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Win A Roundtrip Frontier Airline Ticket To CHICAGO

Ticket sales for Chicago (the Musical) have been very strong, and for those lucky folks who attend this highly entertaining production, we are excited to announce a special opportunity to win ONE ROUND-TRIP TICKET to Chicago (the City) on Frontier Airlines out of the Branson Airport!

During intermission at each of our five performances of Chicago The Musical, patrons will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets in hopes of winning one of several unique gift baskets.  Anyone who purchases $20 worth of tickets will also be included in our grand prize airline ticket drawing on Sunday afternoon. Raffle ticket holders will have two chances to win either a wonderful themed gift basket, or the round trip flight to the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. The lucky airline ticket winner does NOT have to be present during the Sunday drawing to win.

Frontier Airlines Ticket Certificate is courtesy of our friends at Fly Branson Travel Service and the Branson Airport. Visit their official website at FlyBranson.com. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a not-for profit 501 (c)3 organization.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Performances for Chicago the Musical (Rated PG-13) run May 2-5, 2019 at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri. If you haven’t purchased your tickets to the live theatre show yet, please get them SOON as we expect all shows to sell out completely! You may select and purchase your reserved seat tickets online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Box Office at 417-336-4255.

 

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Disney Performance Dreams Realized For Branson Area Youth

Twelve young performers from the Branson area experienced a journey of a life-time this past week as they successfully fulfilled a dream that began six months ago; an opportunity to participate in one of the Nation’s leading high school music education programs, Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida.

The students (from youngest to oldest) include; Hallie Groff (9), Jake Musser (13), Sydney Pride (13), Megan Rodgers (13), Jordan Kendrick (15), Noah Beyer (15), Moritz Mund (16), Jacob Deeter (16), Alex Knudsen (16), Carter Hendrickson (16), Dani Groff (18) and Brenna Kellem (18).

In August 2018, the Branson Regional Arts Council (BRAC) announced a new youth education program to provide vocal music, dance and theatre training for area students between the ages of 8 and 18. Open auditions were held at the Historic Owen Theatre, and from the dozens of youth who tried out, six boys and six girls were selected to form a musical show choir group called “Staccato”. This advanced choir combines a challenging musical repertoire with entertaining choreography to provide a unique, one of a kind, arts education experience for young students in the Branson area.

Kim Hale is the Vice President of BRAC and serves as the Educational Advisory Chair for the new arts program. Lloyd Alexander-Holt is the BRAC Education Director and Director of Vocal Studies, Kristen Dasto is the Director of Dance Studies, and Jacob Estes is the Director of Theatre Education.

Shortly after the show choir was formed, these talented directors announced an ambitious goal of sending Staccato to perform at the Festival Disney event. Since that time, the talented troupe of performers has been very busy rehearsing, fundraising, and performing at various area events including the Grand Opening of the new Mercy Branson Multi-Specialty Clinic, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the DBBA’s Piccadilly Gala, as well as multiple performances at the Historic Owen Theatre and as a pre-show for the Hughes Brothers Theatre.

Their performance at Festival Disney was reviewed by nationally respected members of the National Music Adjudication Coalition including Dr. Gregory Fuller (Director of Choral Activities at The University of Southern Mississippi), Dr. Craig Zamer (Director of Choral Activities at Tennessee Tech University), and Dr. Kathleen Shannon (Conductor and Vocal Pedagogue with extensive credits) who also spent several minutes with the students and directors after the performance to offer her expertise and professional assessment and guidance for further improvement. Comments from these professionals were extremely enthusiastic and positive, providing a perfect conclusion to an exciting week of Disney Magic for these deserving students.

In addition to the directors named above, other integral members of the BRAC Education program team include: BRAC President Lisa Murphy, Vocal Instructor Perry Harper, Administrative Assistant Karie Dykeman, Fundraising Coordinator Viola Beyer, Executive Director Jim Barber, and additional Festival Disney trip chaperones Roz Slavick and Michelle Rodgers.

Area residents interested in seeing these talented young performers in person, are invited to attend a free community concert featuring Staccato on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. There is no charge for admission, but as seating is limited to 200, advance online reservations are available at BransonArts.org/may16 or by calling the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255.

FREE TICKETS

Auditions for the 2019-2020 cast of Staccato will be held in July at the Historic Owen Theatre. Interested students are asked to watch the Branson Regional Arts Council Facebook page, or official website, BransonArts.org, for upcoming information.

