SMS Bobcat Players (Drama Club)

SMS Drama Club puts on two (2) shows each school year.

A Fall Play in December
A Spring Musical in April/May

Our performances are held at the SMS Cafeteria stage for the fall play and at Thornton Academy’s Auditorium for the spring musical.

Student participation is found at all levels of producing the show. From the stage to behind the scenes our students are the make up of the entire show.

If you have any questions, please contact Drama Club Director Megan Orlandella at morlandella@sacoschools.org.

Photo Credit: Conrad Sastre

Theater Events

SMS Spring Musical: Shrek JR

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. Adapted from the book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori, and based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig.

AUDITION NOTICE:

Audition Prep on January 12, 2026
Auditions will take place on January 20, 22, and 23, 2026

Backstage Crew Information:

Want an opportunity to be part of the Drama Club but prefer to be behind the scenes instead of under the lights? Then the Backstage Crew is the place for you. We have opportunities for students to learn all aspects of backstage work– from lights and sound to set building and costume/prop collection. If you are interested in joining the crew, please fill out the Crew Form within Google Classroom. Reach out to Miss Orlandella for the Google Classroom Code.

If you have any questions or concerns about your role in the show, please contact Miss Orlandella directly.

Performances:

Show Dates: May 15, 2026 & May 16, 2026
Show Times: 7:00pm & 2:00pm
Location: Thornton Academy Garland Auditorium
Tickets: $8 Admission - Online Sales Open April 15th
Details: Approximately 60 minutes plus a 10-minute intermission.

Online Tickets

Great Job to Those in the Fall Production: The Wizard of Oz

Theater Staff

Megan Orlandella, Drama Club Director

Chelsey Hazelwood, Music Director - Spring Musical

About the Director

My name is Megan and I am so excited to be entering my 3rd season as the SMS Bobcat Players Drama Club Director. I have been interested in theater since I was very young and have participated in local theater productions through the Saco School System since I was in 3rd grade. After promotion from SMS in 2013, I became a student director/assistant to the director from 2013-2015. While in High School, I danced in shows including West Side Story and Mary Poppins. I also worked in tech at Thornton Academy. In 2015, I began working alongside theater director, Gwyenth Nicholson, as the choreographer for the spring musicals. I worked on shows such as Alice in Wonderland Jr, Bugsy Malone Jr, Lion King Jr, Peter Pan Jr, Willy Wonka Jr, and Aladdin Jr.

In 2023, I took over the program as director and have been lucky to watch it blossom into a beautiful and thriving program. Since becoming director, I have led this amazing group of students through four (4) productions, I Hate Shakespeare, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and Beetlejuice Jr. I am looking forward to continuing to grow the program and inspiring SMS students with the art of theater.

Outside of being the program director, I work as a Substitute Teacher at SMS and own a dance studio in Biddeford called Dance With ME Maine. (Photo Credit: Mahaley Hallet Photography)

Leadership & Director Opportunities

8th Grade Student Opportunities

8th grade students can apply to be a student director during the fall of their 8th grade year. Selected students will be assigned to block small scenes in the show and help to make decisions about the show alongside Miss Orlandella throughout the process. This does not disqualify students from being in the show; it just allows extra responsibility and leadership opportunities.

High School Volunteers

High school volunteers gain valuable leadership experience by working in collaboration with Miss Orlandella in various roles, such as stage manager, choreographer, crew, and more!