Tops in Blue: The Air Force's Elite Performing Group

Tops in Blue 2008 promotional flyer.

About

Tops in Blue is an all-active duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers. The group performs around the world for military personnel and their families.

Tops in Blue got their start in 1953 when Major Al Reilly (now a retired Colonel) created the Worldwide Talent Search for aspiring performers in the Air Force to showcase their talents. He selected the best of the best to star in a traveling show that is now called Tops in Blue.

One of the amazing aspects of the group is that they perform roughly 230 shows in 235 days. The cast is responsible for set maintenance. They must pack up, set up and tear down for every show.

Throughout the years the performance quality of Tops in Blue has landed them gigs with the Ed Sullivan show, six World Fairs, over a hundred state fairs, air shows, military balls and a half-time performance at the 1981 Garden State Bowl.

Hundreds of Airmen apply each year to be one of the 35 elite performers.

The Performers and the Show

The cast switches out every year. Tops in Blue is always on the search for talented vocalists, musicians, instrumentalists, dancers, comedians, magicians, and dramatists. Not only is Tops in Blue looking for outstanding performers, but they are also in search of stage and lighting technicians, as well.

A typical Tops in Blue show lasts about two hours. The format is similar to an old timey variety show with singing, dancing and non-musical variety acts such as comedians, magicians and dramatists. Their repertoire includes something for everyone. I attended a show in 2008 and was astounded by the variety. They had rap, rock, country, Disney songs and everything in between. If you have a chance to see one of their shows I implore you to go. You won't regret it!

So You Want to be a Member of Tops in Blue?

Being a member of the elite group is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only will you be able to spend every night performing and doing what you love, but you will also be able to see the world, and with the rigorous 45-day training period at Lackland Air Force Base, you will also improve your performance skills. Many Tops in Blue performers have gone on to fame, including Airman First Class Jerry Van Dyke and the comedian now known as Sinbad (though Sinbad came this close to a dishonorable discharge for going AWOL and a number of other things. There are rumors that he slept with the commander's wife).

The first requirement is that you must be an active-duty member of the Air Force. If your aspirations while in the Air Force include being a member of Tops in Blue, you should participate in talent competitions held by the wing as well as The AMC Icon Event, which was held last year at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Several finalists from the Icon Event were chosen to be members of the 2009 Tops in Blue cast.

You can apply online at http://www.topsinblue.com . In order to apply, you must send in a video of yourself performing along with the application. What better way to have a professional looking video than to perform in Icon?

The judges will then select finalists from all the applicants. The finalists will travel to Lackland Air Force Base, TX to perform in the Worldwide Talent Search.

Becoming a member of Tops in Blue takes a lot of talent, hard work and dedication. If you are married a spot in the troup will entail a year away from your family, so that's something to think about and discuss with your spouse before trying out. If you're single? Well, go for it! You wouldn't want to miss an opportunity like that.