Our Program - Marietta High School

Where stories come to life.
MHS Drama invites you into a world of performance, creativity, and collaboration.

A woman in a sparkly dress stands center stage in front of a backdrop with several people in costume, including a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a maid's outfit.

Staff

Jake Dogias, Director

Jake Dogias proudly joined Marietta City Schools in 2026. Mr. Dogias holds an MFA in Acting from The Claire Trevor School of the Arts at The University of California, Irvine, where he had the pleasure of learning from renowned acting teachers such as Robert Cohen and Richard Brestoff, and he earned his BA in Drama from The University of Georgia. He joins the MHS faculty after spending 13 years as an acting teacher at the CCCEPA performing arts magnet program at Pebblebrook High School, where he also served as the drama department coordinator for the past five years.

Following his formal training, Mr. Dogias lived and worked professionally as an actor both in New York City and Los Angeles, where he was cast in guest roles on numerous television series, including recurring roles on ABC's "Better Off Ted" and "The Forgotten." He has performed in countless stage productions, with favorite roles including Mozart in a production of "Amadeus," and his graduate thesis role of Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello." Mr. Dogias is a proud member of The Screen Actors Guild and continues to work professionally as an actor in addition to his teaching responsibilities.

Mr. Dogias began his teaching career as an instructor of acting and voice classes for drama majors at The University of California, Irvine. He has worked extensively as a private acting coach, he was a senior instructor at a conservatory-style program in Los Angeles for students in grades K-12, and has served as a guest instructor of master classes at a multitude of schools and studios across the country.

Email | 770-428-2631

Josh Waters, 6-12 Lead Drama Teacher

Josh Waters is a graduate of CCCEPA at Pebblebrook and has a BFA from The Theatre School, DePaul University in Chicago. He has performed on stage & screen from New York to Los Angeles. He has performed at I.O. West, Second City, The Improv, and Radio City Music Hall. His favorite credits include The O.C., House, Bravo's The IT Factor L.A., Remember the Daze, and Carolina. As a member of Theatre Phoenix, Mr. Waters taught improv and storytelling to inner-city youth in Los Angeles for many years.

Mr. Waters was most recently the drama teacher at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy. He has taught performance classes with Due West Center for the Arts, Bravo Dance Company, and City Springs Theatre. He was seen as a guest star on one of the final episodes of the Peabody Award-winning series Rectify. Mr. Waters was awarded the honor of Outstanding New Employee at MSGA for 2019 and received the Mayor's BE SOMEBODY Award in 2020. At The Junior Theatre Festival in 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Freddie G Fellowship. Mr. Waters has been named a BEST OF COBB winner five times. He was the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year at MSGA.

Mr. Waters is married to his high school sweetheart, Nicole, and they have two sons, Ethan and Nolan.

Email | 770-428-2631 VM:8739

Emma Wigington, Technical Director

Emma Wigington is a graduate of Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga., where she received a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology. After working as a stage electrician at renowned companies across the U.S., including Des Moines Metro Opera and Maine State Music Theatre, she returned to the Atlanta area in 2022.

Emma worked for multiple Atlanta theaters and the Georgia Aquarium until becoming the Assistant to the Director of the Marietta Performing Arts Center for 3 years. During this time, she provided technical theatre support for countless productions, including lighting design for multiple Marietta musicals (Matilda, The Addams Family, and Mamma Mia). Now, she looks forward to returning to the Blue Devil family as a teacher!

While not at work, you can find Emma playing board games or hanging out with her cat Luna.

Email | 770-428-2631

What is the Student Leadership Board?

The Student Leadership Board comprises students from various grade levels who serve as ambassadors, leaders, and mentors within the department. In addition, they serve as our Thespian Society Officers. They organize events such as Improv Club, recruitment, fundraisers, outreach, social events, and student recognition. Their primary goal is to grow the department and introduce students to the wonderful world of theatre. They strive to foster a sense of acceptance and love within the department.

2026-2027 Student Leadership Board

Course Catalog

Fundamentals of Theatre

Fundamentals of Theatre I
Fundamentals of Theatre II

Fundamentals of Theatre I

1 semester course (fall or spring)
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.02100
Prerequisite: None

This course serves as an introduction to the theatre arts. Students investigate theatre as a whole by exploring the techniques and origins of a wide variety of theatre arts in various cultures and periods. Students will explore the career opportunities available in theatre. Students are expected to perform in front of their peers. No after-school performances are required. This is an entry-level class.

Fundamentals of Theatre II

Acting

Acting I

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.06100
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Theatre I or Advanced Drama at MMS

Introduces the acting process and the actor's role across various styles/methods, with a focus on scene study. Stresses developing imagination, observation, concentration, and self-discipline, including physical and vocal control while conveying emotions, convictions, and ideas; enhances self-confidence and self-awareness. Theatre is used to encourage cooperative learning, teamwork, organization, and leadership skills. The class gives all students the opportunity to perform regularly. Participation in theatre performance outside of regular class hours is expected.

Acting II

Acting III

Full Course Year
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.06300
Prerequisite: Acting II

Enhances level-two skills with emphasis on advanced monologue work, advanced scene study, extensive audition training, student-directing, ensemble acting in a variety of main-stage productions, and object exercises. Participation in theatre performance outside of regular class hours is expected.

