Branson area youth ages 6-18 have an exciting opportunity to participate in the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Summer Institute production of Peter Pan Jr.

Tuition for the three week summer musical theatre camp is normally $135 per student. Register at BransonArts.org/institute.

REGISTER FOR THE SUMMER INSTITUTE

Early Bird Registration Bonus…
[fac_icon icon=”star”] BRAC is offering an early-bird discounted rate of $120 for those who register by December 28, 2020.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Register before Dec 12th and receive access to (2) 1-hour online Peter Pan Workshops (Dec 12th & 19th – 11am-12pm) where participants will have fun getting to know their castmates and BRAC education staff through fun games, songs and more! Links to these chaperoned zoom video parties will be provided upon completion of registration.

Tuition Scholarships Available For Branson Residents…
[fac_icon icon=”star”] Through special arrangement with the City of Branson, BRAC is offering FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS for youth who reside within the 65616 Branson zip code. You must contact the BRAC Education Department at 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org to participate in the scholarship program.

Register your child (ages 6-18) to experience the Branson Regional Arts Council’s outdoor summer theatre camp at Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, Missouri. The theme for this session is Peter Pan Jr. with classes on Monday thru Friday, 8:00am -12:00pm from June 28 thru July 14). There will also be a mandatory parent/student meeting on Friday, June 25th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm (at the Historic Owen Theatre).

[fac_icon icon=”star”] No auditions or previous experience required to register!

[fac_icon icon=”star”] This would be a great Christmas Gift for your child or grandchild!

The students will learn acting, dancing, singing, and stage movement culminating in a magnificent stage production of Peter Pan Jr. with six public performances on the outdoor pavilion stage at Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, Missouri on July 15-18, 2021.

The BRAC Summer Institute Staff includes: Kim Hale (Director of Education), Lisa Murphy (Education Advisor), Jacob Estes (Director), Jake Deck (Director), Karie Dykeman (Educational Administrator), Delyla Uebel (Music Director), Jonathan Crum (Costumer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Designer), Mac Hill (Technical Director), Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director), and many more to be announced later.

“All you need is Faith, Trust, and a little Pixie Dust.”
– Peter Pan

IMPORTANT NOTE: After you pay your tuition, please download the Parent/Student Packet from the link in your receipt which you should receive in an email immediately after the transaction.

PREFER TO PAY BY CHECK OR CASH? Please contact us at 417-336-4255 or edu@bransonarts.org for further instructions.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is offering families everywhere a unique opportunity to watch an online presentation of a previously recorded live Holiday theatrical production called Yes Virginia – The Musical.

Yes Virginia The Musical is the heartwarming story of a little girl who taught the world to believe. Share this Holiday message of hope with your family!

On Dec 12, 2015, Tri-Lakes Community Theatre presented the musical at the Branson Star Theatre with a cast of 28 young performers. Now that the  TLC organization has merged into the Branson Regional Arts Council, it is being offered as a 2020 Holiday Season fundraising event in leu of a live stage production during this year’s pandemic at BransonArts.org/yesvirginia.

Music is by Wesley Whatley, with Book and Lyrics by William Schermerhorn. This stage production was adapted from the animated special and storybook by Chris Plehal by Macy’s Department Stores, who then, made it available to schools and community theatres across the nation, royalty-free.

Access to watch the streaming video is available for a $3.00 (or more) donation. The musical will be available for personal viewing through Dec. 31, 2020.

DONATE TO WATCH YES VIRGINIA NOW

The musical tells the story behind the story of one of the world’s most famous letters to the editor. In 1897, an 8-year-old girl named Virginia O’Hanlon wrote to the editors of The New York Sun, asking whether Santa Claus was real. The unsigned editorial printed in the Sept. 21 edition of the Sun has become one of the most reprinted editorials in history. Using prose-filled, positive philosophy and bold belief, the editorial writer affirmed the existence of the jolly old elf and how he can be seen in the love and generosity that exists during the holidays.

