Judges attended the performances of “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” evaluating the show as part of the school’s application for the Shuler Awards, or it can be called the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, while marking a significant moment for the school’s performing arts program. The Musical theater class spent the whole year working on their performance and getting it ready for the judges.
“Preparing for the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards pushed our students to focus on excellence in every part of the production. We worked on storytelling, character development, and strong ensemble work so the entire show was polished and cohesive. The students were excited knowing their work would be evaluated by theater professionals,” Director Holly Smith said.
The awards represent the highest level of recognition for high school musical theater in the state. These awards celebrate outstanding achievement in every aspect of musical theater, from individual performances and ensemble work to technical accomplishments in set design, costumes, and stage management. Participating in the Shuler Awards not only provides valuable feedback and recognition for students and educators, but it also provides a sense of community and excellence within Georgia’s vibrant high school theater community.
“The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards encourage students to take pride in their work and strive for a high level of professionalism. The experience helps them build confidence, teamwork, and discipline while seeing how their work connects to the larger theater community,” Smith said.
On March 19, the cast and crew watched the Shuler awards live. Students were ecstatic when student Tamia Carthers was nominated for Best Featured Performer. 
“When I saw my name up on the screen, I couldn’t believe it. I thought it might’ve been a mistake like ‘Oh, no way I got nominated,’ but I barely had a second to register when everyone around me was just cheering for me and loving on me. It felt amazing,” Carthers said.
Carthers said that the nomination made her believe that anyone can do anything and there should be no doubting yourself. She credited her mom for helping her to get to this milestone.
“I thank my mom so much, and my sisters, my amazing theatre community here at Marietta and my home away from Brylliant Acting Studios. These people have all helped me so much, just believing in someone has such an effect on people,” Carthers said. “I absolutely do see myself doing theater in the future, I love it so much and I adore it. Being on stage is something that I will want to do forever.”
