The Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to once again host it’s 4th Annual Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest. 

Place: Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park, 312 Esplanade Dr., Hollister, MO

  • Sunday – Sept 26 – 8pm
  • Monday – Sept 27 – 8pm
  • Sunday – Oct 3 – 8pm
  • Monday – Oct 4 – 8pm
Family friendly production!
Tickets are $10 (Adults 18+), $5 (Students with ID, or Youth 4-17)

Bring your own lawnchair or blankets as seating is open in the grass in front of the stage. Refreshments will be available but you may bring your own coolers. Jackets recommended as it may cool down in the evening. 

The production team includes: Justin Ables (Director), Audrey Noll (Choreographer), Nate Frank (Music Arranger), Katie Pohlheber (Stage Manager), Anika Bryceson (Costume Design), Kyle Blanchard (Set Design), Kristen Ables (Puppet Design), Josh Bouldon (Speech and Text Coach), Alex Schriver (Lead Builder).
The Tempest features a talented cast of talented actors including: Nicole Horton (Prospero), Catherine Kennedy (Miranda), Joey Faggion (Ferdinand), Cat Blanchard (Ariel), Josh Bouldon (Caliban), Kyle Blanchard (Caliban), Charis Bouldon (Antonia), Michael Sager (Boatswain), Brandon Farrar (Ship Master), Zack Bucky Buckner (Alonso), Nick Carrano (Sebastian), John Paul Fox (Gonzalo), Jameson Clanton (Trinculo), Blake West (Stephano), and Lindsay LeeElizabeth TheuneKyra CarranoMichael SagerBrandon Farrar (Ensemble/Puppeteers).

Summary of The Tempest: Prospero uses magic to conjure a storm and torment the survivors of a shipwreck, including the King of Naples and Prospero’s treacherous brother, Antonio. Prospero’s slave, Caliban, plots to rid himself of his master, but is thwarted by Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel. The King’s young son Ferdinand, thought to be dead, falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Their celebrations are cut short when Prospero confronts his brother and reveals his identity as the usurped Duke of Milan. The families are reunited and all conflict is resolved. Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island.

Recyclable trash helps to create the theatrical magic of The Tempest.

Past BRAC Shakespeare in the Park performances have been in cooperation with Forte Theatrical Productions and included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and a Rock version of Hamlet. Each of these productions were held outdoors on the pavilion stage in Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park, and the Branson Regional Arts Council thanks the City of Hollister and the Hollister Parks Department for their support and cooperation in making these community events possible.

September 15, 2021

The Branson Regional Arts Council announced today that the final four performances of 9 to 5 The Musical are postponed for two weeks due to illness amongst some of the cast members. The final performance dates are now slated for Sept 30 – Oct 2 at 7pm, and Oct 3 at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

All pre-ticketed patrons who were planning to attend the performances at the Historic Owen Theatre this weekend will be contacted by theatre staff as soon as possible and were emailed the following statement today:

“Yesterday a couple of our cast members of 9 to 5 The Musical tested positive for covid-19. Out of precaution for our patrons, cast and staff we are postponing the final four performances by two weeks to allow plenty of time for quarantine by anyone who may have been affected.

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your support as we do what is necessary and right for the health and safety of everyone. We expect the cast members will fully recoup and be ready to safely return to the stage after a two-week delay. If anything changes in that regard, however, we will contact you just as soon as possible with updates.”

Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

[fac_icon icon=”caret-right”] Reserved seat tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at 417-336-4255.

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.

Rated PG-13 |Some Adult Language & Situations

Set in the late 1970s. This hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.

In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

This high-energy show is not only a blast for those on the stage, but also for everyone in the audience! With its jubilant score and easily relatable characters, 9 to 5 is the perfect show to bring to our community this September.

The production is directed by Kyle Bradley with vocal direction by Lloyd Alexander-Holt, and choreography by Jordan Alexander-Holt. Photography by Marshall Meadows.

