CONTRIBUTED BY MARTY MOORE OPELIKA COMMUNITY THEATRE
LEE COUNTY —
What is the difference between an eagle and a penguin? Why, it’s very simple. Eagles fly but penguins soar. That may seem like a silly question and answer, but to those of us blessed to know a group of children engaged in The Penguin Project, we know first hand that penguins are the cutest, most beautiful, loyal creatures of inspiration. It is impossible not to fall in love with a penguin.
The Penguin Project was conceived in 2004 by Dr. Andrew Morgan to provide children with developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in the performing arts, especially the experience of live theatre in a modified Broadway show.
Morgan, the founder and director of the Penguin Project, is former head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. He was the primary medical doctor for treating children with disabilities for over 35 years. He retired from the university in 2012 but still has an active practice, and is a sought-after consultant throughout the country — especially with his Penguin Project Foundation,
In his spare time, he has been actively involved in community theatre over 30 years as a director and performer. In 2004, he combined his professional career with his theatre passion and founded the Penguin Project. The Penguin Project productions are unique — the production is a modified version of a Broadway show, and all roles are filled by young artists who have developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment and other neurological and physical disorders.
These young artists are joined on stage by a committed group of “peer mentors” (children the same age but without disabilities). These “peer mentors” work side by side with the “penguins” for typically four months of rehearsals and the final performance. The Penguin Project demonstrates that special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.
The Penquin Project changes lives. It allows a supportive environment for children to explore their creative talents. It also demonstrates that theatre and the creative arts are therapeutic — enhancing social interaction skills, communication skills, promoting self-confidence and self-esteem.
The Penguin Project Foundation was officially created in 2007 to help other communities develop their own Penguin Projects, and there are currently over 53 chapters in 22 states around the country including Alabama.
Opelika Community Theatre (OCT) was named the second Penguin Project Chapter in Alabama in November, 2022. Launching a chapter can’t be done overnight. It takes time and planning. We need committed volunteers of “all” ages to become involved with this project as it will take the village to make it happen. OCT is partnering with Opelika City Schools for our first Penguin Project production that will be “Annie, JR.” scheduled for March 8 through 10, 2024.
Morgan’s suggested age range is ages 10 to 23. However, there is room to adjust the age limits. We are looking for adult volunteers to help with this project. Are you interested in directing, teaching, stage managing, tech crew, costuming, publicity, set design, props or just volunteering your talents wherever needed? If you are — we need you. We also need cast and mentors.
Please check out OCT’s website, www.opelikacommunitytheatre.com, or call/text 334-400-9660 or 334-559-8597 for more information.
