​PERFORM. IMPACT. INSPIRE.
THIS IS THE PRIMARY MISSION OF OUR DEPARTMENT:
TO PERFORM PASSIONATELY, TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE WORLD AROUND US, AND TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY TO LOVE THE ARTS.  

Directors

Mrs. Holly Smith
​Director

Holly Smith has been immersed in the world of theatre for over three decades, and she began directing at the age of 5 by orchestrating short plays with her cousins at family gatherings. Graduating with a Masters degree in English and Theatre Education from the esteemed University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), she embarked on a journey of theatrical excellence.  For over a decade, Holly has honed her craft as an educator within Marietta City Schools. Her tenure began at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, where she crafted three distinct theatre courses. Under her guidance, the MSGA Academy Actors, an esteemed performing group, flourished, clinching four prestigious Junior Theater Festival awards.  Holly's commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. She was honored as the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year at MSGA and was further recognized with the Superintendent's Award in 2017 for her exceptional contributions to Marietta City Schools.  Currently serving as the Fine Arts Department Chair and Director of Theatre at Marietta High School, Holly continues to mold young talents into award-winning performers. Her guidance has propelled students to triumph at Regional/State One Act Play competitions, GHSA Literary Competition, and the Georgia Thespian Conference. Additionally, she spearheads MHS Thespian troupe #111, Improv Club, directs the GHSA One Act Play, and Spring musical productions.  At MHS, Holly imparts her wealth of knowledge through courses in Musical Theatre, IB Theatre, Advanced Drama, and Acting. Her enthusiasm for the arts and unwavering dedication to her students fuel her vision for the future of the MHS Theatre department – one where performances captivate, impacts resonate, and inspiration flourishes.  Holly's commitment to excellence extends beyond the stage, as she finds joy in her personal life as well. Married with two children, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring her culinary skills, indulging in the rejuvenating power of naps, and delving into the world of cyber investigations.  In her downtime, you might find her binge-watching regency shows or scrolling through TikTok for a dose of entertainment.

Ms. Katie Cornett
Assistant Director

Katie Cornett is excited to begin her journey with Marietta High School. Katie is an actor, director, designer, and theatre educator. She graduated from Reinhardt University with her BFA in Musical Theatre. After graduation, Katie participated in the Disney College Program as a Fairy Godmother in Training at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. She returned from Disney and started her teaching career as a Preschool teacher. Katie decided to combine her love of theatre and teaching and returned to school at Piedmont University, where she earned her Certification in Theatre Education.  She worked in Cobb County School District at Kennesaw Mountain High School as the Technical Director for the 2022-2023 and the 2023-2024 seasons. While at KMHS, she created and designed for shows such as Elephant's Graveyard, The Lost Boy, Spamolot,  and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Some of her previous performance credits include Arkadina in The Seagull, Rose Mundy in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods.  A few of Katie’s directing credits include Charlotte’s Web, Seussical Kids, and Ada and the Engine. During her summers, Ms. Cornett volunteers with the Pumphouse Players, a theatre troupe in Cartersville, GA , through their children's theatre program. As well as teaching theatre class at the secondary level, she also teaches youth acting classes  through Cobb County Parks and Recreation.  Katie directs children's summer theatre camp performances at various locations but most notably her alma mater Reinhardt University.  When Katie has free time, you will find her at home with her cats, Ella and Gus, watching Disney movies! Katie has a passion for teaching young artists the craft of theatre which she has loved since the young age of 5.

Ms. Colby Blick
Music Director

Colby has served as the Music Director for the Marietta High School Theatre Department since 2022, a role she embraces with great enthusiasm. Her journey in music direction commenced with Top Hat Theatrics in 2018, where she has since contributed her expertise to numerous productions. Notably, her work there has been recognized with accolades such as Excellence in Music and Excellence in Ensemble at the Junior Theatre Festival. Beyond Top Hat Theatrics, Colby has lent her musical talents to productions with CYT Atlanta and Prodigy Performing Arts.  Furthermore, since 2020, Colby has been a valued instructor at Courtnay and Rowe Music Academy, offering personalized voice, piano, and ukulele lessons. Her dedication to nurturing musical talent extends to her involvement with Marietta High School's Musical Theatre class, where she collaborates on productions and showcases.  Colby is passionate about fostering artistic growth  within the Marietta High School Theatre Department and eagerly anticipates witnessing its ongoing success in delivering performances that Perform, Impact, and Inspire.

Ms. Karris Morgan
​Choreographer

Having finished up her Masters in Engaged and Public Humanities at Georgetown University, Karris Morgan is happy to be home in Marietta Georgia, and thrilled to be joining the Theatre Department at Marietta High school as the choreographer! Karris was trained, and has studied, worked, and performed in the performing arts community here in Marietta for the last 10 years, and is very grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community that served her. She started her performing arts training at Cobb County’s Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School, after which she pursued her B.A. in Dance and in Philosophy at Kennesaw State University. During this time she began working as both dance instructor and choreographer for Young Voices United Performing arts school, performing artist and choreographer for Marietta Theater in the Square, and choreographer for Turner Chapel AME. Karris has performed in shows like In the Heights and Stepp Stewart’s Motown Motor City Revue, and choreographed  shows such as Five Guys named Moe, and Once on this Island. Karris looks forward to sharing her love for performing arts and community engagement with Marietta High School!