PERFORMANCE WITH A PURPOSE

The Story of Marietta’s Theatre in the Square

Marietta’s Theatre in the Square (MTS) is more than a venue; it is a story of restoration. Originally the crown jewel of Cobb County’s arts scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the historic building fell silent in 2012 following a local funding crisis.  This loss was a major blow to the community until Raul Thomas bravely took up the mantle of restoring the theater to its glory with a new, contemporary set of ideals.

​

In 2015, Marietta's Theatre in the Square was born. 

​

Raul, alongside his son and Artistic Director N. Emil Thomas, founded MTS as a family-run enterprise with a stirring new mandate: theatre for everyone. They set out to ensure that every resident of Greater Atlanta and Cobb County could see themselves reflected in the stories told on the Emil Theatre stage.

​

N. Emil Thomas has described his vision for the theatre by saying, “I am a Black man who will create theatre written by, starring, and about Black people. I am a Puerto Rican man who will create theatre written by, starring, and about Latin people. I am an American who will create theatre written by, starring, and about Americans. I am a human who will create theatre written by, starring, and about humans, regardless of their race, gender, sexual identity, religion, age, or disability.”

​

When Emil greets patrons, as he regularly attends performances and makes a point to get to know his guests, he does not simply thank them for coming; he says, “Welcome home.” ​

​

Since its first full season in 2016, MTS has become a powerhouse of both critical and commercial success. From the soulful grit of Native Son to the vibrant energy of In The Heights and the heartwarming depth of Moonlight, the theater consistently plays to sold-out houses.

​​

The industry has taken notice of this "community-first" model. In 2019, Broadway World named MTS the Regional Theatre of the Year. The family’s production of In the Heights swept the awards, earning Best Musical and Best Director for N. Emil Thomas, alongside honors for choreography and design.

​

The success at Marietta's Theatre in the Square is reinvested directly into communities through:

• Disaster Relief: Aid mobilizations for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquakes.

• Local Support: Partnerships with MUST Ministries and Toys for Tots.

• Artistic Dialogue: Interactive playwright talkbacks and community celebrations.

​