Featured is a hilarious and talented cast including: Julie Musser (Violet Newstead), Kellsey Bradley (Doralee Rhodes), Brenna Bergeron (Judy Bernly), Ryan Mattix (Franklin Hart, Jr.), Mindy Law (Roz Keith), Lucas Dahlgren (Dwayne), Joey Blackwood (Joe), Payton Miller (Josh Newstead), Renee Elkady (Maria), Justin Bridges (Dick), Joseph Donathan (Bob Enright), Amy Miller (Kathy / Missy Hart), Annie Sullivan (Margaret) and Ellen Barney, Emily Hanner, Jerry CookLacey Kellett, Sarah Williams, Megan Rodgers , Emily Vickers (Ensemble).

After five busy weeks of rehearsals and pre-show preparation, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to present the smash hit production 9 to 5 The Musical at the Historic Owen Theatre with eight performances running between September 9 – 19, 2021.

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

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.

Rated PG-13 |Some Adult Language & Situations

Set in the late 1970s. This hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

This high-energy show is not only a blast for those on the stage, but also for everyone in the audience! With its jubilant score and easily relatable characters, 9 to 5 is the perfect show to bring to our community this September.

The production is directed by Kyle Bradley with vocal direction by Lloyd Alexander-Holt, and choreography by Jordan Alexander-Holt. Photography by Marshall Meadows.

Featured is a hilarious and talented cast including: Julie Musser (Violet Newstead), Kellsey Bradley (Doralee Rhodes), Brenna Bergeron (Judy Bernly), Ryan Mattix (Franklin Hart, Jr.), Mindy Law (Roz Keith), Lucas Dahlgren (Dwayne), Joey Blackwood (Joe), Payton Miller (Josh Newstead), Renee Elkady (Maria), Justin Bridges (Dick), Joseph Donathan (Bob Enright), Amy Miller (Kathy / Missy Hart), Annie Sullivan (Margaret) and Ellen Barney, Emily Hanner, Jerry CookLacey Kellett, Sarah Williams, Megan Rodgers , Emily Vickers (Ensemble).

Congratulations to the following cast and crew of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of The Sound of Music with eight performances at the Historic Owen Theatre on Dec 2 – 4 & 9 – 12, 2021. Advance reserved tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

“There were so many talented actors who participated in the auditions, and it was a very difficult challenge for our directors and producers to make the final casting selections. Big thanks to everyone who tried out, and we hope to work with the rest of you soon in a future production.”
Jim Barber – BRAC Executive Director

The Sound of Music is under the direction of Jacob Deck (Director) and Delyla Uebel (Music Director). Cast members include:

  • Hayden Gish (Maria Rainer)
  • Jen Frost (Mother Abbess)
  • Tricia Bush (Mother Abbess understudy)
  • Esther Weicht (Sister Berthe)
  • Mindy Law (Sister Margaretta)
  • Julie Brinkman (Sister Sophia)
  • Jerrod Cate (Captain Georg von Trapp)
  • Loran Polson (Frau Schmidt, housekeeper)
  • Emma Puerta and Talya Tinoco (Liesl von Trapp)
  • Pace Gillman and AJ Turner (Friedrich von Trapp)
  • Sophie Douglas and Abby Wheeler (Louisa von Trapp)
  • Lee Brown and Liam Hill (Kurt von Trapp)
  • Kylee Chandler, Savannah Turner and Johanna Thornsberry (Brigitta von Trapp)
  • Lundyn Mitchell and Jael Frost (Marta von Trapp)
  • Zoey Viola and Emma Chandler (Gretl von Trapp)
  • Cole Hill (Rolf Gruber)
  • Charis Boulden (Elsa Schraeder)
  • Amy Sorenson (Ursula)
  • Randy Simmon (Max Detweiler)
  • Dylan Pratt (Herr Zeller, swing for Franz)
  • Anna Weicht (New Postulant)
  • Melody Snyder, Judy Starrett and Beth Lambeth (Ensemble: Neighbors of Captain von Trapp, nuns, novices, postulants, contestants at Festival concert).

