Events at Marietta High School, Marietta

About Marietta High School

Marietta High School is a public high school in downtown Marietta, Georgia. Its current campus at 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW opened in 2001 (genealogytrails.com), and it incorporates a state-of-the-art 750-seat Marietta Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on the grounds. The school has deep roots – it originally opened in 1892 (genealogytrails.com) and over the years moved through several locations (Haynes St, Waterman St, Lemon St, Winn St) before settling on Whitlock Avenue. Its athletic teams are known as the Blue Devils (genealogytrails.com), and the school’s early student newspaper was called The Pitchfork (genealogytrails.com). Today’s campus blends modern design with local tradition. For example, a three-story College & Career Academy wing opened in 2019, featuring an airy glass-covered atrium, interior balconies, and a rooftop outdoor study terrace (schooldesigns.com) – basically a small college campus attached to the high school. Inside the arts center, a sleek lobby (the Grand Hall) leads to two galleries displaying student artwork, and doors open to an auditorium with 732 fixed seats (753 max capacity) (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). This venue is unique because it was built to professional standards but is fully integrated into the school. It serves both Spartan students and Marietta’s community. In practical terms, MPAC gives Marietta City Schools an on-site theater to host world-class performances (the Georgia Symphony Orchestra made it a rehearsal home in 2014 (mpac.marietta-city.org)) while also staging student musicals, concerts, and local events. In short, Marietta High is notable for being both a long-standing community landmark and the owner of one of the most modern auditoriums in the area. Visitors will find an atmosphere that’s part historic hometown school and part polished performance venue – a blend that makes MHS special.

Events and Programming

The Marietta Performing Arts Center on campus hosts events year-round. As a school theater, its calendar is packed with Marietta High’s own programs: think marching band concerts, chorus and orchestra recitals, drama and musical productions, and spring/winter dance showcases (mhs.marietta-city.org). For example, the MHS dance department typically stages big winter and spring dance concerts each year (mhs.marietta-city.org). The student theatre group (“Blue Devil Theatre”) often puts on a fall play and a spring musical. Beyond student shows, MPAC is used by local arts groups. The Georgia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus hold regular concerts here (the orchestra even has a Marietta residency) (mpac.marietta-city.org). Young musicians gather here too: the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Dance Conservatory present annual recitals at the venue (mpac.marietta-city.org). In addition, community and civic events — everything from graduations to holiday performances — are held here when space is available. One of the venue’s draws is its variety. High school events are frequently open to the public or affordable: for instance, a “Play Football Family Festival” during Super Bowl weekend 2019 at Marietta High was free to attend (www.mariettaga.gov). The Lemon Street Classic (an annual Dec basketball tournament) has also used the school’s facilities to celebrate Marietta history and school sports (www.mariettaga.gov). Arts programs, on the other hand, may carry ticket fees. In general, ticket prices at MPAC are modest. School and youth shows often charge minimal entry (student-organized events can be free or just a few dollars), while larger productions might set adult tickets in the teens or low twenties. (For context, a community ballet or orchestra concert in Marietta typically runs $15–$30.) Most events sell out modestly sized crowds – for example, popular holiday concerts and solo artist recitals will often list separate pricing for orchestra rows and mezzanine. Scheduling is varied: many orchestral or band concerts happen in the afternoons or evenings on weekends, while student performances may occur on school nights. Visitors often report the theater is active almost every week of the school year, with occasional breaks in summer. To find upcoming shows, one can check the Marietta City Schools events calendar or MPAC announcements. Overall, MPAC serves as both a home for Marietta High’s own arts programming and as a community stage for regional ensembles. It’s not a high-tempo nightclub or a massive sports arena; expect mainly musical, theatrical, and dance performances, school functions, and occasional public gatherings. The mix of student talent and professional acts gives the schedule a friendly, hometown feel.

