Name: Ariel Timmons
Major: Gender Studies with a minor in Theatre
Hometown: San Francisco
If you do not manage to see her in the short film Ipsemet you can be sure to catch Ariel Timmons in The Vagina Monologues, being put on by UCLA theatre group, SANNA, in February. Passionate and very driven, Ariel is involved in as many theatre and film-based student productions as she can handle on top of school work! In her first quarter at UCLA Ariel has acted in two short films, written and produced on campus by UCLA students this past fall. As well as these, Ariel spent her time auditioning and preparing for SANNA’s winter 2013 production of The Vagina Monologues, whilst keeping up with her studies, which includes a minor in theatre. Amid her hectic schedule I had the time and pleasure to speak with Ariel about her love for the dramatics and her hopes for the future.
What made you want to be a part of The Vagina Monologues?
The issues and themes of the play are something I am really passionate about. Its about talking about things which people don’t ever really talk about: feminism, sexual assault, female grooming. These are real topics which genuinely affect women and the play is a forum to present and discuss them. It has a great mix of serious and funny elements in it, and the audience are able to get an insight in to a woman’s mind. Guys sometimes think it’s an attack on them but it’s really not- it’s about the strength and empowerment of women. It’s a great combination of my love for theatre and my Gender Studies major!
What do you think of the character you will be playing?
I like it! I have to get in touch with my southern side because I have to do a southern accent!
What are your hopes for the future?
After I get my BA from UCLA I’d love to study do a masters in theatre and film. I also have a real thirst for travel and I’d love to totally engulf myself in a different culture, experiencing new people, new languages, food, music, everything! I’d also like to see how theatre is approached in different cultures.
When did you know you wanted to be an actress?
My freshman year of high school. Before then I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do but then I saw my first play in freshman year, and the head of the drama department became my sort-of mentor. In community college the head of the theatre department was another inspiration- she was like a theater goddess! She was so enthusiastic and she took the craft seriously, which really prepared me for UCLA.
What is your favorite place in LA?
Probably Venice. It reminds me of Haight Street in San Francisco.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like working with children, going to plays, watching films, being with family and friends. I wish I had time to travel!
What’s your favorite UCLA memory so far?
Going to the ‘SC game and watching the Bruins win! It was an epic game, it was raining really hard, but it didn’t matter because it was an awesome time.