Penguin Project

Founded 21 years ago by Dr. Andy Morgan, The Penguin Project is an award-winning nationwide program that provides a supportive, encouraging theater experience for children and young adults with disabilities.

The Talent Machine Company was the first theater in Central Maryland to join forces with The Penguin Project in 2024 and since that time, we have produced three shows featuring artists with disabilities supported by peer mentors: Annie Jr., High School Musical Jr. and Willy Wonka Jr. Each show includes approximately 30 young artists and 30 peer mentors performing for audiences of 1,000 appreciative family members, friends and community residents.

Would you like to learn more about becoming a peer mentor for one of our artists for the Spring 2027 show? Register today for our Mentor Interest Meeting via Zoom on September 22 at 7 pm.

Talent Machine and the Penguin Project began collaborating to produce one show annually featuring young artists with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not prevent someone from participating in musical theater.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can participate, and how can I get involved? Performers and mentors can be ages 10-21 and can attend any school, public or private, or be homeschooled. You do not need previous theater experience. Auditions for our annual spring production are held in January, rehearsals are generally twice per week, and performances are in April or May.

Besides the artists on stage, who is involved? The talented cast members are joined on stage by a dedicated group of “peer mentors” – young people the same age who volunteer to work side-by-side with the performers through four months of rehearsals and the final shows. They receive training in advance of rehearsals to ensure that they learn how to allow the artist to perform and shine on stage, while providing appropriate support and encouragement.

What is the value of this experience for the artists? Through research, The Penguin Project has found that when ALL children participate in the performing arts, it enhances social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The program reaches beyond the stage to create a social network for all children involved.

What is the time commitment? There are generally two rehearsals per week over the course of four to five months, starting in January, followed by two performances in April or May. Mentors commit to attending the bulk of the rehearsals to support his/her artist.

Where and when will this take place? Rehearsals and performances take place at the Mid Atlantic Community Church (MACC) on Rt. 424 (Davidsonville Road) in Gambrills, near Crofton. Rehearsals are generally Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. There are generally two performances: one on a Friday evening and one on a Saturday afternoon.

Is there a cost to be involved? Participants pay $55, which covers the cast t-shirt, cast party and insurance for the company. Talk with The Talent Machine staff privately if this presents a barrier, as waivers are available.

How can I purchase tickets for the shows? General admission tickets can be purchased for just $15 each. We welcome all members of the community to attend to support both our performers and peer mentors! Watch our social media pages and this space for details about this initiative, auditions and upcoming performances.

What Is the Value of The Penguin Project?

From Christy Russell, an Artist Parent:
“Close your eyes and picture this…A theater with more than 500 audience members, not a dry eye to be found, kids with disabilities watching their friends on stage and realizing that they could do that too, parents seeing potential rather than limitation, kids with and without disabilities making friends because they share interests and truly like being with one another, and a community that came out in full force to witness it all.”

From Owen Russell, Assistant Director and Brother of an Artist:
“Over the course of four months, I got to see both the artists and mentors improve in skills such as communication, cooperation, singing and dancing. I saw bonds develop among both artists and mentors and the growth of a community that now reach beyond the production. Over the summer, my little brother, who participated as an artist, held a pool party, where mentors and artists from the production gathered and celebrated his 16th birthday. I got to see young people with and without disabilities grow skills that apply to everyday life. The Penguin Project has helped many who often go without meaningful and productive ways to gather, find a safe and welcoming community that extends beyond the rehearsal room.”