Tickets and Booking

Ticketing for Marietta High School events is usually handled by the school district or affiliated organizations. For school concerts and plays, tickets are often sold through the Marietta City Schools website or at the MPAC box office. (The high school’s administration should be consulted for box office hours, as they may align with event times.) High-demand shows like big musicals or out-of-town acts may sell tickets in advance through official channels with reserved seating. It’s wise to buy early: popular events (such as annual musicals or holiday concerts) can sell out the 732-seat house quickly. Prices vary by event. Student and school-sponsored performances typically run on the cheaper side – often under $10–15 – especially if aimed at families. Community and arts organization concerts may be higher, as they sometimes cover professional talent or larger productions. No matter the show, tickets tend to come in tiers based on seating area; for example, front-center seats might be premium ($25 or so), while rear corners are cheaper. However, all seats are fixed and reserved (there is no general admission standing section). Very casual or benefit events have even been free. For booking, watch the official announcements. The Marietta City Schools or MPAC sites (or even city event pages) will list shows and often provide a link or phone number for tickets. If an event is open to the public, the school usually publicizes contact info (MPAC director Dan Frisbie’s office handles facility use). Sometimes tickets can be bought right at the door if the show isn’t full. In any case, children’s events and fundraisers often allow walk-ups, whereas ticketed concerts might require buying ahead online or by calling the box office. Frequent attendees tip: join any mailing list or Facebook group related to Marietta arts, as those often announce presales. Summing up, use the Marietta City Schools or MPAC channels to purchase, plan early for big shows, and expect affordable pricing tailored to school events.

Seating and Layout

The Marietta Performing Arts Center auditorium is designed like a professional theater. It has a proscenium stage at one end and all fixed seating arranged in rows facing the stage. In total there are 732 permanent seats (capacity up to 753 with extra chairs) (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). These seats are likely arranged with a center aisle and side aisles, divided into left, center and right blocks to optimize sightlines. (On the MPAC floor plan, a “black box theater” is noted as a separate small studio space (ga01903590.schoolwires.net); this is used for very small, experimental shows and has its own tiny seating area.) As an audience member, where you sit matters mainly for view and comfort. The best seats are generally in the center of the middle rows: roughly 1/3 back from the stage, directly facing it. Here you get a full and balanced view of the performers, and sound is even. Front-row seats offer up-close experiences but require looking up at performers, which some find less comfortable on the neck – those are great for stage detail if you don’t mind. Back or balcony seats (if the room has any slight upper tier) still have clear sightlines, and acoustics remain good; they often feel more “immersive” for orchestral sound, but visual detail is slightly smaller. Side seats or aisles have a slight angle but are fine – titling your head a bit helps. In short, avoid extreme corners where your view of the far side of stage might be partially blocked by curtains. The venue does not have general-admission lawn or standing areas, only this sloping fixed auditorium. There is no VIP club or special open deck – all seating is standard. The space is relatively intimate, meaning even the “nosebleed” spots (if any) are only a few dozen feet from the stage. On a technical note, the theater’s lighting rig uses an ETC Ion board with 40 faders (ga01903590.schoolwires.net), so you can be sure lighting effects and transitions are modern. The sound system is built around an Avid (formerly Midas) M32 console (ga01903590.schoolwires.net), a high-quality digital mixer; practically every seat will hear a good balance. For audiences with special needs, wheelchair-accessible seating is provided (usually off to the sides of the front rows). Assistive listening devices may be available on request (as in many theaters). If you need such accommodations, mention that to the box office when booking or arriving. Otherwise, the main auditorium is straightforward: just follow the ushers to your row. Near the lobby you’ll also find restrooms and water fountains, but there is no coat check – so guests typically keep jackets on laps or hang them on chair backs if needed. In summary, choose center and mid-row seats for the sweet spot, and generally all seats offer good sound. If you’re curious about the exact layout (aisle location, marquee), look for the posted seating chart at the box office or on the venue’s website before seating. But simply put: first come, first choice of seats (if buying at the door), and try to sit where you’ll have a clear line straight to the stage front.

