Interview: Catching Up With BRAVO AMICI'S Travis Nesbitt On The World Famous Opera Band, And More

The McCallum Theatre presents BRAVO Amici on Monday, March 11, at 7:00pm. BRAVO Amici is presented as part of the McCallum Theatre's Mitch's Picks series. From the creators of the world's first opera band, Amici Forever, comes BRAVO Amici, which includes founder and original cast member Geoff Sewell. BRAVO Amici's mix of handsome tenors and stunning divas perform an uplifting, moving collection of well-known classical and contemporary songs. I had the chance to chat with cast member Travis Nesbitt, who "cut his performing teeth" on the McCallum Theatre stage, about BRAVO Amici and all things Travis. Here are some excerpts from the conversation:

DG: Where did you grow up and how did your life lead you into a career in professional theatre?

TN: I grew up in Norco, CA. My mother is a music teacher, so music and the arts was HUGE in our house.

DG: Talk about your experience at The Boston Conservatory. How did your BFA prepare you for your professional career?

TN: Mostly it was the environment. Being around so much talent pushed me to work harder and be better myself.

DG: What's the best advice anyone has ever given you about pursuing and sustaining a career in professional theatre?

TN: Be useful! Come prepared and don't make anyone use their imagination about your abilities. Show up and show off!

DG: Who would you consider your "role models" as you were pursuing your own place in professional theatre?

TN: Ramin Karimloo, Gavin Creel, Michael Ball, Douglas Sills.

DG: Altar Boyz was your Off-Broadway debut. How did that job come about and what lessons did you take from the experience?

TN: I was in the mix for months, and finally the role opened and the stars aligned. Altar Boyz was the hardest I've ever worked, and the most fun. I learned how to sustain. 555 performances!!

DG: What would you say is your favorite role you've played so far and what was it about that role or experience that was so special?

TN: Definitely Mark in Altar Boyz. The role was written so well, and I got to steal the show every night.

DG: So, then. what role (s) are you dying to play if the opportunity arises?

TN: Chris in Miss Saigon, Mark in RENT, Tommy in Tommy.

DG: What would you consider your highest or most important career achievement so far?

TN: The creation of my show The Boy Band Project.

DG: Talk about THE BOY BAND PROJECT. If I'm not mistaken you are the founder? How did it come about and what do you do?

TN: Yes, I am the founder. I got the idea after Altar Boyz closed. I had so many friends who could be in a boy band so we started gigging with *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys songs and pretty soon we had a 90 minute show. It's amazing how popular it's been around the country!!

DG: Tell me about BRAVO Amici and how you became involved?

TN: Geoff Sewell is a Boston Alum as well. I connected with him when I was living in London and Boom!

DG: What can audiences expect from this concert at The McCallum?

TN: Amazing Vocals and a connection with the performers you can't get anywhere else!

DG: Being a "local boy", what does it mean to you to come back to the desert and The McCallum Theatre?

TN: It means the world!! I literally decided to make theatre my life while performing on the McCallum stage.

DG: Finally, what advice would you give too young people who, similarly, want to pursue a career in professional theatre?

TN: Work hard, be nice, be useful, and be yourself!

Don't miss BRAVO Amici at The McCallum Theatre on March 11. Tickets for this performance are priced at $65, $45, $35 and $25. Tickets are available at the Theatre's website at www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-2787.

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