What do you like best about the International Thespian Festival?
I have a deep love for my fellow Thespians. Don't get me wrong, there are awesome workshops and great mainstages, but the entire week is about us. I made so many new friends last year

What advice do you have for Thespians who are looking to become ITO?
Run, thespy, run! Make sure you are willing to put in the long hours that the position demands. And if you think that you are capable, go for it. Come to festival and show us how great you really are. Also, come prepared, whatever that means to you.

What got you interested in theatre?
I have been competitively improvising since fifth grade. So auditioning for shows just felt like that natural thing to do. My love for technical theatre came about because I was a wee little freshman who could not drive. And so when my ride told me she was staying for set construction, I stayed too. After a couple of hours in the shop and a couple of rehearsals on stage, I was hooked.

What would you say to a Thespian who is on the fence about attending International Thespian Festival 2011?
Thes Fest is so much fun. If money is an issue, apply for the Doug Finney Grant and let me know. Any of the ITO would be glad to help you brainstorm fundraising ideas. I learned so much last year at Thes Fest. I promise you that if you come, you will not be disappointed.

What is your weirdest "quirk"?
My tongue is ridiculously long. I can touch the tip of my nose and the bottom of chin. Oh! And I also make the weirdest jumps in conversations. For example, we may be talking about how good a show is and all of a sudden I will ask if you think that a pirate-ninja cross breed could beat Chuck Norris in a fight on the moon. (By the way, a pirate-ninja cross breed can't beat Chuck Norris. Ever.)

What are the goals you plan to achieve this year as an ITO?
I want to really connect with the thespians in my region. So if you are reading this and you are from Australia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ontario, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, find me on Facebook. I am your representative and I want to accurately represent you.

Do you have a favorite role that you have played?
My favorite role is from a one act called "The Real Inspector Hound" by Tom Stoppard. I was Simon Gascoyne, a dapper, young gentleman who the ladies couldn't help but love. My best memory from that show is making out with another character on stage while everyone else is appalled by how sexual we are. If you haven't read the show, check it out.

What is a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am told I give great back rubs. So if you see me walking around at Festival 2011 and your back aches, let me know. I'll take good care of you. Also, in a somewhat related note, I have four sisters. How is that related? Sisters = back rub practice.

What is your favorite straight play and/or musical?
At this very moment, I have to say Romeo and Juliet. I am rereading it because my school is doing it this fall. And I am just in love with Shakespeare's wit. This stuff is really funny. Although by the time this is published, it will probably be something else.

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

Bio:
Hey, thespies! I’m John Stark, your Region II Representative. I’ve never written an autobiography, so this should be fun. Let’s start off with the basics, shall we?

My family is epic. I have four beautiful sisters whom I love very much. They’ve taught me a lot about life and strength and perseverance. My mother is a rock who gives me strength when I feel weak. And my father really cares about all of us. My family gives such support, and I am deeply grateful that I have them.

My family supports me in all of my extracurricular activities including band, choir, improv, and student council. This past year I decided to drop a couple of extracurriculars (debate and model UN) and focus on theatre. It was a very tough choice, but I am confident that it was the right one. It has helped me free up my schedule and proves to my directors how dedicated I really am.

I have a passion for all things theatre. I love everything from building stuff in set construction to running light board, acting on stage to writing scenes. So hopefully you and I have something in common. My school has a very cool theatre program with two amazing sponsors. They are like my older brother and second mother.

When not on stage I enjoy the simple things of life, including, but not limited to, Facebook. I’m on Facebook a lot. I also do a lot of free reading because I believe the best readers make the best writers. I enjoy going on walks with my friends around the campus of Grinnell College and I also enjoy sitting around and talking.

By now I hope you know a small part of me. Please add me on Facebook and talk to me. I want to get to know you so that at we can really connect at Festival next year. Well, I guess that’s all for now. Check out my blog so I can write some more to you. Take it easy.

Peace,
~John~