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Open Auditions for A Midsummer Nights Dream Announced

  • dateJune 11, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council announces Open Auditions for William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Monday, June 26, 2023 – 5:00pm at the Historic Owen Theatre.

Production Description

Casting non-union actors, movers and musicians for all roles in BRAC’s first touring show, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. A romantic magical comedy of music and movement put on by a traveling troupe of players.

Josh Boulden – Director, Madi Trammel – Music Director, Audrey Noll – choreographer

Performance Dates

  • Historic Owen Theatre: Sept 7 – 17, 2023
  • School Tour Dates: TBD (Cast and Band must be available mornings on school days between Sept 7 – 18)

Rehearsals begin July 24th, Monday (Evenings), Tuesday – Friday (Mornings).

Audition Breakdown

Auditions will begin with a movement/dance call for all actors at 5:00pm. All actors must attend. Dress accordingly. This will be followed by audition packages, followed by callbacks with scenes and monologues from the show.

Note: Musicians may audition for only the band.

Auditionees should bring printed headshot and resume with theater and/or music experience.

Actors: Please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue from Shakespeare’s works, preferably in verse. Actors may audition using material from the show.

Actors/Musicians: Please prepare a 90 second monologue from Shakespeare’s works, preferably in verse. Actors may audition using material from the show. In addition, prepare a 90 second demonstration of musical ability in the style of the Celtic band “Omnia.” Full audition not to exceed 3 minutes.

Musicians: Please prepare a 2 minute demonstration of musical ability in the style of the Celtic band “Omnia.” Musicians may play as many instruments as desired in the time allotted.

Instrumentation Needed: Classical and acoustic guitar, world strings, Irish and world whistles/winds, various hand drums/percussion, didgeridoo.

Note: A guitar and drum will be provided at auditions. Please bring any other instruments.

Show Synopsis

The play is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict among four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue.

Character Breakdown

Note: Musical and movement ability is a plus for all roles. All actors will play multiple roles, some varying genders, some in the band.

Oberon (20s-40s): Male. King of Fairies. At odds with his wife. Kingly, jealous, and conniving, yet takes pity on Helena. Doubled with Theseus.

Titania (20s-40s): Female. Queen of Fairies. At odds with her husband yet seeks resolution. Proud, womanly, strong-willed. Doubled with Hippolyta.

Robin/Puck (20s-30s): Any gender. A mischievous and magical spirit in Oberon’s employ. Delights in chaos. Strong dancer/mover. Small build. Athletic and acrobatic ability preferred. Doubled with Philostrate.

Hermia (20s): Female. Daughter of Egeus and in love with Lysander. Loyal, mild yet strong-willed and confident. Short build preferred. Strong Mover. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Lysander (20s): Male. In love with Hermia, they flee into the forest to escape her father. Caring, romantic, and valiant. Strong Mover. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Helena (20s): Female. Once betrothed to Demetrius, her confidence was crushed when he began to pursue Hermia. Loyal to a fault, peacemaker, passionate. Tall build preferred. Strong Mover. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Demetrius (20s): Male. Picked by Egeus to marry Hermia. Brash, rude, and even violent in his pursuits. Strong Mover. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Nick Bottom (20s-40s): Any gender. A weaver turned overconfident actor. Full of advice yet makes frequent mistakes. Comically, foolishly, and charmingly arrogant. Must have comedic ability.

Peter Quince (20s-40s): Any gender. A carpenter, and director of the mechanical’s rendition of Pyramus and Thisbe. Often usurped by the overconfident Bottom. Old, task oriented, people pleaser. Must be able to play an old man. Doubled with Egeus and Fairy Ensemble.

Theseus (20s-30s): Male. Duke of Athens, and conqueror of the Amazons. Sense of justice and reason, yet self-oriented. Doubled with Oberon.

Hippolyta (20s-30s): Female. Queen of the Amazons, now Theseus’s bride. A strong and measured woman, can disagree with and at times calm Theseus. Doubled with Titania.

