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Online Musical Theatre Audition Master Classes Now Accepting Students

The Branson Regional Arts Council is offering a new online Musical Theatre Audition Master Class!

The first session of classes begin December 7th and are designed for adult students age 18 and up.

The second session of classes begin January 9th and are designed for youth students between the ages of 12 – 18.

REGISTER FOR THE ADULT CLASS NOW  REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH CLASS NOW

Need help preparing for your next audition? Do you need new music cuts? New monoloque material? Do you want feedback on your current audition package? Are you curious how to prepare music, resumes, and outfits? If your answer is yes, then join BRAC instructors Justin Ables and Traven Harrington for our brand new Musical Theatre Audition Master Class!

In this new masterclass series, we will be delving into audition technique for auditioning in musical theatre. Each participant will be given coaching time to develop new song and monologue cuts to help prepare them for any auditions coming up in 2021. Instructors will be on hand to coach in both areas of acting and singing as well as give recommendations for monologue and songs for students.

We hope you will join us in the new series where we strive to prepare our students to nail their next audition!

This class will be held in (2) 2-hour sessions, for ages 18 and older.
Dates and Times: (2) Mondays: December 7 & 14, 2020
Times: 6:30PM – 8:30PM Central Standard Time (2 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (includes both weeks): $50.00
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.

REGISTER FOR THE ADULT CLASS NOW

Meet Instructor Justin Ables

Justin is excited to be working with Traven to teach this new Musical Theatre Audition Master Class. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years. Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah. Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player). Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.​

Meet instructor Traven Harrington

​​​Traven A. Harrington, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While there, he studied in the voice studio of Dr. Jeff Price. Currently, he is under the vocal tutelage of Dr. Alissa Deeter! Throughout his life, Traven has had a number of opportunities to perform a number of styles of vocal music. From gospel, rhythm& blues, pop to jazz, he has been afforded with these life appointments that have helped set him up for this opportunity. He has trained in the classical/operatic realm, as well as the musical theatre world! Having performed in a number of productions and studied for a number of years, it is his belief that singing is a full body experience, and he absolutely loves every moment and every opportunity he is able to engage in doing just that! You may have seen him in “Into the Woods” in 2019, as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince or at “Villa Vista” in the Showstoppers Cabaret. Traven absolutely loves being able to help others make vocal discoveries and achieve their musical goals! It is a passion of his to see others grow into the best musicians that they can be. With application, practice, and direction, he is looking forward to helping those who want it! “Let’s work! Let’s sing!” Be it Musical Theatre or classical or another genre, he is absolutely excited and grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to working with you!​

Youth Musical Theatre Audition Master Class is the Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory series focusing on auditions for students ages 12-18!

These classes offer the same training as the class described above, however it is specially tailored to youth performers!

*instructors subject to change

This class will be held in (2) 2-hour sessions, for ages 12 to 18.

Dates and Times:
2 Saturdays: Jan 9 & 16, 2021
Times: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Standard Time (2 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Total cost per student: $50 (includes both 2-hour classes)
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC). 
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.

REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH CLASS NOW

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Scholarship opportunities for youth residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

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Cast Announced For The Marvelous Wonderettes

The Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to announce the cast of the upcoming musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, which opens at the Historic Owen Theatre on January 28, 2021 with twelve performances through February 14th. Showtimes are 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday with 2pm matinees on Sunday.

This was a very challenging casting decision as we had so many incredibly talented candidates who auditioned for this production,” said the Director of the musical, Jacob Estes. “The final selections came down to finding the perfect vocal blend and acting chemistry between the four leading characters in the show,” he added.

Cast Members: Macy Watts, Mesa Mitchell, Caitlin Secrest, Tami Cooper

[fac_icon icon=”star”] The cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes are: Macy Watts (as Missy Miller), Mesa Mitchell (as Cindy Lou Huffington), Caitlin Secrest (as Betty Jean Reynolds), and Tami Cooper (as Suzy Simpson).

Alternate Swings: Seanna Bounds, Liz Sambol

Alternate swing cast members are Liz Sambol and Seanna Bounds.

“Such a Marvelous opportunity for me to be involved with these Wonderful performers,” said Vocal Coach Delyla Uebel. “Each not only brought a great vocal talent, but also such vibrancy to each character. This is going to be a ‘must see’ show!”