SYNOPSIS

The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music, has become a play beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. 

The Sound of Music tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, with laughter, and with music.

In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children–and their widower father, Captain von Trapp. With the Mother Abbess’ blessing, and to the children’s delight, Maria follows her heart, and Maria and the Captain marry.

Upon returning home from their honeymoon, Maria and the Captain learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired Captain is asked to report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy. When the Nazis show up at their door to take Captain von Trapp away, it is a family singing engagement (wily navigated by their friend Max) that buys the family time to make their narrow escape.

Their Austrian convictions compel Maria, the Captain, and the children to flee over the mountains of Switzerland to safety, taking the words of the Mother Abbess to heart: “Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream.”

The Branson Regional Arts Council is holding open auditions this Thursday and Saturday for an award-winning musical based on the Stephen King novel Carrie. This will be an add-on Halloween themed production to be presented in late-October 2021.

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it.

Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie: The Musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose). The BRAC production is directed by Jacob Deck.

This audition is for performers, ages 18-25+.

AUDITION DATES:

  • Thursday, August 26, 6PM
  • Saturday, August 28, 2PM & 6PM

 Auditions & Performances at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

PERFORMANCE DATES (7 shows):

  • October 21-23, 7PM
  • October 28-30, 7PM
  • October 30, 11PM (late night halloween show)

PREPARATION
Prepare a cut of a song no longer than a minute, in the style of the show, or from the show if auditioning for a specific role.

All Roles Open: Males & Females to play 16-65

ETHNICITY: All Ethnicities

ROLES:

CARRIE WHITE (Lead): Female, should read 17 onstage
Painfully shy outsider who, in spite of her best efforts to belong, has been a victim of her
classmates’ cruel jokes since childhood, as well as her mother’s strict, biblically ordained control at home; transforms from ugly duckling into graceful, and then vengeful, swan; vocally, she must be capable of lyrical sweetness as well as fierce power. Mezzo-Soprano.

MARGARET WHITE (Lead): Female to play 35-50
Woman of visceral extremes; balances her fervent religious convictions with equally sincere true-believer spirituality and tender, maternal love for Carrie; in the end, she proves to be a religious extremist; like Carrie, with whom she shares several duets, her voice must range from expressive and melodic to ferocious and frightening. Soprano.

SUE SNELL (Lead) Female, to play 17-18
A popular over achieving student. Her unthinking participation in a cruel act of bullying causes a crisis of conscience that leads her on a complicated emotional and psychological journey to make amends. Smart with just a touch of shrewd edge. The play is told through her memory. Vocally, she has a pop ballad voice that delivers sincerity and strength. Mezzo-Soprano.

TOMMY ROSS Male, to play 17-18
Handsome, popular star athlete, and all around standout. Yet he also has unexpected, quirky sensitivity and is just starting to mine his personal life and feelings – a budding poet. Effortless pop tenor.

CHRIS HARGENSEN Female, to play 17-18
Rich, spoiled, and dangerous. Serious daddy and anger management issues. Her voice is pop/rock percussive: rangy and powerful. Must be an equally strong dancer. Implied sexual content. Mezzo-Soprano.

BILLY NOLAN Male, 20s
A dangerous, trashy, stupid-like-a-fox bad boy beholden to Chris’s bidding. His voice is that of a wailing rocker. Implied sexual content. Baritone.

MISS GARDNER Female, to play mid-30’s
The girls’ no nonsense P.E. teacher. A tough disciplinarian, Carrie also arouses within her a surprising instinct to protect. Warm and powerful pop belt.

MR. STEPHENS / REV. BLISS Male, to play 30’s – 40’s
A still sexy English teacher and guidance counsellor not quite connected to the world of his students. Doubles as Reverend Bliss, the voice of a radio evangelist.

NORMA Female, to play to play 17-18
A gossip with an artistic hipster edge. Norma is second-in-command to Chris’ queen bee.

