Empowering children with specific needs and disabilities through theatre.

What is The Penguin Project?

The Penguin Project was created by Dr. Andrew Morgan and provides children with special needs an opportunity to develop creative skills, build relationships, and star in a fully realized junior Broadway musical production with support from peer mentors.

The Penguins will take the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical.

Where do I start?

If you are new to LCT's Penguin Project productions, please attend an Informational Meeting either on February 13 or February 22, 2023 from 4:45-5:30 pm.

Have a parent fill out our Honk JR. Informational Form here: https://forms.gle/aNASftU67HSoNexZ9

Our first rehearsal is at 5:00 pm on March 6 at The Weber Center for the Performing Arts.

How do I audition?

Auditions for the Penguin Project are unlike any audition process in at LCT.

Over the first few weeks of rehearsal, we will be assessing all of our Artist and their abilities. After a three weeks of rehearsal, we will have Artists audition for roles through a variety of acting and vocal exercises.

Who can participate?

ARTISTS: Including but not limited to, children and young adults ages 8 to 21 with specific needs and disabilities who are blind, visually impaired, speech impaired, deaf, hard-of-hearing, and use wheelchairs. Also included are children and young adults with mental, learning, congenital, and psychiatric disabilities. Additionally, participants who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome.

MENTORS: Children and young adults ages 8 to 21 who are neurotypical and non-disabled. They will be matched with an Artist of similar age and interests, and the two will work side-by-side through the entire rehearsal and performance process. Mentors are responsible for knowing their partner’s lines, songs, and blocking. Mentors are onstage during the production, and they are costumed to match or complement their partner.

What is the cost?

The program is made possible through the support of our community partners and is free for all participants.

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Rehearsals will vary for each Artist and Mentor, but they will be 75 minutes, two days a week and gradually increase to five days a week from 5-8 pm in June.

Participation is not contingent upon conflicts during the rehearsal process. Availability will be considered when creating the full, detailed rehearsal schedule.

2023 Important Dates

Informational Meetings: February 13 from 4:45-5:30 pm & February 22 from 4:45-5:30 pm
First Rehearsal: March 6 at 5 pm
Mentor Boot Camp: March 8 at 5 pm
Performances: June 16 at 7:00 pm & 17 and 18 at 2:00 pm