Melissa Draper

My name is Melissa Waters Draper, and I have been on staff at HCA since 2023. However, HCA has been a part of my life for much longer than that. I began attending HCA in 1996 and graduated in 2009. My younger brother graduated from HCA in 2012. My mom was the librarian for many years. She retired in 2016, and my dad even served on the Board. It is so exciting to be back and see the growth! The original theatre teacher at HCA impacted me, and I hope to do the same for my students.

I have had a passion for music and theatre ever since I was a small child. In first grade, I named my dog "Dolly" because the musical HCA had done that year was "Hello, Dolly!" I was involved in the HCA drama department through middle school and high school. I then went on to attend Dallas Baptist University where I majored in Christian Studies with an emphasis in worship leadership. During my years there, I also participated in the Grand Chorus and musicals and operettas. Since then, I have been onstage in various productions in DFW as well as directed, assistant directed, stage managed, and assistant stage managed.

My incredible husband, Christion, and I met in 2019 while performing in a production of "Ragtime" the Musical by Family Music Theatre. We got married in 2022 (we had a costume wedding party that our "Ragtime" director officiated),  and we have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in multiple productions together. It is such a blessing to share our passions and hobbies together. Our theatre family is an incredible community for which we are so thankful! We have two adorable senior dogs, Rosie and Anguria, and our first baby girl will be born in November 2024.

Theatre is so important! It allows us to create. We are made in God's image and create because He creates. Theatre allows us to step into someone else's shoes and view things from another's perspective. It teaches empathy. It is a picture of the Body of Christ. Everyone has their talents and roles, whether on or offstage, and we all work together for a common goal. It tells stories that can teach lessons and have an impact, or sometimes just brighten someone's day. It builds confidence and creative thinking. It helps with public speaking and teaches teamwork. I could go on and on!

Music is also creative and engages the left side of the brain when it includes music theory! Music is so emotional and can be used for many different purposes. It can have an incredible impact on people's hearts and minds. It allows students to express themselves even when they may not have the words to do so.

I am so thrilled to be blessed enough to take my passions and pass them on to my students, and to be able to use them for the Lord's glory together!