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INTRODUCTION
The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with disabilities an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the Chief of the Section of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He is the primary medical specialist in Central Illinois involved in the diagnosis and treatment of children with disabilities, but has also directed and performed in many community theater productions in the area. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theater not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support.
The Penguin Project was founded at the Eastlight Theater in East Peoria, Illinois. The Bloomington/Normal production is the first expansion of this special program. We are very excited to bring this magical experience to McLean County.
The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
PARTICIPANTS
Young Artists With Disabilities:
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8 to 21 with a disability. 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 with a severe behavioral disturbance that might endanger himself/herself or others.
Peer Mentors:
The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. The 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 only as needed.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
The first Penguin Project production in McLean County will be staged at the Central Catholic High School Auditorium in June. The process began this year with an organizational meeting in the early part of 2009. There is no audition process; everyone who applies is accepted into the program and will be involved in some way. The cast, however, is limited to between 30 and 40 artists and an equal number of peer mentors. If there are more applicants for the cast than spaces available, the cast will be selected randomly based on age and the needs of the show. Anyone who applies to be in the cast but is not selected will be guaranteed a place in the cast next year.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals for the production began in February. Group rehearsals for the entire cast are scheduled for one to two times per week, on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Rehearsals begin promptly at 6:30 pm and typically last for 75 minutes. Each rehearsal is followed by a brief “social time” with snacks. Snacks are coordinated and provided by parent volunteers.
The initial rehearsals focus on singing, stage movement, stage direction, and scene reading. Mentors are paired with artists at the beginning of each rehearsal, based on age and sex. After 3 to 4 weeks of general activities, the production staff then assigns specific roles based on their assessment of the children’s theatrical abilities. Artists and mentors are matched, and these relationships continue throughout the remainder of the process.
For the next six weeks, rehearsals are scheduled for 3 to 4 times per week. Group rehearsals continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays, focusing on singing and dancing, with additional rehearsals for the leads and their mentors to block the scenes. We maintain a more rigorous schedule for the last two weeks days, rehearsing up 5 nights a week for up to two and one-half hours.
IMPACT OF THE PROJECT
The Penguin Project has been completely self-sustaining from a financial perspective. All of the production costs are covered through ticket sales and underwriting. This could not be achieved without an extensive commitment from our volunteers who contribute their time in support of all aspects of the production.
The Penguin Project has had a significant impact on all those who have been involved. Many of the participants and their parents have indicated that their involvement in the Penguin Project has been a “life-changing” experience. New relationships have been forged among children and among families. The Project has given the artists with disabilities the chance to display hidden talents. For the first time, many of the parents have experienced the joy of sitting in an audience and watching their children perform. Mentors have been given an opportunity to see their peers with special challenges in a new light - as “just plain” kids, not “special” kids who were different.
GOALS OF THE PENGUIN PROJECT
- To provide an opportunity for children with disabilities to develop creative skills related to the theater arts
- To provide an opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in a community theater experience
- To facilitate interaction between children with disabilities and their age-level peers through joint participation in a community theater experience
- To facilitate an appreciation of the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families
To identify the impact of a community theater experience on the communication skills, socialization, and self confidence/self esteem of children with disabilities
- To facilitate interaction among medical, developmental, educational, and theater professionals through participation in a common community project
- To provide a forum for support and interaction for families of children with disabilities
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