The Penguin Project®
Penguin Project productions provide young artists that are differently-abled (including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, delays, emotional disorders, and other neurological disorders) the opportunity to star in the roles of a musical. These artists are joined on stage by a “peer mentor”—a volunteer buddy that works alongside the artist through the full rehearsal and performance process.
History
The Penguin Project® was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theater productions in the area. He created The Penguin Project ® recognizing that theater not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project® strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support.
The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds—they can’t fly! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
Sponsored by:
Duke EnergyGreenwood Women Care
Carolina Health Centers
The Index Journal
The Greenwood Woman's Club
Greenwood County Community Foundation
The Hack Foundation
Lonza
The Cupcheck-Manning Fund
Participants
Young Artists With Special Needs:
The Penguin Project® is open to any individual age 6 to 22* with a developmental disability. This includes children with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills. Because of concerns for safety, however, we are unable to accept anyone whose behavior might endanger himself/herself or others.
Contact the GCT Executive Director or Penguin Project Program Director with questions regarding specific age exceptions, impairments, and wheelchair use
Peer Mentors:
The Penguin Project® utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. Mentors must be at least 10 years old and can continue up to age 21. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. The mentors are responsible for knowing all of the lines, songs, and blocking of their partners. They are on-stage during the production, costumed to match or compliment their partners. They participate in the group production numbers, but are trained to remain “in the background” and provide direct assistance to their partner only as needed.
Families and Adult Volunteers:
The Penguin Parents are the “backbone” of the program. We depend on them to assist their children in learning lines, songs, and dances outside of the rehearsals, since rehearsal times are limited and need to focus on interactive processes rather than memorization. Family members and other adult volunteers also help build sets, sew costumes, and find props. They coordinate the backstage area during the run of the show, and are often called upon to assist the staff at rehearsals.
For more information, please contact ryanhewitt1228@gmail.com
What is the “Penguin Project”: The Penguin Project is an inclusive theatre opportunity that allows children of all abilities to participate in a fully realized musical production. The Penguin Project prides itself on being a safe environment for creative expression.
What is an Artist: A participant identified with a disability (including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum, intellectual and physical disabilities, neurological disorders) that performs onstage with their respective mentor (buddy) as support. Artists perform the lines, music, and dancing with accommodations to allow for all abilities and comfort levels. Artists should be at least 8 years old by July 1 to participate. All disabilities are encouraged to participate.
What is a Mentor: A buddy who assists and supports the artist throughout the rehearsal process and performs alongside the artist in the show. Mentors must be rising 5th graders and up.
What is the time commitment: Rehearsals typically take place Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from around 5:30 pm - 7:00 or 8:00 pm, and sometimes Saturday mornings before lunch. Not every child may be called to every rehearsal or for the full amount of time! The final 2 weeks before the performance will be almost daily. A conflict calendar will be available for participating artists and mentors and we try to accommodate this as we schedule scenes to practice.
If you are unable to attend a meeting but are interested or have questions, please contact ryanhewitt1228@gmail.com