Tom Gass

Tom Gass was born and raised in the entertainment industry. A California native, and the son of Dianne Lennon of The Lennon Sisters, Tom spent his childhood surrounded by television and live theater settings. In the 1980s, Tom toured the Los Angeles club circuit playing music, and was able to work with many up-and-coming artists. Behind the scenes, Tom spent time touring as road crew and sound technician.

In 1994, Tom ventured to Branson, where he completed the installation of the lighting and sound systems for the well-known Welk Resort Theater. Upon completion, Tom was hired as the theater’s audio technician, where he worked for three seasons. Noticing a need in Branson’s entertainment industry, Tom merged his strong background in construction, renovation and restoration with a love of entertainment, bringing Backstage Connections to life in 1996. In doing so, Tom established Branson’s only local provider of theater supplies.

Noelle Gass

Noelle Gass was born and raised near Branson. Shortly after marrying Tom in 1996, the two founded Backstage Connections, followed by having two sons, Tully and Trik. Noelle’s life has been an adventure, but she loves it and is always up for the challenge.

Best in Branson:i> I love Branson for its small town feel, but millions of people visit here each year. Branson is constantly changing and growing to cater all of its visitors.

What do I enjoy most about Backstage Connections?i> We get to work closely with a lot of the changing aspects and growth in Branson. If you have theatrical needs, come visit us, or we’ll come to you!

Ryan Quick

Ryan Quick, a fourth generation Bransonian, has worked for Backstage Connections since 1997. One snowy day, when Ryan couldn’t go to work as a heavy equipment operator, he stopped into the shop just to hang out, but Tom had other plans. By the end of the day, Ryan had helped deliver and hang a Miss USA speaker cover and found a new job.

What do I enjoy most about Backstage Connections?i> Each and every day is different and challenging. A typical day could start with sewing a stage curtain in the morning, welding on a set piece after lunch and then hanging a speaker before we call it a day. That is what makes this job so much fun – there are such a wide variety of things that we can do. Everyone that works at Backstage Connections is like a family to me, and we care about each other just like we care about the work we send out.

John Bernhardi (a.k.a. "Goober")

A Californian by birth, but Bransonian at heart, John is a "jack of all trades" who loves art, carpentry and working with his hands. John holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology, which in 2001 led him to study archaeology in Yemen. At Backstage Connections, John's philosophy is to "work hard and have fun, but most importantly improve and learn."

Best in Branson:i> The shows in Branson are very unique – lots of people who honestly just want to entertain.

Favorite Music:i> Cheesy 70’s love songs.

What do I enjoy most about Backstage Connections?i> The best thing about working at Backstage is the atmosphere. This is a great place to create and be creative.

Canaan Caughey

Canaan Caughey's background includes experience working flyrail for two Branson productions, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and the Incredible Acrobats of China, as well as a high-level rigging certification. Working at Backstage Connections gives Canaan the freedom to work in a field where he is passionate, with a company that strives to grow with Branson.

Favorite Movie:i> Big Trouble in Little China.

Favorite Music:i> Good ol' Classic Rock.

What do I enjoy most about Backstage Connections?i> Working in a multitude of venues with a great team and being able to transform a client's visions into a reality.