Lauren Proper has been part of the Prep community since freshman year, and she has made her mark through theater and choir. She first came to Prep because her brother attended the school, and she knew she wanted to be surrounded with a strong academic environment, great theater program, and the chance to keep performing. Lauren had already known Father Mike since she was young, so joining the program felt natural.

Lauren has been performing since she was five, doing shows at her grade school through Corella Productions. She has always loved to sing, so joining show choir was an easy choice. She also received a scholarship for it, which motivated her even more. One of her favorite roles was the witch in Into the Woods, which she performed during her freshman year. It was her first Prep show and a big moment for her because it allowed her to show her abilities on stage.

“She’s great at what she does,” Junior Ben Camera said. “She always gives her best.”

Being on stage has also helped Lauren gain confidence and improve her public speaking.

“You have to believe in yourself to perform,” Lauren said. “But once you realize you can do it, you feel so much stronger as a person.”

She also loves the feeling of performing for an audience and sharing her passion. But after spending months with a cast, saying goodbye has been the hardest part for her.

Lauren also explained how theater and choir take a lot of work, from memorizing lines to singing, dancing, and acting at the same time.

“People do not always see how much effort goes into a show,” Lauren said. “But you become a family with your cast, and it makes everything worth it.”

Lauren doesn’t plan to end her involvement in theatre. After high school, she hopes to someday play Éponine in Les Misérables or Fanny Bryce in Funny Girl.

Lauren is an example of what it means to be involved at Prep, and how the opportunities help you grow. She encourages new students to try theater or show choir because it helps you grow, learn new skills, and build confidence.