During a recent rehearsal in the Suffield Middle School auditorium, students moved across the stage with exaggerated sways and sweeping arm motions, carefully practicing how to transform themselves into underwater creatures. As voices filled the space and choreography took shape, one line surfaced again and again — delivered by eighth-grade student Evan Monahan in his role as Bruce the Shark.
“Fish are friends, not food.”
Repeated throughout Finding Nemo Jr., the line speaks to the importance of belonging, trust and finding a place where everyone fits. That message resonated deeply with the students involved in the Suffield Middle School production of Finding Nemo Jr., where a cast of 36 students and a 16-member crew came together to form a close-knit community both on and off the stage.
The three-show production, which will run March 12, 13 and 14, 2026, is directed by Chelsea Macedo, with musical direction provided by Jack Flanagan. Together, they have led more than 50 students through a collaborative rehearsal process that emphasized connection, inclusion and mutual support.
“It’s nice to work with an experienced director like Chelsea,” Flanagan said. “She has created a family environment and sets such a calm tone in everything we do.”
Macedo said building that atmosphere begins from the very start of the process.
“It just kind of happens naturally,” Macedo said. “Right from the first day of tryouts, we stress to the students that it’s OK to make mistakes. No one wants any of you to fail — we all want you to succeed.”
Throughout rehearsals, students consistently shared how the production allowed them to build relationships beyond their usual social circles. Performers and crew members worked closely with peers of different ages and experiences, forming bonds that may not have developed within the structure of a typical school day.
“It’s really cool getting to interact with people outside of the grade or classes you have during the day,” said Gianni DeLucco, an eighth-grade student who has participated in the drama club all three years at Suffield Middle School and plays the role of Gil in the production. “I see a lot of friendships building and getting stronger.”
That sense of collaboration was echoed by younger cast members as well.
“It’s cool to see everything come together,” said Anna Bielonko, a sixth-grade student who plays the role of Anchor, one of the sharks featured in the production. “I like working with the other students to bring the whole play together.”
Flanagan noted that the inclusive nature of the program allows students with a wide range of interests to find a place within the group.
“One of the awesome parts of this experience for kids is that students with all different interests come together in the Drama Club,” Flanagan said.
Students also explained that Finding Nemo Jr. presented a unique artistic challenge compared to previous productions. Portraying fish and other underwater creatures required cast members to think intentionally about movement and expression, pushing them outside of the familiar experience of playing human characters.
“It’s been a unique experience being a non-human character,” DeLucco said. “Learning to move like a fish is hard.”
Behind the scenes, that same spirit of collaboration extended to the visual elements of the show. The production’s vibrant set was designed and built by students under the guidance of Rachel Santostefano, the long-term substitute art teacher at Suffield Middle School. The art students created a colorful underwater world that transforms the stage into the Great Barrier Reef.
Several set pieces were designed with dual purposes, allowing them to be turned and reconfigured to seamlessly transition from the open ocean to the fish tank scenes, immersing the audience in the story.
As opening night approaches, the cast and crew are focused not only on final preparations, but also on appreciating the experience they have built together. For Macedo, that sense of pride and confidence is at the heart of the production.
“My favorite part is having the students get the opportunity to shine,” she said. “I want them to be in the spotlight and show off their talents to create something they are proud of.”
For students like DeLucco, the experience has also helped shape confidence and future aspirations.
“Drama Club has opened a door for me,” DeLucco said. “I express myself more now, and I think I will continue performing in the future — singing and joining the Suffield High School Drama Club.”
Much like the characters in the play, the students involved discovered that the journey is more meaningful — and far easier — when no one swims alone.