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

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

SAVE THE DATE!!! 10-13-23

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

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

 

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a special post-Valentine’s themed event at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 7:00pm.

Sonnets & Chocolates will be hosted by BRAC’s new Theatre and Special Events Manager Kyle Blanchard, and will allow attending guests to share an evening of sultry sonnets and enjoy the “sweet” romance of delicious chocolates and fine *wine!

“It’s not just for couples, singles are welcome to mingle!” – Kyle Blanchard (host)

The evening includes the live piano jazz of BRAC Vocal Instructor Roger Bergford, romantic poetry and sweets! Also expect fun trivia, games, and exciting door-prizes to be won!

If that wasn’t enough, there will also be an open mic for poets and hopeless romantics!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME and a $5 suggested donation per person will be accepted at the box office.

Card carrying BRAC Members are welcome to attend without donation.

Annual BRAC Memberships are only $20/individual or $50/family and include valuable popcorn/drink cards that may be redeemed at the concession stand during any mainstage event at the theatre. To order your membership now, please visit BransonArts.org/membership.

 

* Wine will not be served to anyone under 21 years of age. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available.

Share your love of the arts with your family by purchasing an annual Branson Regional Arts Council membership!

We offer many theatre, music, artistic, and educational events throughout the year! As a BRAC member, you will receive some valuable perks and discounts to special events throughout the year.

$50.00 / 1 Year  – Purchase Now

You and your immediate family living at home can support and participate in the activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council, helping to shape the future of arts in our area. You will receive fresh arts news, popcorn card, and other perks. (Membership dues amount to just $0.96 per week.)

$20.00 / 1 Year – Purchase Now

You can support and participate in the activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council, helping to shape the future of arts in our area. You will receive fresh arts news, popcorn card, and other perks. (Membership dues amount to just $0.38 per week.)

If you are in a position to support the Branson Regional Arts Council in a more meaningful way, please consider becoming a valued SPONSOR or PATRON.

Active members of the Branson Regional Arts Council will receive BRAC Membership Cards and an official Popcorn Card which entitles the holder to receive up to 10 complimentary cups of popcorn or sodas at any of our upcoming theatre events through out the year at the Historic Owen Theatre! That’s a $30 value, and completely free with your $20 basic membership! If you upgrade to a $50 family membership, you’ll be receiving THREE Popcorn Cards (a $90 value)! WOW!!!

Dear friends of the Arts…

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that we have officially purchased the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson!

Over the past 5 years, we have been leasing the Historic Owen Theatre with a purchase option. We are excited to announce that we were able to exercise that option and obtain a mortgage which makes the Arts Council official owners of the venue, allowing us to continue providing community arts education opportunities for generations to come, as well as preserve the legacy and rich history of Jim Owen.

On December 28, 2022 with the assistance of a mortgage through Branson Bank, the Arts Council has achieved one of our short term goals of establishing a permanent community arts center under our direction that will be available to all residents, young and old, for generations to come.

It was the wish of the late Jean Cantwell, founder of both the Branson Arts Council and Tri-Lakes Community Theatre, to establish a permanent theatre venue strictly dedicated to the performing arts and community theatre. Our move into this facility in 2017 provided the opportunity to do just that.

In 2022 the BRAC presented 10 major events that provided a variety of arts opportunities with 245 acting roles, 157 tech crew jobs, 140 volunteer positions, and 30 featured visual artists!

BRAC continues to develop outstanding youth theatre education programs (Staccato Show Choir and Crescendo Performance Troupe) in addition to our Special Abilities programs. Our main stage community theatre productions provided high-quality entertainment to over 8,000 patrons (6,261 adult and 1,772 youth) last year.

We wish to thank Ronnie and Diane Mathes, the previous long-time owners of the Owen Theatre for believing in our vision. We also thank Branson Bank, our attorney Harry Styron, our past and current BRAC Board of Directors, our volunteers, generous donors and patrons, our talented actors, directors, technical crew, and our teachers, students and supportive parents who have been integral in the development of our youth arts education program.

We will still be working extra hard to pay off the balance of our mortgage, but we are excited for the many new opportunities that this purchase will provide to our community!

Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

 

Related Article: Branson Regional Arts Council To Purchase Historic Owen Theatre (Aug 18, 2017)

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents the first annual 10-Minute Play Series at the Historic Owen Theatre this Sunday, July 10th at 7pm. The 10-10-10 will encourage local writers and directors of all skill and experience levels to practice their art in a low-stakes, low-commitment, safe environment.

The evening will consist of ten plays lasting no longer than 10 minutes each, with a variety of styles presented. Plays include a contemporary comedy and drama, a fantasy, a surrealist piece, a silent film-style play, 2 classical plays—one being a George Bernard Shaw excerpt and the other, a play written by Benjamin Franklin, and more.

Kyle Blanchard is the inspiration behind this new event, and is also participating as one of the directors.

“This year, the directors and plays were chosen ahead-of-time from locals that displayed interest, but in the future anyone will be able to submit their play and/or submit to direct.

Writers and Directors will be chosen on a first-come basis with no regard to experience!”

– Kyle Blanchard – BRAC Board Member & 10-10-10 Director

Admission is free, but a $10 donation at the door would be appreciated to benefit BRAC’s Arts Education Program providing training and arts opportunities in theatre, music, vocal, dance, technical production and the visual arts for area residents of all ages.

Seating is limited, so come when the doors open at 6:30 to ensure you have a seat!

There will be a ten-minute intermission and concessions will be available for purchase. A Talkback session will follow the play presentations for audience reaction and questions.

All plays are rated PG or PG-13. There is some mild adult language and violence.

This year the directors include: Kyle Blanchard, Ellie Faggion, Michael Phillips, Ryan Hippe, Joey Faggion, Megan King, Cole Litwiller, Jonah Outhouse, and Josh Boulden (directing 2 plays).

The technical team include: Pamela Meadows, Mac Hill, Sarah Briggs and Tori Hurley.

The selected plays include:

PEARL’S BIG DAY – Written and Directed by Michael Phillips. Featuring Deanna Bruce, Cat Faggion, Ian lahlum, Michael Sager, Addison Montgumrey, Aaron Munn, Chris Skillern,Kahrie Stegman and Michael Phillips.

GASLIGHT – Written and Directed by Kyle Blanchard. Starring Josiah Mayer, Jonathan Crum, Megan King and Mariah Garrett

MAN AND SUPERMAN by George Bernard Shaw – Directed by Josh Boulden. Starring Ashlind Hippie, Natalie Hensarling, and Jameson Clanton.

UNSPOKEN – Written and Directed by Jonah Outhouse. Starring Jason Lightfoot and Andy Brown.

WHILE THE AUTO WAITS – Adapted and Directed by Megan King. Starring Jonathan Crum, Ashlind Hippe, Andy Brown and Nicole Horton

WHAT IF… THE PRINCE FOLLOWED by Ellie Faggion. Directed by Cole Litwiller.
Starring Mariah Garrett and Aaron Munn.

THE LEAST OF THESE – Written and Directed by Ryan Hippe. Starring Nick Carrano and Kyra Carrano.

DIALOGUE BETWEEN FRANKLIN AND THE GOUT by Benjamin Franklin. Directed by Josh Boulden. Starring Cat Blanchard and Michael Sager

HEART OF HEARING by Joseph Zeccola. Directed by Ellie Faggion. Starring Brandon Farrar and Rosalie Burr.

SPOOŃ – Written & Directed by Joey Faggion. Starring Shekinah Davis, Judah Fox, Audrey Noll, and Adam Hood.

Put your business “CENTER STAGE” in front of our supportive audience at the Historic Owen Theatre!

Your featured ad in our officially licensed Playbill of our 2022 Summer Youth Institute production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. will cover 6 performances and 1000 printed copies for distribution!

Please ACT FAST as the deadline to be included in the Beauty and The Beast Jr. Playbill is this coming FRIDAY (June 10, 2022).  Just click the information link below to pick your choice of ad sizes. You can purchase your ad now, securely online via credit or debit card.  If you prefer to pay by cash or check, send us an email (edu@bransonarts.org) or call our box office at 417-336-4255 and let us know you’d like to place an ad.