FRIEDA Female, to play 17-18
Sue’s sometime friend. A drama dork, she’s an easy going, get-along follower and a tireless extracurricular committee volunteer.

HELEN Female, to play 17-18
A leggy cheerleader. Giggly and easily shocked, her immaturity and need to belong make her the perfect example of the herd mentality.

GEORGE Male, to play 17-18
A jock. Preppy. Somewhat unsure. Tommy’s wingman since childhood.

STOKES Male, to play 17-18
A bit of a nerd, he’s happy to be sometimes included as one of Tommy’s posse.

FREDDY Male, to play 17-18
The wise-cracking class clown and official yearbook photographer, he can’t believe any girl would ever give him the time of day.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is indefinitely postponing the large cast production of Hunchback of Notre Dame that was scheduled to appear at the Historic Owen Theatre from October 14-24, 2021. There is no return date scheduled at this time but the production is in consideration for the 2022 season.

All current ticket holders for this production will be contacted and offered to have their tickets transferred to alternative productions instead.

“Concern for cast safety was the primary reason for pulling the Disney musical production from this season’s line-up. This particular musical would have been our largest cast of the year, and even has a full choir associated with the production.

Some of our talented actors and crew members had concerns regarding a huge cast on our small stage during a pandemic, and it was determined by our board of directors to be in the best interest of our patrons, actors, crew and volunteers if we hold off on this show while continuing to implement our effective safety protocols with our smaller cast shows.

We appreciate the understanding of our actors patrons as we continue to err on the side of caution during these challenging times for everyone.”
– BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber

BRAC Producers are currently considering a smaller cast replacement musical that would appear in late October at the Historic Owen Theatre.

The rest of the 2021 BRAC theatrical schedule remains on schedule as these are smaller cast productions.

Upcoming 2021 BRAC theatre performances include:

  • Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical (September 9 – 19)
  • The Tempest – Shakespeare In The Park (September 26-27)
  • The Tempest – Shakespeare In The Park (October 3-4)
  • TBA – (Late October Halloween Themed Show)
  • Ozark DynaCom’s Five Star Talent Contest Semi-Finals (November 5)
  • The Sound of Music – (December 2-12)

 

 

 

An exciting new talent competition is coming to the airwaves, internet, and a community theatre new you!

The Five Star  Talent Contest, presented by Ozarks Dynacom, is designed to encourage the region’s top talent to let their light shine and invite area residents and visitors to discover the amazing talent of the Ozarks.

OFFICIAL ENTRY INFORMATION

Our region of the Ozarks is overflowing with talent.

Amazing vocalists, dancers, comics and musicians appear regularly on stages, at events, in theaters, restaurants, bars and festivals throughout the Ozarks. There is also incredible talent that isn’t very well-known. There are up-and-comers and less experienced performers who are dedicated and working hard on their skills. They might be young, or they might have had to put their talent on the back-burner, or simply decided that their special gifts and talents were going to be a hobby, instead of a career.

Ozarks DynaCom is a family of five area radio stations that reach across Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas to an audience of over 200,000 listeners. In Branson, Missouri: 98.1 (Branson4U.com), 106.3 (KRZK), 100.1 (KOMC) and in Harrison, Arkansas: 102.9 (New Country), 94.9 (KHOZ).

These stations have all teamed up with the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Ozarks Arts Council to give striving performers, the unknown and the inexperienced their moment in the spotlight.

The Ozarks DynaCom FiveStar Talent Contest is the perfect opportunity to dust off the cobwebs, fine tune performance skills, or test new material on a real audience.

