nurse

FATHER (SISTER MARY) VIRGIL 
Vocal Range G3 – B4
– Sr. Leo’s Brother/Sister
– can be played as any gender

SISTER MARY (BROTHER) SEBASTIAN
No singing required, but can sing with the chorus
– Stage Manager
– can be played as any gender

SISTER MARY (BROTHER) TIMOTHY
No singing required but can sing with the chorus
– Assistant Stage Manager
– can be played as any gender

CHORUS MEMBERS

This group participates in large musical numbers and individuals may be highlighted in other acting and/or dancing roles based on their skills and desire.  Members may also choose to simply sit in choir formation.  Any gender is encouraged to participate

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New Artwork To Be Unveiled This Sunday At Branson Convention Center Reception

  • dateMarch 8, 2023
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The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the general public to attend the 2023 Spring 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 THIS Sunday, March 12th from 6-8pm.  Everyone is welcome! You do NOT have to be a BRAC member to attend!

Please join us for an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new works of art as well as a few new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and a cash-bar will be available, courtesy of the Branson Convention Center.

The fourteen artists selected for this six-month exhibition include: Mary Arneson, Meike Aton, Diana Bogardus, Jennifer Buttell, Jack Clutter, Lee Copen, Megan Ellison, Venetta Harville, Brent Holland, Jasmine Hutton, Vic Mastis, Audrey Bottrell Parks, Gary Parks, and Whitney Weibel. Their creative works will be on display and available for purchase through mid-September 2023.

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

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

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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BRAC Conservatory Acting and Musical Theatre Voice Classes Begin March 20th

  • dateFebruary 21, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce registration for a new six-week series of Acting and Musical Theatre Voice Classes as part of the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts Program at the Historic Owen Theatre. These weekly classes beginning March 20, 2023 are designed for students between the ages of 7 – 18 years old. Our highly trained, professional instructors will provide students with a fun, safe and entertaining educational experience they will never forget!

In six exciting and activity centered workshops, students will learn through the power of play the fundamentals of acting and storytelling for the stage. In addition to training in movement and voice for the actor, students will experience growth by coming together as an ensemble to bring the “drama!” With a focus on theatrical acting each session will consist of activities tailored to each age group in order to equip your student with the foundations of what it means to be present, to listen well, and to act!

Class Schedule for ages 7-12 (Mondays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24)

  • Acting: 3:45pm – 5:15pm
  • Musical Theatre Voice: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

[fac_icon icon=”star”] CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (AGES 7-12)

CLASS SIZES LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS! (Registration will end when classes are full)

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] Scholarship opportunities available to qualifying students (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

Class Schedule for ages 13-18 (Mondays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24)

  • Acting: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Musical Theatre Voice: 7:15pm – 8:45pm

[fac_icon icon=”star”] CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (AGES 13-18)

Meet our BRAC Conservatory instructors!

Acting Class Instructor – Josh Boulden

BRAC Conservatory – Josh Boulden

Josh Boulden is a professional actor, acting coach, and fight choreographer from Annapolis, MD. He trained at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C., and before that at the Sight & Sound Theatre’s Performing Arts Conservatory in Lancaster, PA.

He’s been in the industry for over 10 years and is blessed to be in his sixth season as an actor at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson. Before that he spent some time acting and teaching for the Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and currently teaches and directs for the Institute for Cultural Communicators.

You may have seen him in a past Branson Regional Arts Council production such as Blithe Spirit, The Glass Menagerie, and all of the Shakespeare in the Parks, and you will currently see him serving in the roles of board member and director for this fall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For more information visit his website: bouldenstudio.com

 

Musical Theatre Voice Class Instructor – Kristin Jewell Cartwright

BRAC Conservatory – Kristin Cartwright

Kristin Jewell Cartwright is a Florida girl at heart, Kristin relocated back to Branson with her husband Tom and kids in January 2022. Besides the winter weather, living in the midwest has begun to feel like home again.

Helping vocalists achieve their goals has been Kristin’s passion for over 20 years, teaching both on the collegiate level and in her private studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Kristin is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She additionally has level 3 certification in Somatic Voicework, a functional method of vocal pedagogy created by Jeannette LoVetri, which approaches not just the vocal mechanism but the entire body as the instrument.

Kristin has performed in the community and professionally in both Florida and Missouri and most recently appeared in her BRAC debut as “Miss Andrew” in Mary Poppins. She is currently an adjunct professor of voice at College of the Ozarks and is excited about becoming more involved in the Branson arts community.