#BransonArts #FestivalDisney

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Kids Only Private Tea Party with Belle from Beauty and the Beast

“Be Our Guest,” and join Belle for a Royal Tea Party at the Historic Owen Theatre!

There will be two parties to pick from: Saturday, February 23rd (12pm – 1:15pm) or Saturday, March 2nd (12pm – 1:15pm).

This special, private event is limited to 25 kids only, so early reservations are highly recommended!

The cost to participate is $25* per child, with proceeds benefiting the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Education Fund (*$3.00 per ticket service fee applies).  Parents are admitted free of charge and welcome to sit in the back, while their child enjoys a fun, 75 minute party with Belle herself, the “live” star of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!

NOTE: Tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical are not included in the Royal Tea Party and must be purchased separately at BransonArts.org/tix.

GET YOUR ROYAL TEA PARTY PASS

This is a chaperoned event, but parents are encouraged to attend and sit in the back while the kids gather at the front area of the theatre house!

Every child will receive these special treasures and memories…

  • Personal visit with the star of the show, Belle!
  • Photo opportunities with your own camera!
  • Magical Light-Up Rose
  • Official Mini-Poster of Beauty and the Beast (Autographed by the cast on the back!)
  • Disney Sing-A-Long and other fun activities
  • Special Food Snacks, Cup Cakes and Party Favors
  • Other fun surprises!

Treat your child to this very special event, and you’ll also be making a difference in the life of another child who participates in the BRAC Youth Troupe SHOWSTOPPERS or BRAC Show Choir STACCATO as part of the BRAC Education Department.

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Gary Wackerly Branson Show Awards Scholarship Fund Established

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces the establishment of the Gary Wackerly Branson Show Awards Scholarship Fund which will soon benefit young students from the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

Gary Wackerly & BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber

As an associate member of the League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (Branson Show League), the Arts Council has agreed to administrate the scholarship fund in memory of Mr. Wackerly who lived in Branson for 16 years, and passed away on January 5, 2019 at the age of 72. A long time supporter of the Arts, his love of Branson Shows, Theatres, and Music, has been greatly appreciated by our area entertainers and community members.

Through this scholarship, Mr. Wackerly’s enthusiasm for the entertainment industry will be communicated to future professionals in the Performing Arts world.

The Wackerly family, along with the Arts Council and the Show League, have designated that the scholarship be awarded to a Theatre, Music, and/or a Math Student from a High School in the Branson Tri-Lakes Area.

When application information and funds are ready for distribution, the Branson Regional Arts Council and Michael Wackerly (son of Gary Wackerly) will then select winners and present recipients their scholarship on the popular radio and television show “Branson Country USA”.

PLEASE DONATE TO THE FUND:

Donations should be made out to the Branson Regional Arts Council (or BRAC) and designate proceeds to go to the Gary Wackerly Branson Show Awards Scholarship Fund. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Checks may be mailed to: Branson Regional Arts Council, PO Box 2004 Branson MO 65615.

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How Do You Keep The Music Playing? Adopt A Student!

  • dateJanuary 18, 2019
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1093 Views

The Branson Regional Arts Council is looking for a few angels who would be interested in furthering the goals of our Youth Education Program of developing artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities for children in our community.

These experiences allow students to gain the confidence and skills necessary to become successful in the field of musical theatre, as well as providing community leadership opportunities. These lifelong tools for success help them become innovative thinkers throughout their educational years, and their leadership experience will assist them in pursuing the career path of their choice.

BRAC recently launched a new musical theatre program for children in our community called “STACCATO”. Staccato is an advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. This show choir provides a unique, one of a kind, arts education experience for young students in the Branson area.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!! The kids in STACCATO have an amazing opportunity to perform at a variety of locations in the Orlando, Florida area including FESTIVAL DISNEY with other Show Choirs from across the country.

We have been working for months to raise the funds necessary to make this awesome opportunity a reality, and we’ve also reduced our travel expenses so that our goal is more achievable. Each student must now raise $700 to participate in this “once in a lifetime” educational opportunity. The money raised will go towards providing transportation, food, airfare, fees and travel expenses for this weeklong trip and competition. We must reach our fundraising goal by February 15th.

Can you help make this dream a reality for our students?

HOW TO SEND YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT

Donate Online via Credit or Debit Card at: BransonArts.org/educationfund

0r Mail a Personal or Business Check to:

Branson Regional Arts Council
Youth Educational Fund
PO Box 2004
Branson, Mo. 65615
If you are sponsoring a specific student, please notate their name on your check.

We appreciate your generosity, and THANK YOU for your support of STACCATO!

