BY GRACIE GOODMAN
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Established more than two decades ago, the Penguin Project uses theater as a way to empower children and young adults with disabilities. Participants are involved in specially adapted musical productions that give them an opportunity to develop performance skills, express themselves creatively and gain experience on stage.
Beyond the performances themselves, the program focuses on personal growth. Through rehearsals and productions, artists and mentors strengthen communication skills, build relationships and gain confidence in their abilities.
“It’s important because it’s inclusive and I think that everyone should be able to have a place where they can do something they love and enjoy,” said mentor Gabrielle Lurns.
Parents of children with disabilities may worry that their child will be disruptive or won’t be accepted, but the Penguin Project provides a supportive environment where artists can relax and be themselves without fear of exclusion.
“Whether its children, whether it’s young adults or adults with unique abilities, just because they have unique abilities, they will surprise you,” said volunteer and penguin mother Sharntasha Lurns. “You will end up coming to understand that just because they have unique abilities, they can do more than you ever thought.”
Being involved with the Penguin Project benefits more than just the artists. Mentors, volunteers and audience members are exposed to perspectives and experiences that can foster understanding and inclusion. As penguins rehearse and spend time together, they are in turn creating lasting friendships and a sense of community that continues even after they finish a show.
Almost every penguin has a different story of how they got involved. Some were recommended by friends, while others had a heart for kids with special needs and wanted to get involved in a program that could help them.
Mentors also play a vital role in helping artists feel safe and supported throughout rehearsals and performances. The project emphasizes individualized support, allowing mentors to adapt to each participant’s unique needs. Whether it’s through an artist’s favorite song, comfort item or simply being a trusted companion, mentors build relationships that help artists feel safe, confident and engaged throughout their time as a penguin.
“It really gives you a lot of purpose, you feel like you’re doing something helpful to serve your community and serve others,” said Gabrielle Lurns.
Mentors develop patience and gain a deeper appreciation for both the actors’ resilience and their own. Together, the actors, mentors, volunteers and Executive Director Marty Moore have created a supportive environment where everyone feels safe, built on the trust they’ve fostered with one another.
Today, the Opelika chapter includes three divisions: Penguin Pals for ages 5 to 9, the Penguin Troupe for the main youth program and the Penguin Players for adults that have aged out of the youth program. Rather than keeping the groups separate, Moore often mixes them together for performances and community events.
Moore said her years of working with children with disabilities shaped the way she runs the Opelika chapter. While the national Penguin Project traditionally places mentors behind the artists on stage, she chose to have the mentors perform alongside the artists, believing it builds stronger relationships and reinforces equality. Both artists and mentors prefer this style of performance, as it allows them to perform beside their friends.
“I think that is what has helped develop a more secure level of trust with them because they’re not behind them. They’re beside them.” Moore said.
The mentors were recently honored by the Opelika City Council through Envision Opelika’s Community of Character program. Gabrielle Lurns received the Community of Character Person of the Month award for June.
The Opelika chapter’s motto reflects their philosophy: “Penguins don’t fly, they soar.”
The Penguin project has staged musicals like Newsies, Rent, Hamlet, Annie and Raise Your Voice, and organizers are preparing for future productions while expanding the program.
Beginning in July, the chapter will launch a new recruitment campaign seeking new artists, peer mentors and volunteers. All classes are free of charge as the program relies on community donations, grants and ither funding to cover costs. The Opelika chapter is currently the only Penguin Project location within a 75-mile radius.
For more information or to get involved, contact the Penguin Project at 1220 Fox Run Ave., Suite 216, in Opelika or call (334) 400-9660.