The production team includes: Jacob Estes (director), Sean Neil Myers (Stage Manager), Delyla Uebel (Music Supervisor & Vocal Coach), Caitlin Secrest (Vocal Captain), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Technical Director), Corey Mitchell (Set Designer), Jim Barber (Marketing & Design), Justin Ables (Artistic Director), Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman, Lisa Murphy (Producers), and Lorie Best (Assistant Producer).

This smash off-Broadway hit written and created by Roger Bean, takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In act two, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!

All seating will be socially distanced, so when a patron selects an available seat online, they can be assured that the seats in font, behind, and on either side of their party will be left vacant. This reduces the maximum capacity of the theatre to approximately 25%, so shows are expected to sell out in advance.  Online reservations can be made now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS WE WOULD LIKE TO GET EVENT POSTERS CLICK HERE FOR PLAYBILL AD INFO

Persons interested in placing an ad in the official Playbill of The Marvelous Wonderettes are invited to visit BransonArts.org/adpayment for prices and ad specifications. Any area business or organization willing to display a BRAC Poster in their window or lobby, may also sign up to be a “Poster Partner” at BransonArts.org/getpress. “We appreciate the local businesses who help us promote our productions, and support the printing of these keepsake programs,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber.

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Registration Open For Drawing Animals With Charcoal Online Art Class

  • dateNovember 6, 2020
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
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Online Charcoal Drawing Classes for Pet Lovers This November!

Event: Drawing Animals With Charcoal – Online Art Classes
Venue: Zoom Live Online Video
Dates & Time: Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 2020 : 6:00-7:00 pm
4 Week Class meets for 1 hour on Tuesdays via Zoom
Art Instructor: Jessica Lowe

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is a 4 week charcoal drawing class for teens and adults. Learn classic charcoal drawing techniques and create your own pet portrait with the guidance of a local artist, Jessica Lowe. Materials should be purchased prior to the first class. Come to experiment, have fun, and develop a new artistic skill!

WATCH a short demo video of the course below. Your class will be LIVE over 4 WEEKS.

$40 registration fee covers all instruction over the 4 weeks of classes. Click here to register, class size is limited!

REGISTER FOR THE CHARCOAL COURSE

NOTE: Students must provide their own materials in advance (see list below). Materials may be purchased at most art supply stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michael’s Craft Store, or via Amazon.com (Approx. $33 + shipping) at this link: https://bransonarts.org/charcoal.

Materials Required (Students Must Provide)

  • Generals Charcoal Kit #15: (white charcoal pencil, five black charcoal pencils, two black charcoal sticks, a white charcoal stick, a black wide charcoal stick, a carbon sketch pencil, a kneaded eraser and a sharpener)
  • Toned Grey Paper 9×12
  • Paper Blending Stumps (varied pack)
  • Standard Eraser
  • Masking or Blue Painters Tape
    Optional Supplies
  • Matte or Workable Fixative
  • Fluffy medium sized paintbrush

Jessica Lowe is a Missouri based artist. She works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture. Jessica was born in Wichita, KS and moved to Missouri at the age of 10. At age 13 she began her formal training as an artist, working under local veteran artist Sam Hull for 2.5 years. Graduating from Branson High School, she went on to continue her education at Missouri State University, gaining her BSED in Fine Art in 2015. She taught High School Art for 4 years at Forsyth High School before deciding to pursue life as an artist-full-time. She is currently working as a free lance commissioned artist creating pieces for patrons, as well as developing her own work.

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Online Watercolor Landscape Classes Return In November

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to once again offer it’s popular online watercolor landscape art classes this November 17th with master painting instructor Jessica Lowe.

[fac_icon icon=”heart” font_size=”24″] Watch this sample video for a brief sample of this exciting and creative course in watercolor landscape painting which is taught LIVE via Zoom Video Conferencing!

These interactive zoom video classes will focus on Watercolor Landscape Painting techniques, and students will learn to create a new and unique painting each week, while developing their artistic skills in a fun and safe manner from the comfort of their own homes.

Course Description: This is a 4 week online LIVE course where students join the instructor for 1 hour each week to practice watercolor landscape painting.

After you sign up you will get access to:

  • Amazon linked shopping list: order your art supplies early! [View Shopping List Now]
  • Two pre-instructional streaming videos about watercolor techniques and tools!
  • One beginners project streaming video to practice with!
  • Four Live Interactive Online Courses with Jessica Lowe!!!!