Egeus (20s-40s): Any gender. Hermia’s overbearing and rigid father. Doubled with Peter Quince and Fairy Ensemble.

Francis Flute (20s-30s): Male. A bellows-mender. Young and aspiring. Looks up to Bottom. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Tom Snout (20s-30s): Female. A Tinker. Old and just over it. Must be able to play an old man. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Snug (20s-30s): Female. A Joiner. Old and fearful. Must be able to play an old man. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Robin Starveling (20s-30s): Female. A Tailor. Old and trying to do his best. Must be able to play an old man. Doubled with Fairy Ensemble.

Philostrate (20s-30s): Any gender. Theseus’s master of revels. Doubled with Robin/Puck.

Fairy Ensemble (20s-30s): Fairies that attend Oberon and Titania. Must have dance and/or movement ability. Doubled with various roles.

Band: A variety of world/celtic instruments to be played live for the show. Option to be doubled with various roles.

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Save The Date For ARTS GALA 2023 At The Branson Convention Center

  • dateMay 26, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council invites you to attend our First Annual ARTS GALA this Fall at the Branson Convention Center.  It’s an exciting evening of Delicious Dining, Excellent Entertainment, Incredible Artwork, and a Classic Masquerade Game of Jeopardy!

More details will be announced in the coming weeks, but for now, please…

SAVE THE DATE!!! 10-13-23

Mark the evening of Friday, October 13, 2023 on your calendar now to participate in OUR GREATEST ARTS EVENT OF THE YEAR!

It’s not superstition… this will be THE PLACE TO BE on Friday the 13th!

 

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An Art Gallery In Your Hand? The Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition Is Online

  • dateMay 23, 2023
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Did you know that you can preview all of the incredible works of visual art currently on display at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery, right from your smart phone or home computer?

Simply visit BransonArtShop.com to view or purchase a work of art directly from the artist to hang on your own wall.  With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, an original work of art would be a treasured and unique gift for a loved one, or even yourself!

The current artists featured at the Branson Convention Center until mid-September 2023 include (alphabetical order):

Mary Arneson

“I am a self-directed artist that has been painting nature’s offerings since 2007, first in Colorado and now in Missouri. My journey as an artist has its rewards and challenges. The path to creativity is sometimes wide and straight, sometimes narrow and winding. Whichever path presents itself, I am eager to create the visions I see in my mind and hold in my heart. While the end product is my ultimate goal, the journey to get there is ongoing inspiration and my joy as an artist. My varied painting techniques and many subjects of interest keeps my approach to a canvas exciting and new. I am honored to have my paintings throughout the US, Canada, and Great Britain, as well as published in art magazines.’ – Mary Arneson

Meike Aton

“Hi, I’m Meike Aton. I have been an artist all my life. I just didn’t know it. Growing up in Germany, artistic creativity was considered just part of my life. Artists are usually creative in several different areas, but focus in on one or two methods of expression. One of my creative areas was the fiber world. I picked up fleeces on shearing day, washed, carted and spun the fibers into yarn for weaving and knitting. Sometimes I dyed the wool with plants from my farm. Numerous throws, pillows and blankets grace my sofas. Intricately patterned sweaters, scarfs and hats make up part of my wardrobe. While drawing and painting always accompanied my life to some degree, it took center stage about ten years ago. That’s when I became a full time painter. Today I work in acrylics and mixed media, creating mostly large scale abstract paintings in bold and happy colors. My creativity gives me great satisfaction. And that satisfaction I’d like to share with you.” – Meike Aton

Diana Bogardus

Always seeking creative outlets, Diana Bogardus started out in fine art, receiving a fine art scholarship in college with interest in acrylic painting and graphite illustration. Then while raising a family, supporting her husband in ministry, and refining her photography skills, she received a degree in Graphic Design. Diana has worked as a graphic designer for 30 years, currently as Art Director of New Leaf Publishing Group for 15 years. Coming full circle on her creative journey, she began self-challenges in Prismacolor pencil illustration and digital illustration using Adobe Fresco.

