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Last season, HCT launched its own chapter of The Penguin Project. These productions are incredibly unique because all of 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. The student actors are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors; children about the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to work with them throughout the rehearsal process. 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 the arts. Established in 2004, The Penguin Project has evolved into a national program, with chapter sites throughout the United States. For over twenty years, it has proven 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. “Our penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.”
Education Director Kelsey Kott at the Catawba County Special Olympics to recruit new penguins!
Click above to see more photos from last year's production of Finding Nemo, Jr.!
Want more information?
Join us for an interest meeting! Attending the meeting is highly encouraged, but not required. We are offering multiple meetings to accommodate schedules; if you are able to come, you only need to attend one meeting. Please RSVP below!
Tuesday, September 15th at 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 19th at 12:00 PM
About the 2026 Penguin Project Show
The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Program Dates:
October 2026 - February 2027
Rehearsals will begin the week of October 1st with just one rehearsal a week (Thursdays 5-6:15 PM). By the middle of October, we will add Tuesday rehearsals 5-6:15 PM, and then Monday rehearsals 5-6:15 PM in November and the first half of December. Please note that not all artists and mentors will be called for every rehearsal this early in the process.
Rehearsals will not be scheduled the week of Thanksgiving or in the second half of December to accommodate holiday celebrations. When we come back from winter break, rehearsals will continue to be scheduled Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Beginning Monday, January 11th, rehearsals will run until 7 PM.
On Monday, February 9th, all remaining rehearsals will run until 8 PM and be required for all artists and mentors. We will also add Wednesday rehearsals on February 11th and 18th. If you are unavailable for any rehearsals/performances from February 9th-February 22nd and still want to be involved, you may still sign up for the program and serve as a swing. Swings attend rehearsals and fill in when other artists/mentors are absent. Swings DO NOT perform in the show.
Performance Dates
February 26, 2027 at 7:30 PM (call time is 5:30 PM)
February 27 & 28, 2027 at 2:30 PM (call time is 12:30 PM)
Tuition: Free!
The Penguin Project is a no cost opportunity for students to experience the joy of theatre!
Click the penguins below to hear from the founder of The Penguin Project, Dr. Andy Morgan
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.
Peer Mentors - The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with another student of about the same age who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work with the actors side by side, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and perform onstage with their partners. Peer mentors must be age 13-22.
Adult Volunteers - We are looking for volunteers to help with running rehearsals, organizing snacks/merchandise, costumes/props, etc.
REQUIRED DATES
Mentor Bootcamp
Saturday October 3rd, 2026 from 10 AM-12 PM (just peer mentors)
Parent Bootcamp
Saturday October 24th, 2026 from 10 AM-12 PM (just parents)
Tech Rehearsals
Saturday February 13th, 2027 from 1-4 PM
Saturday February 20th, 2027 from 1-4 PM
February 15th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th from 5-8 PM
Performance Dates
February 26, 2027 at 7:30 PM (call time is 5:30 PM)
February 27 & 28, 2027 at 2:30 PM (call time is 12:30 PM)