Mr. Edward Propst, English teacher and drama sponsor, has been directing and producing the plays and musicals for the school for about six years and has been doing set work for 13. Propst earned multiple degrees and certifications fromSoutheastMissouriStateUniversityand has been involved in theater since his sophomore year in college.

One of the highlights of his career at U. City was a sold-out performance of “Dracula,” a few years ago. Last spring, the drama club presented “Caution: Suicide can be Hazardous to your Health,” a play which Propst wrote and directed himself.

Propst feels that “all students should take up an extracurricular activity” and encourages anybody experienced or new to join the drama club.

“We teach all our members the trades they need, whether it is how to handle a saw, drill or even just going over lines,” said Propst.

Most students start off small and gradually grow, whether it is what tools they can use or what roles they play.

“Every play or musical is nerve racking and sometimes students go through self-inflicted stress, but you must be calm and ready at all times to step up to the next level in case something happens to the person positioned above you,” said Propst.

Sometimes a student playing the role of a main character drops out and Propst has to step in to cover for that student.

“This is hard to do as a teen with other activities such as jobs and sports, which is another reason why the drama club is in need of members at all times,” said Propst.

Propst has been doing theater for almost 30 years and still remembers lines from his first couple of plays and he “guarantees if you ever do a play or musical you will remember it for the rest of your life.”

For some students, acting is a great way to expand their horizons. Senior Lisa Parker is a faithful member of the drama club and loves it.

“Theater is a place where people can have fun experienced or not,” Parker said.

Students usually start off nervous, but after a while the club helps people break out of their shell. “Drama club has a very fun atmosphere and it helps boost your confidence,” said Parker.