2023 Penguin Project's Annie Jr.
August 26 - August 27, 2023
Harrisburg's 2023 Penguin Project presents ANNIE JR.!
Showtimes: August 26 at 4 pm | August 27 at 2 pm
What is The Penguin Project?
Once a year, a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit unfolds at numerous theaters across the country. A group of children in a program called The Penguin Project take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical.
These productions are unique as all roles are filled by young artists with special needs. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors– children their same age – who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through 4 months of rehearsals and the final performances. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the challenges of special needs should not hinder a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.
Young Artists with Special Needs
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 10 to 21 with special needs. 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 themself or others.
Peer Mentors
The Penguin Project utilizes a peer mentor system, linking each young artist who has special needs with an age level peer, who can assist the artists as needed. Peer 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 peer 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 with production needs including set, costumes, and props. They coordinate the backstage area during the run of the show, and are often called upon to assist the staff at rehearsals. Interested in helping? Contact Theatre Harrisburg at penguinproject@theatreharrisburg.com.
What to Expect
Both artists and mentors are expected to be at each practice. Practices will be twice a week - a weeknight and Saturdays - 1 hour 30 minutes each starting May 13 through August 25 at Whitaker Center's Sunoco Performance Theater. There will be auditions for main parts, but all artists have a part in the show. Show dates are August 26 and 27.
Help Fund the Program
Donations and sponsorships help Whitaker Center and Theatre Harrisburg underwrite the costs to bring this incredible production to children with special needs in our community. If you have any questions about sponsorship, please direct them to Michael Ringenbach, Whitaker Center's VP of development here. Donations of any amount are appreciated.