“Together with our listeners, online fans, and social media friends, we might even discover the next entertainment sensation of the Ozarks, or beyond!”
– Steve Willoughby, General Manager – Ozarks Dynacom

Video: Ozarks Dynacom General Manager – Steve Willoughby

“We are proud to be partners with the Branson Regional Arts Council and Ozark Arts Council in Harrison, Arkansas who will be lending their expertise and facilities for the semi-final competitions. Live show ticket sales will benefit these wonderful organizations who do so much to support the entertainment arts in our region.”
– Steve Willoughby, General Manager – Ozarks Dynacom

CONTEST BASICS:

Ozarks DynaCom FiveStar Talent Contest is being implemented in collaboration with the Branson Regional Arts
Council and Ozark Arts Council in Harrison, Arkansas, along with our contest sponsors Connell Insurance and North Arkansas College.

There is no cost to enter, and everyone (from anywhere in the country) is welcome to participate. Contestants less than 18-years old will need a legal guardian’s permission.

TALENT ENTRY FORMAT:

Contestants may enter once, in each category of talent: Music, Comedy, Dance/Acrobat, Magic, Variety.

Video file or YouTube link submissions should be no more than 90 seconds in length, and uploaded via the official contest website at branson4u.com/promotions/fivestar-talent-contest.

OFFICIAL ENTRY INFORMATION

Everyone in the Ozarks is encouraged to vote online for their favorite talent and a distinguished panel of judges will be on hand at the live, semifinal shows in Branson, MO and Harrison, AR to determine the final selections to move on to the final competition.

The Arts Councils’ will receive all ticket proceeds from the live, Semi-Final Shows held at the Historic Owen Theatre [buy Branson tickets] and Historic Lyric Theatre [buy Harrison tickets] respectively, and also share in the proceeds of the Final Championship Show.

A live Finals Championship show is planned for mid-November at a time and location still to be determined.

Show details and winner prizes will be announced as those items are confirmed.

CONTEST TIMELINE:

  • Online Entries: August 16 – September 12, 2021
  • Online Voting: September 17 – October 10, 2021
  • Live Semi-Final Shows: November 5th (Branson) and 6th (Harrison), 2021
  • Live Final Championship Show: Mid November 2021

Thanks to the Ozarks Dynacom family of radio stations who are promoting this competition…

Call Backs for The Sound of Music Have Been Announced.

A huge thank you to all who auditioned!

Here are the people we will need to see on Thursday (Aug 19th).

Please note that if you are not seeing your name on the list that does not mean you weren’t cast! Make sure you check the cast list when it goes up. Thanks so much! – BRAC

Please arrive at 6:30 pm (Historic Owen Theatre):

  • Charis Boulden
  • Julie Brinkman
  • Korey Brown
  • Lee Brown
  • Trisha Bush
  • Emma Chandler
  • Kylee Chandler
  • Jacob Deck
  • Sophie Douglas
  • Renee Elkady
  • Jael Frost
  • Jen Frost
  • Pace Gillman
  • Hayden Gish
  • Liam Hill
  • Mindy Law
  • Lundyn Mitchell
  • Loran Polson
  • Emma Puerta
  • Amy Sorenson
  • Judy Starrett
  • Johanna Thornsberry
  • Talya Tinoco
  • AJ Turner
  • Savannah Turner
  • Zoey Viola
  • Esther Weicht
  • Abby Wheeler

Please arrive at 7:30 pm (Historic Owen Theatre):

  • Michelle Baker
  • Jerrod Cate
  • Michael Franklin
  • Beth Lambeth
  • Valerie Mosher
  • Dylan Pratt
  • Randy Simmon

We are excited for this amazing production!

Auditions for The Sound of Music

Auditions for The Sound of Music

The Branson Regional Arts Council is holding open auditions for all roles (adults and youth) for their upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. The BRAC musical is under the direction and choreography of Jacob Deck. Music Direction by Delyla Uebel.

  • When: Monday, August 16th & Tuesday, August 17th 2021
  • Where: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
  • Time: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
  • What to Bring: 60 Second Singing Audition in the musical style of the show. Bring your own tracks (on your phone or player) or sheet music as an accompanist will be on hand.
  • Also Bring: Printed headshot (if you have one) & Acting Resume (if you have one).
  • Clothing for Audition: Bring comfortable shoes you can dance in as well as a change of clothes you can move and dance in.

