
ABOUT

We will post more information regarding our 2023 season at a later date.
Creating Access to Community Theatre for Young Artists with Special Needs
This production is unique because all of the featured roles are filled by young people (ages 10-21) with developmental disabilities including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADD/ADHD, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other neurological disorders. For the Penguin Project, these young people are called "artists."
The artists are joined on stage by their peer mentors, a group of students (ages 12-21) without disabilities, who have volunteered to work with them side-by-side and guide them through 3.5 months of rehearsals and the final production. By creating unrestricted access to the performing arts, The Penguin Project® demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability need not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.
Our penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.
To learn more about the Penguin Project, visit their site here.
Please join our Facebook Group: CUTC's Penguin Project
COVID-19 Policy: New artists and mentors will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status prior to the informational meeting. New artists/mentors not fully vaccinated must test within 72 hours of attending the information session and present a negative test. Home tests are acceptable.
Returning artists/mentors will not be attending an informational meeting so they must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at the first rehearsal.
Any artists/mentors not fully vaccinated will be required to test weekly and present a negative test beginning with the first rehearsal through the run of the show. Home tests are acceptable.
At this time, masking will be required for everyone at informational meetings and rehearsals. These policies are subject to change.
REHEARSALS/COMMITMENT: We will rehearse twice a week throughout the summer and early fall: Sunday evenings and Wednesday late afternoon or evening. On your application, please list all known conflicts from June 1–September 18.
Your responses will help us finalize our schedule!
We expect that everyone will have some conflicts over these 3.5 months, but if you anticipate more than 6 absences, this may affect your child’s success and ability to keep up with the material being taught. Rehearsal location is: Sinai Temple, 3104 Windsor Rd., Champaign.
We are still awaiting confirmation regarding performance dates and venue. (which will be within the first several weeks of September). We will share details as soon as possible! Questions: email penguinproject@cutheatreco.org
The 2023 application period and informational meeting have not be scheduled at this time. Please check back!

PAST PRODUCTIONS
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2019 SEASON
Disney's Frozen, Jr.

2018 SEASON
Disney's High School Musical, Jr.

2017 SEASON
Disney's Mulan, Jr.

2016 SEASON
Disney's Aladdin, Jr.
Artistic Sponsors

