Briahna Brett Perkins is such a versatile artist that it is virtually impossible to pigeon hole her into any artistic category. From acting to modeling, or from dancing to classical piano, she is comfortable on numerous artistic platforms. “I’ve always felt it important as an artist to be able to do a lot of things well,” she says. “And I’ve been blessed along the way to be able to receive training from some of the best in many fields.” Indeed Briahna has received the most formal artistic training of any member of The Brett Family, and it shows every day as she captures, connects, and creates memorable moments with every audience. And with a new marriage under her belt she has now settled down in Branson, and is ready to help take The Brett Family to the next level.

Briahna began dance training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip-hop at a very early age. She also began her piano training at a very early age under the tutelage of Andrea first, and then other instructors later. A gifted pianist, she began accompanying the church choir and congregation every week at age twelve. Throughout her youth and teenage years Briahna maintained a rigorous routine. She woke up every morning at 4:30 a.m. to practice the piano; then it was off to early morning religious instruction with her classmates; then back home to take care of her home school studies; then off to dance lessons, piano lessons, musical rehearsals, or choir rehearsals, depending on the day. Andrea remembers: “It was a very demanding schedule, not just for her, but for me too. I was so relieved when she turned sixteen and finally got her driver’s license!” By age sixteen, Briahna had competed in multiple piano and dance competitions; she had performed in many musicals from The Sound of Music to Oklahoma!, and she already had a year of community college under her belt. Two years later, her crazy schedule continued as she took her talents to the Music Dance Theater department at Brigham Young University, where she attended only during the spring semester so she could still perform in Branson between April and December.

But all of the effort proved to be crucial preparation for what would lie ahead. “I always dreamed of being on Broadway or of being some kind of ‘star,’” Briahna says. “But, that option became less and less appealing to me as I learned about the potential lifestyle compromises it might involve. I just wasn’t willing to lower my standards in any way. So to have the opportunity to perform with my family in a wholesome and innovative environment, and to have time to prioritize my time as a wife and mother, is the ideal situation for me. I get to do everything that I love without compromising my values in any way.”

Now, after years of training and preparation, Briahna is a veteran of the arts with incredible presence and polish. Her vocal style is often compared to Kristin Chenowith, Martina McBride, the young Judy Garland, and even Taylor Swift. She plays classical piano in the show; she dances in the show; she choreographs The Brett Family Show (as well as many other shows in Branson); she teaches dance and piano at local studios in Branson; she has been signed with a modeling agency; and she still plays piano and organ in church. Her debut album, A Change in Me, is a knockout selection of Broadway and other favorites including: Summertime, Over the Rainbow, and a bonus track of her powerful rendition of O Holy Night. Briahna has also begun writing original music, and anticipates an original album in the near future.

As mentioned previously, Briahna recently married Merrill Perkins, and they both plan on building and starting their own family in Branson. “It’s an extremely exciting time for me personally, and for The Brett Family,” she says. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love, to transform lives, to be with my family, and to start my own family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be using my talents.”

Briahna's Profile

Birthday: February 23

Artistic Influences: Martina McBride, Eva Cassidy, Maureen McGovern

Sounds Like: Kristin Chenowith, Martina McBride, the young Judy Garland

Favorite Artists: Rascal Flatts, Michael Buble, Earth, Wind and Fire, Martina McBride

Movies: Singin' in the Rain, Anne of Green Gables, Father of the Bride, That Thing You Do, etc., etc., etc.

Books: Pride and Prejudice, Joni, As A Man Thinketh, etc.

Hobbies: Dates with her husband, Merrill; Working out; Baking; Word games; Shopping

Schooling: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Dance Theater from Brigham Young University

Watch video of Briahna in action