ACWORTH - Theatre on Main is now in its third year at 4857 N. Main St. in downtown Acworth. After a name change and leadership reorganization in 2007, organizers with the nonprofit community theater are focused on offering quality performances and drama education.

At 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, the theater will present, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," based on Laura Joffe Numeroff's book with the same name, which follows the course of events after a mouse is given a cookie. The family-friendly play runs through Oct. 4. Tickets are $8 per person.

The theater's new artistic director, Rob Hadaway, is also directing the play. He said helping local actors and actresses improve is a big part of what the theater does. Previously, Hadaway ran Big Top Theatre in Marietta, which is now closed.

"If people are going to volunteer their time and spend sometimes six or 10 weeks working here at the theater, they need to leave here better than they were when they came in," Hadaway said.

Theatre on Main typically produces about eight plays annually at the 140-seat theater.

With "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," Hadaway said he drew on his experience as a former Ringling Brothers Circus clown.

"A lot of clown bits are in this show," he said. "We do a lot of physical comedy - falling on the floor, swinging from vines in the ceiling, confetti going everywhere. It's a whole lot of fun."

His prior experiences working with Hadaway was a big reason why Marietta resident, John Parker, who plays the mouse, said he jumped at the role. He's been acting since age 3 and is very involved in community theater.

"It really is the aspect of being able to teach people your love of the arts," Parker, 22, said. "In professional theater, there are a lot of times when that connection doesn't really get there. But when you have a smaller audience, you get to make that connection and it's a lot of fun."

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" will run at 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4.

Other upcoming events at Theatre on Main include the first TOMY Awards on Oct. 3. Several awards will be presented at the red-carpet event, including best show, best actor and actress, and best set design. An overall TOMY Award will also be presented.

The TOMY Awards show, which will also be a fundraiser for the theater, will be at Theatre on Main and begins with a silent auction with hor d'ouvers at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Those with tickets will be allowed to cast a vote for the awards.

From Oct. 17 through Nov. 8, the theater presents, "Clue: The Musical," based on the popular mystery board game. Times to be announced. And two Christmas shows, "The Littlest Angel" and "Nuncrackers," are planned around the holiday.

Previously known as Cobb Playhouse and Studio before its grand reopening in February 2007, theater organizers say they're excited about Theatre on Main's future. Earlier this year, it received a $10,000 grant from Target to teach drama to underprivileged children in Cobb through its School Day Theatre program.

"We are striving to maximize our potential as we seek greater financial (resources) in order to provide the best quality atmosphere for adults and children to learn the art of theatrical production," said Theatre on Main board member, Amy Powers.

For more information, contact Theatre on Main at (770) 565-3995.