The University of Cincinnati’s student-body has no shortage of theater productions to enjoy during the academic year – from the main stage performances put on by the school’s College-Conservatory of Music, to those produced by smaller, less official troupes. One organization that’s gained particular prominence is a drama club called Bravo Bearcats, who are preparing to put on their 11th show next weekend.
Ben Anticoli, one of the Bravo Bearcats’ student PR managers and a fourth year DAAP student, told CityBeat, “It’s a great, casual experience for anybody who’s been doing theater for a long time, or if you want to try out different positions to dip your toes in. It can be as high commitment or low commitment as people want.”
The group started three years ago, after members noticed what Anticoli described as a “deficit of outlets” for non-Conservatory majors to engage in the performing arts. Taking inspiration from other theater clubs like Indiana University’s University Players and The Ohio State University’s Off the Lake Productions, Bravo Bearcats has become a student-led, volunteer theater company with 382 members on the troupe’s GroupMe.
Their April 2026 run of “Urinetown” even filled UC’s Probasco Auditorium to the building’s 430 person seating maximum for the show’s two-night run.
“There’s a lot about theater that allows for any group of people to successfully come in, introduce new experiences, and make it their own. There’ve been so many amazing, talented people that have come in and done some really cool stuff with Bravo Bearcats,” Anticoli said.
Amongst those new experiences, Anticoli highlighted the group’s upcoming production of “Murder on the 518.” Written by educator and playwright Michelle Giles, the one-act focuses on a double murder on a California passenger train, a mystery which only becomes more complicated over the course of the 80 minute play.
“People will really enjoy it,” Anticoli said, “and the people in it are really funny and cool.”
Things aren’t always easy for the Bravo Bearcats, though. Anticoli identified one of the group’s biggest issues as struggles that arose when it came to navigating the at-times labyrinthine legal system that exists around theatrical copyright.
“Our treasurers have always been insanely good, but you know – we had to figure out how that works,” Anticoli explained. He said his other partial concern was for the group’s longevity.
As it prepares to face down its fourth year as an on-campus organization in 2027, the current crop of Bravo Bearcats have begun developing continuation guidelines for the cast and crew members who will come after them. While this could be hair-raising for some groups, Anticoli stresses that the group is working hard to ensure the process goes smoothly. Club executives, directors and crew members of all varieties are in the midst of carrying over their assembled knowledge from one generation to the next in the form of countless Google Docs and spreadsheets. Despite the roll-over, the group seems hopeful.
“I’m really excited to see what Bravo looks like in 10 years,” Anticoli said.
Those interested in cheering on the Bravo Bearcats this year can attend their performances of “Murder on the 518” on Nov. 20 and 21 at Probasco Auditorium, located at 2839 Clifton Avenue in CUF. There are performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on both days, and a 2 p.m. matinee scheduled on Nov. 21. All shows are free, but seating is limited.
Bravo Bearcats fans should also be on the lookout for a special announcement of the club’s upcoming spring 2027 musical on Nov. 15.
