December 11, 2025 — Although most people don't immediately think of drama and acting when it comes to athletics, One Act Play is a recognized GHSA sport. The actors and actresses earn varsity letters and even have their own state competitions. Their season begins when school starts each year and runs through mid-November.
"I am not sure why One Act doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it has been like that since I was a part of it in high school," said Allatoona's One Act Director Traci Kemp. "These kids work just as hard, if not harder, than some of the other sports in our building. They rehearse every day for three hours and maintain good grades."
Mrs. Kemp has been the Director at Allatoona since the school opened 18 years ago. Her program has won numerous awards over the years, including two team state championships and nine individual titles (see below for the complete list).
Since winning their second state title in 2022, Allatoona's Drama program has been viewed as a perennial powerhouse. Under Mrs. Kemp's leadership, the program has consistently delivered excellence on stage, both collectively and individually.
Mrs. Kemp has been a part of the acting industry since she was 13 years old. She attended Cobb's magnet school, the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School, majoring in Theatre.
"CCCEPA is where I met three of the greatest mentors I have ever had: J.T. Kidd, Jeanine Dwinell, and Harris Wheeler. They are the reason I am the director and actress I am today," Director Kemp said fondly.
After high school, she attended Middle Tennessee State University, but completed her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts at Kennesaw State University with a minor in Communication. She worked in the industry for years before she began her career in teaching.
"Over the years, I have done work on both the stage and screen, but the stage is my first love," she admitted with a smile.
Allatoona has won its region championship five years in a row and been state runners-up for the last three years. They have produced individual state champions for Best Actress every year since 2022, when Jada Thompson won the title, along with Cayden Phillips winning Best Actor. Morgan Morell won her state ring in 2023, and Mia DeMartino followed in 2024. This season, Allatoona junior Piper Cathey kept the streak going by earning Best Actress for her leading role in When She Had Wings.
"Ms. Kemp’s passion for her students is so clear in everything she does on a daily basis," commented Allatoona Athletic Director Chris Murray. "She works tirelessly with them and evaluates her practices to get better each day and empower them to be their best. Every time I watch her students perform, I say, 'I can’t believe these kids are in high school!'"
For Mrs. Kemp, that passion traces back to the foundation built during her own high school years at Pebblebrook.
"I attribute the continued success of our program to how I was taught when I was in high school," said Mrs. Kemp. "My director, J.T. Kidd, instilled a work ethic in me that has carried over to how I direct and teach. My expectations for the cast and crew are set from the start, and they always exceed my wildest dreams. I am blessed to have such talented young actors and actresses in our program who want to learn and strive to be better every day."
The cast and crew at Allatoona show no signs of slowing down. They are already hard at work on their February production of the Broadway hit musical "Hadestown." Meanwhile, Mrs. Kemp is doing everything she can to help raise awareness and appreciation for One Act at Allatoona and throughout the District.
"We promote our shows through the school’s website as well as our own social media outlets to help get these students the recognition they deserve. One Act doesn't get the attention it should, and I desperately want that to change," she said.
That commitment to visibility is matched by the consistently successful performances her students deliver on stage.
"Year after year, Ms. Kemp's One Act cast is in the mix for region and state titles. It is impressive to see the consistency of excellence her program has maintained. She has created a One Act Dynasty here at Allatoona!" AD Murray concluded proudly.
With so much talent coming out of Allatoona, the school seems to have an unending supply of exceptional actors and actresses. When asked how she finds such high-performing talent year after year, Mrs. Kemp deflects to her beloved students.
"I would say they find me, and I help them grow as performers. They are also all wonderful human beings, and I am truly blessed to be a twinkle in their life. They are the true stars!" she said with obvious excitement.
Make plans to see a performance at Allatoona very soon and witness for yourself how these Drama students consistently reflect the Cobb County School District’s mission of One Team. One Goal. Student Success.
AHS One Act History:
Region Championships
2014 - Juvie
2015 – Wiley and the Hairyman
2016 – The Miracle Worker
2017 – Second Samuel
2021 – Anatomy of Gray
2022 – Wiley and the Hairyman
2023 – The Miracle Worker
2024 – And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson
2025 – When She Had Wings
State Runner Up
2017 – Second Samuel
2023 – The Miracle Worker
2024 – And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson
2025 – When She Had Wings
State Championships
2015 – Wiley and the Hairyman
2022 – Wiley and the Hairyman
Individual State Awards
2014 – Best Actor – Carson Seabolt
2015 – Best Actor – Carson Seabolt
2017 – Best Actor – Chase Loeffler
2021 – Best Actor – Cayden Phillips
2022 – Best Actress – Jada Thompson
2022 – Best Actor – Cayden Phillips
2023 – Best Actress – Morgan Morrell
2024 – Best Actress – Mia DeMartino
2025 – Best Actress – Piper Cathey