Advanced Drama

Advanced Drama I

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.05100
Prerequisite: Audition Required

Studies the artistic, technical, management, and performance elements of a live theatre production. As a part of the planning, rehearsal, and performance, students assume positions of responsibility and demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in acting, directing, artistic criticism, script analysis, staging, character creation, vocal techniques, and physical movement. Students recognize the responsibilities of the producer, director, actors, designers, technicians, and managers through collaboration in creating a theatre performance. Explore the career opportunities available in theatre. Participation in theatre performance outside of regular class hours is required.

Advanced Drama II

Advanced Drama III

IB Theatre

IB Theatre Year 1
IB Theatre Year 2

IB Theatre Year 1

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.05300
Prerequisite: 1 year of (any) theatre course; students must commit to taking IB Theatre exam
Corequisites: IB English Language & Literature or teacher approval

This course aims to help students understand the nature of the theatre by creating it as well as by studying it, and to understand the forms it takes in other cultures. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is expected.

IB Theatre Year 2

1 semester course (fall or spring)
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.05400
Prerequisite: IB Theatre Year 1; students must commit to taking IB Theatre exam
Corequisite: IB English Language & Literature or teacher approval

This course aims to help students understand the nature of the theatre by creating it as well as by studying it, and to understand the forms it takes in other cultures. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is expected. Prepares students for the required IB Theatre assessments.

Technical Theatre

Technical Theatre I

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.04100
Prerequisite: None

This introductory course explores sound, lighting, set design/building, costumes, backstage assistance, and house management. Explores the career opportunities available in theatre. This course will offer hands-on experience (power tools, painting, saws, etc.) and will require students to work after school hours.

Technical Theatre II

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.04200
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I

Enhances level-one skills in sound, lighting, set design/building, costumes, backstage assistance, and house management. Explores the career opportunities available in theatre. This course will offer hands-on experience (power tools, painting, saws, etc.) and will require students to work after school hours.

Technical Theatre III

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.04300
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre II

Enhances level-two skills in drafting and set design, and includes in-depth exploration of light operation, sound operation, stage management, costume construction, set development, make-up, and production staff. This course will provide students with a skill set for post-graduation and explore the career opportunities available in theatre. This course will offer hands-on experience (power tools, painting, saws, etc.) and will require students to work after school hours.

Technical Theatre IV

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.04400
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre III

Enhances level-three skills and offers opportunities to solve problems in supervising and managing all aspects of production. Explores technical directing and directing responsibilities with opportunities to apply skills in these areas. This course will provide students a skill set for post-graduation and explorers the career opportunities available in theatre. This course will offer hands-on experience (power tools, painting, saws, etc.) and will require students to work after school hours.

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre I

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.03100
Prerequisite: Audition required

Introduces the style and characteristic elements of musical theater. Explores the mechanics of production, staging, voice, and dance. Explores career opportunities in musical theatre and offers a performance opportunity. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is required.

Musical Theatre II

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.03200
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre I

Enhances level-one skills with a focus on production and provides opportunities for performance. This course will provide students a skill set for post-graduation and explores the career opportunities available in theatre. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is required.

Musical Theatre III

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.03300
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre II

Enhances level-two skills with a focus on production and career paths while providing opportunities for performance. This course will provide students with a skill set for post-graduation and explore the career opportunities available in theatre. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is required.

Musical Theatre IV

Full Year Course
GaDOE State Course Number: 52.03400
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre III

Enhances level-three skills with a focus on production and career paths while providing opportunities for performance. This course will provide students with a skill set for post-graduation and explore the career opportunities available in theatre. Participation in theatre performances outside of regular class hours is required.

International Thespian Society

What is the International Thespian Society?

How Do Students Benefit?

As a member of ITS, students will be honored on a national level and have access to resources beyond those available at MHS.

ITS state and national events, including the International Thespian Festival, with workshops, college and scholarship auditions, as well as opportunities to showcase and receive assessment on tech and performance skills.
A membership card, certificate, and induction pin.
Thespians receive print and digital subscriptions to Dramatic magazine, the only publication edited exclusively for theatre students and teachers.
Student leadership opportunities at the troupe, state, and national levels that provide forums to learn and put their leadership skills to work.
ITS honor society membership to enhance college and employment applications.

How Does it Work?

The ITS group at each school is known as a troupe and is led by a troupe director, usually the school's theatre teacher. The troupe is the school's theatre honor society, and students earn induction based on their achievements in its theatre program.

ITS point-system guides help track student work across performance, tech, and production staff categories. In fact, inductees must earn points over the course of more than one production and in more than one discipline.

Junior Thespian troupes include students in grades 6-8 who have completed at least 50 hours of excellent work.

Thespain troupes include students in grades 9-12 who completed at least 100 hours of excellent work.

Students continue to earn ITS points beyond induction to achieve progressively higher honors.

A GPA of 3.0 earns inductees the first of three ITS scholar distinctions.

FAQ

How Do Students Submit Thespian Points?

How Do Students Check Their Thespian Points?

When is the Thespian Induction?

Is There a Fee to Be a Thespian?

How Can Students Earn Higher Honors After Induction?

As a student advances in high school, they continue to submit events for thespian points. These points, in addition to GPA, can help students receive honors and graduation regalia.

10 points = Inducted into the Thespian Society, receives Thespian induction pin, can attend Thescon
60 points = Honor Thespian Status, receives gold graduation cord
120 points = National Honor Thespian Status, receives graduation medallion
180 points = International Honor Thespian Status, receives white graduation stole

*In order to receive the above graduation items, students must be a Thespian in good standing and active with the department, including following all bylaws and involvement in the theatre department through senior year.