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Final Week To See Mary Poppins – The Reviews Are Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

  • dateFebruary 20, 2023
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This is the FINAL WEEK to catch one of the most talked about musicals to date at the Historic Owen Theatre!

Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical has received rave reviews, standing ovations and full-house audiences since it first opened two weeks ago. There are only FIVE PERFORMANCES LEFT before Mary and her magic umbrella fly off into the clouds! Good seats are still currently available for this fantastic family production!

The last five shows are this Thursday (7pm), Friday (7pm), Saturday (2pm & 7pm) and Sunday (2pm).

I saw Mary Poppins yesterday and it was “practically perfect”. The cast and crew, once again, were over the top. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our community with all these terrific productions. We are so blessed to have all this in our community. – Barbara Wehrman

Oh my goodness….Mary Poppins was amazing.  I was so impressed with the space, the production and the talent!!!  So glad that I went!  – Michael Gaines, Missouri Association of Community Arts Organizations

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Advance tickets are recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.  (FINAL WEEKEND TO SAVE 15% by purchasing a FULL SEASON PASS)

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS  GET SEASON PASS THEATRE TICKETS

Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical in Branson was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! 🙌❤️ Such talent in our little town! ❤️ Great job Alex Harris and Thomas Reasoner (and entire cast)! These Cochrans had a great day on the town. – Michelle Cochran

Mary Poppins is directed by Jacob Deck with Musical Director Michelle Baker and features a cast of 39 talented performers including one very cute infant and a lovable dog!

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

We went to see Mary Poppins tonight at the theater downtown. It was absolutely incredible. I would highly recommend going to see it the tickets are only $20 and worth every penny. – Karen Cook

Sheryl and I were blown away with the talented cast performing Mary Poppins last evening. Broadway in Branson! I found myself thinking that I preferred Leah Johnson’s performance of Mary Poppins to the Julie Andrews version…wow! Hats off to Jim Barber and his growing team at BRAC for another amazing show with local talent! Nice to see them playing to a packed house. – Kenn Tilus

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing beforeMary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.

Saw this today and I was blown away on how great it was!!! Bravo to the performers and crew! – John Huntley

Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

We went last night and it was amazing. Great job. – Roy Tramel

The cast of Mary Poppins includes: Leah Johnson (Mary Poppins), Thomas Hayden Reasoner (Bert), Cameryn Deibler/Hope Menard (Jane Banks), Lee Brown/ Emma Chandler (Michael Banks),  Alex Harris (George Banks), Sonya Godfrey (Winifred Banks), Abby Reeve (Mrs. Brill), David Hewitt (Roberston Ay), Kristin Cartwright (Miss Andrews), Katy Kohler (Bird Woman), Somer Dean (Mrs. Corry), Rachel Ramberan (Katie Nana), Joey Blackwood (Neleus/Valentine), Michael Sager (Poseidon), Joseph Schumacher (Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman), Maddie Hewitt (Miss Lark), Jeremiah Reeve (Von Hussler), Kyle Denton (John Northrbook), Claire Denton (Miss Smythe), Lucas Dahlgren, Kathryn King, Charis Boulden, Velvet Dougharty, Julie Brinkman, Kayleigh Dominish, Molly Tennison, April Ebersol, AJ Turner, Melinda Prince (Ensemble), Sarah Sutherland (Ensemble / Mary swing), Brenna Prince, Luke Johnson, Sebastian Stringer, Maggie Marks, Josslynn Silvy (Kids Ensemble), JoJo (Willoughby the Dog), and making her stage debut, Eloise Dougherty (Baby Ensemble).

It was EPIC!! Don’t miss it!! – Bonnie Ludwig Cunningham

The Production crew of Mary Poppins includes: Karie Dykeman, Kim Hale (Producers), Jacob Deck (Director/Choreographer/Set Designer), Michelle Baker (Music Director), Loran Polson (Stage Manager), Myles Stevens (Sound Technician), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Josh Boulden (Dialect Coach), Emily Rivere, Lexi Keaton, Jael Frost, Abby Moulin (Spotlights), Kyle Blanchard (Set Operations Manager),  Jacob Deck, David Hewitt, Nathan Sutherland (Set Construction), Lorie Best (Volunteer Coordinator), Josh Silvy (Inventory Manager), Marshall Meadows (Photographer), Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director and Marketing).

I’ve had several people tell me the last two weekends that they thought this was the best show they’ve seen at Owens. So, well done Jacob Deck for your awesome directing, well done Loran Jeanette Polson for all your organizational skills, well done cast, and well done everyone else who helped make this show happen. Proud to be part of it all! – Melinda Prince

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