Conor M. '25 Acts His Way from the Barn Theatre to the Big Stage

Finding the Right Fit at High Meadows
Before coming to High Meadows, Conor attended a Montessori school but needed a more rigorous academic challenge. At High Meadows, he found the balance his family was looking for––an environment that nurtured both his intellectual growth and creative passions.

“Conor needed to be challenged more academically, but we still wanted a student-led, whole-child education for him,” his mother, Jessica, said. “High Meadows’ International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and progressive approach were a perfect fit.”

Building Confidence Through the Arts
The Theatre Arts program at High Meadows School provides students with an outlet for creative expression and performance at every grade level. Starting in Pre-K, students are encouraged to use their stage voices, demonstrate audience etiquette, articulate clearly, and express themselves as performers. As students grow in the program, they learn various aspects of playwriting, performance, puppetry, production design, and improvisation in a supportive, comfortable environment. Middle Years students have many chances to explore the art and craft of theatre throughout the year with a variety of mini-courses. 

 
Conor made the most of the moments afforded to him on stage. As a curious, engaged thespian, he embraced theatre as a vehicle for learning life skills and practicing trust, honesty, ensemble work, and a positive attitude. From his first year at High Meadows, Conor developed a stage presence through acting roles in front of family, friends, and members of the HMS community. “The theatre arts program and Middle Years mini-courses helped me find my people,” Conor said. “That gave me confidence that I would find that same sense of belonging in high school.”

From the Barn to the Big Stage
After performing in multiple productions in the Johnson-Kemp Barn Theatre, including The Little Mermaid Jr., Conor carried his passion for theatre into high school and beyond.

As a freshman at Milton High School, Conor auditioned for the advanced theatre program and earned a role in the production of Water for Elephants. The production was nominated for 10 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, and the cast performed live on Georgia Public Broadcasting television. Conor and his peers took home three awards, including Best Overall Production. Experiences like these are rooted in the confidence and versatility Conor developed during his years at High Meadows.

“What a journey from performing in the HMS barn theatre to the Milton High School stage, to being televised at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre,” Jessica said. “The future is bright for High Meadows students.”

Schedule a Visit
We invite you to experience the Theatre Arts program in action. During a campus visit, you’ll tour our iconic barn theatre, see student learning firsthand, and explore our 42-acre campus while gaining insight into our educational philosophy. At High Meadows, every student is encouraged to grow, explore their interests, and find their voice. We would love to share that experience with you.