Penguins on Stages from Tampa to Tacoma The Penguin Project Celebrates 20 Years of Producing Magic Mary Doveton, AACT Spotlight Editorial Team Science may tell us that penguins are flightless birds, but Penguin Project enthusiasm and imagination have been soaring over community theatre stages across the country for over 20 years. communities in Illinois embraced the concept, it captured the imagination and the enthusiasm of theatres across the country. Today, 55 active chapters from Tacoma, Washington, to Annapolis, Maryland, are creating this magic as part of the Penguin Project. In 2004, Dr. Andrew Morgan had the audacious idea of partnering young people with special needs with their neurotypical peers to rehearse and perform musicals. “Dr. Andy,” as he’s known, is currently Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. He has been treating children with disabilities for over 35 years. He is also a theatre performer and director. Today, 55 active chapters from Tacoma, Washington, to Annapolis, Maryland, are creating magic as part of the Penguin Project His vision called for having children with disabilities assume the role of artists, while their peers would become mentors. Together, they took part in a four-month-long journey to stage the musical Annie. Dr. Andy says the show was such a success that the group decided to continue to stage one show a year in Peoria, adding, “We had no expectations beyond that.” However, after several successful years, parents of the participants began looking for a way to expand benefits of the program to special needs kids beyond Peoria. The Penguin Project Foundation was created, with the idea of replicating the program in other locations. After several other On April 13 this year, a gala will be held in Peoria to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Penguin Project Foundation. The gala will feature returning Penguin talent reprising their original roles, along with Broadway performers. Since 2004, thousands of young people across the country have benefited and had their lives changed through participation in this program. Morrie Enders, Executive Director at Lincoln Community Playhouse in Lincoln, Nebraska, describes the program as “transformative” and the highlight of his 37 years of community theatre leadership. Young artists with developmental disabilities ranging from Down Syndrome to autism, as well as visual, hearing, and mobility issues, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities, gather with volunteer peers. During the rehearsal months they sing, they dance, they act, and, most important, they get to know each other. continued on page 29 26 AACT SPOTLIGHT
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