[fac_icon icon=”calendar” font_size=”24″] November 2020 – Landscape Painting with Jessica Lowe

  • Live Sessions: Tuesdays (Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 2020) 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
  • Class size limited to the first 8 registrants.
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR NOV WATERCOLOR CLASS

Registration is only $40 per student – designed for adults and high school age students (16 years +). Painting supplies not included in registration fee.

Each live session will last for 1 hour. Students will be sent a private Zoom Video link so they may interact with the instructor via their computer, pad or smart phone device.

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…
Jessica works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture.

Jessica Lowe – Art Instructor

Jessica was born in Wichita, KS and moved to Missouri at the age of 10. At age 13 she began her formal training as an artist, working under local veteran artist Sam Hull for 2.5 years.

Graduating from Branson High School, she went on to continue her education at Missouri State University, gaining her BSED in Fine Art in 2015.

She taught High School Art for 4 years at Forsyth High School before deciding to pursue life as an artist-full-time. She is currently working as a free lance commissioned artist creating pieces for patrons, as well as developing her own work.

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Annual BRAC Talent Show Goes Virtual November 13th

The Branson Regional Arts Council is presenting a free, online Virtual Talent Show on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 6:30pm Central Standard Time. Everyone is invited to reserve their “seat” in advance by registering at BransonArts.org/talentshow.  There is no charge to be part of the fun, but space is limited to no more than 100 viewers.

GET YOUR FREE SEAT VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW

The Virtual Talent Show will be hosted by BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber and streamed live via the zoom video platform. Featured performances from previous talent shows at the Historic Owen Theatre will be presented as well as a recent recorded Holiday performance by the 2020 cast of Staccato Show Choir under the direction of Jacob Estes and Delyla Uebel. Some of the solo performers to appear in the virtual program include Alex Knudsen, Ashley Rodgers, Brenna Kellem, Dani Groff, Dylan Pratt, Ember Straka, Jacob Deeter, Jessica Barber, Rebecca White, Sophie Douglas and many more.

“I’m inviting all of my friends in the Ozarks and across the country to join us online in celebrating some truly outstanding young performers! Each November, the Branson Regional Arts Council hosts this exciting talent show for a full-house audience. This year would have been our 3rd annual event, however, the pandemic is our inspiration to bring the show directly into your home, via the internet!”

– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Register early to win this!

In addition to the line-up of featured talent, several exciting announcements regarding the 2021 Branson Regional Arts Council season of entertainment and educational activities will be publicly announced for the first time!

[fac_icon icon=”star”] BONUS: Everyone who registers before November 12th will be included in a live drawing for a chance to win a cool metal Polar Camel Tumbler engraved with the official BRAC logo, courtesy of our friends at Branson Cerakote. This is a $20 value!

Remember to register in advance at BransonArts.org/talentshow.  Then on the night of the show, make yourself a bag of popcorn, settle down in front of your computer or favorite streaming device and enjoy some amazing performances as recorded live at the Historic Owen Theatre. Don’t miss this “LIVE” virtual event on Friday, November 13th at 6:30pm.

Featured performers include (left to right starting at the top): Megan Rodgers, Carter Hendrickson, Sophie Gregoroski, Cole Hill, Pace Gillman, Thomas Ferguson, Jordan Kendrick, Travis Harper, Renee Elkady, Hallie Groff, Seanna Bounds, Liya Revere, Ashley Rodgers, Brenna Kellem, Ashley Rodgers, Ember Straka, Jacob Deeter, Rebecca White, Sophie Douglas, Dylan Pratt, Dani Groff, Alex Knudsen and Jessica Barber.

 

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Rock Room Gallery Spooky Nights Exhibit Features Local Area Artists

The Rock Room Gallery at the Historic Owen Theatre is currently featuring a themed exhibition titled “Cityscapes & Spooky Nights” to coincide with the Branson Regional Arts Council theatrical production of Dracula!

The Rock Room art exhibition is complimentary and on display to all Dracula ticket holders from Thursday, October 29th through Saturday, October 31st. Social distanced seats are still available for purchase by calling the box office at 417-336-4255 or online at BransonArts.org/tix.

Featured in the exhibit are original works of art by local area artists Kaitlynn Robinson, Jessica Lowe, Christe Colburn, Glenda Roberson and Gayle Page.