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Ventriloquist Jim Barber And Friends Benefit Show

  • dateDecember 19, 2018
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • comment3 Comments
  • view1267 Views

Ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber will be presenting a concert of comedy and music on Saturday, January 12th at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. The event is a benefit show with 100% of the proceeds going to the Branson Regional Arts Council. Advanced reserve tickets are $14.95 (Adults 18+), and $9.95 (4-17) and can be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix. A small service charge applies to all ticket sales.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Sharing the stage with Jim will be his friends Melonie Brown, Babette Fogle and Aloha Post who perform together as Harmony Trio, as well as the multi-talented arial violinist Janice Martin from A Janice Martin Cirque Show appearing at the Americana Theatre in 2019. Jim’s 17 year-old daughter Jessica Barber will also be singing in the evening show only, as well as a special appearance by internationally acclaimed juggler Michael Chirrick.

Jim’s unique approach to the art of ventriloquism and his unusual vocal skills have earned him the reputation as one of the most original ventriloquist acts in the world.  He has been featured on many national television shows, most notably, the Late Show with David Letterman.

Jim’s career started in Minneapolis, MN where he co-hosted a local children’s television show (Breakfast with Casey Jones) while attending college at the University of Minnesota. During that time, he also entertained for military troops as host of a USO variety show all across the United States and several Mediterranean countries. Jim then moved to Nashville, TN as a featured performer aboard Opryland USA’s General Jackson Showboat, for two seasons, before setting out on a ten-year tour of comedy clubs and colleges across the country. This led to an invitation to come to Branson as the featured comedian in the Glen Campbell Goodtime Show in the mid-90’s.  Jim went on to perform at the Kirby VanBurch Theatre, Osmond Family Theater, Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Theatre, and eventually a 10-year run at the Hamner Barber Theatre. In 2017 Jim accepted the role of Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council and has since devoted his time and energy to working with a large group of talented volunteers who, together, are developing new and exciting community arts programming for all residents in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

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Celebrate New Years Eve At Historic Owen Theatre

Celebrate New Years Eve At The Historic Owen Theatre

Ring in the New Year with an incredible show, fantastic food, delicious beverages (including wine and champagne), amazing prizes and auction items, party favors, masquerade masks (for early ticket purchasers) and lots of surprises.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is winding up our FIRST YEAR at the Historic Owen Theatre with an unbelievable event you won’t want to miss!

This is a perfect event for singles, couples, or groups who want to celebrate in one of Branson’s most historic venues, the Owen Theatre.

We are producing theatrical performances that will feature highlights of this year’s productions as well as next year’s shows. Our BRAC Show Choir STACCATO will perform, as well as stars from our 2018 season of musical theatre shows, plus a special performance from the professional acting troupe Forte’, with another of their spectacular cabaret shows with a Masquerade theme! Lots of fun and surprises!

GET NYE TICKETS

The entire event is $19.95 (plus service fee) per person, and proceeds benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Seating is limited, so please get your tickets soon!

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3 Unique Christmas Gifts That Support The Arts

3 Unique Christmas Gifts That Support The Arts

Looking for something totally unique and different to give for Christmas this year? Give the Gift of the Arts!

The Branson Regional Arts Council has three fun suggestions for you to consider…

Christmas Gift Idea #1 – $139.50 per person

GET SEASON PASS THEATRE TICKETS

Season Pass for 2019 Theatre Shows
10 Amazing Musicals and Plays will be presented during our 2019 Season. Save time and money by making a one-time seat selection. Your ticket may be used by you or anyone you wish to occupy your seat. Best seats will go first, so order your season passes soon! A season pass to the Historic Owen Theatre is a unique gift item for a friend or loved one that will be enjoyed all year long!

Christmas Gift Idea #2 – $50.00

BRAC MEMBERSHIP

1 Year Family Arts Council Membership – Benefits include:
• Special Member Perks such as Free Popcorn or Sodas during the 2019 Theatre Season.
• Monthly Arts Newsletter- keeping you “in the know” about upcoming events and programs.
• Involvement in shaping the future of the arts in our community and surrounding area.
• Participation in an active and growing Arts Group.
• Satisfaction in knowing YOU are helping improve the quality of life in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area by providing quality arts programming for EVERYONE!

