SENIORS
TO THE SENIORS...
Class of 2025
Katie Blizard
Katie Blizard has been with CTA since her junior year. She started with Newsies as a dancer, working choreography and set for The Little Mermaid Jr., having multiple ensemble roles in The Butterfly Queen, and as the sound designer for Footloose. Katie also volunteers with Bagley productions helping in sound, assistant stage management, and lighting. In her short time here, Katie has taken part in almost all aspects of CTA, but the stage would have to be her favorite. She thought the saying was cheesy at first but has now seen it as truth, “Once a CTA kiddo, Always a CTA kiddo”. Katie joined CTA’s Thespian Troupe #6639 her junior year and is serving as the historian for her senior year. Her next set of plans after high school include attending UAB. She wants to study biology and apply to their med school to become an Obstetrician.
CTA will always hold a fond space in Katie's heart. She is very thankful for everyone who encouraged her to join especially this “late” in the game. Megan Garner has been an amazing mentor. Katie has learned so much from her, not only for her performance, but for her self character as well. Debra Reeser has been so helpful and kind working in costume design and always having the answer to a problem. She is truly grateful for her time working with these ladies.
She also wants to thank Emily Allred and Matthew Piper for being there to “push” her into this world, “Just come to one dance class. If you don’t like it, you do not have to stay-but you might have some fun.” These words are one of Katie's favorite memories from Matthew and Emily. She is grateful they gave her the motivation she needed to start something new!
Emily Pearl
Emily has been involved and enjoyed doing theater for two years. She is a dancer at heart, and loves a show full of choreography. She is also a captain on the dance team for the Corner High School Band. Dancing in theater gives her another place to showcase her skills and personality through choreographed movement.
Emily plans to attend UAB to get her BSN in nursing, and she plans to audition for one of their dance teams.
Matti Peterson
Matti Peterson has been a member of CTA since her freshman year, and has participated and played roles in shows such as Mamma Mia as Sophie, The Wizard of Oz as Ensemble, Bystander 9/11 as ensemble, Newsies as Katherine, The Little Mermaid Jr as Stage Manager, The Butterfly Queen as Ensemble, Annie, Jr as Student Director, and Footloose as Rusty. She also got passed on from District Trumbauer for her solo in comedic musical 2016-present singing "Don’t Lose Your Head" from Six, placing 2nd at state. She is most grateful for her role as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia because it sparked a whole new life for her, providing not only a deep passion for theatre, but a family along the way.
After high school, Matti plans to attend the University of Alabama Birmingham to become a Registered Nurse.
“One thing I can say is I will truly never forget my experiences with CTA. Not only did I get to grow close to a lot of amazing people, but I learned so much that has helped me in the real world such as working together to make (in our case) the show work and how to improvise when things don’t go quite the way you plan. I am so very grateful that Megan Garner saw something in that girl that came into the audition room shaking her freshman year. CTA gave me the chance to find myself and push myself giving me something I’ve never had- a community that is there for you and people that care. ”
Matthew Blizard
Matthew Blizard was born on 9/11/2006. He enjoys CTA due to the many opportunities they have opened up for him. He received a superior at State Trumbauer in 2024 for his Dramatic Acting Novice Duet. He has been in 3 productions including Newsies (Mr. Jacobi, Goon), The Butterfly Queen (Student 4, Critical 1), and his most recent role for CTA in Footloose (Willard Hewitt).
He would like to thank CTA and Thespian Troupe #6639 for letting him be a part of the things they do, and would like to thank his senior class in theatre for being like a family to him for the past two years.
After graduation, Matthew plans to train to be a firefighter and attend UAB.
Denver Horton
Denver has been a member of CTA since she was in the 8th grade when she was a part of her first show, Beauty and the Beast, as part of the ensemble. She’s participated in eleven shows since then, either in tech or on stage. Some of her favorite memories and roles on stage were being in the ensemble for Bright Star and Mamma Mia!, playing Elsa in Frozen Jr, and The Giant and Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods. One of the experiences she is proudest of is her time in the SETC award winning show Dark Road. She has also enjoyed working in costuming and spot light during her time off stage.
During her time in theatre she had the honor of serving in Thespian Troupe #6639 and loved working with her fellow thespians. Over the past four years, CTA has been so many different things to Denver. It’s been a place to grow as an actor as well as a person and home away from home. Once she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in marine biology. Denver is so grateful for Megan Garner, Debra Reeser, and everyone else in CTA for giving her the opportunity to be a part of such wonderful productions and a lovely group of people.
Kierstyn Wiley
Kierstyn joined CTA her senior year starting with costume design in Annie, Jr. and in her second semester auditioning for and being cast as the role of Ariel in Footloose. After high school, she plans to study at Faulkner University and major in Business. She is grateful for Mrs. Garner for giving her the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community.
Macee Falgout
Macee has been a member of CTA since her Sophomore year. She started with The Wizard of Oz as ensemble. Then, she was cast in Newsies and Footloose as a dancer. Macee has greatly enjoyed her time being a CTA kiddo.
After high school, Macee plans to attend UAB to further her goal of becoming a pediatric dentist.
“Don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone and try something new because you’ll never know how much you’ll love something until you try it. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to be apart of CTA. It has helped me grow in so many ways and make many new friends. I have loved every second of it and I’m so grateful to be a part of such loving community!”
BJ Brake
BJ has been a part of CTA since his sophomore year. He started as ensemble in The Wizard of Oz, then followed with Newsies in multiple ensemble roles. He student-directed The Little Mermaid, Jr. and was sound designer for Annie, Jr. He wrapped up his senior year in Footloose with various ensemble roles. He has also helped with lighting and assistant stage management throughout his time in various shows. BJ joined Thespian Troupe #6639 at the end of his sophomore year, where he held social media officer and president officer roles.
After graduating high school, BJ plans to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in drug and biopharmaceutical sciences and then obtain a doctorate in pharmacy.
BJ believes Corner Theatre Academy is not just a place but it's home. Through all the different people who have come through this program, everyone can say something special about this place making one feel at home. CTA will always have a special place in BJ’s heart. His friendships that were made at CTA will last a lifetime.
BJ wanted to give a big thanks to Megan Garner. Megan has always been there, pushing everyone to do their best while knowing we can do anything we set out to achieve. Through thick and thin, she will always be by our side, no matter what. BJ has learned so much from Mrs. Garner, whether it is always remembering to cheat out or just life advice. He is very grateful to have been a part of this program and wishes the other seniors the best.
Emma Shiflett
Emma has been a member of CTA since her Sophomore year. She started with The Wizard of Oz as ensemble. Then, she performed as a dancer in Newsies and Footloose.
After high school, Emma plans to attend Wallace State to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse. She is grateful to be a part of CTA and for it giving her the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and become a member of such a great community.
Caitlyn Harden
Caitlyn has been in theatre for two years. She was cast in the ensemble for The Butterfly Queen. She also assisted with costume design for Newsies.
After high school, Caitlyn plans to attend Auburn University to major in Pre-Veterinarian Medicine.
Not Pictured
Carter Brown