All displayed artwork is priced for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Arts Council.

Kaitlynn Robinson is currently studying at the Kansas City Art Institute and has experience in visual and theatre arts through SOTO (State of the Ozarks) and the Branson Veritas Enrichment program where she also appeared in a production of Narnia: The Witch, the Lion & the Wardrobe. Her original illustration entitled “The Crimson King” (featured in the image above) is a colorful and perfect addition to this display.

Jessica Lowe has been featured in several previous Rock Room Gallery themed shows and many of her works are also currently on display at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition located on the second level glass tier of the venue. As a professional working artist, Jessica also teaches a variety of art classes for the Branson Regional Arts Council including a new online Pumpkin Painting Class video currently available for viewing.  Click here for more info.

Christe Colburn has also provided several original works of art for the Rock Room Gallery as well as the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition. Her unique method of digital art prints makes for an exciting addition to this presentation. Christe is a photographer and digital artist with a keen eye for the creative aspects of any subject. She settled in the Ozarks by way of Taos, New Mexico and Denver, Colorado.

Glenda Roberson was a master science teacher for 22 years, Glenda retired in 2008 to enjoy gardening and golf. At the request of her daughter for watercolor paintings for the new nursery, Glenda picked up a brush for the first time in 2014. She placed 3rd in the 2016 White River Painting Exhibit at College of the Ozarks, and sells prints of her work at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Houzz, Wayfair, Overstock, Gilt, Home Depot, and Marmont Hill. She works exclusively in watercolor, and her main style is realism. Her painting of the City of Oz is the perfect Cityscape for this exhibit.

Gayle Page is also featured in both the Rock Room and Branson Convention Center Exhibitions. She has majored in several media over the years, from acrylics on canvas to watercolor, pencil and most recently collage. Her degree in studio art wasn’t the beginning of her training. She attributes that to childhood art classes at KC’s Nelson Art Gallery. Besides teaching art and owning her own specialty paint business for 30 years, her move to Branson eight years ago has allowed her also participate in the Table Rock Art Guild.

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Incredible Pumpkin Painting Video with Jessica Lowe

Missouri artist Jessica Lowe demonstrates how to paint Halloween pumpkins!

This is a recorded LIVE paint along online class for all ages… a perfect way for families to gather around the computer and create a fun keepsake together!

For as little as a $2.00 donation, you can have access to our incredible PUMPKIN PAINTING CLASS online! (Unlock code will be sent after registration)

GET LINK FOR PUMPKIN PAINTING VIDEO
or click here to register for the video!

Materials You Will Need In Advance: (Can be purchased at WalMart, Hobby Lobby, etc)
  • Acrylic Paint ( you can use washable but it won’t be waterproof)
  • Soft bristled paintbrushes, different sizes
  • Pumpkin (real or fake—if you want it to last forever!)
  • Paper towels
  • Water basin of any sort
  • Toothpicks, toothbrush or a thin stick (for stars)
  • Optional: waterproof acrylic sealer

Proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Jessica Lowe – BRAC Art Instructor

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…

Jessica works with a variety of media and creates artworks that focus on nature and portraiture.

Jessica was born in Wichita, KS and moved to Missouri at the age of 10. At age 13 she began her formal training as an artist, working under local veteran artist Sam Hull for 2.5 years.

Graduating from Branson High School, she went on to continue her education at Missouri State University, gaining her BSED in Fine Art in 2015.

She taught High School Art for 4 years at Forsyth High School before deciding to pursue life as an artist-full-time. She is currently working as a free lance commissioned artist creating pieces for patrons, as well as developing her own work.

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Triple Threat Theatre Conservatory Course Begins Oct 18th

Branson Regional Arts Council’s new online conservatory program “Triple Threat,“ focuses on the three major areas of performance of musical theatre: Acting, Singing, and Dance.

This new three week course gives the youth of our community the opportunity to study in these specific areas with local professionals from the comfort of their home. All three of our teachers come directly from the fields of theatre and performance and are excited to offer this masterclass series to educate and enlighten in these specific areas.

triple threat
noun: triple threat; plural noun: triple threats
a person, especially a performer, who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field.
“a triple threat can sing, dance, and act”

Registration ends soon! Classes begin Sunday, October 18th!

