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Give Ozarks Campaign Raises Over $3 Thousand Dollars For Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors, wish to thank the many generous donors who contributed to the Give Ozarks: Rally For Recovery effort to help Restore The Historic Owen Theatre.

Approximately 150 non-profit organizations participated in the 12 hour online fundraising event sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Bass Pro Shops. Over 9,000 donations totalling $718,728 were received by all organizations combined.

$3,074 Raised For Restore The Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council is grateful to the many donors who contributed $3,374 to the Historic Owen Capital Campaign, which will eventually allow the Arts Council to pay-off the building and make needed repairs and renovations in order to preserve the legacy of Jim Owen and the Historic Owen Theatre.

Special thanks to the following donors who generously supported this Branson Regional Arts Council fundraising event (names from the Give Ozarks campaign site):

Community Bank of the Ozarks, Sue & Rich Spoley, Mark H Peper, Rick Uebel, Robin Jackson, Karen W Roof, RL Bartley, Josh Silvy, Dorr St.Clair, Jim Robertson, Jeanine (no last name), Gussie Mustain, Nathan and Darla Howe, Judy Rockenback, Jim Barber, Michelle Rodgers, Tammy Matney, David Dykeman, Cheryl R Campbell, Mary Adcock, Patti Berg, Madeline J Allin , Mac Hill, Cece Garceau, Howard Cavner, Marshall Howden, Ruth E Urich, Kimberly Hale , Meredith Mizell, Raeanne Presley, Dana Freeman, Roger & Susan Horsman, James Myers, Rod A Phillips, Bobby McTaggart, Melissa Rivera, August Gideon, Kristine Brown, MJ Szumowski, Ronnie L Mathes, Kelly Pratt, Loran Polson, Jim Harshberger , Jeannie Moeskau, Myron J Page, Jessica Luthardt, Katy Kohler, and Sally Richardson.

The Historic Owen Theatre was constructed in 1936 as Branson’s very first theatre, and is credited as the official place that started the live entertainment tradition that Branson is now famous for.  Lovingly referred to as “Your Community Theatre,” the Historic Owen is home to the Branson Regional Arts Council and their Conservatory of the Arts Education programs for youth as well as professional level community theatre and musicals for the community.

Anyone wishing to contribute additional tax-deductible donations for the Historic Owen Theatre or Branson Regional Arts Council will find more information by visiting the BRAC Donations and Membership page on this website.

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Video Submission Auditions Open For BRAC Cabaret Show

  • dateMarch 19, 2021
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1475 Views

As our community and nation begin to emerge from the devastating effects of the pandemic, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce a special BRAC Cabaret Show designed to provide a breath of musical fresh air and positive enthusiasm to our area residents.

Video audition submissions are now being accepted for performers who would like to appear in this fundraising event to be held live at the Historic Owen Theatre on Sunday, April 11th at 7pm.  The theme of the show is “A Celebration of Hope & New Beginnings” and the production is is under the direction of Jacob Deck.

Jacob Deck – Director

“Singers, musicians and variety acts are all encouraged to submit an audition video. We are looking for performances that would be considered sincere, inspiring or moving in order to relate to the theme of fostering hope and the opportunity for new beginnings. Nothing silly or campy for this event please!”
– Jacob Deck, Director

AUDITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 28th 11:59PM
Performers wishing to audition, have until Sunday evening, March 28th to submit a video of their intended performance.  All performance pieces should be under 5 mins in length, but multiple songs or routines may be submitted for consideration. Performers must provide their own music performance tracks, or live instrumentals.  There will not be a dedicated accompanist for this event.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION
Audition video links (YouTube, Google Drive, etc) or small attachment files (under 10 MB) should be emailed to bransonarts@gmail.com.  Please include your contact information (name, phone, email) along with your submission. This is a volunteer concert to benefit the work of the Branson Regional Arts Council. Final cast members will be selected from among the videos submitted based on how well their performance fits the theme.

EVENT TICKETS TO BE AVAILABLE SOON
Socially distanced reserved seat tickets for the BRAC Cabaret will be available online soon at BransonArts.org/tix for $10.00 per person.  The performance will also be live-streamed for those who wish to watch at home from anywhere in the country for the same price per streaming device. Proceeds for this BRAC Cabaret Concert will benefit the community arts programming of the Branson Regional Arts Council.

