What do you like best about the International Thespian Festival?
Meeting new people!!! It’s so great to meet people from around the world, and realize your all in one place, as one organization, for the same passion. Nothing compares to that! Also all of the great shows and talent! I mean, everything you see is way beyond high school theatre!

What advice do you have for Thespians who are looking to become ITO?
Work hard, get involved at home theatre and in your community. Most importantly, learn what being a Thespian is truly about! Also, talk to your Troupe Director or contact one of us. We are always here to help!

What got you interested in theatre?
I really don’t remember that much except that the first time I hit the stage, I knew it was home! I loved it! There’s a saying: “Theatre- The only place you can be yourself while being someone else.” This is so true! Ever since then I’ve just been acting until about 6 years ago I started to do singing and dancing and discovered Broadway!

What would you say to a Thespian who is on the fence about attending International Thespian Festival 2012?
Do it!!! It will be the greatest life experience that you’ve ever known! All the way from meeting new people from around the world to watching shows to going to the awesome dances, you will have wondered why you even thought about not going! It’s the absolute best week ever!

What is your weirdest "quirk"?
I sing ALL the time!!! I will seriously be sitting in the middle of class and start humming a song without even realizing it! It’s such a bitter/sweet habit too. I exercise my voice all the time, but it annoys people by about the tenth time I run through “For Good” from Wicked!

What are the goals you plan to achieve this year as ITO?
My main goal is to get more people involved! The world of Thespians is way too great not to share with everyone!!! I would also like to better theatre programs in schools that try to shutter theatre out. It’s not right! Theatre is such a good thing, and a passion beyond any other. This is what I want everyone to realize, not just theatre students.

Do you have a favorite role that you have played?
I don’t really have a favorite role. I really loved being a German doctor, Von Soshocky, in Radium Girls. No singing or dancing, but what’s more fun than learning a German accent? In my opinion though, there are “No small parts, only small actors.” –The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I think that as long as I’m on the stage, and as long as I enjoy it, that’s what truly matters.

What is a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I can stick my shoulder blade really far out. I think it’s pretty cool, but a few people can’t even look at it. It looks kind of like wing stubs. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll grow wings and learn how to fly. :p

What is your favorite straight play and/or musical?
Aladdin! It’s a classic! I’ve watched it about a million times, could quote the whole thing, know most of the songs, and it still Never gets old! And I love all of the characters! What isn't awesome about a fun-loving witty genie?

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

Bio:
Hi everyone! My name is Wes Savage and I am from Van Buren, Arkansas. I go to Van Buren High School and belong to Troupe 7448. I'd like to start by saying how much I LOVE theatre!!! It is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and pretty much my life! And I've done it my whole life! But better than that, I've always loved meeting and hanging out with the people in theatre!

At school I am part of many organizations. I am a in the Van Buren Pointer Pride Marching Band, band All-Statist, various honors groups, AP student on the honor role, jazz band, help with choral events, and, of course, THEATRE!!!!!!! Outside of school I am a Christian, a Boy Scout, a martial artist, and, again, participate in THEATRE!!!!!!! I've been in around 30 plays, including camps, and hope to do many, many more!

I consider my peers and passions very important! Truthfully, I can't feel better than when I help one of my friends or even more someone I don't know!!! The only thing that comes close is playing a jazz riff, belting the long notes of Showboat's finest "Old Man River", or becoming someone you would have never thought of becoming before you get the script! My family is also VERY important! I would have never discovered my passions if not for them! They are really supportive and I'm very grateful!

A little bit about where I live: I live just outside a pretty small town called Van Buren, near Alma. I live in the middle of nowhere, but it really does have a nice view of a lot of pretty trees! It's a really nice place! My school consists of about 1300 people with a graduating class of about 400. There isn't a whole lot to do in town, but we do have a movie theatre and there is a mall in Fort Smith nearby! So in my spare time I play around on my computer, play guitar, and do other theatre and musical stuff! Most of all, I like to meet new people! So please contact me! I want to know you! :)