What do you like best about the International Thespian Festival?
My favorite thing about Festival is the opportunity to meet new people. I love feeling comfortable enough to scream “You were AMAZING in the show today!” or “You’re name is Ariel?! My name is Ariel too!”, and end up making a new friend.

What advice do you have for Thespians who are looking to become ITO?
Do it! But be prepared; it will require lots of work, time commitment, and love. However, you will make some amazing friends and be a part of something so much bigger than yourself. So be outgoing, positive, and [most importantly] yourself! (Insert inspirational music here)

What got you interested in theatre?
To be completely honest, it was all because of a school-girl crush. Puppy love for my first drama teacher (a college theatre student working for the YMCA) turned into a real love for theatre itself.

What would you say to a Thespian who is on the fence about attending
International Thespian Festival 2011?
See sentences 1, 3, & 4 of question #2's answer. After that, what are you waiting for?! There's nothing to be on the fence about! Also, it will be one of the BEST weeks of your life, pinky promise.

What is your weirdest “quirk”?
I have a Lea Michele/Rachel Berry/Glee OBSESSION. ...No seriously, you don’t understand!

What are the goals you plan to achieve this year as an ITO?
One of my fundamental goals for this year is to improve communication on as many levels as possible. Whether it’s between the ITOs, the international regions, states, or troupes, I would like to get more Thespians involved and “in the know” on ITF 2011. I think the best way to do this is to utilize the abundant amount of technology we have; i.e. Facebook groups, video diaries, blogs, and more.

Do you have a favorite role that you have played?
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) is the most fun character I’ve ever played. I actually practiced lisping so much that I began to thpeak thimilar to thith in real life...yiketh.

What is a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
I can lick my elbow!

What is your favorite straight play and/or musical?
Aye yi yi, where do I begin? My favorite musical is Funny Girl. No no no, it’s definitely West Side Story. Slash Spring Awakening. Does a 3-way tie count?

And finally, give us your Facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=630251230

Bio:
Hello, my name is Ariel Thilenius (and if that sounds all Greek to you, it’s because it is!) I am a Senior at Gainesville High School, Thespian Troupe 2445 Co-President , and your Region 3 ITO. I was born in Gainesville, Georgia - the poultry capital of the world. Besides the common “ugly duckling” stage, the rise of social networks, and the new millennium, nothing terribly exciting happened in my life until high school. There, I fell madly in love with theatre, and currently perform in four musicals, three straight shows, and one competition piece per year. Outside of theatre, I am also Key Club President, a Varsity Football Cheerleader, and Co-Editor of the school newspaper. Outside of the outside of theatre, I enjoy coloring, anything incredibly girly, (and apparently listing things in threes!). I truly love meeting new people, so feel free to hit me up on Facebook.