Auditions will be scheduled first come first served, so we recommend that young actors who need to be home early, be among the first in line. We will begin promptly at 6:30pm.

Call Backs (Aug 19th 6:30pm): If you are called back, please be prepared to do a cold read and sing material from the show in addition to a dance call.

General Rehearsal Schedule is expected to be Sundays-Thursdays 6:30pm-9:00pm, but will be optimized to respect the time of the cast as best as possible. All conflicts should be stated on the audition form.

Public Performance Schedule is Dec 2-4 (7pm), Dec 4 (2pm), Dec 9-11 (7pm). Dec 12 (2pm). Advance tickets are on-sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

  • The Mother Abbess – Female – Lead – Soprano
  • Elsa Schraeder – Female – Lead – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Captain Georg von Trapp – Male – Lead – Bass-Baritone
  • Max Detweiler – Male – Lead – Tenor
  • Maria Rainer – Female – Lead – Soprano
  • Liesl von Trapp – Female – Lead – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Sister Berthe – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Sister Margaretta – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Louisa von Trapp – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Brigitta von Trapp – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Marta von Trapp – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Gretl von Trapp – Female – Supporting – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Friedrich von Trapp – Male – Supporting – Tenor
  • Kurt von Trapp – Male – Supporting – Countertenor
  • Rolf Gruber – Male – Supporting – Baritone
  • Sister Sophia – Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano
  • Franz – Male – Featured – Spoken
  • Frau Schmidt – Female – Featured – Spoken
  • Herr Zeller – Male – Featured – Spoken
  • Baron Elberfeld – Male – Featured – Spoken
  • A New Postulant – Female – Featured – Spoken
  • Admiral von Schreiber – Male – Featured – Spoken
  • Ursula – Female – Featured – Spoken
  • Ensemble – Either or Both
  • Ensemble – Variety

SYNOPSIS

The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music, has become a play beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. 

The Sound of Music tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, with laughter, and with music.

In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children–and their widower father, Captain von Trapp. With the Mother Abbess’ blessing, and to the children’s delight, Maria follows her heart, and Maria and the Captain marry.

Upon returning home from their honeymoon, Maria and the Captain learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired Captain is asked to report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy. When the Nazis show up at their door to take Captain von Trapp away, it is a family singing engagement (wily navigated by their friend Max) that buys the family time to make their narrow escape.

Their Austrian convictions compel Maria, the Captain, and the children to flee over the mountains of Switzerland to safety, taking the words of the Mother Abbess to heart: “Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream.”

The Branson Regional Arts Council announce open auditions for The Tempest by William Shakespeare and under the Direction of Justin Ables.

  • When: Monday, August 9th 2021
  • Where: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
  • Time: 7-9 PM
  • What to Bring: 30 Second Monologue preferably Shakespeare. Actors may be asked to read for roles the same evening

If you cannot make the audition, please submit online and send your audition to Justin.Michael.Ables@gmail.com

Four  public performances will take place on September 26-27 and October 3-4, 2021 in Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, Missouri.

Shakespeare’s comedy about a major act of betrayal, ill treatment, the development of magic arts and a plot of revenge.

Twelve years ago, Prospero was Duke of Milan. Being of a bookish disposition, he withdrew more and more into his studies, leaving the management of his state to his brother Antonio. Eventually, with the help of Alonso, King of Naples, and the King’s brother Sebastian – inveterate enemies of Prospero – Antonio usurped the dukedom for himself. Prospero and his baby daughter Miranda were put to sea in a rotten boat and eventually landed on a distant island once ruled by the witch Sycorax but now inhabited only by her son, Caliban, and Ariel, a spirit.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce the opening of the smash Broadway musical, Mamma Mia! Reserved tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the box office at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson at 417-336-4255.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

There will be eight performances at the Historic Owen Theatre from Thursday, August 5th through August 15th. Shows are each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7pm as well as 2pm Matinee performances on Sundays.

