What do you like best about the International Thespian Festival?
Maybe a better question would be, “What don’t you like about the International Thespian Festival?” The truth is that I love everything about it! My favorite part though, is probably meeting so many crazy, amazing Thespians. Everyone is so friendly and it’s great to be surrounded by people who share the same interests. Watching phenomenal shows every morning and evening, however, is a close second! It’s unbelievable that high school students are so talented and can to such an extraordinary job.

What advice do you have for Thespians who are looking to become ITO?
First, make sure this is what you really want. It isn’t all fun and games. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. You will spend countless hours on ITO related work and you may have to make sacrifices. However this being said, it is an amazing opportunity! If you’re prepared to commit to this job fully, go for it! You have nothing to lose, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What got you interested in theatre?
My sister! When she was in middle school, she went on a trip to New York City and saw the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She loved it and forced me to watch the movie hundreds of times, or so it seemed. After that, she became involved with theatre in our school. When I was a freshman, she played Dorothy in our spring musical, the Wizard of Oz. I already loved theatre, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to participate in school. At the last minute, my sister convinced me to join the tech crew. I had three of the best months of my life! I loved it so much that I auditioned for a role in our next production, and things just continued from there!

What would you say to a Thespian who is on the fence about attending International Thespian Festival 2011?
Come! It will honestly be one of the best weeks of your life. The shows are incredible, the dances are a blast, and who wouldn’t want the chance to hang out with thousands of Thespians for an entire week? The memories and experiences are well worth the cost.

What is your weirdest "quirk"?
I constantly lose my cell phone! Actually, I constantly think I lose my cell phone. This is how it works; it never fails: At least once a day I try to text someone and can’t find my phone. I then proceed to empty my entire purse, which is huge, and search through each item, piece by piece. This, of course, takes place in public, usually in the middle of a busy store. I don’t find my phone, freak out, and start retracing my steps. Then, twenty minutes later, I realize it’s in the front pocket of my bag, right where it belongs! I drive my friends crazy! :)

What are the goals you plan to achieve this year as ITO?
I definitely want more people to know who the International Thespians Officers are and what we do. I feel as though many Thespians, especially those who have never attended the International Thespian Festival, do not know who the ITO are and do not understand our role in the International Thespian Society. To do this, I want to increase the number of fans on our facebook page and encourage more Thespians to visit our website. This will help the ITO stay in contact with other Thespians, while informing others of our activities. Additionally, I want to persuade more Thespians to attend Festival by explaining fundraising possibilities and informing them of the incredible opportunities available at ITF! Of course, I also plan to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS through fundraising both at ITF and at state conferences.

Do you have a favorite role that you have played?
Last year, I played the Baroness Schrader in the Sound of Music. It was a fun role because her character is a rich snob, and that is nothing like my personality. I also had a good time as an Indian/townsperson in Annie Get Your Gun several years ago. I only had a small part, (if I remember correctly, I had about three lines!) but I think it’s an entertaining musical and the songs always make me smile!

What is a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
Well, I live on an orchard that is located pretty much in the middle of nowhere! It’s called Cherry Orchards (And my last name is Cherry; crazy, I know!). We grow apples, peaches, plums, pears, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers…and the list goes on! We’re a pretty small business, but everything is homegrown. I work in our store, selling produce during the summer and fall. The orchard monopolizes my family’s life during our busy months, but I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world! If you’re ever driving through Southeastern Ohio, be sure to stop by!

What is your favorite straight play and/or musical?
This one is really hard! You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown is the first play/musical I remember seeing as a child, so it has a special place in my heart. The Phantom of the Opera, however, was the first musical that I actually fell in love with; I think I listened to the soundtrack constantly when I was twelve. Right now I’m obsessed with Wicked (really, who isn’t?) and recently fell in love with the music from Aida. I also saw Billy Elliot in London last summer, which was absolutely amazing!

And finally, give us your Facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1253380244

Bio:
Hey, everyone! My name is Susan Cherry (as you probably already know!) and I live in Crooksville, Ohio. I am currently a 17 years old and senior at Crooksville High School. I am also a member of Troupe #6548. I absolutely love my troupe and our director, Meagan Powell! At school, I am involved in almost every activity possible. Besides theatre, I participate in band, National Honor Society, Student Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4-H, and am a class officer, to name a few. I am also slightly obsessive about my grades. I play the piano, but I don’t practice nearly enough to play very well!

I live in the country, away from pretty much all civilization. I don’t have cell phone service where I live (yes, I am serious!) and I live about forty-five minutes from the closest mall. My hometown, Crooksville, is a classic small town, in which everyone not only knows everyone else, but also their entire family history. I love it, but this can be slightly overwhelming at times!

In my spare time, I like to spend time with my friends, read, and waste time on my computer! Feel free to send me an email, add me on facebook, or send me a message at anytime! :)