The stage was set up in theatre-in-the-round-style.

The actors were introduced into smaller groups. Each group a different theme, and each person dressed as an iconic character. The Wizard of Oz group was first, with Kaori Hardison as Dorothy. The audience was surely not in what one would call a “normal theatre show” anymore. Then there was the melancholy blue man group, who’s sad ice cream eating was a lot bluer than their late member with the actual blue skin. The Shakespeare group followed, and the show would be ‘just right’ when Goldilocks and the Three Bears came out with Jake Rogers as Goldilocks. These teams played a variety of improv games, and unlike most shows, they were fully aware of their audience. Each person seemed to have something witty to say, while testing how far their theatre teacher and director, Brianna Lindahl, would let them go. One thing was clear: they were strongest together.

Erik Peterson, a senior and second year student in Bravo, agrees.

“We work in an ensemble, so we are forced to depend on each other. I definitely feel like I can depend on everyone in Bravo, despite their strengths and weaknesses,” said Peterson.

The Bravo Entertainers group is an elite ensemble group made up of juniors and seniors that takes new members by audition only. Throughout the school year, the group showcases various types of performances, which range from improv shows, which was their debut this year, to their upcoming murder mystery show.

“In the real world and in Bravo, being talented isn’t enough; it’s working together and having [the] creativity to put on a performance,” said Peterson.

“One of the coolest things about Bravo is the variance of shows.  I played a murderer in one play, and now I’m playing a cheerleader. This year we’re even planning on doing a musical,” Peterson said.

“Although there is a lot of crunch time, which really makes Bravo different than our main shows, and more similar to the real world. For the improv show, we had a couple weeks to prepare, and  [now] we are getting ready for the murder mystery,” Peterson said.

While their expertise in their craft is obvious, the most impressive part of Bravo is the usage of their talent.

“In the real world and in Bravo, being talented isn’t enough; it’s working together and having [the] creativity to put on a performance,” said Peterson.

The audition process isn’t just a monologue, it includes both an application process and an interview. The purpose being, to find not just talented kids, but strong minded people.

“These are great kids who come from all walks of life. They come together with the same purpose, to create theatre. Bravo is constant work, every class period is a rehearsal and they always have homework, [memorizing their lines], Bravo students must take initiative, manage time, become self motivated and become role models,” said Lindahl.

Peterson is currently in the process of college auditions, and because he is a member of Bravo, Lindahl has high expectations.

“I see all my students, in the future, to be successful. Bravo has been able to teach them real world skills and improv, and by the end of it, they gain so much confidence; I expect them all to nail an interview,” Lindahl said.

Both agree that Bravo teaches indirect skills, unlike the direct acting methods taught in Theatre 1, Theatre 2, and Theatre 3.

“Bravo has taught me skills that I will need for a performing arts future like production, creativity, and working together,” said Peterson.

The Bravo Entertainers are now preparing for the murder mystery, Murder in the Malt Shop, that will take place on October 13th and 14th.