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Historic Owen Theatre Invites You To Give Ozarks Day: Rally For Recovery

The Branson Regional Arts Council seeks your help in restoring an important treasure of the Ozarks of Missouri. The Historic Owen Theatre and the legacy of Jim Owen deserve to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

To assist in this task, the BRAC is participating in Give Ozarks Day: Rally for Recovery, an online day of giving event on Wednesday, March 24, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Along with more than 150 Ozarks area nonprofit agencies, the Branson Regional Arts Council is participating as part of our region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are raising funds to combat the ongoing financial challenges we have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support our efforts to restore the Historic Owen Theatre. Anyone can help by making a secure donation anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central on March 24th.”
– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

DONATE HERE ON MARCH 24, 2021

This region-wide day of giving is presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

With the theme “Rally for Recovery,” this Give Ozarks event will offer nonprofits the opportunity to raise operating funds to help sustain their work after a year of fundraising cancellations, financial challenges and program disruptions, often coupled with an increased need for services during the pandemic.

For each donor to its project, the Branson Regional Arts Council will have a chance to win one of the $5,000 hourly prizes provided by event sponsors. The event is powered by CauseMomentum.org, the CFO’s crowdfunding platform.

Making a secure online donation is simple. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 24, donors can go to causemomentum.org/projects/restore-the-historic-owen-theatrehpc to complete a basic credit-card donation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS.

Please mark March 24th on your calendars and follow BRAC’s Give Ozarks Day Facebook Event using the button link below to keep up to date on the Rally for Recovery and be alerted to live-stream video updates throughout the day.

GIVE OZARKS DAY FACEBOOK EVENT

This short video (below) explains why BRAC is working to preserve the Historic Owen Theatre for generations to come.

 

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3rd Annual Holiday Showcase Concert Features Staccato Show Choir

Support the BRAC Youth Education Fund by attending and donating to our 3rd Annual Holiday Showcase!

Enjoy this special, one-of-a-kind Christmas Concert to raise funds for the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Education Fund.

UPDATE: This concert will be recorded live and available for online viewing to all registered donors!

For the safety of our patrons, students and staff, we have decided not to have an audience inside the theatre for this event. All registered guests will be sent a link for online viewing at any time during the Christmas season.

The concert will be recorded live on Thursday, December 17th at 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson, then made available for online viewing to all registered donors a couple of days later. All virtual seats are a minimum donation of $10 with proceeds benefiting the BRAC Youth Education Fund, which provides performing opportunities for area youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

GET YOUR HOLIDAY SHOWCASE SEAT

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. Under the direction of Jacob Estes, the choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. This year, students met both outdoors and inside the Historic Owen Theatre to study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music with vocal director Delyla Uebel.

Please reserve your seat(s) in advance online at BransonArts.org/showcase.

Enjoy this sample Staccato performance video to get you in the mood for our 3rd Annual Holiday Showcase!

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, the City of Branson, and through the generous contributions of private donors and Arts Council members.
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12 Ways To Support The Arts Without Spending A Dime

12 ways to support the Arts without spending a dime

The Branson Regional Arts Council is thankful for our donors, theatre patrons, students, educators, and volunteers! Without your participation and assistance we wouldn’t be able to provide the quality of community arts education and theatrical events that we have hosted each year.  2020 has been an especially difficult year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we have managed to keep our organization running on a shoestring budget, while continuing to provide online arts education classes and a few live theatrical productions.

We look forward to a better year in 2021, but in the meantime, we must extend our hand and ask for your extra support in order to get through this unusual time. Of course, the best way to assist us financially is to become an active member of the Branson Regional Arts Council (as little as $20/year), Buy-A-Seat in the Historic Owen Theatre ($500 donation), or to make a tax deductible donation of any amount for your year-end giving.

However, we completely understand that most of you are also feeling the financial effects of the pandemic, so we wanted to share twelve ways you can truly make a difference in supporting the efforts of the Branson Regional Arts Council without having to contribute a single dime!

We hope that you will find it in your heart to do one or more of these simple, but powerful tasks that will help us spread the news of what we are providing to all residents of our area communities!