Dates and Times:
3 Sundays: October 18, 25 & November 1
Times: 2PM-5PM Central Standard Time (3 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom Video (links provided at registration)

Registration Info:
Cost per student (all 3 weeks): $60.00 [click here to register]
Students may register via credit card, or personal check (made payable to BRAC).
Class sizes are limited to 18-20 students per class.
Scholarship opportunities for residents of Branson, Missouri (please inquire at edu@bransonarts.org).

REGISTER FOR THE TRIPLE THREAT CLASSES

Watch this video to meet the Triple Threat teaching staff:

ACTING… with Justin Ables

Justin Ables - Acting Teacher

Let’s take the stage and bring out your inner monologue in the acting portion of Triple Threat! In this theatre masterclass, students will learn about basic acting techniques brought about by the famous Konstantin Stanislavski and Uta Hagen.  Students will dive into the techniques of sense memory, naturalism and the different steps that actors take to develop a character onstage. As a class, we will use these new skills to become more aware of ourselves as performers and look through the lense of life as our stage characters do. So join us, as we develop these basic skills that have shaped the careers of artists all around the world! 

About the instructor: Justin is beyond excited to be joining the teaching staff for BRAC as well as their new series, “Triple Threat”. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, Justin holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and has been performing professionally for 10 years.

Over the last six years, Justin has been working as a performer for Sight and Sound Theatres here in Branson. Some shows you may have seen him in are Noah, Samson, Miracle of Christmas, Moses, and Jonah.

Some of his favorite regional credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod), The Three Musketeers (Porthos), Lil’ Abner (Marryin’ Sam), Bigfoot and Other Lost Souls (Donny McGreggor), The Reluctant Dragon (Dragon/LeadPuppeteer), The Sword in the Stone (Merlin), The Music Man (Ensemble/Marcellus u.s), Les Miserables (Fueilly/The Foreman/Brujon), Legally Blonde (Kiki/Dewey/Ensemle), and The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist/The Harmonica Player).

Justin also serves as the Artistic Advisor for BRAC as well as one of the Mainstage Directors for the theatre. For BRAC, he has directed The Diary of Anne Frank, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.

VOICE… with Tiffany Bear
Tiffany Renee Bear - Vocal TeacherAs singing actors we are partners with the text and our voice is a means of communicating the story to our audience. In our Musical Theatre Voice section of Triple Threat we will focus on how to be compelling storytellers through music. Come ready with “your book” and several contrasting 32 bar cuts that we can “put on their feet”! We will also touch on how to choose appropriate material for YOUR voice, how to prepare your audition and present yourself “in the room” and in when creating a character on stage for an actual show. Together we will sharpen skills, dive deeper into Musical Theatre voice, make strong acting choices that create compelling performances, and most of all have fun while building confidence! 

About the instructor: Tiffany Renee Bear is an extremely versatile performer and teacher. She is actively working on stage, on camera, in voice over and in print modeling. She has enjoyed performing in regional theatres and tours across the country, as well as internationally (China, Germany.) Tiffany has also been very involved in the world of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) and the creation of new works. She has been a part of bringing several new shows from page (staged reading) to stage (world premiere productions) with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, CITA and other theatres.

Tiffany and her husband Conrad moved to Branson 3 years ago to join the cast at Sight and Sound Theatres. She has had the joy of portraying Mary in Miracle of Christmas and several fun roles in SAMSON. She is currently portraying the role of Cayla, Japheth’s wife, in NOAH.

Some of her favorite past stage roles include: Rapunzel (Into The Woods), Maria (West Side Story), Glinda (Journey to Oz), Ruby (Ella’s Big Chance), Nancy (Oliver!) Princess of France (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Lily (Secret Garden), Magnolia (Showboat), Gertrude (Seussical), Kelsi (High School Musical) and Eliza & Belle in Concerts versions of My Fair Lady & Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.

