As the theatre department looks towards their first show of the semester, “Puffs,” which will be held Feb. 9 – 11 at 6:30 in the Black Box, the achievements from last semester are undeniable, notably the performances of “Queens” and “Clue.” The theatre program became one of the best in the country, and the best in the state. Its members have had so many opportunities that are truly undeniable.

Over the summer, “The International Fringe Festival” invited the theatre department to perform in Scotland. Only 20 schools in the nation received invitations to perform there. In “Queens,” the story of King Henry VIII and his wives, the king is forced to see moments of their lives with him – over and over – while he is set in purgatory. The compelling story shares the pain of his wives and their stories that were never properly told.

“Queens is such an intriguing show,” director Vicki Kirkley said. “You get to grow in a way that other shows don’t allow you to grow.”

In the same week, Prosper Theatre held two different events. One of which, an improv show where the improv team performed comedy skits and games all surrounding an audience member’s suggestion.  These games kept the audience laughing the whole night.

“Improv is one of those things where you get to be yourself,” sophomore Angelina Cuello said. “I get to show my comedic side, and it’s a great experience.”

Only two days later, Prosper Theatre hosted a musical cabaret. The varsity musical class performed in the black box, singing their hearts out.

“We spent weeks preparing for our performance,” sophomore Erica Smith said. “The class learned so much from this experience and it was so fun to perform.”

 Nov. 3, Prosper Theatre celebrated opening night for their fall musical “Les Misérables.” The cast started rehearsals for this show in August, two weeks after school began. This show took more than 100 hours to choreograph, learn the music, build the set, fix the costumes, add the light and sound cues and “create magic.” “Les Misérables” is one of the hardest shows to do, technically and musically. Audiences raved about the show, constantly talking about how talented each and everyone in the cast are. The cast and crew worked so incredibly hard to put this show together and it definitely paid off in the long run.

“I am so proud of my students,” Kirkley said. “They tackled something that is nearly impossible. Most high schools could never dream of doing “Les Misérables,” and the fact that we turned this show is truly spectacular. Our goal is to become undeniable, and we did that.”

On Nov. 16, three buses loaded with eager theatre kids ready to compete for their chance to qualify for nationals. Overall, the department had 28 students qualify for nationals, three main stage callbacks to perform at closing ceremonies, and earned the honor troupe and All-Star group titles. In addition, the national organization chose Prosper to represent the state of Texas with their show “Queens.” In total, Prosper Theatre earned seven awards for “Queens,” including these: “Best Costumes,” “Best Lighting,” “Best Ensemble” and the “Chapter Select” award. Individuals Lauren Grammer and Stone Porter also claimed two “Superior” acting awards. Tate Lauby received a “Best Actor” award.

On Dec. 8-10 thespians performed their Black Box play “Clue: On Stage.” A comical twist on the original board game, this story follows an odd group of people trying to solve a murder mystery. The cast and crew worked so incredibly hard to put together this production. “Clue: On Stage” sold out before the show opened.

“This show was such a great experience for me,” senior Gabriel Torres said. “ It was the first time I acted, and I learned so much.”

Overall, Prosper Theatre had an amazing first semester with many successful moments. This semester, Prosper Theatre will be competing in UIL One Act Play with “Violet Sharp” in March, performing their spring musical “SpongeBob The Musical” in April, and their Blackbox spring play “Puffs” in February.