01 – [fac_icon icon=”facebook-official”] CREATE A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER FOR BRAC

You can easily start your own facebook fundraiser to support BRAC at: facebook.com/fund/BransonArts/

02 – [fac_icon icon=”envelope”] SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ARTS NEWS E-MAIL LIST

No Spam! Just Fresh Arts News occasionally delivered to your mailbox! Sign up at: http://eepurl.com/dfSq_H

03 – [fac_icon icon=”heart”] SIGN UP TO BE A HELPING VOLUNTEER AT BRAC

Interested in helping us in a variety of ways as a BRAC Volunteer? Sign up at: http://eepurl.com/ddTptP

04 – [fac_icon icon=”facebook-official”] LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Please visit both of our official facebook pages… Branson Regional Arts Council and Historic Owen Theatre

05 – [fac_icon icon=”instagram”] LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Please visit our official Instagram page… Branson Regional Arts Council 

06 – [fac_icon icon=”twitter”] FOLLOW US AND SHARE ON TWITTER

Please visit our official Twitter pages… @BransonArts and @OwenTheatreArts 

07 – [fac_icon icon=”youtube”] SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Please subscribe to our official YouTube Video Channel… Branson Regional Arts Council YouTube Channel

08 – [fac_icon icon=”file-image-o”] BECOME A PROMOTIONAL POSTER PARTNER

Would you hang our theatre show posters in your business window or lobby? Let us know…BRAC Poster Partnership

09 – [fac_icon icon=”share-alt”] SHARE OUR POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Please share our website articles and social media posts to your own social network of friends!

10 – [fac_icon icon=”truck”] HELP US MOVE SCENE PROPS IN YOUR TRUCK

Do you own a truck or trailer? We always need assistance in moving theatrical scenery to and from our warehouse!

11 – [fac_icon icon=”tripadvisor”] SUBMIT A REVIEW OF OUR PRODUCTIONS

Tell the world what you thought of our musicals or plays on TripAdvisor or Google!

12 – [fac_icon icon=”commenting”] TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING

Word of mouth is the best promotion we could ask for! Let your friends and family know of the outstanding theatre arts education programs available both online and in-person at the Historic Owen Theatre. We offer Arts Education Classes for both youth and adults in acting, voice lessons, dance, piano, watercolor painting, charcoal drawing, and much more.  We offer a Conservatory of the Arts Program with several new workshops in Musical Theatre Auditions and more! Our Staccato Show Choir is a fantastic way for young performers to learn from excellent instructors as well as have the opportunity to perform at a number of area events to appreciative audiences throughout the year. Our Summer Youth Institute provides an unforgettable three week opportunity for young actors to build their self esteem and performing abilities, culminating with standing ovations as they perform an amazing broadway style junior musical for sold out audiences. Our professional level Community Theatre Series of Musicals and Plays is keeping the tradition of Tri-Lakes Community Theatre alive and well for generations to come at the Historic Owen Theatre. Once you’ve attended one of our productions, you’ll want to purchase a full season pass! Finally, don’t forget to let your friends know about the many talented local area artists that we feature at the Branson Convention Center Art Exhibition, the Artist Wall at Chateau on the Lake Hotel, and the Rock Room Art Gallery inside the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

THAT’S IT FRIENDS! NOW… LET’S TELL THE WORLD!

If you could do any or all of the above twelve suggestions, you will be doing a great service by helping us continue and promote our mission of providing arts opportunities to everyone in our community. Thank you and many Blessings to you and yours this holiday season from everyone at the Branson Regional Arts Council.

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Yes Virginia The Musical Ready For Home Viewing

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.

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Annual BRAC Talent Show Goes Virtual November 13th

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

GET YOUR FREE SEAT VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW

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

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

– Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

Register early to win this!

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

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

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

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

 

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Incredible Pumpkin Painting Video with Jessica Lowe

Missouri artist Jessica Lowe demonstrates how to paint Halloween pumpkins!

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

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

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

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

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

Jessica Lowe – BRAC Art Instructor

Meet the instructor Jessica Lowe…

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

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

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

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

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Quarantine Cat Film Fest Benefits Branson Regional Arts Council

Quarantine Cat Film Fest Benefits Branson Regional Arts Council’s Historic Owen Theatre

A new online cat video movie made its virtual world premiere on June 19, and proceeds will help keep the Historic Owen Theatre afloat amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Filmmakers sifted through more than 1,100 submissions from across the world to create Quarantine Cat Video Film Festival— a 70-minute compilation cat feature that is now available to watch at home through virtual cinema.

