FAQ
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, however, because all the roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – children the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through 4 months of rehearsals and through the final performance. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.
Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a National program, with Chapter sites throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents. It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The impact of the program has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had very few friends and limited social opportunities.
How will this benefit my student?
- Provide an opportunity for children with special needs to develop creative skills related to the theater arts
- Provide an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in a community theater experience
- Facilitate interaction between children with special needs and their age-level peers through joint participation in a community theater experience
- Facilitate an appreciation of the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families
- Identify the impact of a community theater experience on the communication skills, socialization, and self-esteem of children with special needs
- Facilitate interaction among medical, developmental, educational, and theater professionals through participation in a common community project
- Provide a forum for support and interaction for families of children with special needs
The Penguin Project not only impacts our participants while at the theater, it changes their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Following the production a survey is taken by all participants and their parents. Below is some of the information we have gathered:
- 96% of surveyed artists and mentors reported feeling more proud of themselves since being a part of the Penguin Project.
- 86% of artists reported improvement in doing things on their own since being a part of the Penguin Project
- 80% of mentors reported feeling “a lot better” about others being different from themselves since participating in this program.
- Over 70% of artists reported finding it easier to be friends with kids without disabilities since being a part of the Penguin Project.
- All participating artists reported improvement in singing, dancing, music, and acting.
- Over 70% of mentors reported finding it easier to stand up for themselves since being a part of the Penguin Project.
- 100% of participating parents reported they experienced growth in connections with other families with kids with disabilities, as well as new friendships.
- 95% of parents reported growth in their knowledge of services and support for individuals with disabilities.
- 80% of parents reported growth in their children in feeling a sense of belongingness.
- 67% reported their children are now more comfortable speaking in front of a group.
Who can participate?
SWISD students ages 10 and up.
SWISD students enrolled in the Transition4Life program and part of the Penguin Project previous to graduating may participate 1 more year as a cast member. After 1 year, they will then move into backstage/tech/other non cast roles while enrolled in Transition4Life program.
What is the time commitment?
Beginning in September, students will be asked to commit 2-3 days a week (after school,) however leading up to the performance in January there may be times where more rehearsals are needed.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to participate in the SWISD Penguin Project.
Where are rehearsals being held?
Information coming soon!