You’ll be helping t0 sponsor an incredible performance opportunity for over 70 young actors, and show our area residents that you support the Arts in the Ozarks! It’s that simple!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PLAYBILL AD NOW!

FULL SIZE AD – $200 
  • Width: 2120 pixels (7.067 inches, 300 dpi)
  • Height: 3176 pixels (10.587 inches, 300 dpi)
1/2 SIZE AD – $100
  • Width: 2120 pixels (7.067 inches, 300 dpi)
  • Height: 1548 pixels (5.16 inches, 300 dpi)
1/3 BUSINESS CARD – $70
  • Width: 1856 pixels (3.497 inches, 300 dpi)
  • Height: 1032 pixels (1.993 inches, 300 dpi)
1/4 SIZE AD – $50
  • Width: 1020 pixels (3.4 inches, 300 dpi)
  • Height: 1548 pixels (5.16 inches, 300 dpi)

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PLAYBILL AD NOW!

 

 

Executive Director Jim Barber was excited when the Branson Regional Arts Council’s had been selected as this year’s recipient of proceeds raised from the Sporting Clays for the Arts Event held last March 2022. The fundraising event presented by Embers Cigar Lounge at the Branson Landing raised a total of $5,812.00 for the Arts Council.

Branson’s locally owned Cigar Shop Embers Cigar Lounge started a cigar club in 2020, “eMbers Only Cigar Club” with a goal of giving and  supporting locally owned charitable organizations who work hard to bring value to the local community. 

“We are very excited about our participation in the Sporting Clay Shoot to support the Branson Regional Arts Council,” Tom Forster, Club Chairman, explains.  “As a group we feel strongly that by involving folks of all ages, especially the young, to become involved in the arts, we can introduce lifelong passions that only add to our amazing culture right here in the Ozarks,” said Forster.  “Our community is blessed to have business owners like Kevin and Betsy McConnell who support the club’s passion to create charitable events for the Branson area,” he added.

Though the proceeds were immediately presented to the Arts Council after the event in March, a formal check presentation occured at the Embers Cigar Lounge on May 17th with several members of the club in attendance.

Event sponsors who donated to the fundraising event included: Reece Nichols Real Estate – RPT Homes LLC (Event Sponsor), Show Me Flooring, Embers Cigar Lounge, Branson Imax Entertainment Complex, Branson Screen Printing, Starvin Marvin’s Restaurant, Outraged Rage Room, Weathered Oak LLC, The Tracks, Connell Insurance, Myers Hospitality, Clay Cooper Theatre, and American Exposition LLC.

“I wish to thank everyone involved in this fundraising event, from those who registered to participate as shooters, to the generous area business leaders who gave of their resources to benefit the important work being done by the Arts Council,” said Barber. “Special appreciation to Kevin and Betsy McConnell and Tom Forster for sharing my appreciation of just how vital a thriving arts education program is to the future growth and esteem of young people in our community,” he added.

Clay Shoot For The Arts Participants

Jim Barber competed with his father’s shotgun

Branson Business Leaders Took Aim For A Successful Event

 

Sporting Clays For The Arts Branson

Sporting Clays For The Arts Branson

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce that it has been selected as this year’s recipient of proceeds raised at the upcoming Sporting Clays for the Arts Event on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex on Highway 65 just North of Branson. This annual fundraising event is presented by Embers Cigar Lounge at the Branson Landing.

Branson’s locally owned Cigar Shop Embers Cigar Lounge started a cigar club in 2020, “eMbers Only Cigar Club” with a goal of giving and  supporting locally owned charitable organizations who work hard to bring value to the local community.

“We are very excited about our upcoming Sporting Clay Shoot to support the Branson Regional Arts Council,” Tom Forster, Club Chairman, explains.  “As a group we feel strongly that by involving folks of all ages, especially the young, to become involved in the arts, we can introduce lifelong passions that only add to our amazing culture right here in the Ozarks,” said Forster.  “Our community is blessed to have business owners like Kevin and Betsy McConnell who support the club’s passion to create charitable events for the Branson area,” he added.