Tiffany is also an award-winning Director, Music Director and Vocal Coach. She holds an advanced degree in Voice and passionate about “cross training” artists to be excellent musicians and compelling actors. Her students have won numerous competitions across the country for music and theatre. Many of current and former students be found in Film/TV/Commercials, in Regional Theatres, on National Tours (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lion King, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Cruiselines (Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival) and on Broadway (Matilda!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical). www.tiffanyreneebear.com

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE… with Jacob Estes
Jacob Estes - Dance TeacherThis class is designed for students with a passion for musical theatre. Get ready to step outside of your comfort zone, while learning various fun pieces of choreography! We will study/move to a vast variety of musical theatre rep and even learn some original Broadway steps! The choreography taught is meant to challenge you and there will be different options of difficulty to choose from when doing the routine! Dance class is how you study, which means auditions are the test. We will be learning by setting up virtual mock auditions where you will receive feedback and instruction. You will leave feeling confident, and ready to book that next audition! 

About the instructor: Jacob is a performer and director based in Branson. He has had the amazing opportunity to travel the United States teaching, performing, and directing in various theatre venues throughout his professional career.

Jacob is currently the director of Staccato show choir at the Branson Regional Arts Council. You may have seen his work performing locally at Silver Dollar City, The Welk Resort, Branson Regional Arts Council, and Sight and Sound Theatres.

 

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Online Piano Lessons Now Available For New Students

Shelley DiMartini has been teaching piano lessons at Conservatory of the Ozarks for the past five years, and has now expanded her classroom to teach virtually through the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Online Arts Conservatory Program. Known for her ability to motivate students to progress quickly in their musical development, Shelley is now accepting new students of all ages.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Interested parents or students are asked to contact the BRAC Education department at 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org for more information. Class times will be arranged between the instructor and student.

Shelley DiMartini – BRAC Piano Instructor

Since she began teaching at Conservatory of the Ozarks in 2015, Shelley has prepared her students for many performances at monthly studio recitals, community outreach events, and public shows. 

Ms. DiMartini holds a BFA in Piano Performance from Stephens College, Columbia, MO and a Lifetime Teaching Certificate K-12. She was the director and accompanist for Campus Sing which traveled the US representing Stephens College at High Schools and College Assemblies. Shelley furthered her education at the UMKC Music Conservatory, Kansas City, MO by earning graduate credits in ORFF Method – including recorder, percussion, and vocal music. In addition to her experience teaching at the Conservatory, Shelley has taught music at Jefferson Jr. High; was the lead music instructor at Music, Magic, and Make Believe in Indio, CA; taught music, aided in honors choir preparations, was accompanist for school programs, concerts and contests at Van Horn High School, Independence, MO; taught piano at Boys and Girls Club, Solana Beach, CA; taught steel drums and piano at Palomar College, San Marcos, CA and was choir director and accompanist at College of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA . A talented pianist, Shelley also plays the organ, harp, guitar, B flat and Alto Clarinet and oboe.

Shelley has forty years of experience teaching private lessons, and the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to have her join our talented team of arts educators.

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Frightful Fun As Dracula Haunts Historic Owen Theatre

Bram Stoker’s classic tale of Dracula comes to life this Halloween weekend as the Branson Regional Arts Council presents William McNulty’s thrilling stage adaptation of this horrifying novel.

Nate Schaefer (Dracula) gives a biting performance with Aline O’Neill (Lucy)

Performances for the PG-13 rated thriller are scheduled for Thursday, Oct 29th (7pm), Friday, Oct 30th (7pm & 11pm), and Saturday, Oct 31st (2pm & 9pm). Face masks will be required inside the theatre venue, except when seated for the production. Social distanced seating will be implemented and tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix, or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255. Admission for Adults (18+) is $16.95 and Youth (17 and under) are $11.45. Proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

The novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was published in 1896 and has remained a classic story with many renditions. In the story, an intrepid band of vampire hunters attempt to end an ancient evil, tying together Carpathian folk tales of the Nosferatu and the historical Voivode Vlad Tepes, known as Dracula. Stoker imagined a being of immense but evil cunning, a shapeshifting predator, and a power-hungry conqueror from an earlier age.

The novel, first presented as a stage play in 1927, has been presented all over the world and is the basis for the 1931 classic Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. McNulty freely uses this stage play in his adaptation. Dracula has had many different incarnations – Lugosi played him with snake-like aristocracy, Gary Oldman as a tragic figure of epic overreach, and Christopher Lee as a controlling madman. This production of Dracula is closest to Stoker’s imagination: he is a beast with two personalities, one all primal bloodlust, the other a time-displaced medieval dictator who lives to enthrall, enslave, and control.