Jennifer Buttell

Jennifer is a multi-talented artist from Ozark and divides her artistic passions between the canvas, stage and screen. Her Jeniblue Art incorporates acrylic paint on canvas in the style of artist, Jackson Pollack. She has appeared in several films and produced her own award-winning music video through her film production company called Blue Monster, LLC.

As an actress, she has appeared locally in several BRAC productions at the Historic Owen Theatre including, The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia!, Hello Dolly! and Nunsense – The Mega Musical.

Jack Clutter

“Photography has long been a passion of mine, starting with my first purchase of a 35 mm camera while in my teens. I have always been fascinated by how you can capture that one point in time and record that small piece of history to be shared with family and friends. Each photo has it’s own story to tell and that moment will never be relived quite the same: kids grow, people age, seasons change, environments are altered, and the light that helps paint the picture continuously varies. I am very blessed with my wonderful wife and our two boys who are growing into outstanding young men. I have lived my entire life in southwest Missouri and I’m a graduate of Evangel University. I have worked in the corporate world for over 30 years and now have an opportunity to live out my dream to take my photography to the next level and establish it as my career. My prayer is that the photos I take will bring glory to God and help showcase His creation!’ – Jack Clutter

Lee Copen

Born in South Africa, in 1966, Lee was drawing and painting the land, people and animals that surrounded her, before she even started school. Her family moved to Chile when she was 12 years old, where her love of drawing and painting continued. In 1982 the family moved to Colorado, here Lee encountered her first formal art education. Lee has traveled extensively throughout her life; including Zimbabwe, Peru, Bolivia, England, Scotland, Greece, Sweden and throughout the United States. Wherever she went, she painted; filling sketchbooks with beautiful drawings and watercolors. She continued to study art at the University of Northern Colorado, and received a BFA in drawing and painting. After college she pursued a career as an architectural illustrator. In 2000 Lee returned to college to receive a teaching certificate and has been teaching art in a public high school ever since. Both careers allowed Lee to continue painting on her own and building skills. In 2010 she started to pursue fine art professionally. Since that time she has earned numerous local and regional awards and her art can be found in private collections throughout the United States. Whether working in the studio or on location her work is inspired by the beauty and diversity that can be found in nature. She currently lives on a small farm in Missouri; painting the hills, farms, rivers and springs of the Ozarks. Her work reflects her love of the land. She is influenced by many great landscape painters, especially George Inness and Isaac Levitan.

Megan Ellison

Meg Ellison is a contemporary artist known for her unique blend of spray paint and oil techniques, which she uses to create stunning depictions of nature. Born and raised in the Midwest, Meg spent much of her childhood exploring the forests and lakes that surrounded her. This early connection to nature sparked a lifelong fascination with the natural world, which she now expresses through her art.

Meg’s work is characterized by a bold, vibrant style that combines the spontaneity of spray paint with the precision of oil painting. She uses these contrasting techniques to capture the energy and movement of natural landscapes, from rolling hills and thundering waterfalls to delicate wildflowers and soaring birds. Through her art, Meg seeks to convey the sense of wonder and awe that she feels when she encounters the beauty of nature.

Brent Holland

Brent A. Holland of Branson West, MO is a native of Springfield, MO. He is a visual artist who integrates digital and traditional media applications into drawings that showcase figurative representation and formal abstraction. Brent dabbles in 3D modeling techniques as a way to further explore his signature perspective rendering style. In general. Brent focuses on the process and psychology of observation while creating.

“My work is the accumulation of thousands of moments of looking with layers of multiple visual insights. Forms in cavernous studio spaces and on wall come into sharp focus and dissolve into ethereal impressions.”

Holland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Visual Culture at Iowa State University where he teaches all levels of painting and drawing. Brent holds an MFA in painting from the University of Washington, Seattle and a BFA in drawing from Missouri State University, Springfield. His work has been exhibited throughout the US and is represented by Olson-Larsen Galleries in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Jasmine Hutton

Jasmine Hutton is an artist whose chosen medium is photography.