Under the direction of Jacob Deck, Mamma Mia! tells the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. The musical includes the hit songs “I Have A Dream,” “Honey, Honey,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Thank You For The Music,” “Chiquita,” “Dancing Queen,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” “Super Trouper,” “The Name of the Game,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” and many, many more!

A large talented cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a trip down the aisle that Branson audiences will never forget!

The cast of Mamma Mia! include: Jen Frost (Donna Sheridan), Aline O’Neill (Sophie Sheridan), Katy Kohler (Tanya Cresham-Leigh), Jennifer Kersey (Rosie Mulligan), Tom Baker (Sam Carmichael), Michael Franklin (Harry Bright), Sean Neil Myers (Bill Austin), Patrick Sturm (Sky), Joey Blackwood (Pepper), Ben Polk (Eddie), Jeremiah Reeve (Father Alexandrios), Haley Moore (Lisa), Molly Tennison (Ali), and Liz Sambol, Savannah Turner, Megan Rodgers, Somer Dean, Carter Hendrickson, Abby Reeve, Sophia Wilson, Loran Polson, Joseph Bartkowiak (Ensemble).

Production crew of Mamma Mia! include: Jacob Deck (Director/Set Designer), Karie Dykeman, Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy (Producers), Caitlin Secrest (Music Director), Michelle Baker (Music Assistant), Loran Polson (Stage Manager), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Technical Director), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director, Marketing and Design).

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council is seeking new talent for the 2021-2022 Staccato Show Choir.

Do you love to sing and dance? Perform live concerts and public events? Want to travel? Then this is the place for you!

We are looking for at least 20 singers and dancers between the ages of 12-18 to represent the Branson Regional Arts Council for their 2021-2022 performance and competition season.

Staccato is an advanced show choir focusing on many different styles of music (Pop, Musical Theatre, Classical, Jazz..etc) under the direction of Jacob Estes and Delyla Uebel.

Please note this is an advanced level, fast paced group. During our season we will learn a full 20-30 minute competition set, as well as several other songs for concerts and events. We also have opportunities during the year for solo pieces, and small ensemble numbers. We desire committed individuals who will work hard.

Staccato Audition Information:
Video auditions are requested for the first singing round, then if you pass, you will be called to a live dance audition at the Historic Owens Theatre.

  • Submission songs must be no longer than 90 seconds.
  • Please no a cappella singing
  • Sing a song in one of the following styles (Pop, Musical Theatre, Classical, Jazz)
  • In the video, please say your full name and age
  • Audition submission deadline is Friday, July 23, 2021

The easiest way to submit your video auditions is to upload it to YouTube, set the video to unlisted, then email the link to BRAC.

[fac_icon icon=”star”] Please send all video submissions to edu@bransonarts.org no later than July 30, 2021.

Annual Tuition
There is an annual tuition ($405 per student) that assists BRAC in our educational instructor, sheet music, music licensing, and other expenses throughout the season. Selected students will be presented with complete details and scholarship opportunities may be available for qualified students.

Enjoy some videos of our past Staccato performances…

Additional Information
Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group intended to combine challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir will focus on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances.

Students will study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage:etiquette, presence & showmanship and multi-part choral music. The directoral leadership will be both demanding & rewarding. The time at rehearsal will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theater until they leave the theater… training is in process.

The directors will lead incredibly intensive rehearsals that will result in mind-blowing results and outstanding performances. Students chosen to participate in this choir will gain invaluable vocal training, meaningful friendships and treasured memories for a lifetime.

Participation in the choir is at the sole discretion of the directors.

Show Choir Performances typically include: Fall Concert, Winter Showcase & Spring Concert. Additional community performances may be added throughout the year.
Formal coordinated hair/make up styles & attire will be required for performances.

Show Choir members will be invited on an optional year-end performing trip opportunity that will be an additional cost above the annual tuition. Fundraising will be available. More details will be provided in August.