Yes Virginia cast members include: Jordan Kendrick (Virginia), Savannah Jewsbury (Miriam the Librarian), Brynleigh Hill (Ollie), Hayley Jewsbury (Scraggly Santa), Clara Gaut (Ms. Church), Jessica Barber (Charlotte), Anna Cardwell (Miss Whiskers), Alexis Fischer (Mary), Sophie McAdara (Gary), Danilyn Fox (Newsie/Chorus), Chaselyn Evans (Newsie/Chorus), Makenzie Evans (Newsie/Chorus), Courtney Poe (Newsie/Chorus), Derek Brown (Jolly Gentleman/Chorus), Kyleigh Evans (Russian Santa/Chorus), Morgan Brown (Swedish Santa/Chorus), Jamie Sill-Enno (Talin Santa/Chorus), Abigail A Skeen (French Santa/Chorus), Rachel Essary (Hawaiian Santa/Chorus), Ryan Cardwell (English Santa/Chorus), MacKenzie Evans (Dutch Santa/Chorus), Kayleigh Boss (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Madelyn Middleton (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Emrie Straka (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Abbaney Holmes (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Eden Burgess (Santa’s Kid/Chorus), Makayla Rich (Mother/Chorus), Caitlyn Holmes (Nanny/Chorus).

Yes Virginia production crew include: Kyle Bradley & Kellsey Bradley (Directors), Kimberly Hale & Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lindsey Howerton (Stage Manager), Dillion Mincey (Lighting Designer), Buster Prine (Sound Designer), Silas Engstrom (Graphic Designer), Lisa Murphy (Marketing), Kimberly Hale, Stephanie Groff, Karissa Fox (Costumes), Devan Spady, Lukus Dement, Nathaniel Finck, Melanie Block (Stage Crew), Louis Allen, Master Set Designer (Set Design), Marshall Meadows (Photography), Charyl E. Philipian, Lorie Best, Georgina Holiday, Mike Groff, Arthur Hale, KJ Soyland, Lisa Murphy, Melanie Block, Cory Block, Lori Best, Hayden Head, Sue Head, Lance Wallace, Becky Enno (Workshop Elves), Jim Barber (Video Production/Editing).

Special thanks to: Josh & Amy Hill, Josh Clark, New Beginnings Fellowship, Ronnie Page, Buster Prine, Jim & Jessica Barber, Louis Allen, Multiprinting, KOLR-10 TV, Hometown Radio.

TLC dedicated this production and the 2015 season to the loving memory of two of our beloved TLC family members… Clay Cantwell and Diane W. Barber.

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.

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.

 

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.

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).

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! 

The Branson Regional Arts Council is now accepting video submission auditions for it’s Halloween weekend production of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, Dracula, as adapted by author William McNulty.

Actors over the age of 18 are invited to submit a video audition performing a short read for one or more roles they are interested in. The monologue script may be downloaded for printing by clicking this link.

Audition video links (YouTube, Google Drive, etc) or attached video files (under 8 MB) may be emailed to BransonArts@gmail.com. Please include a digital headshot and acting resume if available. Women who are only interested in auditioning for one of the brides, may just submit a headshot and resume as there are no spoken lines for those roles.

[fac_icon icon=”info-circle”] Video audition submissions must be received no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, September 16th.

Character Roles include: 

  • Dr Seward – Head doctor at the asylum. In mourning over the death of his fiancée Mina.
  • Count Dracula – Seward’s new neighbor; recently moved from Transylvania.
  • Professor Abram Van Helsing – old friend of Seward; comes to help Lucy.
  • Mina – Love of Seward; recently died of a mysterious illness involving a loss of blood.
  • Lucy – Mina’s friend; Displaying the same troubling symptoms as her friend Mina.
  • Jonathon Harker – Lucy’s fiancée; missing after a trip to Transylvania.
  • Renfield – Psychiatric patient who seems to know a bit too much about what is going on.
  • Miss Sullivan – Dr Seward’s assistant.
  • Mr. Briggs – Dr. Seward’s orderly. Responsible for maintaining peace among the patients.

Under the Direction of Jacob Deck, this production is scheduled for five thrilling performances at Branson’s Historic Owen Theatre on Thursday, October 29th (7pm), Friday, October 30th (7pm & 11pm), and October 31st (2pm & 9pm). Advance audience tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix. All seat purchases will be social distanced for extra safety of the audience, therefore, seating for each production will be limited to approximately 50 patrons per performance.

Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled to begin on September 18th with sessions on Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri (6:30pm – 10pm) and Sat (9am-12pm and/or 2pm-5pm) at the Historic Owen Theater.

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.


The Branson Regional Arts Council welcomes video audition submissions for it’s upcoming production of The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Historic Owen Theatre.<

The Marvelous Wonderettes Performance Dates [tickets on sale now]

  • Jan 28-30, Feb 4-6, Feb 11-13, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
  • Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14, 2021 @ 2:00 pm (12 Shows total)

Cast of Characters:
(Some roles may be double cast. We are also looking to cast swings to play multiple roles. Swings are guaranteed actual performances as well, so if you are interested in auditioning and can’t make every performance, we encourage you to still submit.)