Getting There and Parking

The address of Marietta High School is 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta, GA 30064. The campus is on the west side of Marietta’s downtown area. When driving, you can reach it via Interstate 75 (take the Hendricxen Rd exit or Barrett Pkwy exit, then follow local street signs to Randolph Rd and Whitlock Ave). Marietta Parkway (GA-120) runs just north of downtown, giving access via Church St or Kennesaw Ave (which turns into Whitlock Ave at the school’s location). Ample parking is available on site. There are two large school-owned parking lots directly adjacent to the Performing Arts Center (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). These are generally free to use during events (just look for any posted signage on event days). On busy nights, these lots can fill up, but nearby street parking along Whitlock is often legal (be careful to obey any no-parking signs). The school is also near bonus lots at some churches or shopping areas which might allow event parking (though always check first). Many patrons say parking is much easier than at city-center venues; the campus lots are often half-empty except at big events. Public transit to the venue is not frequent. Marietta is served by CobbLinc buses (e.g. Route 30) but the closest stop is at the Marietta Transit Center downtown (Fairground St and South Marietta Pkwy) – roughly a 0.7-mile walk (15–20 minutes) north of the school. In practice, most visitors drive or take a cab/rideshare. If you arrive by Uber/Lyft, have the driver drop you at the Whitlock entrance (there’s room in front of the Grand Hall for drop-off). During events, local traffic can back up a little, so allow some padding for arrival time. For those staying overnight, a shuttle is not needed – the venue is suburban enough to rely on car or rideshares. Note that the free Marietta Trolley (around the Square) does not reach the high school. The nearest MARTA rail station is in Vinings (Arts Center station), which is still several miles south – so MARTA riders would connect via bus or taxi. In short, come by car or rideshare. Many visitors recommend arriving 15–30 minutes before showtime. That gives you time to park and walk inside (the lobby opens to guests well before events). The area around the school is safe and walkable, but it’s mostly residential, so street parking may drop off after 9pm. Overall, plan to arrive early if you need a lot of preparation time (sorting tickets, using restrooms).

Inside the Venue

Upon entering MPAC through the main doors on Whitlock Ave, you’ll find yourself in a spacious foyer (the Grand Hall). This lobby is bright and often houses displays. In fact, Marietta High’s annual art shows put “Best in Show” student pieces on display in these galleries (mhs.marietta-city.org), so you may see school artwork on the walls while you wait for the show to start. In the center or side of this hall is a concession counter – run by volunteers – selling water, soda, popcorn and candies during intermissions. Snacks are typical theater fare (nothing gourmet), and prices are very reasonable. A small merchandise table may also appear for some events (for example, band booster clubs sometimes sell spirit wear during concerts). The overall atmosphere is friendly and a little casual. Families, students and older patrons all mix here. Attire is usually casual or slightly dressy-casual: think nice jeans, shirts or summer dresses. Once you’ve got your ticket and leave your coat (if needed) with an usher or hang it up (no formal coat check), you’ll proceed into the theater. Inside the auditorium, expect basic movie-theater style seats (fabric-covered, cushioned, with armrests). The aisles run parallel to the stage. Ushers will help you find your row. During the show, lights will dim – so use the lit egress lights to find seats. Once the performance starts, remember to switch your phone to silent. (Photography or recording is generally discouraged; bright smartphone flashes can distract performers. Usually, non-flash photos during a dance or band piece might be tolerated at quiet moments, but follow any instructions from ushers. For most school plays and licensed musicals, photography is prohibited except by the venue’s official photographer.) The building is modern and accessible. Wheelchair ramps lead to the main entrance, and there is an elevator if needed (the stage and seating area are largely on one level anyway). There are designated wheelchair seating spots at auditorium entrances. Restrooms are located just off the lobby and include accessible stalls. If you need assistance, staff are available to help you at any time. Overall the venue is clean and well-maintained. A unique feature to note: if you look around, you might see “Ed Voyles Automotive Group” dressing rooms marked backstage (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). That’s the name of one of the dressing areas for performers (sponsored by a local company), hinting at the community support behind this theater. There is no formal coat check or cloakroom; larger personal items that you’d rather not carry could go under your seat or in an empty chair. Do not leave valuables unattended. For connectivity, the house does not advertise public Wi-Fi, so don’t assume there’s a network for guests. Phone signal is decent in the lobby, but can drop slightly in the middle of the sealed auditorium, so check devices before taking your seat. One nice insider tip: many find the theater comfortable to cool, especially in summer. Even if it’s hot outside, the air conditioning can be brisk. Bringing a light jacket or shawl can make sitting through an evening performance more pleasant. Finally, note that the school’s campus also has practice rooms (band, choir, dance studios) attached to MPAC (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). If you arrive early, you might hear a band warming up or dancers rehearsing through soundproof windows. It gives the place a lively, educational vibe – you really feel the “living school” around you. Expect polite ushers to guide you and a warm, enthusiastic crowd who come to support both student and professional performances.

