Benicia High School improv team takes the stage

The Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (B.I.T.E.) showcases their comedic talents at a lively performance.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A dynamic abstract composition of jagged black silhouettes and bold red geometric shapes, conceptually representing the energy and spontaneity of an improv performance.The Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (B.I.T.E.) brings their comedic talents to the stage, showcasing the creativity and camaraderie of high school improv.Benicia Today

The Hayley Horn Theater at Benicia High School was filled with laughter and audience participation as the 22-member Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (B.I.T.E.) took the stage for a dynamic improv performance. The student-led troupe, associated with the Theater Arts Boosters Benicia, engaged the crowd with a variety of improv games and spontaneous scenes, demonstrating their skills in creative thinking, teamwork, and comedic timing.

Why it matters

Improv programs like B.I.T.E. provide high school students with valuable opportunities to build confidence, creativity, and collaborative abilities through the art of live, unscripted performance. As one of only two high school improv teams in Solano County, B.I.T.E. offers a unique creative outlet for students and highlights the growing popularity of improv in local school communities.

The details

During the 2-hour performance, the B.I.T.E. ensemble performed a total of 21 improv games and scenes, some with audience participation. Games included 'Superheroes,' where the audience suggested a 'super mundane problem' for the heroes to solve, and 'No Laughs,' where actors were replaced if the audience laughed at their performance. The troupe also debuted new games like 'Slacker,' a 10-minute montage of interconnected scenes. While most of the B.I.T.E. members have prior improv experience, the program aims to keep the performances fresh by introducing new games and challenges.

  • The Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (B.I.T.E.) performed on Friday night, April 18, 2026.
  • The performance lasted 2 hours, with a 45-minute first act, a 10-minute intermission, and a 35-minute second act.

The players

Benicia Improvisational Theatre Ensemble (B.I.T.E.)

A high school improv troupe associated with the Theater Arts Boosters Benicia, aimed at encouraging students to build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and 'out of the box' thinking through live, unscripted performances.

Nikki Clark

The director of the B.I.T.E. ensemble, who uses a service bell to mark the end of improv scenes and games.

Isaiah Figueroa

A member of the B.I.T.E. ensemble who gave a disclaimer to the audience about the 'brown bag' penalty for inappropriate jokes.

Jeremy Ross

A B.I.T.E. member who participated in the 'Superheroes' and 'No Laughs' improv games.

Damien Geist

A B.I.T.E. member who also participated in the 'No Laughs' improv game.

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What they’re saying

“Can I get something just in between cool and lame? Like, not sad but borderline?”

— Damien Geist, B.I.T.E. member

“We heard 'newspapers!'”

— Jeremy Ross, B.I.T.E. member

“The best thing is seeing the camaraderie between them and the bonds and friendships that have formed. This is their safe space where they can just let it all out.”

— Nikki Clark, B.I.T.E. director

What’s next

B.I.T.E. is planning to perform at additional community events throughout the year to showcase their improv skills and continue building their fanbase.

The takeaway

Improv programs like B.I.T.E. provide high school students with a unique opportunity to develop essential life skills such as quick-thinking, collaboration, and confidence through the art of live, unscripted performance. The enthusiastic response from the Benicia community highlights the growing popularity of improv in local school and theater communities.