She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Missouri State University in 2022.

Her current work, Waking Up After, is centered around memory, dream, and the landscape. This work is an introspective look into the relationship between memory and dream.

Vic Mastis

Working in pastel and oil, Vic chooses subject matter from what is inspired by everyday living, including landscapes, night scenes, florals and still life. “I find inspiration in solitude and I want to share the peaceful feeling,” she says. Sometimes Vic uses gold leaf to create the illumination of subtle effects along with glazes of oil paint achieving an ethereal aura that compliments all decor. Vic’s work has been in the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joesph, Missouri, Edward Hopper House in Nyack, New York; Fort Walton Museum, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Victor, Colorado and many other exhibits. She received Artist Choice awards at the plein-air events in Augusta, Missouri and Victor, Colorado. Her work has won numerous awards. She teaches and conducts workshops in both oil and pastel.

Audrey Bottrell-Parks

“I believe everyone can learn to draw realistically. It is a teachable skill that is learned, like learning to write your name. Through developing the mind of an artist, your world looks different. Lines, shapes, values and colors come alive, and you wonder why you never noticed it before! God is the ultimate artist and I look in awe at His marvelous handiwork. I am moved by my subjects and by color. My goal is to move the viewers to a greater understanding of the world around them.”

Best of Missouri Hands juried artist, commissioned artist for ESPN, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Promega Corporation, MSU West Plains, PGA golfers and a host of others, Audrey brings years of professional experience to the classroom. Earning her Art Education degree in her home state of Wisconsin in 1979, she has taught publicly and privately for more than 30 years. Her exquisite portraits grace the walls of homes and businesses worldwide and have been published internationally. The ESPN portraits were unveiled on the nationally televised Skins Game in 2003 and 2004. Audrey’s art extends beyond her beautiful portraits of people and animals to encompass the colors of life itself. Being moved by the energy and emotion of pure color, she now offers vivid semi-realistic and abstract acrylic paintings and photographs.

Gary B. Parks

Gary has used his creativity in every aspect of his life, from his construction business, to wood and glass sculptures and to painting. He loves color and to work in a large format. Painting offers him the ability to highlight the energy of color and the flow of movement along with textures. Gary has his own sawmill which he uses to cut large slabs of wood. Some will become furniture and others sculpture. It is amazing to see the colors on the freshly cut slabs along with the designs of the grain. As an avid rock collector, he sees the beauty and abstract designs inside when cut open. All of which, are an art form in itself, and partner beautifully with his abstract paintings.

Whitney Weibel

Whitney Weibel is an independent artist from Pierce City, Missouri with an extensive background in banking and mortgage loan underwriting.

The Branson Regional Arts Council appreciates all of these artists and encourages everyone to visit their exhibition in person by visiting the 2nd level of the Branson Convention Center. Special thanks to the management and staff of the convention center who provide display services in addition to artist receptions at the beginning of each new exhibition.

 

 

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Free Lighting Design Workshop At Historic Owen Theatre

  • dateMay 9, 2023
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council invites anyone interested in theatrical lighting design to attend a free educational workshop presented by BRAC Lighting Designer Pamela Meadows on Monday, May 22nd from 5pm- 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Pamela has been the lighting director for all of the incredible musicals, plays and special events presented at your community theatre.  This is your chance to learn some basic production techniques of programming the lighting equipment used at the Historic Owen Theatre from a true professional.

A graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Pamela earned her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design & Technology, as well as Lighting & Projection Design. Her phenomenal abilities have been a blessing to the Historic Owen Theatre, and now she is offering to share her knowledge and lighting tips with anyone who may be interested in getting involved here at the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Again, this is a free workshop, no registration required. Simply come to the theatre on Monday, May 22nd at 5pm ready to learn and have a great time!

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Crescendo Youth Theatre Troupe Spring Concert This Week

  • dateApril 26, 2023
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The public is invited to enjoy a free community event this week at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Crescendo Youth Troupe presents their Spring Concert this Friday, April 28th (7pm) and Saturday, April 29th (2pm).

