Johns Creek High School’s recent production of the musical “Footloose” in February could be called a bittersweet success. The show itself was fun, well-received and loved by the cast and crew, as well as the audience. But it was also the capstone to nearly two decades of work and commitment from the school’s talented theatre director, Debbie Prost, who is retiring in May.
During her 16 years leading the drama program at JCHS, Prost has, by all accounts, built something truly extraordinary. The school had only been open a year before she came onboard, but under her leadership, the productions soon reached an exceptional level — often feeling closer to what you’d see from a semi-professional community theatre than the typical high school plays.
“Debbie is a visionary director whose sets and staging are consistently one-of-a-kind, and her creativity has helped shape a program that is widely admired,” said Kimberly Tucker, president of the Drama Booster Board and mom to three daughters who have gone through the JCHS drama program.
Accolades and awards
Prost’s record of success in her years at the school is certainly impressive — award-winning productions, a highly decorated thespian troupe and one-act plays that have consistently placed at the top of competitions — but it’s her impact on the students and families that stands out the most to those around her.
“It’s something that can’t be measured in trophies,” said Kristen Bush, Drama Booster Board secretary.
“My son has been one of her students for the past four years, and for the last two, I have had the privilege of costuming her shows while also serving on the board,” she explained. “Working alongside Debbie has allowed me to see firsthand the environment she has created.”
Building a supportive, inclusive community
To Bush and the other drama families, the theatre program has not just been about producing excellent plays and musicals, it’s been about community.
“Debbie [has] intentionally cultivated a place where actors, crew and volunteers feel valued, included and connected to one another,” Bush said.
Tucker agrees. Beyond the high-level productions, Prost has had a great and lasting impact on the students themselves, cultivating an inclusive, supportive environment where students “feel safe to take creative risks, build confidence and find a true sense of belonging.”
She’s personally thankful for the time and energy that Prost has poured into her daughters. “They are stronger and more prepared for life because of her,” she said.
Bush is equally thankful for her own family’s experiences.
“Debbie has an instinct for seeing the potential in a student and finding the role in which that student can truly shine,” she shared. “I watched this with my own son. Over the years he was given the chance to grow through a variety of meaningful roles, culminating last month in his performance as Ren McCormack in “Footloose.” It was a tremendous opportunity for him, and one made possible because Debbie believed in him and in his ability to rise to the challenge.”
Beyond the stage
Both women say that one way she has strengthened the JCHS drama program and engaged with the broader community is through the school’s Summer Theatre Camp offered to rising 4th-9th graders. Prost has also inspired her drama students to serve and even host a weekly club for students at a local elementary school.
Another reflection of that influence can be seen in the alumni who have gone through the JCHS drama program under Prost’s guidance. Former students are now pursuing remarkable paths all across the country — “not just on stage but behind the scenes and in many other professions,” said Bush. “Yet, they carry with them the confidence, teamwork and sense of belonging that they developed under her leadership.”
Early years
Prost new early on that she wanted theatre to be part of her life. She participated in high school theatre in the 80s, went on to earn a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Central Arkansas and then did community and local theatre work for a while.
Eventually, she took a corporate job for several years and then went back to get her master’s in education once she had children. “I really missed the theatre,” she said, “and also wanted to have the same schedule as my kids.”
She started out teaching high school theatre (and created a middle school arts program) in Gilbert, Arizona. Five years later, in 2010, she and her family relocated to Johns Creek, and she began her career at JCHS.
Her first productions with the high school were “Why Do We Laugh?” (a one-act), “Grease” (the musical) and “Southern Hospitality” (a full-length play). That year set the stage for what would become a successful 16 year run, culminating in this year’s productions of “The Vaudevillains,” “Life is Short” (both one-acts) and “Footloose.”
Favorite memories
Prost’s favorite memories from her time at JCHS are all about the students — their performances, hard work and connections they’ve made with each other.
“There are so many [great memories],” she said. “The students’ work has been recognized so many times with regional one-act trophies and Shuler musical awards. We’ve been asked to perform seven times at the Georgia Thespian Conference. All of these things are a testament to their incredible hard work and talent.”
But the thing she’s most proud of is how much they all care for each other.
“It is a family, through good and bad,” she said. “They support and lift each other up. It was great this year, as news spread of my retirement, a lot of alumni returned. And they talked about how they experienced so much joy and fulfillment in this space. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
What comes next?
When asked if retirement was a difficult decision to make, Prost was quick to say that it was. “This has been my life and purpose for the last 16 years,” she said. “The school was only open one year before I came, so it really is a program that I developed and grew.”
“It’s said to leave that and to leave students who I know so well and love deeply,” she added. “I’m leaving it in capable hands, but it’s still hard.”
Though she’s looking forward to having more time to spend with her family and their golden retriever, Lucy, she knows it will be an adjustment.
“My husband and I hope to buy a catamaran and do some sailing up and down the East Coast,” she said. “It will be weird to have so much down time, and I worry what my new purpose will be, but I am ready to explore that.”
Prost said that what she’ll miss most is collaborating with the students and adults.
Calling it a village of people who come together to produce the shows, she said, “I love how everybody touches the work and leaves their mark.”
“I will miss telling stories that affect people. I will miss being in touch with the youth — their ideas, struggles, joys. They are the people that will soon lead our world. It has meant a lot to be a small part of their journey.”