“As a group we feel strongly that by involving folks of all ages, especially the young, to become involved in the arts, we can introduce lifelong passions that only add to our amazing culture right here in the Ozarks!”
Tom Forster – Chairman eMbers Only Cigar Club

Click Above To Download Info Packet

REGISTER SOON:
To register as a shooter in the event, please download a registration packet or contact the Embers Cigar Lounge: EmbersCigar@gmail.com or (417) 334-7070.

LOCATION:
Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, 759 US-65, Walnut Shade, MO 65771

SCHEDULE:
8:30am to 9:15am – Check-In
9:30am – Shotgun Start
11:30pm – Awards & Door Prizes
12:00pm to 3:00pm – Lunch at Embers Cigar Lounge (9 South Boardwalk, Branson, MO 65616)
3:00pm – Raffle at Embers Cigar Lounge for the Savage Arms 555 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun (Do Not Need to be Present to Win) MSRP $768.00

COST:
$100 per Shooter / Team Sponsorships Available
Payable by Check / Cash / Card (Make Checks payable to: Embers Cigar Lounge)

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
50 Clays 2 Boxes of Shells Lunch
TEAM AWARDS: 2 Flights (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Overall (1st)
Lunch at Embers Cigar Lounge

Branson area residents are invited to enjoy a special, one-of-a-kind Holiday Showcase Christmas Concert featuring the young talented members of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Staccato Show Choir.

The 4th Annual Winter concert will take place on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 7:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. All seats are $10 and proceeds benefit the BRAC Youth Education Fund, which provides performing opportunities for area youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students meet at the Historic Owen Theatre and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

The choir is directed by Jacob Estes, with vocal direction by Delyla Uebel.

GET YOUR HOLIDAY SHOWCASE SEAT

General seating, no reservations required. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at BransonArts.org/showcase2021, or at the door.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and provides a wide variety of artistic events and theatrical programs for all residents in the Ozarks. Financial support for many of these programs is provided by the Missouri Arts Council and through the generous contributions of private donors and Arts Council members.

Out of nearly 100 entrants, Ten Top Finalists have earned their spot in the Ozarks Dynacom Five Star Talent Contest Final Show on November 20th at the Presley’s Country Jubilee Theatre!

The top finalists of the semi-final competitions held last week at the Historic Owen Theater in Branson and the Historic Lyric Theater in Harrison are:

  • Kentucky Just Us
  • Ron Preston
  • Erin Payne
  • Diana Rockwell & Minnie Doughnut
  • The Crays Twins
  • Lisa Straka
  • Jake and Mikayla
  • Bri Coleman
  • Jazz! Quartet
  • Erich Eastman

The final talent show is Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Presley’s Country Jubilee Theater, 2920 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616. The super talented contestants will be competing for a $1,000 cash grand prize along with an appearance on “Branson Country USA,” a nationally syndicated television show produced at Grand Country in Branson, Missouri.

$10 General Admission Tickets are on sale now through the Branson Regional Arts Council and Ozarks Arts Council through the links below. Seating is limited, so get your tickets in advance and support the Arts in the Ozarks!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FINALS TICKETS (benefits Branson Regional Arts Council)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FINALS TICKETS (benefits Ozarks Arts Council)

The Ozarks Dynacom Five Star Talent Show is presented by Connell Insurance and also supported in part by Explore Harrison.

BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber (front center) was the Master of Ceremonies for the Branson Semi-Finals show along with celebrity judges (left to right) David Cassavitis, Marshall Howden, Shelly Waggener-Walters, and Doug Gabriel.  The Branson finalists were Kentucky Just Us (backrow), Ron Preston (middle left), the Crays Twins (c), Erin Payne, and Diana Rockwell (middle right).

After nearly 100 contestants submitted their audition videos, the votes are in! The finalists who will be competing in the Semi-Finals of the 1st annual Ozarks DynaCom Five-Star Talent Contest have been announced! Prepare to cheer them on to victory by reserving your seats for one or both of the exciting competitions in Branson, Missouri and Harrison, Arkansas.