MISSY (Adult Female): Always the over-achiever of the group, Missy is the one to cover for mistakes and is always ready to jump in and save the day. Head of the prom decorations committee, and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. She has been best friends with Suzy since elementary school. (Soprano with wide range and very high vocals; also requires the ability to belt/mix)

CINDY LOU (Adult Female): Cindy Lou is the “bad girl” of the group. It seems that things always go her way, making Betty Jean crazy. She makes the biggest change between Acts I and II, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. (Mezzo Soprano with strong belt; sings melody line on most songs; the role requires strong vocal abilities)

BETTY JEAN (Adult Female) Betty Jean is the self-anointed clown of the group, always vying for attention from her best friend Cindy Lou. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, causing a lot of the friction at the prom; she holds this grudge against Cindy Lou, until they make up at the 10-year reunion. (Mezzo/Alto with strong range)

SUZY (Adult Female) Gum-chewing Suzy is happy-go-lucky, a little giddy, and a little silly. She finds great pleasure in everything she does; the sillier it is, the more fun she finds it. Her best friend is Missy. (Please note: The script does not want you to play her like a stereotypical “ditzy blonde.”) (Mezzo Alto with a sweet, soulful sound, and big belt)

Show Description:

This smash off-Broadway hit 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!

Audition Requirements:

**Due to the impact of COVID-19 and our commitment to your safety, the initial round of auditions will be by video submission only.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Please send all audition videos with the headline WONDERETTES SUBMISSION to: BransonArts@gmail.com.

Please prepare 32 bars (no more than 2 minutes) of a pop song or ballad FROM THE 1950s OR 1960s…You can also choose to sing a Musical Theatre piece, but please make it of the appropriate show style. (NO A CAPELLA SINGING)

This is a jukebox musical (all of the songs are well known) so it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the shows approach. Click here to listen to the cast recording on YouTube.

When picking an audition song, this note from the creator may be helpful:

“Listen to Connie Francis, Doris Day, The Chordettes, & The McGuire Sisters for Act I styles; listen to Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore, The Shangri-Las, & Betty Everett for Act II styles.”

From the director…
All four characters are powerhouse vocalist. These girls sing very tedious harmonies and get a full vocal workout throughout the show. (30+ songs!) When selecting a song, pick something that will showcase your greatest strengths and range. With a video submission, you have the advantage to sing without the nerves of a live audition…be bold with your choice!

After your initial vocal audition, we will be in touch if we need to see more from you. (Sides, dance)

Please feel free to contact the director with any questions you may have at jacobmestes@gmail.com.

ALL VIDEO SUBMISSIONS DUE BY OCTOBER 20, 2020!

After a six-month postponement due to the pandemic, big laughs are about to fill the air as the Branson Regional Arts Council presents the hilarious comedy play The Odd Couple by Neil Simon at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Additional performances have been added to the calendar so that more people can enjoy this incredibly funny production. The facility is continually sanitized with social distance seating established so the audience will have an empty row or a couple of seats between them and other patrons.

Eight performances are scheduled on Sept 10-11 (7pm), Sept 12 (2pm & 7pm), Sept 13 (2pm) and Sept 17-19 (7pm), with advance reserved seat tickets available now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255. Ticket prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (Youth 4-17) with proceeds benefiting the work of the Arts Council on behalf of our community.

Recommended for all audiences, this classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born!

The BRAC production is directed by Jody Madaras, star of the  All Hands On Deck show at the Dutton Family Theatre. “Neil Simon’s timeless American comedy delivers biting zingers and the ingredients that laughs are made of,” says Madaras. “Our BRAC production comes complete with a boat load of laughs, and a heart-warming ending that is sure to please!”

Lead Actors: Sean Neil Myers & Chance Havens

Chance Havens plays the role of Oscar Madison along with Sean Neil Myers as Felix Unger. Additional cast members include Cory Hensen as Murray, Deron Wolfe as Roy, Mark Peper as Vinnie, Dylan Pratt as Speed, J.C. Clinton and Abby Reeve as the vivacious Pigeon sisters. Keep your eyes open for an unexpected virtual appearance by funnyman Terry Sanders!

Producers Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman are assisted by Jack Vandewark (Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Director), and Mac Hill (Set Design and Sound Technician), Marshall Meadows (Photography), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director and Marketing).

As an added bonus, theatre patrons will be invited to visit the Rock Room Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre for the new “Cityscapes & New York Nights” exhibition featuring artwork from a variety of local area artists. All works displayed will be available for sale by the artists. Artists interested in placing a work in the exhibit are asked to contact the Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org.