Crescendo: “Meaning growing, as in swelling of sound, or becoming louder.”

Since early February, the Crescendo students have been developing their performance skills under the direction of their talented and qualified instructors Jacob Deck and Julie Brinkman. The Spring Concert will feature musical presentations by these talented young performers and includes several popular songs from both stage and screen.

Performing on stage was a key aspect of both of our childhoods, continuing throughout high school and college into the present day. So much is learned on and off stage in the theater and neither of us would be who we are without the teachers and directors that invested into us as little performers. This love for performing has also created a love for teaching and instilling a love for the arts in the performers who come after us. We have so enjoyed getting to work with this amazing group of performers – their joy for life and love for others is contagious!
– Julie Brinkman & Jacob Deck – BRAC’s Crescendo Instructors

The 2023 cast of Crescendo include: Lee Brown, Promise Brunson, Paisley Cizek, Sydney Henson, Sydney Johnson, Tori Parks, Katy Patton, Brenna Prince, Seth Roland, Kate Sutherland, Royal Steelman, Benni Stein and Emmie Wilks.

Come enjoy these talented young performers as they sing and dance their way into your hearts! No reservations required, doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

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Twice The Fun – Registration Open For 2023 BRAC Summer Youth Institute

  • dateApril 25, 2023
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The 2023 BRAC Summer Youth Theatre Institute is now accepting students for it’s productions of Disney’s High School Musical JR (ages 13-18) and Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR (ages 6-12).

TWO DIFFERENT SHOWS with public performances during the SAME WEEKEND! 

“We appreciate your interest in having your child participate in our upcoming BRAC Summer Youth Institute Theatre Education Program.

We believe it will be a highlight of their summer, as well as contribute to their overall self-esteem and confidence… not to mention, it’s a lot of FUN!”

– Kim Hale, BRAC President & Education Director

NOTE: Summer Registration is Now CLOSED! – CLASSES ARE FULL!

CALL FOR MORE INFO: 417-336-4255

Register your child (ages 6-18) to experience the Branson Regional Arts Council’s exciting summer theatre camp at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson. The theme is Fun Education this year we are expanding the program to include two performance groups limited to 35 students in each group.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] The younger group (age 6-12) will attend classes on Monday thru Friday, 8:00am – 11:30am from June 5th thru June 25th, culminating with (3) public performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR on Friday, June 23 (7pm), Saturday, June 24 (2pm), and Sunday, June 25 (7pm).

[fac_icon icon=”star”] The older group (age 13-18) will attend classes on Monday thru Friday, 12:00pm – 3:30pm from June 5th thru June 25th, culminating with (3) public performances of High School Musical JR on Thursday, June 22 (7pm), Saturday, June 24 (7pm), and Sunday, June 25 (2pm).

Note: There will be an important parent/student meeting for everyone on Friday, June 2nd from 6pm-7pm.

No auditions or previous experience required to participate!

 

Tuition is $175 per student for all 3 Weeks of Fun!

Tuition includes all classes, performances, personal script and logo t-shirt. 

[fac_icon icon=”caret-right”] A limited amount of scholarships are available based on need and situation.  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD an info sheet or contact edu@bransonarts.org for more information.

The students will learn acting, dancing, singing, and stage movement culminating in a magnificent stage production of Disney’s High School Musical JR or Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR with public performances June 22 – 25, 2023. Reserved seat tickets for BOTH SHOWS are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

Register your child for this EDUCATIONAL award-winning musical theatre experience!

NOTE: Summer Registration is Now CLOSED! – CLASSES ARE FULL! – CALL FOR MORE INFO: 417-336-4255

About the Musicals…

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life at the Historic Owen Theatre in Disney’s High School Musical JR. It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
 
Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR is based on the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon! This energetic musical follows Tom, a young schoolteacher, who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Memorable songs as “Just a Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction” bring his lesson plans vividly to life.
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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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