CLAY COOPER'S COUNTRY EXPRESS
"THE DANCERS"
Meet the people who help make the magic happen!
EMILY HANNER
Emily was born and raised in Branson, Missouri, and began dancing at the age of six. Singing has always been a passion of hers, and she’s been performing on stage for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Branson, a tourist town known for its vibrant show scene, she had endless opportunities to pursue her love for performing. Some of her most memorable experiences include singing alongside country star Billy Dean in his 2015 Christmas Show at just 12 years old, and performing with the “All Star Cloggers” troupe at Silver Dollar City.
She also spent last year as a vocalist in their “Rivertown Ramblers” show. Currently, Emily performs at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Hot Rods & High Heels, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, and occasionally in Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis. This is her second year calling the Clay Cooper Theatre home, and she has cherished every moment of sharing the stage with such talented performers.
EMILY HANNER
Emily was born and raised in Branson, Missouri, and began dancing at the age of six. Singing has always been a passion of hers, and she’s been performing on stage for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Branson, a tourist town known for its vibrant show scene, she had endless opportunities to pursue her love for performing. Some of her most memorable experiences include singing alongside country star Billy Dean in his 2015 Christmas Show at just 12 years old, and performing with the “All Star Cloggers” troupe at Silver Dollar City.
She also spent last year as a vocalist in their “Rivertown Ramblers” show. Currently, Emily performs at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Hot Rods & High Heels, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, and occasionally in Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis. This is her second year calling the Clay Cooper Theatre home, and she has cherished every moment of sharing the stage with such talented performers.
JOEY BLACKWOOD
Joey was born and raised here in Branson and is the son of Robbie Blackwood, Clay’s Drummer. Growing up, He really wanted to be a rock guitarist but very quickly found a love for singing and dancing.
He started working at Clay’s theatre in fall of 2021 performing in Clay Cooper's Country Express show and recently joined the cast of Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis in 2024. He’s very blessed to be a part of such great fun and entertainment.
BRIAN SKINNER
Born during a total solar eclipse — this bass singing Pisces began his performing career wielding a sword and dagger as a stunt performer at a local Renaissance faire. From there he went on to become a singing/dancing Mountie at Six Flags Great America then sang bass in Branson’s '50’s at the Hop Show'. Next, he performed in a show called Fabulous 50’s Live and produced his own show - 'Jump, Jive n’ Wail' in the Wisconsin Dells. Skinner then sailed the seven seas as a guest entertainer onboard Norwegian, Disney and Royal Caribbean’s cruise lines as the creator/beat-bass of a cappella quintet 'The Cat’s Pajamas - vocal band'. From there, the Cat’s PJ’s came to Branson and performed over 1000 shows over five years. Skinner is so excited to be back in Hot Rods and High Heels for his 4th season and 3rd in Clay Cooper’s Country Express! His hobbies include jet skiing, snowboarding and juggling . . . at the same time.
BRIAN SKINNER
Born during a total solar eclipse — this bass singing Pisces began his performing career wielding a sword and dagger as a stunt performer at a local Renaissance faire. From there he went on to become a singing/dancing Mountie at Six Flags Great America then sang bass in Branson’s '50’s at the Hop Show'. Next, he performed in a show called Fabulous 50’s Live and produced his own show - 'Jump, Jive n’ Wail' in the Wisconsin Dells.
Skinner then sailed the seven seas as a guest entertainer onboard Norwegian, Disney and Royal Caribbean’s cruise lines as the creator/beat-bass of a cappella quintet 'The Cat’s Pajamas - vocal band'. From there, the Cat’s PJ’s came to Branson and performed over 1000 shows over five years. Skinner is so excited to be back in Hot Rods and High Heels for his 4th season and 3rd in Clay Cooper’s Country Express! His hobbies include jet skiing, snowboarding and juggling . . . at the same time.
JEREMIAH EUGENIO
Born and raised in O’Fallon Missouri, Jeremiah is no stranger to performing. He started his career as an amateur Magician at age 11, working birthday parties and church functions. In 2006 he made his way to Branson, where he has performed in numerous shows around town, including “The Kirby VanBurch Show” and “Dolly Parton’s Stampede”. In his free time he travels the country performing in rodeos, where he showcases his daring skills of Trick Riding and Roman Riding. In 2019 he took first place in the Super Ride, trick riding competition. He is very thankful to be sharing the stage with such impeccable performers.
JENN TOWNSEND
Jenn Townsend grew up dancing in upstate NY where she received a BFA in Dance Performance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After graduation, she landed the role of Velma in “West Side Story”. From there, she began to perform as a singer/dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She then came to Branson, MO where she has performed in “The Kirby VanBurch Show”, “Celebrate America”, “The Promise”, “Dino’s Christmas Extravaganza!”, and “Country Tonite”. In 2009, she had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas with Operation Iraqi Children. On this trip, she performed for troops in Baghdad, Iraq, and Ramstien, Germany. She also teaches at local studio Dance Branson School of the Arts. During her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with her children, Savannah and AJ. She loves working in the box office with her husband, Toby and sharing the stage with all of the wonderfully talented cast members and loves being a part of this amazing theatre family.