Christmas Gift Idea #3 – $500 (tax deductible)

BUY-A-SEAT NOW

Buy-A-Seat at the Historic Owen Theatre
Give a lasting gift in the name of a loved one (or yourself) to showing support of the arts in our community by sponsoring a Historic Owen Theatre seat! Your custom engraved plate will be secured to the back of your seat and will permanently remain in place. This tax deductible donation benefits the Branson Regional Arts Council efforts to preserve and maintain the Historic Owen Theatre. Select any available seat now, and your memorial plate will be engraved and installed for all to see. 

 

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This #GivingTuesday Support The Arts

The Branson Regional Arts Council Celebrates #GivingTuesday and pledges to the BRAC Youth Education Fund.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday takes place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

The Branson Regional Arts Council has established it’s BRAC Youth Education Fund to provide financial support to our theatre and music conservatory students between the ages of 8 and 18. Our goal is to make it possible for any student, regardless of their personal financial means, to have an opportunity to participate in at least one of our youth arts performance troupes.  Our Showstoppers Youth Theatre Troupe and our Staccato Show Choir are the first of these performance groups.  They have been performing locally for a variety of community events, such as the Grand Opening of the new Mercy Clinic on Hwy 248, the lighting of the Branson Mayor’s Christmas Tree, the 11th Annual Downtown Piccadilly Gala, as well as their own Holiday Showcase Concert coming up on December 1st at the Historic Owen Theatre (click here for more information).

“It feels so good to see our young performers excel and improve through the programming developed by the Branson Regional Arts Council. Our Youth Education fund has been established with an initial goal of sending our STACCATO Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World in March. Major credit goes to the amazing leadership and training they receive from our Vocal Education Director Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Dance Director Kristen Dasto, and Theatre Director Jacob Estes. Can you help support this effort in some small or significant way?” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

HOW TO DONATE TO #GivingTuesday

YOUTH EDUCATION FUND DONATION

Donations specifically towards the BRAC Youth Education Fund may be made via the Facebook Fundraiser Link Button above, or by mailing a personal donation check payable to BRAC (notate Youth Education Fund in the memo) to: BRAC, P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

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 in Branson and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. “We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”
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Youth Choirs Present Christmas Concert At Historic Owen Theatre

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 Showstoppers Youth Performance Troupe as well as the Staccato Show Choir.

There will be two performances on Saturday, December 1st at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. 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.

GET TICKETS

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

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.

General seating, no reservations required. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at BransonArts.org/showcase, 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.

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Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns Thanksgiving Weekend

The Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns To Historic Owen Theatre Thanksgiving Weekend

Bill, Dan, Joe and Gail Lennon

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon will be reuniting for two special shows this weekend, Saturday November 24th at 8pm, and Sunday November 25th at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. The shows will feature the All-Star Lennon Brothers Band.

BUY TICKETS

The group first came to Branson in 1994 as the morning show at The Welk Resort. At the end of the year, they were voted Best Breakfast Show and Gail was named Best Female Vocalist at the Branson Entertainment Awards.
Through the years, the show garnered many accolades…
CHICAGO TRIBUNE – “The Best Show in Branson!”
TULSA WORLD – “…subversively hip!”
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH – “…one of Branson’s most respected shows.”
And entertainers agreed…
ANDY WILLIAMS – “…the best four-part vocals I’ve heard in years! Nobody sings like this anymore…”
PETE FOUNTAIN – Jazz Legend – “They’re the best. The show was over way too soon!”
SUNNY SPENCER – The Sons of the Pioneers – “…my favorite singing group in the whole world!”
Part of the talented Lennon Family that includes The Lennon Sisters, the brothers… Dan, Bill, and Joe, and Bill’s wife Gail… are excited to be taking the stage again. They’ve gathered some of Branson’s finest musicians, led by Michael Cathcart on the keyboard.
Advance tickets are recommended at BransonArts.org/lennon or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre (417) 336-4255.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon

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Adopt-A-Student Fundraiser Launched

Adopt-A-Student Fundraiser Launched

The Branson Regional Arts Council is sending our STACCATO Youth Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World this March 10-17, 2019.

It costs $2,500 per student to participate in this week long competition trip. Our goal is to send each member of the choir (ages 8-18) on this once-in-a-lifetime experience free of charge to them. They have worked so hard to develop their performing skills, and we have no doubt they will make everyone in the Branson area proud of their achievement! There will be a sufficient number of adult chaperones and BRAC instructors joining them for security and support.

Our total goal for this fundraising effort is $50,000, however any donation amount would be appreciated.

Can you help make this National Show Choir Competion Dream Come True for our students? Please make a tax-deductible contribution using a major credit card via this order form link, or mail your personal check to: BRAC, Youth Education Fund, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

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