By Comet Ziemer
Of the many different teams that represent BHS, one is a silly standout from the rest. Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (BITE) brings comedy and storytelling to Benicia. Along with their shows at the school, the team often branches out to different venues in Benicia and around the Bay Area to perform. I talked to some members of the improv team about their time being on the team, working with the teacher, and what improv means to them.
Being a member of the improv team allows me to be able to easily contact other members and get interviews. To start everything off, I interviewed Reagan Wicklow (12), who has been a member of the improv team for all of highschool and has worked with the Improv Coach, Nikki Tillotson, for most of her life.
“My time in the Benicia Improvisational Theater Ensemble has not only been the perfect way to destress and laugh with amazing and supportive friends each week, but also a wonderful avenue for personal growth.” Reagan said. “It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me a better public speaker, given me so much confidence, and further, showed me I have the capacity to learn completely new skills. I wouldn’t be who I am today without Improv, and I am beyond thankful for the impact the people, the sport, and our amazing coach, Nikki Tillotson, has had on my life.”
After talking with Reagan, I looked towards newer members of the team to find a perspective of improv from a fresh point of view. I interviewed Frankie Demapendan (11), and asked him about his first year being on the team, and how much it has affected him.
“This is my first year doing improv, and honestly it’s so fun—more fun and physical than I thought,” He said. Frankie talked about his experience with being a new student to BHS and wanting to join the improv team. “Last year, I transferred later on in the year so I wasn’t able to audition, but I was able to watch my friends during the improv shows. Watching them made me instantly want to try out the next year. The surroundings during rehearsals and shows are honestly so uplifting and heartwarming because I’m surrounded by my friends that work together to make a scene, while also being funny. Though starting off in the team for the first time was quite challenging and intimidating, I was surrounded by mostly people with experience, plus some other new people too. But being around them long enough made me comfortable enough to be able to adapt and grow more as a performer.”
I asked Frankie if he plans to continue doing improv after highschool. “I would love to do more improv in the future, especially after college as this is such a fun hobby outside and inside school.”
The improv team has one more on campus show this year before we spread out to do shows in public venues across the Bay Area. Our final on campus show is in April, so come on down to see an entertaining show and to say farewell to our senior players.
beniciapaw.com 