Creating Access to Community Theatre for Young Artists with Special Needs

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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.

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Our penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.

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To learn more about the Penguin Project, visit their site here.

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Please join our Facebook Group: CUTC's Penguin Project

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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.

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Returning artists/mentors will not be attending an informational meeting so they must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at the first rehearsal. 

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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.

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At this time, masking will be required for everyone at informational meetings and rehearsals. These policies are subject to change. 

 

 

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