The film brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest, and most loving cat videos exclusively filmed during the 2020 quarantine. Its release is through virtual cinema – a new tool used by cinemas nationwide to sell tickets for newly released films that customers can watch at home.

The response has been better than we could have ever hoped and we have so much great content to work with. It’s going to be a really fun feature with hilarious and adventurous cats and, of course, some adorable kittens too. – Brian Mendelssohn, Film Director

Quarantine Cat Film Fest was developed to help bring digital revenue to independent theaters during the COVID-19 closures. More than 60 independent theatre houses, most of which were closed this spring, signed on to show the movie through virtual cinema. Half of the $12 ticket will go directly back to the theater screening it through its virtual cinema portal.

The pandemic forced the Branson Regional Arts Council to close the Historic Owen Theatre last March, yet our expenses to lease and maintain the facility have continued without any productions to help support our efforts. Until we are able to safely welcome audiences back into this 200 seat venue, we are relying on virtual education classes in the arts and outdoor events to entertain our area residents. This online film fest is a fun and unique way to assist in our ongoing fundraising activities. – Jim Barber, Executive Director of the Arts Council


Unlike most virtual cinema films, Quarantine Cat Film Festival was created and distributed through Row House Cinema, an 84-seat independently owned theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mendelssohn, who also owns Row House Cinema, and his wife came up with the idea at the beginning of the quarantine when they were watching their own cats, Oliver and Isabella, play at home.

“We thought, if everyone is stuck inside with our cats anyway we might as well start filming the hilarious things they do and make a cat movie” said Mendelssohn.

Virtual cinema ticket sales for Quarantine Cat Film Festival in support of the Historic Owen Theatre can be purchased securely online now at BransonArts.org/meow.

GET QUARANTINE CAT TICKETS HERE

Just The Facts:

  • Quarantine Cat Film Festival invites viewers watch adorable cat videos at home while supporting their local theatre venue.
  • More than 1,100 cat videos were submitted for the compilation film Quarantine Cat Film Festival.
  • Ticket sales will help support more than 60 small, independently owned and historic venues across the country, including the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, MO.
  • Purchase your virtual film ticket at BransonArts.org/meow
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Branson Entertainers Salute America With Free Community Concert

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents a free community concert for all area residents on Saturday, June 27th beginning at 7:00 pm at Chad A Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, MO.

“Harmony Trio Salutes America!” features the beautiful patriotic vocals of Harmony Trio (Babette Fogle, Melonie Barber, Aloha Post); live music from world-renowned concert pianist Delyla Uebel; classic songs from star of the All Hands On Deck Show, Jody Madaras; musical song and dance from television and broadway star Peggy Lee Brennan and her husband Goeff Haberer, direct from their From Broadway To Hollywood To Branson show; sensational saxophone music by professional musician Gary Dooms; and the hilarious comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber & Seville!

This will be a fun, family-friendly variety show presented outdoors on the covered stage at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park, 312 Esplanade Dr, Hollister, MO 65672 (next to Hollister City Hall) on Saturday, June 27, 2020. The concert is expected to run approximately two hours.

Guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the grass. Social distance seating will be implemented, and the audience and all event volunteer workers are encouraged to wear facial masks when entering or exiting the park, especially if social distancing is not possible. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the BRAC concessions tent, but guests are allowed to bring their own snacks or drinks in non-glass containers.

In case of rain that evening, the concert will be postponed to a future date.

Bring your family and friends, and get ready to celebrate our freedom and country just one week ahead of Independence Day.

For more information about the Branson Regional Arts Council, visit BransonArts.org.

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In Memory of Americanna Magness – Branson Arts Champion

Americanna Magness was a beloved Champion of the Arts in the Ozarks. On April 2, 2020, Americanna quietly passed from this life leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to several area organizations including the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Americanna prepares her costume for the Gone With The Wind Gala.

In honor of her upcoming heavenly birthday on May 27th, the BRAC Board of Directors is pleased to honor Americanna’s legacy by dedicating a seat engraved with her name at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

NOTE: This is not a live event, but an opportunity to donate to a special memorial in Americanna’s memory.

Seat K-5 was where Americanna chose to sit during a “Gone With The Wind” film and gala fundraising event that she helped to create in September 2018 to benefit both the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library.

Tax deductible contributions of any amount towards the dedication of this seat in Americanna’s memory, may be mailed to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615 (indicate Americanna on the check). Donations may also be made online via a special PayPal link (all major credit cards accepted).

