ROCHESTER — By the time the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School drama club bought the rights to “The Jungle Book,” it had $200 left in the bank. Since December, the club has boosted that number to over $8,000. 

The story of the fundraiser is a story of persistence and hard work. But it’s also a story of dedication to family and to drama. New drama club director Megan Pierce stepped into the role this fall even though she attended Old Rochester Regional High School because she could see how important the group was to her sister, Haley Pierce.

“When Old Colony couldn’t find a faculty member to serve as director I emailed the principal and said, ‘I will volunteer to do this,’” Megan said, adding that “I was heavily involved in drama in high school, though not as much in college. Still, when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t refuse.” Megan currently works as a Behavior Therapist at Alternatives ABA. 

The club received an anonymous $5,000 donation around Christmas, which bolstered its bank account. But it also worked hard to raise money by selling advertisements in their program and soliciting donations outside of Plumb Corner Mall and other shopping centers.

Megan also said her mother, who she describes as “one of the best fundraisers I know” was able to raise funds by calling people to solicit donations. 

The club’s goal is to encourage a large audience to attend by keeping ticket prices as low as possible.

Though the fundraising event has been a huge success, Megan still encourages community members to get involved. 

“We talk all the time about funding arts education and giving people outlets. People need to support that. If you can’t show up, but can get friends to come or tell people about it, do that,” Megan said. 

Megan chose The Jungle Book as this year’s production because she wanted to do a story that everyone would already know. She also said she was drawn to the production because it talks about “being very different from the people around you, but still finding ways to make it work.” 

Considering that she’s had to learn how to direct the group by trial and error, Megan says the production has gone “a lot better than I imagined” so far. She has gone to old drama connections that she has at Old Rochester Regional for costumes and makeup tips. 

Haley is quick to praise her sister’s efforts. 

“She’s the best director ever,” Haley said, making both laugh. 

“The Jungle Book” will be performed twice on March 1 at 7 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. at Old Colony. Tickets for the show are $5 at the door. To make a donation to the drama club send a check made out to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School with "Drama Club" in the memo line to Old Colony at 476 North Ave Rochester, MA 02770.