Walton High School’s state-of-the-art performing arts center got off to an inspiring start on September 16 when alumni, current students, county school officials and guests enjoyed talent-filled performances at its Grand Opening celebration. More than 200 Walton students in the instrumental, choral and theater arts programs put on a lively show interspersed with brief speeches.
Walton students will get a message from the new building, said Joymichelle Green, Walton HS Drama Director, “They’re not just a bunch of kids dabbling in the arts. They are getting an education that can shape a career. This is a professional working environment for our students to develop skills,” said Joymichelle Green, Walton HS Drama Director.
Walton Drama Club members perform a song from Matilda the Musical.
Thanks to Cobb Education SPLOST IV money, the building includes classrooms for each of the Fine Arts classes, band, orchestra and choral suites, a black box theater specifically for the use of Walton Drama, and a new main theater capable of seating 750 audience members. The new space will cultivate a full-range of skills, from the visual arts gallery, to sound and light boards to a set-building workshop where students are already gearing up for a fall production of Matilda the Musical.
Matilda is based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The story follows Matilda, an incredibly young and intelligent girl, who struggles to use her talents for not only herself but her fellow students. The musical is widely beloved having won 7 Olivier Awards, including “Best New Musical” during its Broadway run, a record only matched by a single other musical. Walton Drama’s iteration will be directed by Walton faculty, Joy Michelle Green and Susan Griffin, who leads the Drama Club.
Matilda the Musical will take place on November 14-16, in the main theater at Walton High School. Tickets will be available for online purchase for $10 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating at waltondrama.com. Alternatively, tickets can also be bought at the door for $12 general admission, or $5 for students (only available at doors), remember to bring your student ID. Shows are at 7pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.
Walton Drama is supported almost entirely by the generosity of donors, fundraising, ticket and concession sales. Come out and check out Walton’s new theater and support the Arts!