Nearby Amenities

If you arrive early or want to dine before/after the show, there are plenty of options within a few minutes’ drive. The immediate Whitlock Ave area has some quick bites (there’s a Pizza Hut just a block away, plus typical fast-food and sandwich shops at small strip malls). A short drive east leads to Marietta’s famous Historic Square district, which boasts dozens of restaurants. On the Square you’ll find everything from classic Southern cuisine (Crescent Southern Kitchen, 1908) to international fare (Bella’s Italian Trattoria, Kubo Japanese) and lively pubs (Hamp & Harry’s steakhouse (www.hampandharrys.com) is a local favorite). Mexican, Thai, burgers, and seafood spots line old Church St and Canton St in town. For quick coffees or treats, the Square has cafes and bakeries open late. For simple dinners near the school: the Wing Factory and Smashburger are within 5 miles, as are casual chains (like Chili’s and T.G.I. Friday’s) off Powder Springs Road. If you want a sit-down bar or lounge, downtown Marietta (around Roswell St/ College St) has several bars and nightlife spots – though note most are a 5–10 minute drive south of the school. Accommodations are also within easy reach. A “Wyndham Garden” hotel (Atlanta Marietta) is located just north on Cobb Parkway, a quick 2-minute drive from the high school. The Senator Inn & Spa, a historic boutique hotel, sits about 2 miles to the east on the Marietta Square. Other chain hotels (Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express) dot the corridors of I-75 and Barrett Parkway (3–5 miles away) and often advertise on area guides as convenient to Whitlock events. If you’re attending an evening event, plan to book at least a day ahead, since local hotels can fill up quickly for big shows at both MPAC and Marietta’s larger venues. A shuttle from hotels isn’t typically available, so visitors usually use rideshares or drive from these locations. Late-night transportation is important to consider. Public transit ends service by about 9pm. The Marietta Trolley and CobbLinc buses do not run after dark or go this far west. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are the practical choice for returning to a hotel. If needed, taxi numbers can be obtained at the box office or by asking ushers. Outside the building, there is space along Whitlock Ave for pickups – just be patient if it’s a busy night. In summary, Marietta High is in a well-serviced part of the city. You won’t starve. For meals and drinks, head toward downtown Marietta or catch a quick bite on Whitlock as you go. Arrive 45 minutes early if you want a leisurely dinner nearby; otherwise 20–30 minutes is usually enough to park and step inside. After a show or game ends, expect to share the road with others leaving nearby restaurants – so if you need food or transit afterwards, plan a clear path (rideshare apps often work well from the curb). These practicalities help ensure your visit is smooth, letting you focus on the event itself.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several things set Marietta High School’s venue apart. First is its dual role as a school and arts center. The 750-seat Marietta Performing Arts Center is one of the few school-based theaters built to full professional specs (ga01903590.schoolwires.net) (mpac.marietta-city.org). Arts groups from around the region come here because it offers concert-hall quality in a small-town setting. For example, the esteemed Georgia Symphony Orchestra chose MPAC for their rehearsals in 2014, cementing a lasting partnership (mpac.marietta-city.org). Having a full symphony and youth orchestras perform in the same halls where high school concerts happen is unique. This blending of talent makes MPAC feel like a community home for the arts, not just a campus auditorium. Second is the venue’s community and cultural impact. It literally brings arts into education and vice versa. The local tourism board and city government recognize MPAC as a cultural asset (programs and press often mention the City’s support of school arts). The annual performances, fundraisers and festivals held here all source their audience and performers from Marietta neighborhoods, knitting the school into the broader social fabric. A great example is the Lemon Street Classic basketball tournament (held on campus); it uses the school’s facilities to honor Marietta’s civil-rights era history, keeping local heritage alive each year (www.mariettaga.gov). Similarly, student showcases at MPAC regularly draw residents who then patronize nearby shops, meaning the venue significantly boosts downtown activity. Architecturally and historically, MHS is special. The modern design of the College & Career Academy wing – with a two-story open bridge and an interior courtyard – signals a forward-thinking school. Yet on the school grounds sit century-old memorials like the Birney Memorial (a bell monument from 1942) (fliphtml5.com). The juxtaposition of a sleek new theater and long-standing civic symbols gives the place character. The sense of “old meets new” resonates with visitors: one moment you’re on a cutting-edge stage, the next the lobby photo gallery reminds you this is a community school. Finally, personal touches add charm. At MPAC, you’ll often run into the director, local teachers, or parent volunteers in the lobby. The lighting and sound crew might be teaching tech night classes at the school by day. This friendly vibe – the sense that both students and local patrons “own” the space – is rare in venues. People frequently comment that it feels more like watching at a friend’s community center (with professional glitz) than at an impersonal arena. It’s precisely this combination of high quality and down-to-earth community spirit that makes Marietta High School special as a venue.