JENN TOWNSEND
Jenn Townsend grew up dancing in upstate NY where she received a BFA in Dance Performance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After graduation, she landed the role of Velma in “West Side Story”. From there, she began to perform as a singer/dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She then came to Branson, MO where she has performed in “The Kirby VanBurch Show”, “Celebrate America”, “The Promise”, “Dino’s Christmas Extravaganza!”, and “Country Tonite”. In 2009, she had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas with Operation Iraqi Children. On this trip, she performed for troops in Baghdad, Iraq, and Ramstien, Germany. She also teaches at local studio Dance Branson School of the Arts. During her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with her children, Savannah and AJ. She loves working in the box office with her husband, Toby and sharing the stage with all of the wonderfully talented cast members and loves being a part of this amazing theatre family.
KRISTEN MILLER
Kristen Miller is definitely known as an incredible dancer here in Branson. Kristen is from Marcellus, Michigan, and began dancing at the early age of three. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Kristen spent her summers performing in several theme parks during college, and moved to Branson shortly after graduating.
Kristen became a show favorite quickly here in Branson, as she landed jobs with Shoji Tabuchi, The Promise, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Celebrate America, Country Tonite, The Texas Tenors, and Clay Cooper’s Country Express. Kristen also works as a dance instructor at Dance Branson School of the Arts. She enjoys spending her time with her husband, Brian Miller, and her two daughters.
KRISTEN MILLER
Kristen Miller is definitely known as an incredible dancer here in Branson. Kristen is from Marcellus, Michigan, and began dancing at the early age of three. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Kristen spent her summers performing in several theme parks during college, and moved to Branson shortly after graduating.
Kristen became a show favorite quickly here in Branson, as she landed jobs with Shoji Tabuchi, The Promise, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Celebrate America, Country Tonite, The Texas Tenors, and Clay Cooper’s Country Express. Kristen also works as a dance instructor at Dance Branson School of the Arts. She enjoys spending her time with her husband, Brian Miller, and her two daughters.
ELIZABETH SPARKS
Born and raised here in Branson, Missouri, Elizabeth Sparks began dancing and performing as a child. At age 14, she joined the cast of the Jim Stafford show in Branson and went on to work at Shepherd of the Hills, The Gatlin Brothers Show, and Silver Dollar City. In high school, Elizabeth developed a passion for color guard. She continued color guard as a member of the Missouri State University Pride Color Guard in Springfield, Mo., traveling all over the United States. During that time she also worked to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Derek, her daughter, Cora, and dog, Lettie, and loves running her own business, Wild Ivy Photography!
ELIZABETH SPARKS
Born and raised here in Branson, Missouri, Elizabeth Sparks began dancing and performing as a child. At age 14, she joined the cast of the Jim Stafford show in Branson and went on to work at Shepherd of the Hills, The Gatlin Brothers Show, and Silver Dollar City. In high school, Elizabeth developed a passion for color guard. She continued color guard as a member of the Missouri State University Pride Color Guard in Springfield, Mo., traveling all over the United States. During that time she also worked to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Derek, her daughter, Cora, and dog, Lettie, and loves running her own business, Wild Ivy Photography!
GAVIN WILSON
Gavin Wilson, originally from Berryville, Arkansas, is a talented performer who brings his dynamic energy and skill to Clay Cooper’s Theatre in Branson, Missouri. Gavin is featured in Clay Cooper’s Country Express and also performs in the exciting 1950s-themed show, Hot Rods & High Heels, at the theatre.
His impressive background includes roles in several notable productions, such as She Loves Me, Texas! Outdoor Musical, and Unto These Hills: Outdoor Drama. Gavin’s passion for performing began early, as he honed his dance skills at Dance Branson School of the Arts in Branson, Missouri, and Elite Dance Studios in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In 2024, Gavin earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Arkansas State University, solidifying his foundation in the performing arts.
MARIE WOOD
Marie Wood was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri. She began her dance training at the young age of three and immediately fell in love with it. Marie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University with a BFA in Dance, emphasis in Ballet. She has attended ballet intensives at Cincinnati Ballet, Jacobs School of Music-Indiana University, Louisville Ballet, Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Nashville Ballet. Marie has been a featured guest performer for the Alton Symphony and Jefferson City Symphony. She performed at the New Tap Choreography Showcase hosted by the American Tap Dance Foundation in New York City in 2019. After Marie completed her undergrad she moved to Branson, MO when she has performed with “Reza: Edge of Illusion” and Silver Dollar City. In addition to her love for dance, Marie holds a Masters in Business Administration and is a program coordinator for a dance company in St. Louis, MO. In her free time, Marie enjoys traveling, playing violin, and spending time with her husband, Nick, and their families.
MARIE WOOD
Marie Wood was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri. She began her dance training at the young age of three and immediately fell in love with it. Marie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University with a BFA in Dance, emphasis in Ballet. She has attended ballet intensives at Cincinnati Ballet, Jacobs School of Music-Indiana University, Louisville Ballet, Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Nashville Ballet. Marie has been a featured guest performer for the Alton Symphony and Jefferson City Symphony. She performed at the New Tap Choreography Showcase hosted by the American Tap Dance Foundation in New York City in 2019. After Marie completed her undergrad she moved to Branson, MO when she has performed with “Reza: Edge of Illusion” and Silver Dollar City. In addition to her love for dance, Marie holds a Masters in Business Administration and is a program coordinator for a dance company in St. Louis, MO. In her free time, Marie enjoys traveling, playing violin, and spending time with her husband, Nick, and their families.
