Arts Student of the Week Prugh Dunfee

Prugh Dunfee has been a vital piece of Niwot High School's theater and choral programs throughout her two years at Niwot High School. Now in her junior year, Dunfee has built an impressive theatrical resume and reputation.

Dunfee has performed in the NHS productions of "Beauty and the Beast" (2022-2023), "Puffs," and "Shrek the Musical" (both 2023-2024). She has also performed in local theater productions such as "Sound of Music," "White Christmas," and, most recently, "Into the Woods."

Dunfee's contribution to each production has been essential. She performed as one of two understudies as the character Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast," played the difficult and vital role of Leanne in "Puffs," and delivered a show-stopping performance as Dragon in "Shrek the Musical."

Dunfee said, "Niwot's theater program is incredible. My favorite part about it is how it motivates students to take on challenges, and finds unique ways to let people express themselves on stage."

Dunfee doesn't simply audition and perform in NHS's mainstage productions, she also takes drama and theater classes at NHS and excels in every one of them. She is currently taking her third year of musical theater with Laura Walters and her second year of advanced drama with Amanda Foust at NHS.

"In advanced drama Prugh is dedicated and a tremendous actress," Foust said in nominating Dunfee as Arts Student of the Week "She is committed to her craft and is always looking for new ways to improve and challenge herself."

Growing up in a musically inclined family, Dunfee has always been interested in theater. She began performing at the young age of seven.

Dunfee also sings in NHS's top auditioned ensemble, Evenstar, and has attended District Honor choir three times, in eighth grade, as a freshman, and as a sophomore. Her father, Neal Dunfee, is Niwot High School's accompanist for all of the choirs.

"Being in productions can be extremely challenging and exhausting at times, but what keeps me motivated is being able to give audience members an escape from life," Dunfee said. "To have just a short break from your job or school to see a show can be so uplifting, and it's so cool to be the provider of that and share my art."