What do you like best about the International Thespian Festival?
The people! Nothing compares to the connections made between high school theatre students at ITF. We are truly the best people on the face of the planet.

What advice do you have to Thespians who are looking to become ITO?
Get it! If you know what you want then you go and you find it and you get it (ITW). Make sure you are a talented, dedicated candidate and then fill out an application.

What got you interested in theatre?
What made the unicorn interested in the rainbow? Certain things just work together.

What would you say to a Thespian on the fence about attending the International Thespian Festival 2012 ?
… do it. I know the money is potential a hardship, but there are scholarships available. If you want to go, we will help you make it happen. Please just find me on Facebook and talk to me.

What is your weirdest "quirk"?:
I have an impressive tongue. It is quite long, KISS quality even. I will show you next time I see you.

What are the goals you plan to accomplish this year as an ITO?
I want to see the students of the ITS develop skills as advocates. I want us to take our education and defend our programs.

Do you have a favorite role you have played?
My heart forever belongs to my Juliet. Romeo opened my eyes as an actor to the world of sincere, emotional theatre. I love Shakespeare very much.

What is a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I have 4 sisters and am the only boy. Not a deep fact, but most people do not know that about me.

What is your favorite straight play and/or musical?
Again, I love the Bard. My favorite show… oh man. It might be “Midsummer”, because I love magic. Or maybe Next to Normal. Or Rocky Horror. I love theatre too much to choose a favorite

And finally, give us your Facebook link.
www.facebook.com/johnstarky

Bio:
Hey, thespies! I’m John Stark, your ITO chair. I’ve been around the block once, as Region 2 Rep, and boy have I learned a lot about life and myself. Things are not always as they first appear and the slotted spoon can catch the potato.
I am an unusual character, but a character none the less. The motto tells me to ‘act well’ my part, not to have a normal part. Because, let’s face it, normal parts are boring. Everyone hates Romeo (except me), but loves Mercutio. Why? Because Mercutio is fun and quirky. Romeo spends half the play complaining and the other half lounging. Mercutio takes action and makes innuendos.
That being said, I am odd. I think you may have figured this out. I am odd in a very good way. In a hip, but not too mainstream hip, sort of way. I like things simple; I like complex things too. I like my things to be purple; I like my things to be blue. I like to do the theatre; I like to write in verse. I like to do the cha cha; and hold my best friend’s purse.
But really, let me know if you read this. I am on Facebook all the time, and I have twitter. I do want to know you and entertain you. I am a performer through and through, although I long to be an educator. But that’s a story for another day.
If this snippet of my mind has enticed you, please get in contact.
Shalom,
~John~