The Penguin Project
What is the Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project is a group of individuals who take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. This production is unique, however, because all of the roles are filled by individuals with disabilities. Performers with disabilities are paired with same age peer mentors who support them throughout the rehearsal and performance schedule.
PARTICIPANTS:
Artists with Disabilities
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8 to 30 with a disability. This includes all disabilities (ie - cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments, genetic disorders, neurological disorders).
Peer Mentors
The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage.
Community Partners
In McLean County a core group of individuals from Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Kiwanis Club of Normal, Easter Seals and the community joined forces to present the first Penguin Project of McLean County production in June 2009. Annie Jr. was performed June 19 – 21.
Be a Penguin!
Producer Donna Anhalt, Director Tricia Stiller, and their staff invite all interested actors, mentors, and volunteers to become a member of the Penguin Project McLean County family. Informational meetings for this year’s production, Music Man Jr., will be held on February 4 and 9 at 7:00 pm at Central Catholic High School. Rehearsals will begin in March and the production will take to the stage June 17 – 20.
Join us for an Informational Meeting on Feb. 4 or Feb. 9 at 7:00 pm at Central Catholic High School’s auditorium. Call Tricia at 242-0290 or Donna at 838-2923 or visit us at www.penguinprojectmcleancounty.org for more information.