Spring 2024

Looking back on 20 years of Penguin life,
Dr. Andy is proud that the program received
the 2017 National Arts and Humanities Youth
Program Award from the President’s Committee
on the Arts and the Humanities and the
National Endowment for the Arts. But he is
perhaps most proud of what the kids have accomplished
over the years and how they have
blossomed into productive young adults.
James Cass/Picture This of Palma Ceia
Data on the Penguin website shows that
100% of participating parents report growth in
connection with other families and new friendships.
In addition, 96% of young people feel
prouder of themselves after participation, and
80% of young mentors feel “a lot better” about
others being different from themselves. All reporting
participants experienced development
in singing, dancing, music, and acting.
The anthem for the Penguin Project is “Don’t
Stop Believin’.” You can hear it pumped out
by every Penguin participant in every chapter
at every rehearsal and performance across the
country, and listen as it spills over into birthday
parties, wedding celebrations, bat mitzvahs, and
local talent shows whenever Penguins take to
the stage.
In a society (and an arts culture) looking for
new ways to highlight diversity, equity and inclusion,
this 20-year-old program captures that
essence with joy, excitement, confidence, and a
powerful look at friendship.
Additional information about the 20 th Anniversary
Gala, as well as information about becoming a
new Penguin Chapter is available on the website:
penguinproject.org.
(left to right) Front row: Zoe DeJoseph, Manning Reade, Back row: Patty Smithey, Katie
Welch, and Emily Buonquisti in the April 2023 New Tampa Players Penguin Project
production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR
Mary Doveton is founder and retired Executive
Director at Theatre Lawrence (Kansas), past
AACT Board Member, an AACT Fellow, and a
member of the AACT Spotlight Editorial Team.
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