The Penguin Project
Empowering children with special needs through theatre
About The Penguin Project
What is The Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project is a national organization that provides theatre opportunities for young artist with learning challenges, developmental and physical disabilities. These artists, known as Penguins, are given the opportunity to perform lead roles in a full-scale musical production while working with a peer mentor who offers support, friendship, and guidance throughout the rehearsal and performance process. The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. Theatre Charlotte is thrilled to bring the first chapter of The Penguin Project to North Carolina.
Why is it called The Penguin Project?
The name comes from the unique characteristics of penguins: They are playful, curious, work well together, and have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds in that they can’t fly. Like the young artists in The Penguin Project, penguins have adapted to the challenges of their environment and refuse to allow those differences to interfere with their enjoyment or quality of life.
Who can participate?
Young Artists with Disabilities - The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8 - 22 with a disability. This includes (but is not limited to) Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment and neurological disorders. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the artist form below.
Peer Mentors - Artists age 8 - 22 may volunteer as a mentor. The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artists with an age level peer who does not have a disablitiy. The peer-mentors work side by side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the mentor form below.
How can I support The Penguin Project
Make an individual or corporate gift - To cover all production costs and offer no registration fees for these students to have an experience equitable to any of our productions, we need the support of our entire community. Please consider making a gift to this life-changing program today. Donations can be made at the link below or by check to Theatre Charlotte | 501 Queens Road | Charlotte, NC 28207. If you have questions or would like information about corporate sponsorship, please contact Jackie Timmons, Director of Development and Marketing.
Fill out a volunteer interest form - The Penguin Project is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer! We are looking for volunteers to help with costumes, props, rehearsal support, snacks, fundraising and more. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, click below to fill out our volunteer interest form. For more details, contact Lisa Blanton, Director of Education and Community Engagement.
About the 2025 Penguin Project
The Show: Annie, Jr.
Program Dates: March 2025 - June 2025
Rehearsals will begin March 1 and will range from 2-4 rehearsals per week. A complete rehearsal schedule will be available at the informational meetings!
Performance Dates: June 20-22, 2025
Specific performance dates and times will be announced at the informational meetings.
Tuition: Free
The Penguin Project is a NO COST opportunity for families to experience the joy of theatre!
Get involved!
We are currently seeking individuals interested in participating in The Penguin Project! Please fill out the form below if you are interested in getting involved as:
Artist/Penguin
Peer Mentor
Volunteer
Production Support
Sponsor
Donor
Theatre Charlotte’s education programs exist to provide young people with high-quality theatre experiences led by theatre professionals committed to fulfilling Theatre Charlotte’s mission, vision, and core values.
In addition to creating programs in line with Theatre Charlotte’s core values, our education programs exist to:
Provide a safe place where youth can freely create and be themselves. A place that is inclusive and free from bias and discrimination.
Highlight the human experience through theatre. We believe that the arts are essential and an indispensable part of the human experience.
Learn from each other. Everyone we work with knows something we don’t. We ask questions to further our understanding. The more we share, the better outcome for us all.
Lift up one another. People need to be cared for and supported in order to do their best work. Everyone we encounter through our programs is worthy of being treated with respect and dignity.
Grow and change. We believe that the current way of doing things can be reimagined and improved. We can grow not just as artists, but as human beings. We can make a difference, especially when given the space to take creative risks.