DONATE TO THE MEMORIAL SEAT

Contributions in Americanna’s memory will benefit the ongoing activities of the Branson Regional Arts Council including art exhibitions, community theatre productions and youth education programming at the Historic Owen Theatre. Individual Donors will be recognized on this webpage as well as in the lobby of the Historic Owen Theatre.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE AMERICANNA MAGNESS MEMORIAL (to date):

    • Jim Barber
    • Bonnie Herrman
    • Marshall Howden
    • Cheryl Campbell
    • Ed Garrison
    • Bill & Sharon Budnick
    • Shirah Aumann
    • Barbara Cohn
    • Wilma Samford
    • Jack & Sherry Herschend
    • Barbara & Harold Anderson
    • donate to add your name here

In retirement, Americanna served on various boards for the Taneyhills Community Library; Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church; Board of Directors for the Branson Arts Council and received Art Citizen of the Year (2006); Coordinator of Old Stone Church Concerts; officer of PEO Chapter IB; and helped found the Branson Chamber singers, known today as the Branson Chorale.

Born in Springfield, Missouri on May 27, 1942, Americanna May (Awbrey) Magness lived in Branson her entire life. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom Magness,her three children; Lynne Erin Murrow, Patrick Awbrey Magness, and Michael Alan Magness; her sister, Clara Lee Beasley; her four grandchildren; Kacey Marie Murrow, Alexandra Magness Smith, Mackenzie Magness Parks and Shane Patrick Magness; her two great-grandchildren; Watson Magness Smith and William Thomas Parks.

Americanna’s loving and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all.

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BRAC Announces 2020-2021 Schedule Changes at Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to postpone the majority of their 2020 Season of Community Theatre productions at the Historic Owen Theatre until next year with the opening of The Sound of Music in mid-February 2021.

“This move to next season includes our popular 4-week Summer Youth Institute classes and production of Peter Pan Jr.,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. “The health of our students, patrons, actors, technicians, volunteers and staff is our primary concern,” he added. “We carefully monitor the recommendations by the CDC, our Governor, County and City of Branson and feel that we will not be at a point this summer where we can be assured it is safe for a large group of young students to gather inside an intimate performance facility such as ours.”

There are a few exceptions to the announced schedule change. The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, originally scheduled to open just as occupancy restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic went into effect, will be slated to run September 10-13, 2020. “This hilarious comedy play has been ready to go since March. Out of respect to our amazing cast and our dedicated BRAC director Jody Madaras, we would like to present this show as soon as possible, following any recommended social distancing and occupancy guidelines that are still in force,” said Barber.

Some BRAC Education Department Classes, Staccato Show Choir and Arts Workshops are expected to resume at the Historic Owen Theatre, or virtually online, early this Summer. September 5th’s Song Writing Workshop with Prince Ivan, and the outdoor Shakespeare in the Park collaboration with Forte Theatrical Productions remains on schedule for late September and early October at Chad Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister, MO. Additional theatrical programming may be announced this Fall if conditions warrant.

Anticipated theatre production date changes for the 2021 season include: 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), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Nov 4-7, 11-14), and a yet to be announced Family Show (Dec 3-4, 10-12).

With regard to the financial challenges for the organization due to this postponement, Barber adds, “This will be a difficult time, no doubt. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we must be fiscally responsible with our funds. We carefully budget each theatrical production we present, and the investment in nearly all of our community events has been substantial. If we were restricted in our ability to sell enough tickets to cover our licensing expenses, set construction and costume needs, we would risk taking a loss on those shows. Despite the fact that many businesses will soon be opening with restrictions, it is very apparent that permissible occupancy rates and public confidence to attend performance events in an small, well-attended theatre environment will take several months to occur.”

The Arts Council asks loyal patrons to please hold their current tickets for use on the new dates, and if they can’t attend, transfer them to another show or perhaps consider converting their ticket purchase into a fully deductible tax donation to the organization.

Other ways to support the BRAC during these next 9 months would be to renew or purchase an annual membership; “Buy-A-Seat” with a personalized nameplate; or make a general donation.

General check donations may also be mailed to BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

All current ticket holders for upcoming events will be contacted over the coming weeks with updated information. Ticketed seat locations and day of week performances will remain the same, only the monthly dates will change.

To see the updated schedule for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, please visit BransonArts.org/tix.

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