Forte Theatre Productions, in partnership with the Branson Regional Arts Council, announce that their anticipated 4th Annual Shakespeare In The Park production of The Tempest will be postponed until next year as part of the 2021 line up of BRAC arts events planned for our community. Originally scheduled for late September and early October 2020, the exact dates for the 2021 production of The Tempest is expected to be announced later this year.

Tina Cool-Anderson, Producer and Director of Forte Theatre Productions, shares this video announcement regarding the schedule change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The team at Forte Theatre Productions, along with the Branson Regional Arts Council, have made the difficult decision to postpone our 2020 Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest to 2021 due to COVID-19. Now, just because we have this pause in our season, doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop serving our Arts community. I mean, William Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the plague! So follow us on our social media pages and you’ll find information on upcoming virtual and in-person events. We’d also like to say a special thank you to the City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Department and all of our Arts Community who have helped make Shakespeare in the Park happen. So, keep safe and support your local Arts!” – Tina Cool-Anderson, Forte Theatre Productions

Past Shakespeare in the Park performances have included  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and last years Rock version of Hamlet. All of these productions have been held outdoors on the pavillion stage in Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park, and both organizations thank the City of Hollister and the Hollister Parks Department for their support and cooperation in making these community events possible.

NOTE: This change will not affect other musicals and plays already rescheduled for the 2020-2021 season at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Upcoming BRAC performances include: The Odd Couple (Sept 10-15, 2010), The Sound of Music (Feb 11-14, 18-21, 25-28), The Glass Menagerie (Apr 8, 11,12), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare – Abridged (Apr 30, May 2-3), Summer Youth Theatre Institute (May 17-21, 24-28, 31-June 2), Peter Pan Jr. (June 3-6), Mama Mia! (July 8-11, 15-18), 9 To 5 The Musical (Sep 9-12, 16-19), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Nov 4-7, 11-14). Other concert type events and possible additions to the musical theatre schedule are expected and will be announced at the appropriate time. Reserved seat tickets the above performances are now on sale at BransonArts.org/tix.

 

Postponed since last March due to the COVIC-19 pandemic shut down, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to finally present the hilarious comedy play The Odd Couple by Neil Simon at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Five performances are scheduled on Sept 10 (7pm), Sept 11 (7pm), Sept 12 (2pm & 7pm) and Sept 13 (2pm), with limited advance reserved seat tickets available now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255. Ticket prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (Youth 4-17) with proceeds benefiting the work of the Arts Council on behalf of our community.

Chance Havens as Oscar Madison

The unexpected postponement of this production unfortunately forced one of the lead actors to step away from the show, however Branson audiences are in for a treat as local theatre veteran Sean Neil Myers will be taking on the role of Felix Ungar.

Sean is thrilled to appear in his 12th BRAC production! He was last seen as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. His past roles for BRAC include Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, as well as standout roles in Beauty and the Beast, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, Annie, and Chicago. Sean’s favorite past roles include Igor in Young Frankenstein. 

Recommended for all audiences, this classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born!

The BRAC production is directed by Jody Madaras, star of the  All Hands On Deck show at the Dutton Family Theatre.

“American comedy, The Odd Couple, delivers biting zingers and the ingredients that laughs are made of.  Our BRAC production comes complete with a boat load of laughs, and a heart-warming ending that is sure to please!” – Jody Madaras, BRAC Director

 

Chance Havens plays the role of Oscar Madison along with Sean Neil Myers as Felix Unger. Additional cast members include Cory Hensen as Murray, Deron Wolfe as Roy, Mark Peper as Vinnie, Dylan Pratt as Speed, J.C. Clinton and Abby Reeve as the vivacious Pigeon sisters.

The Odd Couple Supporting Cast (L-R): Dylan Pratt, Cory Hensen, J.C. Clinton, Abby Reeve, Deron Wolfe, Mark Peper

Producers Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman are assisted by Justin Ables (Artistic Advisor), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Director), and Mac Hill (Set Design and Sound Technician), Marshall Meadows (Photography), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director and Marketing).

As an added bonus, theatre patrons will be invited to visit the Rock Room Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre for the new “Cityscapes & New York Nights” exhibition featuring artwork from a variety of local area artists. All works displayed will be available for sale by the artists. Artists interested in placing a work in the exhibit are asked to contact the Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org.

Theatre enthusiasts are reminded to purchase advance tickets for all of the upcoming Broadway musicals and plays that are already scheduled and in production at the Historic Owen Theatre throughout the 2020-2021 season. Visit BransonArts.org/tix for more information.