A combination of audience voting and professional judging will selected the winners. Two, separate and unique groups of semi-finalists will compete on November 5th at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial in Branson and on November 6th at the Historic Lyric Theater at 115 W. Rush in Harrison, Arkansas. Both semi-final shows begin at 7:00 PM with tickets available for sale on the arts councils’ websites: BransonArts.org/tix and TheLyricHarrison.org.

Tickets are $17 (Adults 18+) and $14 (Youth 4-17). No charge for lap children age 0-3.


Featured performers in the Branson Semi-Final Talent Show include: Kentucky Just Us, Jason Wise, Jake White, Wally West, Ellie Faggion, Erin Payne, Ron Preston, the Crays Twins, Diana Rockwell & Minnie Donut, Sophie Douglas, Pace Gillman, Abby Wheeler, Jake Cantrell, Colony Hannon, and Mathan Pennington. There will also be a special (non-competing) performance by Harmony Trio and Staccato Show Choir. The show will be hosted by Jim Barber, the Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council and morning radio host at Branson4U.com 98.1FM.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE BRANSON SHOW! (ticket proceeds benefit the BRAC)


Featured performers in the Harrison Semi-Final Talent Show include: Beaux Jenkins, Russell Joyner, Erich Eastman, Hailey Hance, Jazz! Quartet, Bri Coleman, Joey Herd, Tim Martin, Jake & Mikayla, Lisa Straka, Anna Eastman, Krystiahna Goode, and Joshua Evans.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE HARRISON SHOW! (ticket proceeds benefit the Ozark Arts Council)


We remind you that all ticket proceeds benefit the Arts Council that is hosting each performance. Please help us continue to provide community arts events through your purchase of a ticket to these exciting talent shows.

Ozarks DynaCom, a multi-media and communications company in the central Ozarks region, has announced live show details for their new Five Star Talent Contest underway this year. Contestants submitted videos to enter online, the public voted for their favorites through October 10, and now the live semi-final and final show details are confirmed.

The Presleys’ Theater in Branson, Missouri will host the championship final round of the Ozarks DynaCom FiveStar Talent Contest on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.

Tickets for the Semi-Finals are available NOW at the links below. Tickets for the talent show FINALS will be available soon.

Produced in collaboration with the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Ozark Arts Council based in Harrison, Arkansas, the regional talent competition has been underway since August 16. Ticket sales from three live talent shows will benefit the two arts councils that work to keep arts and culture alive in our region.

“We’re delighted to help support the striving artists in our area and these two great nonprofits who have supported culture and arts in the Ozarks for many years. We are longtime advocates of talent and the arts in the Ozarks, so providing a first-class venue for this competition and fundraiser is a natural fit for our entertainment business, celebrating 54 years in Branson this season.”

– Steve Presley, entertainer and co-owner, Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Semi-Finals Tickets On-Sale Now…

A combination of audience voting and professional judging will selected the winners. Two, separate and unique groups of semi-finalists will compete on November 5th at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial in Branson and on November 6th at the Historic Lyric Theater at 115 W. Rush in Harrison, Arkansas. Both semi-final shows begin at 7:00 PM with tickets available for sale on the arts councils’ websites: BransonArts.org/tix and TheLyricHarrison.org.

“The best of the best will compete at the Presleys’ landmark theater on November 20th. Along with the contest’s presenting sponsor, Connell Insurance, we will celebrate some amazing talent and award $1,000 in cash and an appearance on Grand Country USA to the ultimate winner.”

– Steve Willoughby, General Manager of Ozarks DynaCom

For more information go to OzarksDynaCom.com and all five of their radio stations and related online and social media outlets. Updates on the contest will be provided on air, online and via social media throughout the duration of the competition.

Ozarks Dynacom Stations

About Ozarks DynaCom


Ozarks DynaCom is a multi-media and communications company reaching and engaging a population of 200 thousand throughout the Central Ozarks region by way of five, long-standing radio stations, several social and digital platforms and a variety of strong, strategic partnerships. Ozarks DynaCom offers integrated marketing and communication services and delivers the power of connectivity on a regional scale with Legends 106.3, New Country 102.9 and My 100.1, plus localized focus with The Original KHOZ 94.9 in Harrison and Branson4U 98.1.