In the play, Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the profoundly evil Count Dracula. But the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength, psychic powers, and shape-changing to confound and frustrate his antagonists. Culminating in a wild and shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him, this adaptation is an action-packed, blood-soaked retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror.

Cast members of Dracula include: Alex Harris (Dr. Thomas Seward), Nate Schaefer (Count Dracula), Robert Hazlette (Professor Abram Van Helsing), Somer Dean (Mina Grant), Joey Blackwood (Jonathan Harker),  Jennifer Kersey (Miss Sullivan), Aline O’Neill (Lucy Westphal), Sean Myers (Robert Renfield), Tucker Rullman (The Monster and Norbert Briggs), Bethany Mecke, Lindsey Breeden & Taylor Haverstick (The Brides), and Londyn Mitchell (The Child).

The production team for Dracula include Jacob Deck (Director), Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman and Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lorie Best (Assistant Producer), Karie Dykeman (Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Sound Technician), Lex Pearson (Special Technical Effects), Jonathan Crum (Costume Design), Sara Williams (Assistant), and Jim Barber (Marketing).

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New Youth Show Choir For Branson Area Kids Ages 9-12

Branson area youth are invited to register to participate in an exciting musical show choir group called “Crescendo”. Under the supervision of the Branson Regional Arts Council, Crescendo Show Choir is a performance-based educational opportunity for students ages 9-12.

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

Students will have fun developing their performance skills in the areas of voice and dance, while gaining new friendships, skills and increasing their confidence. The students will learn and perform musical show choir routines under the direction of their talented and qualified instructors Caitlyn Secrest and Jacob Deck.

Crescendo classes may meet initially online via zoom, and then rehearse at the Historic Owen Theatre under strict social distancing and CDC guidelines for the safety of all involved. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 4:00pm – 5:30pm for 11 weeks beginning October 6, 2020. The rehearsals will culminate with a combined Christmas Concert performance for family and friends at the Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, December 17th.

The registration cost per child to participate in all eleven weeks and the holiday performance of Crescendo is $110.

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] Residents who reside within the city of Branson may qualify for a tuition scholarship to cover the registration fee.  Contact the Arts Council as edu@bransonarts.org to see if you qualify.

Crescendo Class Schedule:

  • Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
  • Dec 1, 8, 15
  • Christmas Concert – Dec 17 (tentative, may evolve into another event)
REGISTER FOR CRESCENDO NOW

Click the button above now, to register your child to participate in Crescendo! 

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Attend A Free Online Watch Party Of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

The Branson Regional Arts Council and Forte Theatre Productions invite everyone to a free online virtual watch party of last year’s 2019 Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamlet, as performed live at Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, Missouri. This classic play features original music by Chris Skillern. Guest speakers from the creative team and cast will be on hand to share behind the scenes excitement and little known facts about this outstanding event.

This live zoom video event takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2020 beginning at 7:00 pm Central Standard Time.  The entire event is expected to end around 9:30 pm Central.

There is no fee to participate in this viewing party, however attendance will be limited to the first 100 people who pre-register at BransonArts.org/hamlet. The event link to this zoom video party will be emailed after your registration has been submitted.

REGISTER FOR THE HAMLET WATCH PARTY

The cast of Hamlet includes: Josh Boulden (Hamlet), Chris Skillern (King Claudius), Charis Boulden (Ophelia), Conor Finnerty-Esmonde (Laertes), Jonna Kae Volz (Queen Gertrude), Ian Lahlum (Lord Polonius), John-Paul Fox (Horatio), Alex Schriver (Prince Fortinbras), Ashley Litke (Voltimand), Austin Delp (Guildenstern and Osric), Brandon Farrar (Francisco), Lindsay Lee (Marcellus and Player), Lizzy Hinton (Player), Michael Sager (Rosencrantz and First Clown), Zach “Bucky” Buckner (Bernardo and First Player) and Justin Ables (Ghost).

The production team includes: Justin Ables (Director), Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer), Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Ian Lahlum (Set Designer), Peter Gibbons (Sound Engineer), Tori Hurley (Lighting Operator), Mariah Garrett (Lighting Operator).

Special appreciation to the City of Hollister, Missouri and the Hollister Parks and Recreation Department for their participation and cooperation each year for our Shakespeare In The Park events.

#forte #hamlet #bransonarts #virtualwatch #shakespeare #missouriarts #watchparty #zoomevent #hollistermo #bransonmo

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