Visitor Tips and Information

Arrival: Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before showtime. This allows time to park in the lots and find your seat without rush. Weeknight shows usually open doors half an hour prior; Saturday matinees earlier. If you have extra time, enjoy a quick visit to the art displays in the lobby or grab a snack at the concession counter. Parking: The campus parking lots are plentiful and free on event days (ga01903590.schoolwires.net). Be aware that lot entrances may be separate, and the lot closest to the front door is recommended. Try not to block driveways and heed any staff direction. If those lots fill, street parking is available nearby. What to Bring: Bring your ticket (printed or on phone). IDs are generally not checked for admissions, but bring one if you need to pick up will-call tickets. Coats and jackets can be draped over your chair – there’s no formal coat check. Carry small bags only; large backpacks or boxes are not allowed. Umbrellas are fine if closed; open umbrellas are disallowed in the seating area (because they block view). What Not to Bring: No weapons of any kind (the campus enforces Georgia law). Food and drink from outside are not allowed in the theater. Cellphones should be silent once inside. Flash photography is not permitted during performances (it’s distracting). Recording shows (audio or video) is also prohibited unless explicitly announced otherwise. Accessibility: The venue is ADA-accessible. Wheelchair seating is on the main floor near the aisles. Elevators/ramp provide access to all public areas. If you need special seating or assistance (e.g. sign-language interpretation), it’s best to notify the organizers in advance. The restrooms have accessible stalls. If you have any accessibility concerns, ask at the box office when you arrive. Food & Drinks: A concession stand in the lobby offers snacks, sodas, popcorn and candy during performances. They accept cash and cards. Feel free to grab a snack at intermission, but remember that hot, messy, or alcoholic drinks are not sold. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on school property. Clothing: Dress is casual. Even if adults around you are in nice slacks or dresses, you can be comfortable in jeans or a sweater. The auditorium is air-conditioned and can feel cool, so bringing a light sweater or jacket is wise. Shoes should be clean and quiet (avoid extremely noisy-soled shoes). Cellphones: Silence all devices before the performance. You may take non-flash photos before the show or during breaks, but once the performance starts, stow your phone away. Don’t text during the show. If you must take a call, step into the lobby to answer. General conduct: The atmosphere is family-friendly. Clapping and cheering at the end of songs is encouraged, but remain seated and respectful during the performance. If you do bring children, note some shows may not be intended for very young kids. Check the program information for any age recommendations. Troubleshooting: If you have any issues (ticket problems, technical difficulties, lost item), the venue staff and ushers are there to help. Approach them calmly. If you lose your ticket, they can usually reissue it if you give your name or order number. Coat/Hat Policy: There is no coat check. Feel free to wear a hat into the venue. Note however that hats with brims can block sightlines for people behind you, so if you remove your hat before seated, it’s polite. Coat Me– and